Ray County, Missouri - The whole text, 1881 (part 22 of 23)

Ephraim D. Ferree

Is a blacksmith and wagon-maker, and was born on the 10th day of April, 1S27, in Franklin county, Pennsylvania. He received the privileges of the public schools of his native state, and in them acquired his education. He served an apprenticeship of two years and a half in the shop of his brother, in Franklin county, three miles west of Greencastle, Pa. At the expiration of this time he immigrated to Missouri, arriving at Lexington, Lafayette count)-, on the 20th day of October, 1846. Here he went to work at his trade and remained five years. He then came to Richmond, Ray county, and continued the business of blacksmithing and wagon-making. In the spring of 1857 he went to Daviess county, Missouri, but the following year came back to Ray county and located at what was then called " Shaw's Shop," now the enterprising town of Morton. Mr. Ferree was married in December, of the year 1850, to Miss Mary A. Griffin, of Lafayette county, a native of the state of Kentucky. The issue of this union is six children: William W., Margaret A., Charles W., John W., Frank Y., and George C, now living. Mr. Ferree is a most excellent workman in his branch of business, and is the recipient of a large and lucrative custom. He is a good and substantial citizen, and one that the people of Morton and vicinity would be very sorry to lose from their midst.

James Johnson

The subject of this sketch was born two miles north of the town of Richmond, in Ray county, Missouri, in the year 1833. He received his education in the common schools, and after leaving school began work on his father's farm. He purchased the farm upon which he now lives, in 1861. This land was originally entered for twelve and a half cents per acre. It is now worth at least forty dollars per acre. Mr. Johnson spent most of the time during the civil war in the state of Illinois. He was married on the 3d day of March, 1861. to Miss Mollie Pugh, an excellent lady and a good wife. He has travelled extensively through the south and west, and visited almost every point of interest in these sections of the country.

Mr. Johnson owns a farm of one hundred and ninety acres, which, in the quality and value of the land is absolutely unsurpassed by any in the county.

A native of Kentucky, was born in Anderson county, January 22, 1843, and received his education there. He was employed as a clerk at Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, after leaving school for two years. He left Kentucky in 1801, and came to Ray county, Missouri, and in the month of June, the same year, he enlisted under Colonel Reeves in the Confederate army. He was at the battles of Carthage, Wilson's Creek, Pea Ridge, luka, Corinth, Champion Hills and Big Black River. At the last mentioned fight he was captured by the enemy and taken to Ft. Delaware and thence to Point Lookout, Maryland. Here he was kept six months, and then having been exchanged, he again entered the regular service. He made the trip from Independence, Missouri, to the Red River of the south, in 1804, with neither salt nor bread with his rations. Mr. McGuire was paroled at Alexandria, Louisiana, in July, 1805. After the war he went out on the plains of Nebraska and Dakota, and engaged at teaming for four years. He was in a battle with the Indians in Dakota. Four hundred of the savages surrounding the party's camp to which Mr. McGuire belonged, setting fire to the long dry prairie grass, attacked the train and killed four of his comrades, besides wounding and killing stock. Mr. Mc- Guire fortunately escaped without a scratch, and returned to Missouri. He stopped in Kansas City for about a year, and then going to Vernon county, Missouri, was employed herding cattle for about eighteen months. At the expiration of that time he returned to Ray county, Missouri, and has made his home here ever since. Mr. McGuire was married December 22, 1870, to Miss Frances Wall, of Ray county, Missouri. They have two children living: James B. and Claude O. Mr. McGuire has mingled much with the world, and is an intelligent, practical minded man, a substantial farmer and an influential citizen.

Jeremiah H. Bryan

Jeremiah H. Bryan is a native of Virginia. He was born in Green county, on the 18th day of December, 18-10, and received his education in the schools of Rockingham county, near Harrisburg. He followed farming for awhile, and also taught school for about three years in Virginia. He then learned the carpentering trade, at which he still works at intervals. He was a soldier in the army of Virginia, under General Stonewall Jackson, and participated in the following named battles: Second Manassas, Gettysburg, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Port Republic, Cross Keys,

Seven Pines, Petersburg, Hatcher's Run, Richmond, and Appomattox, besides many other minor engagements. Mr. Bryan was wounded at the battle of Jourdan Ridge. He surrendered with the army oi Virginia at Appomattox court house, April 9, 1865, having served bravely and well in defense of the cause he believed to be just and right. Perhaps no other man now living in this section of the country was in so many of the principal and hard-fought battles of the war, and followed so closely the fortunes of the side he had espoused. When the banner of " stars and bars " he had followed to so many battle-fields, and learned to love so well, was " furled forever," Mr. Bryan returned to the quiet walks of peaceful life, and resumed the cultivation of his farm. He was married in the month of April, 1867, to Miss Fannie Fridley, of Rockingham county, Virginia. Three children were the issue of this marriage, but one of whom, Birdie, is now living. Mr. Bryan owns a fine farm of one hundred acres in Crooked River township, Ray county. He is a substantial and prosperous farmer, and enjoys the universal esteem and respect of all who know him.

John F. Cunningham

The gentleman whose history follows is a native of Muskingum county, Ohio, and was born on the 14th day of March, 1848. His parents immigrated to Missouri in 1854, stopping in Chariton county, where he made his home until 1879. His educational advantages were unusually good, being given a five years' course in the literary department of the Wesleyan University of Ohio. After leaving school he returned to Chariton county, Missouri, and entered the drug business. He was also engaged at the railroad business for about twelve years, being station agent and telegraph operator at different points. He was operator in the office at Hardin for about a year, and then established the drug and grocery trade, in which he is now engaged. He entered the Union army from Chariton county, in 1861, and was with General Grant at the battle of Shiloh, where he was so severely wounded as to necessitate his discharge from the service. This was in April, 1862. He came home, and, recovering from the effects of his injury, joined the state militia, and participated in several skirmishes. He was discharged with the 35th regiment of Missouri volunteers, at Laclede, Missouri, and returning home again, resumed the business that was broken oft' by his going to the war. Mr. Cunningham was married, June 14, 1868, at Keytesville, Chariton county, Missouri, to Miss Bettie L. Grubbs. Their union is blessed by four children: Arthur W., Jennie E., John F., Jr., and an infant. Mr. Cunningham's father, a native of New York, is yet living in Chariton county, Missouri. He, too, is a druggist, as well as an extensive land owner there. In politics, our subject is a prominent republican, and raised the first republican banner in the county after the war. He is a leading member of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 134, Brunswick, and also of the Encampment. He is highly respected by the good citizens of Hardin, among whom he lives, and is well and favorably known throughout the county.

L. B. Wright

Few indeed, are those who accord to the man who spends his life in the cause of common education, his due measure of credit and praise. L. B. Wright was born in Owen county, Kentucky, December 5, 1838, about twenty miles northeast of Frankfort. His parents came to Missouri, in 1849, and settled in Lafayette county. Here he finished the course taught in the neighboring schools, and then entering Nelson's Commercial College at Cincinnati, graduated in 1864. He returned home, and lived with his parents until his 21st year. Since then he has been engaged in teaching, and other branches of work connected with schools. He was commissioner of public schools of Ray county for four years. He has taught during almost every winter, for twenty-two years, engaging in from four to nine months in each year. He has taught in Lafayette, Carroll and Ray counties, and also in Kentucky. Taught five years in the schools of Morton. During the civil war he was attending commercial schools at Cincinnati, Ohio, and was in consequence, engaged but a short time in the Confederate service. After he left school there he was book-keeper for a time in the establishment of Messrs. Smith & Shaw, wholesale grocers, of Cincinnati. He left that city in April, 1866, and spent the following summer traveling, principally on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. Mr. Wright came from Lafayette county to Ray, in the fall of 1869, and has had his home here since that time. He was married October 11, 1868, to Miss Kittie Renick, of Lafayette county. They became the parents of four promising children: James S., Kate R., John A. and Ora E. Mr. Wright enlisted under General Sterling Price, in the Confederate army, injury, 1862, and belonged to General Raines' division. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Lexington, Missouri, and placed at the disposal of General Lane, who banished him to Indiana, from whence, having obtained a pass from the governor, he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, until after the cessation of hostilities, when he returned home to Missouri. Mr. Wright owns and conducts a good farm in conjunction with his teaching* He has done a good work for the upbuilding of schools, and educational advancement in this, the county of his adoption.

John H. Bowman

Was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, on the 8th day of April, 1845. His father left Virginia in 1857, coming directly to Ray county, Missouri. He was principally educated in the schools of his native state. He is now, and always has been, a farmer. In 1864, he enlisted in the Union army, under General Smith, from Ray county, and engaged in the battles of Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee, and Mobile, Alabama. He was discharged from the service at St. Louis, Missouri, August 15, 1865. Miss Fannie Vantrump, of Ray county, a native of Rockingham county, Virginia, became the wife of Mr. Bowman, on the 3d dav of June, 1866. She is the mother of three children: Joseph F., John D. and Ida Virginia. Mr. Bowman owns a good farm of ninety acres, well improved, a fine residence, good outbuildings and fences, and a young and thrifty orchard of bearing trees. His farm is in a most excellent state of cultivation. Mr. Bowman is a good man and a worthy citizen.

Thomas H. Keyes

The subject of this sketch was born in Ray county, Missouri, in the year 1849, and educated in the schools of his native county. Since he attained to manhood's estate, his occupation for the greater part of the time has been farming and stock-raising. During two years he was engaged in the nursery business. Mr. Keyes owns a farm of one hundred and twenty acres of excellent land, well improved and cultivated, with a neat, comfortable dwelling house, good barn and thrifty orchard. He was married, in the month of November, 1870, to Miss Sarah C. King, of this county. They have four children, named as follows, viz: Thomas A., John C, Laertis B. and Allen T. Mr. Keyes is a leading member of the Masonic Lodge at Hardin, and is a highly respected and valuable citizen.

Isaiah Metts

Isaiah Metts was born in the year 1822, in Champaign county, Ohio. He attended the district schools of his father's neighborhood, and after leaving school engaged in farming in his native state, until 1868, when he came to Missouri and settled in Ray county, where he has ever since resided, occupied in the avocation of farming and stock-raising. Mr. Metts owns a neat, comfortable homestead on Crooked river, and is doing well in business. He was married in Ohio, in the month of August, 1847, to Miss Elizabeth Boothe, a native of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Metts have eight children, viz: Laurette, Sarah C, Samantha I., Jeanette, Lemuel, Mary E., Ara and Martha H. Mr. Metts is an industrious man of steady habits and good morals, and is much esteemed by his neighbors.

John T. Bankston

John T. Bankston was born in the state of Tennessee, January 26, 1835. At the age of sixteen years he came to Missouri, and settled near the town of Carthage, where he lived during seven years, engaged in farming. In 1859 he went to Jackson county, Missouri, and lived there on a farm until 1863, and then came to this county. The first year, after coming to Ray county, he lived in the city of Richmond; the next three years on a farm about two miles northeast of that place. At the expiration of that time he purchased and removed to his present place, where he has since resided, occupied ^in farming and stock-raising. Mr. Bankston was married in Jasper county, Missouri, in 1854, to Miss Mary M. Peak. The issue of this union has been eleven children: George N., Giles B., Sarah E., John S., Hettie A., Austin G., James P., Charles A., Mary E., William F., Emily P. Mr. Bankston owns a good farm and is a prosperous, well-to-do farmer, and a useful citizen.

Henry J. Sitterman is a native of Franklin county, Missouri, and was born on the 5th day of March, 1850. In 1865 he went to St. Louis, and learned the trade of carriage making, which business he still follows to some extent. He staid in the city of St. Louis until 1873, and then went to Kansas City, Missouri, and thence to Johnson county, working all the time at his trade. From Johnson county he came to this county, and engaged in the Sharondale mills, at Richmond and Lexington Junction of the Wabash railroad, and continued in the milling business until the year 1878, since which time he has been actively occupied in buying and shipping grain. This business he has made very successful and profitable by his sound judgment and good management. Mr. Sitterman was married October 14, 1873, to Miss Minnie Voss, of Wyandotte, Kansas, a native of Franklin county, Missouri. They have two children: Ida K. and John H. Mr. Sitterman's parents are natives of Germany. They are both yet living in Franklin county, Missouri. His father was born February 7, 1800, and is now the oldest settler living in Franklin county. Mr. Sitterman is a good business man and a valuable citizen.

The subject of this sketch is a native of Ray county, Missouri. He was born in the town of Camden, August 16, 1856. He received his education here, and has resided all his life in this county. He was reared on a farm, and spent the earlier part of his life in farming. In the year 1874 he entered the drug trade at the town of Hardin, and continued it there until 1879, when he removed to R. &. L. Junction. He has been conducting a drug store very successfully, in that place ever since. His is the only business of its character at the junction, and he receives all the patronage that comes to the town. Mr. Williams is an intelligent, active, young gentleman, and the outlook for him is one of great promise.

R. H. George

Reuben H. George was born in Iredell county, North Carolina, June 16, 1847. His parents were natives of North Carolina, and his father represented Iredell county in the general assembly during two terms of office, and was also a member of the state constitutional convention after the war. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and received his education in his native county. In the year 1867, he engaged in mef*- cantile business in the town of Wilkesborough, Wilkes county, North Carolina, and remained in that place until 1869, when he immigrated to Missouri, and settled in Ray county, where he has since resided. He engaged at R. & L. Junction in merchandising, in company with Mr. Chenault, during two years, and then his partner having withdrawn, he continued the business for a number of years alone. Mr. Chenault attain entered the business and they now conduct the store in partnership, and do a line business. Mr. George was married in the month of July, 1872, to Miss Lucy Campbell, of Ray county. They have three children; William Everett, Joseph Clinton, Julia. Mr. George is a rising young merchant, a good business man, and a popular gentleman.

Alexander Starr

Was born December 15, 1823, in Highland county, Ohio, and received his education there. He early began the work of a farmer, and has always followed that calling. - He removed from Ohio to Illinois, and lived there for about sixteen years. He came from Illinois to Missouri in 1865, and settled in Ray county, where he has always since lived. He was married in the year 1842, to Miss Isabella A. Campbell, a native of the state of Pennsylvania. They became the parents of six children, now living: James C, John A., Marilla J., Rebecca A., Mattie, and Anna Belle. Mr. Starr took no active part in the civil war, preferring to remain quietly at home in the discharge of his domestic duties. His oldest sonr. James C, was in the Union army for about eighteen months. Mr. Starr owns a comfortable home of seventy acres, well improved and stocked with good breeds of the different varieties of live stock. He is a good citizen, and a highly respected man.

John A. Starr

Is a native of Illinois. He was born in Knox county, that state, on the 8th day of December, 1857. His father, Alexander Starr, removed to Ray county before he was ten years old, and in the excellent public schools of this county he received his education. Mr. Starr is now (April, 1881), engaged at work on his father's farm. He is a very intelligent and promising young man.

F. J. Walker

F. J. Walker was born in Woodford county, Kentuckv, on the 25th day of September, 1843. His father removed to Missouri, when he was but twelve years old, stopping for a time in Clay county, but afterwards settling permanently in Ray county. Here he received his education, and has since made his home. He enlisted in the Confederate armv at Lexington, Missouri, December 10, 1861, and was with General Price for nearly two vears, then crossing the Mississippi he was engaged, under General Van Dorn and others, in the battles of the eastern campaign. Mr. Walker participated in the battles of Elkhorn, Corinth, Iuka, Baker's Creek and Grand Gulf Mississippi, at Farmington and many other points. He was engaged for three months in the closely contested campaign of Georgia. Received a severe wound at Corinth, Mississippi, in 1862. He was discharged, when the war was over, at Meridian, Mississippi, May 4, 1865, and returned home to Ray count)-, Missouri, where he has ever since made his home and occupied his time in farming and stock raising. Mr. F. J. Walker was married on the 9th dav of February, 1870, to Miss Martha J. Hudson, of Ray county. Their children are three: Albert Curry, Emma Lelia and Alice. This gentleman is the owner of one hundred and eighty acres of good land, has a comfortable home, is a very successful and prosperous farmer, and a progressive, spirited and highly respected citizen.

John R. Gosney

Is a Kentuckian, born ~in the year 1841, in Kenton count}-. He received a common school education in the neighborhood of his birth. Soon after leaving school he entered the Confederate army for the great civil war, enlisting in September, 1862, under General Buckner. This division of the Confederate forces was ordered east to West Virginia, and was chiefly occupied with operations in that state. Mr. Gosney was engaged in the battles of Chicamauga, Blountsville, Jonesville, and a great many minor engagements, sometimes skirmishing for many days. He was a member of company C, Third Kentucky cavalry, and was paroled at Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, in the month of April, 1S65. Imme- diately he returned to Kenton county and began to farm, in which occupation he continued there for about four years. In the fall of 1869, he immigrated to Lafayette county, Missouri, and soon after to Ray, locating about one mile from the town of Hardin, where he lived for ten years. He then moved into Hardin and yet lives there. In the year 1865, Mr. Gosney was married to Miss Arabella Daugherty, a native of Kenton county, Kentucky. The progeny of this union is three children, living: Olive May, Franklin R. and Charles. Mr. Gosney is the happy possessor of a fine, fertile farm of two hundred and forty acres, well improved and stocked, and is one of the best and most substantial men of his community.

George W. Lavelock

Was born in Ray county, Missouri, on the 15th day of January, 1860. He attended the common schools of his native county until he completed the course usually taught in them, and then entered the State University at Columbia, Missouri. He is now a member of the class of 1882, in the law department of that excellent institution. When he has finished his legal studies he will enter the office of his brother, F. M. Lavelock, Esq., who is a prominent attorney of Richmond. Mr. Lavelock is an intelligent industrious student, and his future is bright and promising. No doubt he will rise to a position of distinction in his chosen profession, and be a credit and honor to his family and to his county in the years to come.

William W. Ferree

Was born in Lafayette county, Missouri, November 18, 1851. His parents came to Richmond, Ray county, when he was yet a small child. They lived at Richmond for about five years, and then moved to Daviess county, Missouri, where they remained for two years. They then came again to Ray county and located in the town of Morton, then known as Shaw's Shop, where Mr. Ferree was educated. After leaving school he learned the trade of blacksmithing, and has always worked at that business since. Mr. Ferree was married on the 3d day of February, 1876, to Miss Louise J. Weeks, a resident of Caldwell county, Missouri, and a native of Virginia. The offspring of this marriage is two children: Fred W., and Urah Pearl. Mr. Ferree is an excellent mechanic, and enjoys the proceeds of a large and constantly increasing patronage. He also conducts a wagon manufactory in connection with his blacksmith shop. He is a good citizen, and an indispensable adjunct to the town of Morton.

Oliver S. Cunningham

This gentleman is one of Missouri's sons, born in Clay county, on the 30th day of October, 1845. He finished his education at the schools of Richmond, Ray county, Missouri, and after leaving there, taught school for three years. In the year 1866 he began the work of a farmer, and has ever since devoted his time to that branch of industry. He was married in December, 1865, to Miss Martha L. Martin, of Ray count v. The issue of this marriage is one child, living: William Edward. In 1881 Mr. Cunningham purchased the farm upon which he has established a comfortable home, and is prospering finely. He is a rising farmer, and a valuable accession to the reliable, industrious and substantial men of the neighborhood.

Austin Thompson

Was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, in the month of November, 1836, and received his education there in the common schools. After growing up he was, for some time, a trader in live stock. Leaving his native state, he spent about six months in Richmond, Virginia. He came to Missouri in November, 1856, landing at Lexington, Lafavette county. He engaged with Thomas A. Brown, of Ray county, as an overseer of negroes and general farm manager for two years, after which he purchased the place upon which he has since been engaged in farming. Mr. Thompson was in the Missouri state guard, under command of General Sterling Price, for six months, at the beginning of the rebellion. During this time he participated in the battles of Carthage, Wilson's Creek and Dry Wood. He was discharged at Osceola, Missouri, in the fall of 1861, having served the time for which he enlisted. Austin Thompson was married on the 2d day of November, 1861, to Miss Adelia T. Hudson, of Ray county. The issue of this union is three children: Leonora, William K. and Lula M. Mr. Thompson traveled extensively through the west, in the years 1864 and 1865. He was, during this time, "boss " of several large wagon trains. He now owns a farm of 200 acres of rich, productive soil in Crooked River township, in this county, and is in a very prosperous condition. He is well esteemed and respected among his fellow men.

Nathan A. Lentz

Is a farmer and stock-raiser. He was born in May, L836, in Bedford county, Tennessee, and was educated in the common schools, and trained to the farmer's vocation. His parents removed from Tennessee to Ray county, Missouri, in the year 1850, and settled the homestead now owned and occupied by our subject. Mr. Lentz continued his farming until the summer of 1861, when he entered the Confederate army under Colonel Slack, who was commanding at that time a regiment of state troops. Mr. L. was at the battles of Carthage, Springfield, and Lexington, and then, the six months for which he had enlisted having expired, he was discharged at Osceola, Missouri. Going south to Fort Smith, he volunteered for the war, entering General Parsons' division of the regular Confederate army. This was in June, 1862. He was engaged at the siege of Little Rock, Arkansas, in the autumn of 1863; at Mansfield, Pleasant Hill, and at Jenkins' Ferry. At the latter battle he suffered an accident which disabled and rendered him unfit for active service with the army. He was, in consequence, given work in the blacksmithing department of the military laboratory near Marshall, Texas. Recovering his wonted strength, he returned to the army. The division to which Mr. Lentz belonged gave up their arms to the Union commander at Shreveport, Louisiana, and were ordered to report at Alexandria, Louisiana, where the conditions of their surrender were entered into June, 1865. He took the oath of allegiance to the Union at St. Louis, Missouri, and returned home to Ray county. Mr. Lentz was married on the 16th da}- of January, 1860, to Miss Mildred Cox, daughter of Mr. L. Cox, of Ray county. They have four children living: May, Minnie, Ella, and Neva. Since returning from the war, Mr. Lentz has devoted himself to his farming, and is now the owner of a farm of one hundred and eight acres, with a nice residence, good fences, and other valuable improvements. He is one of the most substantial farmers and oldest citizens of his community.

Marshall M. Spurlock

A prominent farmer of Ray count}-, was born in Cabell county, Virginia (now West Virginia), in the year, 18*26. He was educated in the common schools of his father's neighborhood, and s'pent his vacations working on the farm. In 1833 both his father and mother died, with cholera, which was, at that time, sweeping through the country, carrying death and desolation to many a happy home. Six years afterward he left Virginia, with his brother-in-law's family, and came to Ray county, Missouri, where he has, all the time since, been engaged in farming, with the exception of a few years given to merchandising, in the town of Morton. Mr. Spurlock was first married, in 1845, to Miss Eliza Bates, then living in Ray county, Missouri, but who had been reared and educated in the state of Kentucky. They became the parents o{ four children: John W., James H., Onysky, and Urmanella, all of whom are still living except John W., who died on the 17th day of April, 1881. He had been circuit clerk of Ray county for the space of six years, and his memory is held in universal respect and honor by all who knew him. Mrs. Eliza Spurlock died, deeply lamented by a large circle of relatives and friends, and Mr. S.

was again married, in 1856. The lady becoming his bride this time, was Miss Margaret Morris, a native of Ray county. By her he became the father of five children. Their names are: Kate, Mattie, Virginia, Lucy, and Benjamin. Mr. Spurlock owns a good farm of two hundred acres of very productive land, with a fine residence and other substantial improvements. He also deals quite extensively in live stock. He is one of Ray's most enterprising men and best citizens.

James F. Bates

Was born in Ray county, Missouri, in the year 1851. He attended the public schools of his native count)-, and in them received his education. His father owned a large farm, the same upon which Mr. Bates now lives, and after leaving school he commenced work on his father's farm, in which business he has ever since continued. He was married in 1876, to Miss Ella Morrison, a native of Ray county, and a most excellent young lady. The issue of this marriage is two children: Edward T. and Emily V. Mr. Bates owns one of the very best farms in the county of Ray, comprising four hundred acres of most excellent land, highly improved, having a handsome, commodious dwelling house, a good roomy barn, a fine orchard, and all in a fine state of cultivation, under good and substantial fencing. He is also extensively engaged in breeding and raising fine stock, and yearly feeds and ships large numbers of cattle and hogs to the eastern markets. Mr. Bates is highly esteemed in the community in which he lives, for his many excellent qualities as a neighbor and a citizen. He has done a good work tor the improvement and advancement of the agricultural interests of the county.

James T. Yates

The subject of this article is a Kentuckian, having been born at Shelbyville, in that state, on the 15th day of November, 1851. His parents removed from Shelby county to Scott county, when he was quite voung. He attended school for a time at Stamping Ground, in his native state. Then his parents immigrated to Ray county, Missouri, and located upon the same farm where Mr. Yates now resides. He has been a farmer all his life, and is now the owner of a fine and very valuable farm upon which he is at present making great improvements, which will add much to the beaut)' and comfort of his home, as well as very greatly enhancing its value. James T. Yates was married on the 8th day of February, 187*5, to Miss Janie Richardson, a native of Hart county, Kentucky. This union is blessed with two promising children: William F. and Marv E. Mr. Yates is a brother of Doctor Yates, of this county, and is rapidly advancing to the front ranks among the substantial farmers and prominent citizens of his adopted county.

John C. Porter

John C. Porter is a native of Lexington, Lafayette county, Missouri, where he was born on the 12th dav of December, 1854. He had the advantages of the excellent public schools of his native state for the acquirement of an education. He entered upon the work of farming, and, after some time spent in pursuit of this calling, he went west with the tide of emigration in 1874, and was engaged for about two years in the cattle business in Colorado. He afterward returned to Missouri, to the county of his birth, and, becoming the possessor of a fine farm, again went to farming, in Clay township, near Wellington. He removed to Ray county in 1880, and has since made his home and been engaged in farming here. Mr. Porter was married on the 23d day of September, 1880, to Miss Mary D. Mallory. He is a rising, prosperous young farmer, an industrious and honorable man, well thought of and popular among his friends, of whom he has scores.

Ross P. Bell

The gentleman whose name heads this article is a native of the Old Dominion state. He was born at Harper's Ferry, Jefferson county, Virginia, in the year 1852. His parents removed with him to Ray county, Missouri, in 1860, and here he acquired his education in the public schools. After attaining his majority he was occupied for a considerable time in farming. Then he went to Texas, and, during the years 1872-'73 and '74, was engaged in the cattle trade in that state. Returning to Rav county, he again devoted his time and attention to farming for the space of about two years. Subsequently he went into the mercantile business in the town of Hardin, where he is yet engaged in a prosperous and lucrative trade. Mr. Bell was married to Miss Ella Johnson, a native of Ray county, on the 24th day of February, 1879. They have two children, Frank and Susan, who are twins. He is a rising, public-spirited, and popular young man.

John H. Grove

John H. Grove is a farmer and stock-raiser. He was born in Highland county, Ohio, in the year 1839. He received the advantages of a common school education in his youth, at home, and was reared in the man ner usual with the sons of farmers in those days; and followed in afterlife, of choice, the avocation to which he had been reared. He owned a fine, well-stocked farm in Ohio, and was also engaged for a number of years as a stock-dealer. Mr. Grove was married in the year 1859, to Miss Lydia R. Cowman, also a native of Ohio. They became the happy parents of six children: Laura V., Eva M., Charles Grant, Maggie,

Mattie, and John, who are at present living. He removed to Ray county, Missouri, in 1871, purchased land, improved and beautified his home, and has lived here ever since in the enjoyment of the fruits of his industry, surrounded by a happy familv and many warm friends. Mr. Grove has been justice of the peace for several years, and yet holds that office in his township. He is one of Ray's best and most substantial farmers.

George H. Bush

A native of the state of Kentucky. Was born in the month of September, 18-17, in Hart county. He attended the schools of his father's neighborhood, and in them received his education. After he was grown he devoted his time to farming in his native state until about the year 1864. In the month of October of that year he emigrated from Kentucky to Missouri, and established his home in Ray county, since which time he has been engaged in his favorite avocation of farming. Miss Amy D. Lentz, of Ray county, became the wife of Mr. Bush on the 27th day of September, 1866. The result of this union is nine children, still living. Their names are as follows: Mary L., James H., George E., Elmer N., Myrtie A., Charles T., Philip W., Houston A., and Monroe P. Mr. Bush received the substantial evidence of his popularity among the people of his township by receiving their almost unanimous support for the office of constable, which position he now holds. Mr. Bush has a good, comfortable, and handsome home, a tine productive farm, and is highly regarded by his friends and neighbors.

George B. Hinman

George B. Hinman is a native of the state of Illinois, born in Pike county, in the year 1839. His early education was received in the district schools, and in the schools of Quincy, and finished by a commercial course in one of the best business colleges of Chicago. After leaving school he was occupied for some time in buying and shipping stock from Pike county, Illinois, to St. Louis. Subsequently he came to Ray county and bought the farm where he now lives, and where he has been engaged since, in tilling the soil, and in feeding and shipping live stock to market. Mr. Hinman was married on the 9th day of April, 1863, to Miss Arabella Lindsay, of Elizabethtown, Hardin county, Kentucky. The issue of this marriage was seven children: Arthur B., Anna M., George W., Fred L., Lena B., Ella M. and Mary F., now living. Mr. Hinman owns one of the largest, best, and most desirable farms in Ray county. It is well situated, high, rolling and fertile, in a healthful section of the country, with a fine large residence, and other necessary improvements upon it. He is a good neighbor, an honorable man, and a good citizen.

Thomas M. Deacy

The subject of this sketch is a public school teacher, and a native of Ray county, Missouri. He was born on the 3d day of March, 1851. The foundation of his education was laid in the common schools of this county, where he early evinced a fondness for books, and established a reputation for studious habits. After leaving school he entered the profession of teaching and continued his studies unaided by teacher, during the evenings and such leisure times as he could find to devote to them. He has ever since, engaged almost constantly, at his chosen profession in his native county. The fact that he has taught school almost interruptedly, in one district for eight years, and is now engaged for the succeeding year, is a strong proof of his popularity and efficiency as a teacher. He was, in 1877, elected to the honorable and responsible office of commissioner of public schools for Ray county, and discharged the duties so well and so acceptably that he was re-elected in 1879, and again, by a handsome majority, in 1881. Mr. Deacy was married December 23, 1875, to Miss E. .Hawkins, a native of Ray county, and a lady in every way worthy of her excellent husband. They are the parents of one child, named James M. Mr. Deacy is a rising, justly popular, and highly esteemed young man, with a bright future ahead of him.

Was born on the 23d day of December, 1824, in Washington county, Kentuckv. He received his education at Springfield Seminary, and spent his youth and early manhood in his native state. In the spring 1843 he immigrated to Missouri, settled in Ray county, and engaged in the pursuit of farming- About two vears and a half afterwards he returned to Kentucky and remained there for some time. Again in 1846, he left Kentucky and came back to Ray county, Missouri. In the summer of the same year, he volunteered under Colonel Price, in the American army for the war against Mexico. After arriving in Mexico, General Price ordered a detail of one hundred men as escort to conduct him to conference with General Wool, supposed to be at that time quartered at Chihuahua. Ten of these men were from the company to which Mr. Flournoy belonged, and he himself was one of them. This little band met with General Doniphan, then their commander-in-chief, one hundred and fifty miles south of Santa Fe, who ordered them to halt and wrait for him to finish preparations to join them. Proceeding on with Doniphan they fought two battles, one at Brazito, near El Paso, and the other at Sacramento, near Chihuahua. When they reached the last named place, they found that General Wool had not arrived there, and sent to General Taylor at Monterey, for further orders, which when received, were found to the effect that they should report as soon as possible to him at that place. From there Mr. F.'s company was sent to New Orleans, Louisiana, and discharged. Chartering Captain Chamber's boat, they came up the Mississippi to St. Louis, and thence Mr. Flournoy returned to Ray countv by river. The company to which he belonged captured nine peices of artillery at the battle of Chihuahua, which were afterwards distributed to different points on the Missouri river. One of them, a nine pound gun, was bored out and made a twelve pounder for use in the civil war. It was called the Sacramento, from the name of the place where it was captured. One of the ingredients in its composition was $8,000 worth of silver. It was cast in Spain more than 300 years ago. To prevent the enemy from capturing it at the battle of Corinth, the Confederates, then its owners, dismounted and sunk it in the river, and it has never been recovered. Mr. Flournoy was married in the year 1849, to Miss Malinda Clark, a niece of the late General John B. Clark; two children, the result of this union, are yet living: Matthias and Hugh C. After the Mexican war Mr. Flournoy was engaged in farming until the breaking out of the rebellion in 1861, when he volunteered under the "stars and bars," entering General Price's army to battle for the cause of the south. His health failing, he was not kept regularly on duty, but engaged in some battles, and remained in the service to the end of the war, being discharged at St. Louis, Missouri, in 1865. Returning home to Ray county, he found his house had been burned, and his fine farm of three hundred and sixty acres, confiscated. He then went west and spent one year upon the plains of Nebraska, after which he came back to Ray county, and has been farming here ever since. He was married the second time, in 1868, to Mrs. Louisa Hawkins, of Ray county. They have one child: Nannie F. Mr. Flournoy now owns a fine farm, and is in a highly prosperous condition.

Henry Boggess

A native of Kentucky, was born twelve miles southwest of Frankfort, Anderson county, on the 23d day of February, 1805. His advantages for early education were limited to the common schools, but being possessed of a strong intellect, a practical turn of mind, and gifted with the faculty of imbibing knowledge from passing events, from mingling with men and intercourse with the world, Mr. Boggess has become more thoroughly educated than would have been possible, perhaps, by the superficial course usually taught in our high schools and colleges. He followed the business of farming, to which he was reared, and in the year 1833, came to Ray county, Missouri, where, purchasing a farm, he settled, and has continued ever since to live, except one year he spent in the state of Illinois. Mr. Boggess was married before leaving Kentucky, in the year 1830, to Miss Lucinda Wall, also a native of Anderson county, that slate.

Five children came to biess this union, Wade, Thomas A., William \\, Nancy and Sallie. Mr. B. lived for twenty-one years in the river bottom, seven miles below Lexington, occupying the farm now owned by Mr. G. Frazier. He owned eight hundred and seventy acres of land, in township 54, range 27, upon which the great oil well was situated. Mr. Boggess is one of the oldest and best farmers in his section of the county, and owns one of the best and most highly improved farms in the county. Although now advanced in years, he is still strong and active, and his memory remarkably good. He yet retains a vivid recollection of many incidents of interest connected with the war of 1812. In politics Mr. Boggess is a staunch and life long democrat. He voted for General Jackson both times he was a candidate, and was elected to the presidency of the United States. He is highly esteemed, and regarded for his * excellent qualities of head and heart, " by all who know him.

Louis C. Bohannon

Louis C. Bohannon was born October 24, 1812, in Green count)-, Kentucky, but his father removing to Woodford county when he was quite young, the greater part of his early life was spent in the latter county. He received his education chiefly at Pisgah, which was the oldest high school in the state of Kentuckv, afterwards called Transvlvania Univerty, and now located at Lexington. He afterwards began a course of study with the view of entering the legal profession, but, becoming disgusted with some forms of malpractice that came under his observation, he renounced all connection with the practice of law, and determined to become a farmer. He at once threw away his law books, and turned his attention to farming, and salt making. This business he followed for a number of years, and was also, during this time, justice of the peace. He was afterwards appointed, by the governor, brigadier general of the 18th brigade of Kentucky militia; raised a regiment for the Mexican war, and, reporting with them for duty, was informed that the requisition had been tilled bv the call for twelve months men. The governor bade him hold his regiment in order, and at the next call he should have preference. The next proclamation was issued for volunteers for three years, and as Mr. Bohannon's regiment had only enlisted for twelve months he could not, of course, force them into three years service, so he did not go to the war at all. Colonel Bohannon was married in 1833, to Miss Cynthia Haddix, of Kentucky. From this union seven children were born, five of whom, Sarah A., Mary D., Nancy D., Simeon and Susan, are now living. In the year 1847 he removed to Missouri, stopping for a short time in Pettis county, but in the latter part of the same year settling in Ray county, upon the farm where he now resides. He has been three times elected to represent Kay county in the state legislature. In the political canvass of his adopted county, he has been very successful, once beating the distinguished Governor King for representative. He served through six sessions of the legislature, one adjourned and two called sessions in addition to the regular work of the legislature. When the troubles of 1861 came, he joined his fortunes with the cause of the south, entering the Confederate service in the Missouri state guard, with the rank of captain. He was soon promoted to lieutenant-colonel, and when the time for which he first enlisted, six months, had expired, he entered the regular service as colonel, and remained to the close of the war. He was engaged in many battles, the hardest fought being those at Independence and Lone Jack. Subsequently he was sent from Arkansas as one of a party of six recruiting officers, to Missouri, four of whom, Colonel J. T. Hughes, Major Hart, Colonel Boyd and Captain Clark, were killed; and one, Colonel Thompson, wounded; Colonel Bohannon himself being the only one of the party to escape unhurt. Finally he was wrounded in an engagement in Arkansas, and was, in consequence, discharged at Little Rock, from the service. He went from there to Texas until after the surrender and restoration of the country to peace, when he came back home to Ray county, and has ever since occupied and tilled his farm here. Colonel Bohannon owns about 440 acres of excellent land, a finely improved home, and is one of the oldest and most highly influential and respected citizens of Ray county, and has done much to assist in her upbuilding and advancement.

Charles W. Brown

Was born in Carroll county, Missouri, on the 9th day of January, 1831. He received his education in the district schools of his native state, and early began the occupation of farming with his father, then a prominent farmer of Carroll county. This vocation he followed for some years. He removed to Breckenridge, Caldwell county, Missouri, in 1875, and engaged in merchandising with Messrs. McWilliams & Russell. Three years later he left Caldwell county, going to Kansas City, and entered the wholesale hat and cap business, with McWilliams, Crook & Co. He afterwards bought Defevers & Sons' dry goods store in the town of Morton, four miles north of the line of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad, and has ever since conducted that branch of business there. Mr. Brown was married on the 24th of February, 1881, to Miss Rosie E. Keyes, of Ray county, Missouri. Mr. Brown is doing a large and lucrative business at Morton, and is highly respected for the fair, honorable and impartial treatment he gives to all alike, and for his many good qualities as a man.

Robert V. Wall

The subject of this sketch is a native Missourian. He was born July 1, 1849, in Ray county. His father owned a large farm four miles north of Morton, where the son was raised with the advantages of the schools of the neighborhood for getting an education. Here he worked on the farm for a number of years. In the month of June, 1874, he came to Morton and entered the drug business, in which he is at present engaged. Mr. Wall owns the only drug store in the town of Morton, and is doing a flourishing business. He was married in September of the year of 1876, to Miss Ella B. Yates, daughter of Dr. Yates. This union has been blessed by the birth of one child, Donald Leslie by name. Mr. Wall holds the position of postmaster at Morton, the duties of which office he has discharged very efficiently and satisfactorily for the last seven years. He has always been a resident of Ray county, and by his industry and close attention to business, has built up a good and lucrative trade. He is one of the prominent and influential citizens of his section of the count}-.

To the honest, efficient, able, and thoroughly qualified man, of whatever profession, the respect and gratitude of the people of the community in which he moves, is due. This is particularly true of the physician, and of none more so than of Wm. F. Yates, who is a native of the state of Kentucky, and was born on the 5th day of March, 1833. He received an academic education at Shelbyville, in his native state, and then began the study of medicine with Dr. George S. Burbridge, of Scott county, Kentucky, for his preceptor. Entering the Louisville College of Medicine, he finished the course, graduating with honor in 1854, when not yet quite twenty-one years of age. After leaving college he practiced his profession some two or three years in Kentucky, then came to Missouri and established himself where he now resides, in Ray county. Dr. Yates was married the first time, on the 13th day of December, 1856, to Miss Susan J. Nelson, a native of Kentucky. Of this union were born three children: Ella B., Maggie B., and Flora C, who are still living. Mrs. Yates died, greatly lamented by her numerous friends, and the doctor was subsequently married, November 1, 1876, to Mrs. Mary R. Mayfield, a very estimable, intelligent, and accomplished lady of St. Joseph, Missouri. Dr. Yates owns a fine farm near Morton, and upon it has erected a large, commodious and beautiful residence. His farm is in a high state of cultivation, finely improved, well stocked with horses, cattle, hogs, and sheep, of the best breeds, and equipped with all necessary machinery of approved and modern kind. He devotes his attention chiefly to the prac- tice of his profession, in which he is so successful and popular that his constant efforts can hardly meet the demand for his services. The doctor is just in the prime of life now, and his active outdoor exercise and horseback riding, in going about among his patients, joined with a naturally strong and robust constitution, will, no doubt, prolong his life even past the three score and ten years allotted to man to live, and give the benefits and blessings of his professional skill and experience to the sick of his commnnity. Dr. Yates is one of the very best physicians in Ray county, and well and favorably known far and wide. As a man and a citizen his character is irreproachable.

Riley V. Seward

The subject of this sketch is a native of Indiana, having been born in Mt. Vernon, Posey county, in the year 1850. His parents immigrated to Missouri when he was but three years old. After growing up he was engaged in farming until 1873, when he entered the State Normal School at Kirksville, in which excellent institution he spent two consecutive years. At the end of that time he was, like many another worthy young man has been, compelled to leave and teach school to secure the money necessary to finish his education. He taught for a year, and then returning to Kirksville, graduated in 1877, with honor. Afterwards he went to California, and was for two years principal of the graded school in Trinity countv, that state. Returning to Missouri, he settled at Hardin, in Ray county, and opened a drug store. Here, by strict attention to business, polite, gentlemanly bearing, and fair and honorable dealing withal, his business has rapidly grown in extent, and he, to-day, though yet a young man, is one of the leading business men of the county, and highly esteemed for his many excellent qualities as a citizen and a man. Mr. Seward may properly be termed a self-made man, and with the enviable position he has already won for himself, his future can be but pregnant with abundant success.

James H. Lentz

A native of Ray county, Missouri. Was born October 21, 1850. He was reared on a farm, and, until he attained his majority, was engaged in the performance of the duties common to the sons of farmers. He was educated at Carrollton, and, after leaving school, taught for four years in the common schools of Ray county, receiving a salary of fifty dollars per month. After serving an apprenticeship with Rogers & Co., apothecaries, of Carrollton, he became a retailer of dry goods for two years. He then entered the drug business at Hardin, Ray countv, where he still conducts a drug store. Mr. Lentz was united in marriage to Miss Katie

E. Sinclair, of Ray county, February 18, 1877. Two children, Myrtle and Hale, have been sent to bless their lives, both of whom still live. Mr. L,entz is rapidly winning a position in the front ranks of the staunch business men and respected citizens of his native county.

John S. King

John S. King was born in Ray countv, Missouri, September 5, 1852. His early life was spent on a farm, and his education acquired in the district schools of his father's neighborhood. He followed farming for some time, and then turned his attention to buying and selling grain. Later he entered the dry goods and general merchandise trade at Hardin, in which he is now engaged. Mr. King was married in the year 1876, to Miss Theodosia Happy. One child, named Ford, is the result of this union. The subject of this article is one of the first business men of the town of Hardin, and is held in high esteem for his many good qualities by those who know him. He is comparatively a young man, and his past achievements show that he will fight well and truly the battle of life, which opens before him.

Robert A. King

This gentleman is a native of Missouri, born in Ray county, July 22, 1854, where he has ever since resided. Mr. King early displayed a taste for books, and rapidly progressed with his studies when at school. After finishing the course as usually taught in the common schools of the county, he continued his studies without the aid of a teacher, and in this way acquired a good, practical education. He has taught school at Morton, Hardin, and various other places in the county. Mr. King is now connected with his brother in running a grocery store at Hardin, under the firm name of King Bros. Mr. King, being engaged in the high and honorable vocation of teaching, is one of Ray's most worthy sons, and in future years will, no doubt, win for himself, by his energy and industry, a high position among her citizens.

James B. Proctor

In the year 1843, this gentleman was born, in Hendricks county, Indiana. He was educated at the Northwestern Christian University at Indianapolis. When the great civil war commenced, in 1861, Mr. Proctor enlisted under the "stars and stripes" to do battle for the Union. He was assigned to duty in Colonel A. D. Streight's regiment, which was engaged at Murfreesboro and Chattanooga, Tennessee, as well as in several other battles. He was finallv taken prisoner at Rome, Georgia, by Generals Forrest and Roudv, the 3d of Mav, 1863. From there he was taken to Atlanta, Georgia, thence to Belle Island, and from there to Annapolis, Maryland, where he was exchanged. He then embarked for Baltimore, and from that point he went to Columbus, Ohio, whence he soon returned home to Indiana. From there he was ordered south, first to Nashville, Tennessee, then to New Orleans, and from there to the state of Texas. After the return of his regiment from the south, he was discharged at Indianapolis, Indiana. Mr. Proctor was married on the 19th of May, J 868, to Miss Jennie Voorhees, a cousin of the distinguished United States Senator Voorhees, of Indiana. Our subject, soon after his marriage, immigrated with his young bride, to Missouri, settling in Ray county, where he has ever since resided. For a number of years he farmed, then entered the drug business, in which he is at present engaged. He is also postmaster at Hardin, the village where he lives. Mr. Proctor is a prominent citizen, ripe in experience and in years, and highly esteemed and honored by all.

William J. Roach

Is a native of England, having been born in London, in the year 1841. He left home at the early age of nine years, immigrating to the new world, and settling in Canada. Here he lived to his eighteenth year. Then, crossing into the United States, he remained for a time in Michigan. Leaving there, he came to Ray county, Missouri, 1870, where he has since made his home. His occupation is that of a shoemaker, and at his present location, Hardin, he finds his trade sufficiently lucrative to support his family in comfortable style. Mr. Roach was educated in the schools of London, England. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, being at present secretary of his lodge. He was married in 1870, to Miss Margaret Wilson. They have four children: Elizabeth A., Margaret M., William C, and James A., all of whom still live. Mr. Roach is a very industrious man, a good citizen, and a credit to the town in which he lives.

John W. Hall

Is a Virginian. He was born in Rockingham county, October 21, 1832. His education was" limited to the advantages to be derived from the common schools of his native state. His father owned an extensive farm in the Blue Ridge mountains, and the son was early trained to that vocation. Our subject immigrated to Ray county, Missouri, in the year 1857. He was married, in the autumn of 1859, to Miss Mary C. Ware. Their union has resulted in the birth of nine children. In 1879 Mrs. Hall died, leaving this large family to mourn the loss of a kind and loving mother. Mr. Hall has followed his favorite occupation, that of farming, ever since he has been in Ray county. He owns a good farm and comfortable home, about a mile and a half west of the town of Hardin. He is one of the best and most substantial farmers of the county.

B. B. Babcock

An enterprising and progressive man is respected and honored in whatever sphere or walk of life he may be found. B. B. Babcock was born in Ohio, in March, 1832. Educated at Woodward College, Cincinnati. He was married to Miss Lucetta V. Fillmore, whose father was a cousin of Millard Fillmore, at Cincinnati, in the year 1858. Mrs. Babcock is the mother of six children, only three of whom, Elizabeth J., Mattie F., and Lucetta V., survive to bless the declining years of their parents' lives. Mr. B. immigrated to Illinois in 1859, and followed the trade of a carpenter for awhile, and afterward, he was for three years in charge of Reed & Mann's extensive foundry and machine shops, at Cairo, Illinois. From there he went to Decatur, in the same state, where he was engaged for ten years in the Union Iron Works. From 1875 to 1880, he was traveling contractor for the last named firm, for mills and elevators, taking ten contracts in Missouri, and three in Illinois, during four months in the fall of 1880. This is a strong evidence of his industry and enterprise. Mr. Babcock came to Ray county, Missouri, in June, 1880, buying the elevator and other property at Hardin, where he is now in business as a grain dealer. He ships on an average ten thousand bushels of wheat per month, and corn and other grains in proportion. Since he has taken charge he has made some very valuable and permanent improvements in the elevavator and other property at Hardin. He contemplates making other and extensive improvements at an early day, which, when done, will make him the owner of the model elevator on the Wabash road. Mr. B. favors improvement and progression, and leaves nothing in his power undone in favor of their furtherance. He has done as much, perhaps, as any other man, for the improvement of the locality in which he lives.

Thomas J. Porterfield

Has been a life-long farmer. - He was born on the 8th day of February, 18-14, in Jackson county, Missouri. He was afforded no other advantages for getting an education than those of the district schools in his native county. He was born and reared on a farm, and became, when quite young, so much attached to that kind of life that no other calling has ever had any attractions for him. He removed to Ray county in 1862, and has never changed his home from that time to the present (April, 18S1). Loving peace rather than war, he remained quietly on his farm, and took no active part in the civil war. Mr. Porterfield was married, in 1867, to

Miss Mary E. Johnson, of Lafayette county, Missouri. They became the parents of four children, only two of whom are yet alive: Thomas E. and Any B. He owns a fine farm, one mile south of Hardin, and is one of the best farmers of Ray county.

Henry C. Boggess

1835. When he was but three years old his father moved to Ray county, Missouri, and purchased a farm. His grandfather, Bilas Boggess, also purchased a farm of four hundred acres in Ray county, the same year, 1838. A part of this same tract is now owned by the subject of thi> sketch. Mr. Boggess received the advantages of a common school education, and followed the vocation of farming. In 1867, he was married to Miss Laurinda Frazier, of Ray county, a daughter of Mr. George Frazier, and a most estimable lady. They have but one child, Yirgie, who is yet living. Mr. Boggess has always had his home in Ray county, and been constantly engaged in his favorite occupation of farming. He took no active part in the late civil war. By strict attention to business, proverbial honesty and hospitality, and confirmed habits of industry and economy, he has become justly popular, and has surrounded his home with comforts and conveniences. He is a highly influential and substantial citizen in his neighborhood.

William B. Creer

1836. He received a good education in his native country. He left home for the west, landing at New Orleans, when seventeen years of age. From there he came to St. Louis, Missouri, by boat, and was employed with Messrs. Stone & Boomer, who were at that time engaged in building bridges for various railroads. In this work he continued for three years. He then went for a short time to Lafayette county, thence to Carroll county, and from there came to Ray county, in the spring of 1856, working in these various localities, all the time at his occupation, which is that of carpentering. At the breaking out of the late civil war, he was enrolled in the Missouri state guard for six months, at the expiration of which time he enlisted under General Sterling Price, and fought, throughout the war, the battles of the south. In Missouri he was engaged in the battles of Carthage, Wilson's Creek, Dry Wood and Lexington. In 1862, under Van Horn, he fought at Pea Ridge, Arkansas, Bruett, Iuka and Corinth, Mississippi. Again in 1S63, on the 7th of March, at Thompson Station, Middle Tennessee. On the 26th of April, he engaged with the Federal gunboats, in command of General Elliott, on the Tennessee river. Then with General Johnson, at Jackson, Mississippi. After the fall of Vicksburg and the siege of Jackson, fought Sherman from Jackson to Brandon. The next engagement was in the celebrated raid across the state, in the month of August, against General Sherman. He was then sent to Dalton, Georgia. He fought through the campaign in that state, with General Johnson. He was then transferred to the command of General Hood, and did meritorious service and hard fighting at the siege of Atlanta. Was with General Hardee at the battle of Jonesboro, where the army fell back to Lovejoy, and were, in the words of Mr. Creer himself, " knocked about like a ship in a storm." The next and last battle of importance in which Mr. Creer was engaged, was with General Forrest at Egypt Station, on the Ohio & Mobile railroad, in January, 1865. After this engagement Mr. C. was given a furlough for ninety days. Before his leave expired, the war had ended, and peace was declared. Mr. Creer was paroled with General Dick Taylor's command, by General Canby, at Jackson, Mississippi. It is worthy of remark that though Mr. Creer was in the war from its very beginning to the last, and was in the thickest of the fight on some of the most closely contested and bloody battle fields, he came out of it without a wound. Perhaps his experience in this respect is without a parallel. In the army Mr. Creer held the rank of sergeant. He was married on the 4th of December, 1870, to Miss Sarah M. Mallory. The result of this union has been five children, four of whom are living. Their names are as follows: Walter I., Hugh E., Paul C. and Ralph E. Mr. C. has been in Ray county ever since the war, except during the time of a visit to Colorado in 1879. He is the best carpenter in his section of the country, a highly respected gentleman and a good citizen.

John F. Brumfield

Is a native Missourian, born in Pulaski county, on the 14th day of December, 1854. His parents came to Ray county, when he was but two years old. Mr. Brumfield received a good education in the district schools of his father's neighborhood, and since leaving school has been occupied entirely in milling. He was engaged for four years in the Egypt mills at Norborne, Carroll county, Missouri. Returning to Ray county he formed a partnership with Mr. Moore, and they became the proprietors of the Telegraph mills at Hardin, under the firm name of Brumfield & Moore. Mr. Brumfield is universally popular, a very good miller, especially for so young a man, and an excellent citizen.

John J. Moore

Is a Virginian, having been born in Washington county, in May, 1834. He was educated in the common schools. By occupation he is a carpenter and miller. On leaving Virginia he went, first, to Alabama, in the year 1857, and remained four years, engaged in milling. In L861 he came to Missouri, and settled in Ray county, where he immediately engaged in his customary occupation of milling. His home has been here ever since, though he spent one year subsequently in Kansas City, from which place he returned to Richmond, and was employed by Houston & Cates, owners of the old Davis mill. After the close of this engagement he operated a saw mill for Messrs. Harbison & Moore for two years. Afterward he built a flouring mill at Camden; thence he went to Norborne, Carroll county, and engaged in the Egypt mills at that place. Returning to Ray county, he formed a co-partnership with Mr. Brum field, and they purchased the property known as the Telegraph mills, and one of the best, if not the very best mills north of the Missouri river. Mr. Moore was married to Miss Alice Harbison, of Ray county. They are the parents of five children: Linea, Laura, Jessie, Bessie, and Sallie. The last two are twins. Mr. Moore is an enterprising and prosperous business man, and a high credit to the county of his adoption.

Lewis H. Noble

The subject of this sketch was born in Indiana, on the 19th day of September, 1849. His father immigrated to Ray county, Missouri, in 1854. Shortly after his arrival here, the elder Mr. Noble died, and the son was left to the care of his uncle, who trained him to the business of farming. His education was acquired in the common schools of Ray county. At the age of twenty-three years he left his uncle's home, and started out to travel in the west with the hope of improving his health which had begun to fail. He visited Kansas, the Indian Territory, Wyoming and Idaho, spending three years altogether in his wanderings out west. He became possessed of a claim in the state of Kansas, and occupied some time in improving it; later he sold out his property there and returned to Ray county, which he always regarded as his home. He made several successive trips through the territories named above, and thus became familiar with those sections of the great west. On the 26th day of March, 1876, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Campbell, of Ray county. The result of this union was three children, all of whom are still living. Their names are: Annie A.", Charles W. and Susan M. The last named two are twins. Mr. Noble has had many and varied experiences during his wild life in the west, which the limits of this work will not admit of mentioning. He is a prominent and very influential citizen of the section in which he lives, being at present, marshal of the town of Hardin. He is highly esteemed by all who know him, for his sterling qualities of heart and head.

Cyrus W. Clampitt

This gentleman was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, October 24, 1828. His father moved to Indiana when he was very young, and he received his education at Franklin, Johnson countv, that state. After leaving school he remained on the farm with his father, who had again removed, going this time to Hamilton county, about fifteen miles north of Indianapolis, for several years. In 1852 he left Indiana to seek a home in Missouri, first stopping in Caldwell countv for a short while; thence, he went to Clay county, and engaged in teaching school, about two and a half miles north of Missouri City, where he continued for about two years. From thence he came to Ray county, and has ever since been engaged almost constantly in teaching in the schools of this county. Owing to his holding the office of postmaster, he was exempt from military service during the late war. In 1856 he was married to Miss Martha F. Gant, of Crab Orchard, Ray county. They have five children, all living, named as follows: William C, Mar}- W., Victoria R., Cyrus R., and George B. Mr. Clampitt is a good practical teacher, and has, by his efficient labors, greatly benefited the rising generations of this county. He has been principal of the school at Hardin for a number of years, and occupies an enviable position in the esteem and regard of the people of that place.

Elijah T. Mapel

Elijah T. Mapel is a Kentuckian. He was born in Jefferson county, in that state October 29, 1825. He was educated at Bardstown, Spencer county, in his native state. After leaving school he served an apprenticeship of seven years under one Wm. Dye, of Jefferson county, Kentucky, spending most of the time at Louisville. Here he was married on the 18th day of January, 1851, to Miss Amanda S. Beckley, a native of the city of Louisville. She gave birth to seven children, only three of whom, Elijah T., John W., and Amanda S., are yet living. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Mapel operated a mill at Brandonburg for a time, then he owned, and for two years operated a three-run mill in the city of Louisville. Emigrating from Kentucky in 1854, he landed in Lexington, Missouri, whence he came to Ray county, where he has since made his home. When he first came here there were but four runs of mill-burrs in the entire county. Since that time, he 'alone has put in fourteen runs, more than any other one man in the county. He built and owned the Richmond mills, as well as the Telegraph mills at Hardin, besides several others in different parts of the county. Mr. Mapel was engaged but three months in the civil war, being exempt at the expiration of that time, on account of his occupation being that of a miller. His wife died on the 6th day of June, 1869. On the 29th day of July, in the year 1874,

Mr. Mapel was again married, this time to Miss Ellen Lane, his first love, and the " girl he left behind'1 him when he came from old Kentuckv. By a remarkable coincidence they were thrown together after so mamyears of separation, and by frequent meetings, and fond memories of the olden time, the spark so long dormant was again fanned into a flame, and they became one in name, as in heart. Mr. M. has always followed milling, and is also an adept mill-wright. In either branch of the businest he is the peer of any man in the state, and has, probably, done more in his line, for the advancement of Ray county, than any other man. He is a good and valuable citizen.

Moses Henderson

This gentleman is a native of Kentucky, having been born in Mason county, that state, in the month of September, 1836. He came to Rav county, Missouri, in the winter of 1847, with his father, who bought a farm of some three hundred acres, about three miles west of Richmond. He was educated in the district schools of Missouri and his native state. He farmed for a number of years in Ray county, and then, in 1865, going to Nebraska, engaged in the business of a cattle trader, in Richardson county, for the space of two years. Mr. Henderson was married in the spring of 1866, to Miss Meriles Frazier, at Lexington, having returned to Missouri for that purpose. They became the parents of two children, Ida and Amy, both still living. After his marriage Mr. Henderson returned at once to Nebraska, where he continued in the cattle trading business for some time. But, at length, he came back to Ray countv, Missouri, and bought the farm upon which he has since lived. This farm, comprising one hundred and sixty acres of most excellent land, is one of the most desirable and most valuable of its size in the count}-. Mr. Henderson is a practical, successful farmer, and highlv regarded as a neighbor, and a citizen of Crooked River township.

Was born in the year 1835, in Edgar county, Illinois. His father immigrated to Missouri in 1840, and settled in Ray countv, purchasing the farm upon which Mr. Esrey now resides. Here he was educated in the district schools, and grew up, working on the farm, in which vocation he has ever since continued, and is to-day a thrifty farmer, and owns one of the best and most valuable farms in Crooked River township. His marriage to Miss Missouri Stratton, of Ray county, took place in the vear 1857. She has borne him seven children, who still are living. Their names are as follows: Jesse D., John T., Niles A., Missouri A., Marv, Elizabeth, and Minnie. Mr. Esrey's highly improved and fertile farm, comprising four hundred and seventy acres of land, lies two miles north- east of Hardin, on the prairie. Mr. E. is one of the oldest settlers in his section of the country, a good neighbor, and an industrious, progressive man, and a valuable aid to the advancement of the agricultural interests of his county. In November, 1878, Mr. Esrey was elected by the people to the responsible position of judge of the Ray county court. The duties of which office he discharged faithfully, and to the full satisfaction of his constituency.

Septer P. Esrey

Is a native of Illinois and was born in Edgar county, in the year 1838. His father immigrated to Ray county, Missouri, in 1840, and the son, Septer, was educated in the schools of the last named county. He chose and followed the occupation of his father, that of a farmer. His present farm. is a portion of the one formerly owned by his father. He was first married in 1863, to Miss Mary Rosell, of Monroe county, Missouri. She became the mother of three children. Two of them, Sarah A. and Jonathan, are yet living. Mrs. Esrey died in 1868, and Mr. Esrey married a second time. The lady becoming his wife this time, was Miss Charlotte A. Jasper. She died in 1878, and subsequently, he again married. The last and present Mrs. Esrey was a widow lady, named Mrs. Mary F. Hill, of Ray county. Mr. Esrey owns a fine fertile farm comprising three hundred acres of the best land in Ray county, and has done much for that branch of industry in which he has spent his life.

Abraham Grandstaff

Abraham Grandstaffis a native Missourian, having been born in Boone county, in the year 1838. There he received a district school education, and lived until 1859, when he removed to Frankstown, Douglass county, Colorado, thirty miles south of Denver, where he was engaged for a number of years in farming. He came back to Missouri in 1864, settling in Ray county, and shortly afterward purchased the farm he now owns and lives upon, and which is situated two miles east of Hardin, on the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific railroad. Mr. GrandstafF was married in 1864, to Miss Susan Dehart, a native of Indiana. This union was blessed with three children: Sarah, John, and Samuel, all still living. Mr. G. owns one of the finest farms in Crooked River township, in a fine state of cultivation and highly improved. He is a prominent and highly respected citizen of the section where he lives.

George Frazier

Is a Kenluckian. Me was born in Anderson county, in the year L812. He was educated and grew up to manhood in his native state. His father owned a large farm there, and early taught the son practical lessons in farming. In 1S29 the family came to Missouri, and entering land a mile and a half east of Richmond, in Ray county, lived there some eight or ten years, when the mother of our subject died. He then removed to Crooked River township, and entered the grocery business, in which trade he continued about three years. He then moved near where he now lives, and again engaged in farming. Mr. Frazier was married about the year 1840, to Miss Almira J. Boiles, a native of Kentucky, though at that time living in Ray countv, whom Mr. Frazier had known before leaving Kentucky. She became the mother of one son, who in after years, at the time of the civil war, entered the Confederate army, and died of disease in Texas, in the spring of 1864. The first Mrs. Frazier died in 1846, and in the autumn of 1847 Mr. Frazier was married again, his bride this time being Miss Mary E. Utterback, a native of Kentucky, but reared in Indiana, and at the time of her marriage living in Ray county, Missouri. The result of this union was seven children: Laurinda, Alice, Lenora, Fannie, George A., Laura, and Hershel, all of whom are now living in Ray county. Mr. Frazier is one of the oldest citizens now living in Crooked River township. He owns a finely improved and valuable farm, some forty acres of which he has cleared out of woodland. His life has been characterized by enterprise and thrift, and he is a highly respected man, and one of Ray's substantial old pioneer citizens.

The subject of this sketch is a native of Tennessee, having been born fourteen miles north of Murfreesboro, Wilson county, that state, in July, 1813. Here he received his education, and remained until manhood. He afterward spent some time in Jackson and Sumner counties, Tennessee. He was married in the month of July, 1834, to Miss Elizabeth Wilson, of Gallatin, and in the following autumn removed to Booneville, Mo., at which place he taught school, and kept boarding house, during the succeeding winter. In 1835 he went to Morgan county, Missouri, near the town of Tipton, and engaged in farming and teaching, until November 1840, when he came to Ray county, settling two and a half miles west of Richmond, and continued the business of farming and teaching school. Two years later he moved to Millville, and commenced the business of milling with his farming. Going, in 1S44, to Wakanda, in the same county, he settled a new place in the open, and, at that time, sparsely peopled prairie. His wife died October the 17th, 1857. She was the mother of nine children: Mary S., Stephen C, Juliet, Daniel W., John W., Geo. W., Haden S., Sallie and Joseph. Of these, only four, Mary S., Stephen C, Juliet and Geo. W. are yet alive. Mr. Trigg was married the second time, in 1858, to Miss Mary S. Campbell. In 1861, at the beginning of the war between the states, he cast his lot with the fortunes of the south, joining Slack's division of the army under General Sterling Price, with whom he engaged in the battles of Carthage, Wilson's Creek and Lexington, after which on account of protracted illness, he was unable to re-enter the army. The second Mrs. Trigg was taken sick, and died during his absence in the war. Leaving his family in Ray county, he went to Booneville, Missouri, and from there to Illinois, returning to Hardin, Ray county, in 1869. Here he has ever since remained, occupied in mercantile business. Mr. Trigg is one of the most highly respected and influential men in the county, and one of her most valuable citizens.

B. Frank Davis

B. Frank Davis was born May 15, 1834, in Hart county, Kentucky. He received his education in the private schools of the neighborhood in which he lived. While his literary training is not extensive, he has a good English education, which is greatly strengthened by strong, practical common-sense, and improved by intercourse with men, close observation, a faculty for learning from passing events, and a retentive memory that stores whatever of useful knowledge is to be garnered from sources of general information. He was raised on a farm in his native county, in the cultivation and management of which, he, in common with his brother, T. J. Davis, assisted his father. He moved with his parents to Ray county, Missouri, in 1853, and on the 29th day of October of that year, settled in Ray county, near the present village of Morton, within one-fourth . of a mile of where he now resides, conducting a farm, which, with the exception of a period of interruption from the beginning to the ending of the civil war, has been his life-long vocation. His father was an esteemed and honored citizen of Kentucky. He lost his life by accident, about a year after his arrival in Ray county. He was at work at a carpenter's bench, at the end of which and supported by it, stood a loaded shot-gun. The continued jostling of the bench, finally caused the gun to slip backward and fall on the hammer, discharging it. The contents entered the calf of one of Mr. Davis' legs, severing an artery, and causing his death by hemorrhage - medical assistance arriving too late to save his life. June 20, 1861, in response to the call of Gov. Jackson, Mr. Davis enlisted in the Missouri state guards, and participatedin the engagements at Lexington, Carthage, Oak Hill, Elkhorn, and other places. When in Arkansas the troops were ordered east of the

Mississippi, to go thence to Memphis. But a company of sixty men, of which our subject was one, was placed in charge of the stock, equipments, and various munitions of war, and ordered to take them to Texas. Finding, however, a fine country in the Choctaw nation, with an abundance of grass, grain and water, they remained three months near Doaksville, Indian Territory, and did not cross the Red river into Texas. They were then ordered by Governor Jackson to report to him at Fort Smith, Arkansas, but Governor Jackson dying, December 6, 1862, they reported to Colonel George.

On the 20th of June following, exactly one year after he joined the Missouri state guards, Mr. Davis enlisted in the regular service of the Confederate states army, where he fought with uncomplaining bravery for principles he had cherished from childhood, till the close of the war. There was never a camp made, nor a single engagement, in which his company took part, but that he was present, like the true soldier that he was, ready and willing to share the dangers or hardships of his comrades. He was with his command in its every movement, from the day he enlisted till the final surrender, Among others, he participated in the battles of Prairie Grove, December 7, 1862; Helena, Arkansas, July 4, 1863, and Little Rock, in the fall of 1863. While charging on the enemy at the battle of Helena, a shell burst immediatelv over the company of which Mr. Davis had command, and wounded thirteen men. From Little Rock, Captain Davis and his comrades went to Camden, Arkansas, and there went into winter quarters; and the following spring fought General Banks, at Mansfield and Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, all the forces of the opposing commanders on either side, being concentrated. Turning north after these engagements, the}; found Steele at Camden, and pursued him to Jenkins* Ferry, Saline river, where a general engagement took place. Subsequent to this battle he 'took part in numerous skirmishes and engagements of minor importance, and hnallv, in June, 1865, surrendered at Alexandria, Louisiana, and returned to his home in Ray county, where he was cordially welcomed by his friends. B. Frank Davis was married, January 24, 1871, to Miss Mary Bohannon, daughter of Colonel Louis C. Bohannon, of Ray county. She is a lady of intelligence and refinement, and by her amiable, affectionate disposition contributes to the happiness ot her husband. They have four promising children, as follows: James L., Clay, Elliott, and Tom Frank. Mr. Davis is a successful, a worthy citizen, and an obliging gentleman.

Charles W. Dawson

Charles W. Dawson was born at Lawrenceburg, Anderson county, Kentucky, twelve miles east of Frankfort, on the 9th day of September, in the year 1855. He received his education in the schools of Lawrenceburg. His parents immigrated to Missouri in the spring of 1869, and purchasing a large farm one and a half miles north of Hardin, Ray county, settled there, and our subject was trained to the business of farming. In 1875, Mr. Dawson engaged with Spurlock & Wood, millers, of Hardin, again with Burton & Hanna in the dry goods business at the same place. Afterwards, for the benefit of his failing health, he visited Colorado Springs and Leadville, Colorado. Returning to Ray county in the fall of 1879, he again entered the dry goods trade, this time with Hughes & Son, where he still remains. Mr. Dawson was married on the 10th day of March, 1881, to Miss Maria S. Summerman, of Ray county. He is an enterprising, industrious young man, and highly regarded by his neighbors.

John D. Reyburn

Was born in Columbia, Boone county, Missouri, in 1825. He was educated in the common schools. Came to Richmond, Ray county, in the year 1844, and worked at the business of a wool carder. In 1846 he enlisted for the war with Mexico, in Captain Henly's company. Was mustered into service at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, company G, of Colonel Willock's battalion. They were ordered to New Mexico for duty, and there at the battle of Moro, Captain Henly was killed, Captain Jacobs succeeding to the command of the company to which Mr. Reyburn belonged. At the close of the war he was discharged at Fort Leavenworth, and returned to Ray county, Missouri. After a time he removed to Lafayette county, where he remained several years working at the carpentering trade. Again he came back to Ray county, locating at Hardin, where he yet lives. His marriage to Miss Margaret A. Thornton, of Boone county, Missouri, took place in the year 1849. They are the parents of five children: Alice, Ella, Lee, Florence and John I. Mr. Reyburn joined General Joe Shelby's command of the Confederate army in the spring of 1861. He was in the battles of Lexington, Wilson's Creek, and several other minor engagements. When the war ended he returned to Ray county and resumed his work as a carpenter, at which business he has had an experience of nearly thirty years, having built the first house in the town of Hardin. Mr. Reyburn is an excellent carpenter, a substantial man, and a good citizen.

Thomas J. Davis

Thomas J. Davis is a native of Hart county, Kentucky, and was born April 12, 1836. He was educated in the common schools, and lived in the county of his birth till the fall of 1853, when he accompanied his parents to Missouri, and with them settled in Crooked River township, Ray county, not far from his present residence. After leaving school, Mr. Davis engaged in farming, an occupation he has followed ever since. In June, 1861, responding to the call of Governor Claiborne F. Jackson, he enlisted in the Missouri state guards, and while in this service, under Captain Bohannon, he started south to join General Sterling Price, whom they met a few miles from Carthage, Missouri, on the morning of the engagement at that place. He then went south with his comrades in arms, and remained till his return to participate in the battle of Oak Hill, against Generai Lyon. He was also in the battle of Lexington. Thence went to Pineville, and afterward took part in the battle of Elkhorn. From Van Buren, Arkansas, the soldiers were ordered east of the Mississippi, to go thence to Memphis. Mr. Davis, however, was one of a company of sixty, or dered to remain at Des Ark, Arkansas, in charge of the stock, equipments, and other munitions of war belonging to the command, and to take the same, for protection, into the state of Texas. This, however, they did not do, as they found an excellent country, abounding in grass and water, near Doaksville, Indian Territory. After remaining in Doaksville three months, they were ordered by Governor Jackson to report to him at Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he expected to meet them. Governor Jackson died, however, at a farm house, on the Arkansas river, opposite Little Rock, before reaching Fort Smith, and Mr. Davis and his comrades, on reaching Fort Smith, reported to Colonel George. November 28, 1862, he enlisted as a soldier in the regular Confederate army, and served gallantly till the close of the war. He was in all the engagements mentioned in the biographical sketch of his brother, B. Frank Davis. He was never absent at roll-call, and never shirked a duty, nor faltered in any undertaking, however hazardous. In October, 1863, he was on detached service in the Confederate laboratory at Marshall, Texas. He rejoined his command at Shreveport, Louisiana. He surrendered at Alexandria, that state, in June, 1865, and, with his brother, returned home to Ray county, after an absence of four years, fighting for principles which have passed into history as the "lost cause." May 7, 1874, Thomas J. Davis married Miss Nannie Bohannon, of Ray county, daughter of Colonel Louis C. Bohannon, whose biography may be found elsewhere in this work. She is an intelligent, attractive lady, and, with her husband, is the recipient of the respect and esteem of all who know them.

Born May the 10th, 1830, in Sullivan county, Indiana, is of Scotch descent, his grandfather coming from Scotland to America at a very early day. He was educated in the common schools of Indiana. Leaving school he chose blacksmithing for his calling, and served an apprenticeship under one Hartley, at Lockport, Indiana. He then went into business for himself at Sullivan, in the same state remaining there until 1865. While there he was occupied in manufacturing buggies, wagons and agricultural implements. At competitive exhibitions, he many times carried off the premiums for the excellence of his work. In June, 1851, he was married to Miss Catherine Maxwell, of Sullivan county, Indiana, by whom he is the father of seven children, four of whom: Hiram M., Levy, William and Aaron W., yet survive. During the civil war Mr. Mcintosh served two years in the Union army. He was deputy provost marshal under Richard W. Thompson, late secretary of the navy, under President Hayes' administration. He also held the commission of a second lieutenant in the 156th regiment of Indiana volunteers. Mr. Mcintosh immigrated to Chillicothe, Missouri, in 1865, remaining about two years; thence he came to Ray county, locating at Hardin, where he has been for fourteen years the " village blacksmith," receiving a large custom, and by his excellent workmanship and fair dealing, the good will of all. He also owns a good farm, one and a half miles east of Hardin, of which place, he is a most substantial and useful resident.