Saline County, Missouri - The whole text, 1881 (part 14 of 28)

Statement Of Edward Reavis, Jr

Mr. Edward Reavis, Jr., states : My father was the first settler in Salt Pond township. His name was Edward Reavis. He settled in the fall of 1817; he came in a flat boat from the mouth of the Lamine river, up Blackwater to this neighborhood. His family at that time consisted of fourteen members, about one-half of the number being*negro servants or slaves. He settled at the Salt Springs, two miles east of Brownsville, and made a business of making salt for some fifteen years; he probably made all the salt that was used in this part of the country. There was no timber then in this country, except strips on the wet places along the water courses. The country was full of Indians; they were peaceful, however. There was plenty of game of all kinds - black bear, buffalo, wolves, panthers, catamounts, elk, deer, wild turkeys, and prairie chickens. I know of white bears having been killed here, but they were not natives of this country. (Mr. R. probably has reference to to grizzly bears). There was an abundance of fish in these streams. The soil was more productive than now. Cotton grew well here at that time ; wheat and corn . yielded better than now.

My oldest brother taught the first school that was ever taught in this township - about the year 1820. His name was Warren P. Reavis. The first sermon was by Isham Reavis, an Old School Baptist. The first justice of the peace in the township was Warren P. Reavis, about the year 1823 or 1824. The school house was built of logs and used for a church a number of years.

It was customary for the men to dress in buckskin suits, and the ladies in homespun cotton dresses. The ladies would go bare-footed until they got nearly to church, when they would put on their shoes, in order to save them ; shoes were hard to get. I have known persons to come to church with the fresh blood on their hunting shirts from a deer or some other game which had been killed on the way; and once a minister got up and preached in that garb. It made no difference to the ministers that this was done on Sunday. The preachers allowed us to kill game whenever we could. One reason for this was, that it was almost impossible for us to raise hogs, on account of the bears, and we had to depend entirely on wild meat; and if we could not get it on week days, we got it when we could. Wild honey was abundant. I have gone into the woods and cut and carried in a barrel in one day.

The country at this time, in a word, was an earthly paradise. Men stood upon their honor and women upon their virtue; in fact no other classes of people were allowed to live with us. We made our meal and flour first in hand-mills, and with mortars and pestles. When we went to mill, we had to go to Turley's mill, near Booneville : that was a " horse mill." At first no coffee or sugar was used; afterward we sent off our heeswax, tallow and furs to St. Louis, and bought little articles that we needed. We always paid our taxes with wolf-scalps, and had no use for money. My father owned 1,280 acres of land, and at first there was not more than $1.50 of tax on the whole tract.

There was no trouble among the Indians after I came here (181T), although my father built his house in the shape of a fort, with port-holes to shoot out of. His was the first house built in this township.

Story Number One

Old Uncle James B., an old Virginian, was extremely fond of deer hunting. His deer-gun was a large-bore, flint-lock, long-barreled shotgun, chambering five No. 2 buck-shot; twenty and sometimes twentyfive shot made a load. She was an awful " kicker " ; his shoulders were always black and blue.

One fine summer's evening he went to watch his favorite deer " lick," a place where deer would come to lick the salty earth. His " hide " or " stand" was chosen on a horizontal limb of a large burr-oak tree that stood near. In due time a deer made its appearance. Knowing the propensity of his gun for kicking, he had acquired the habit of leaning forward, in order that his gun might kick him to his proper perpendicular again; but this time his calculation was wrong. His gun snaffed, - and down came hunter, gun, and all, in a pile. The deer escaped.

Story Number Two

The same old hunter was out on another occasion, and his dogs started up a deer, and the old man, in his hurry to get a " stand," where he thought the deer would pass, ran to a log which lay across a stream, to get his coveted position. But just as he was half way across the stream, the deer passed, and he must shoot then or miss his chance, so he fired, and over he went backward into the stream, and up to his neck in cold water. The bath was a chilly one, but he said he didn't care - "I just everlastingly fetched that deer."

Story Number Three

A party of hunters came over from Howard county to take a hunt with my father, one fall. On evening, while they were there, W. B. Kincaid, now of Brownsville, called to stay all night. During the conversation that evening, he boasted somewhat of his manner of killing deer, which he said was invariably to shoot them in the head or neck. I listened to him for some time, and then proposed to carry home all the dear he shot in the head or neck. So it was arranged that he and I were to get up and take a hunt before breakfast. Having gone about a mile, I observed him aim his gun and fire. I saw a deer fall. On going up to it, I saw that, sure enough, he had shot the animal through the neck, and I made my promise good by carrying the deer home.

Story Number Four

My first experience in hunting in this country was rather rough. I went to a neighbor's and borrowed his flint-lock rifle. He said it had long been loaded, and he did not believe it would fire. On my return I had a chance to try it on a fine buck. At the third pulling of the trigger it fired clear; the deer bounded off. I hitched my horse and thought I would examine on foot for blood. I had gone but a few steps when I came suddenly upon it, not five feet away. Oh, horrors! It rose up, pointed its horns at me, and stood with protruding eyes and its hair all turned the wrong way, glaring at me. That was enough. I started on double-quick through the thickest brush I could find, and knowing that it (the brushwood) would slap behind me, I hoped that it might impede the animal's progress and enable me to escape. I ran until I came to the road, crossed it and hid. After gathering my senses, I examined myself. I had lost my hat and my old shoes; my face and hands were bleeding; my pants were badly snagged and "busted;" my shirt was in ribbons; in short, I was the most dilapidated, panic-stricken, demoralized specimen of green hunter that was ever seen in any country. I took the trail back to my horse, found my gun, and mounted. I now wondered why 1 had dismounted. I rode carefully around, at a safe distance, until I came where I had last seen the deer. And there he lay, dead! He had never moved from where I left him when I started on my retreat. I now took the trail I had made, picking up my lost property; but one shoe I never did find. On arriving at home, one of my sisters, when she saw me, exclaimed: "Why, brother! What have you been fighting - bears, wolves, or what?" I only answered, " Wild cats." But soon the true stor}' came out, and it was many days before I heard the last of my " wild cat " scrape, and almost as long before I recovered from its effects.

The Town Of Brownsville History, Early And Modern

Mrs. Mary A. Laughlin, who came to Saline county, December 3, 1836, and who has resided in the vicinity of Brownsville since that time, and from the 7th of February, 1845, in the town, states that the first house on the town site was built by an old bachelor named Asa Pennington, who was from Kentucky. He lived on Davis creek, and built a sawmill on the ground where later Webb & Oldham put up a steam flouring mill which was afterwards burned down. '

It is asserted that the town was laid out in 1832, but Mrs. Laughlin states that the first settlers were John Berry and James Fitzpatrick, who came in February, 1837. Fitzpatrick built a house on what is now Main street, and opened a dry goods store, selling the first goods ever sold in the place. He entered the land in section eleven, on which the greater portion of the town now is. He was a Kentuckian and died in Lafayette county many years ago. John Berry died in Brownsville, and lies in the town graveyard by the side of hii wife. He came from Boone county to this place.

The first marriage was that of Hickinson Berry and Mary Jane Lemon. The first male chil4 born in the town was George Wentworth, in November, 1839. His father was Stephen G. Wentworth, the founder of the town, and his mother's maiden name was Eliza Kincaid. The child was born on lot number fourteen. It afterward died at Lexington when only a small boy. The first female born was a daughter of Hick, and Mary J. Berry, born in September, 1838. The first death was Mrs. John Berry, in 1838; she was buried in the town cemetery. (It is said, however, that a grandchild of hers died and was buried before her.)

The first regular physician was Dr. Nathan Ostrander, from New York, who afterward removed to Oregon. Dr. D. I. Parsons was the next. He resides in Brownsville now. Probably, in advance of these, was Doctor Thornton, who practiced through this region at an early day, although his home was in Johnson county.

The first church organized in the place was the Christian, in the first part of the year 1850, and the first minister was Archibald Stewart, also a Christian. Prior to this, however, there had been an organization of the Christians, at the Sweet Springs, in 1843, but they had no regular house of worship. Lewis Elgin was their pastor.

The first school in the place was taught by Mrs. Mary J. Berry, about the year 1848, in a cabin on lot 6, section 10. She had about ten scholars and her compensation did not exceed $10 per month. The first school house erected was in the fall of 1858 or 1859. It was built on the lot

Mrs. Laughlin further states that she bought goods in the town in July, 1837, and that she heard a sermon preached by Dr. Yantis, in December, 1836, four miles north of town. She said there were Methodist preachers through here at different times, but no organizations of that denomination until after the Christians.

that Stephen G. Went worth was the founder of the town; that it was laid out in 1832, and incorporated, May 3, 1870. Milo L. Laughlin was the first mayor. The post office was established in 1840, and James Fitzgerald was the first postmaster. The first minister in the town was Rev. John Hood, a Methodist. The first cemetery was on Locust street, and is still used. The first religious services in the neighborhood were held in a log school house, four miles east of town, by a Methodist. The remainder of the town history given, corresponds with the statements of Mrs. Laughlin.

The present town officers are: Mayor, W. H. Reavis; City Board, W. D. Rembert, Wm. Spurgeon, G. W. Smith, and W. P. Gilbert; City Marshal, John De Long; Treasurer, W. D. Rembert; Clerk, A. L. Clinkenbeard.

Mr. Wm. B. Kincaid stated to Mr. Letcher, in 18^6, that Brownsville was laid out in lots in 1838, by Stephen G. Wentworth and Wm. Brown, the miller. These men owned the land on which the town was "built. The town was named for Mr. Brown. There were then two cabins, a mill on Davis creek, (probably Pennington's) a blacksmith shop and a store. The township at that day was twice as large as at present, and the voting population was less than forty. Considerable cotton was raised in the section and old Mr. Prigmore ht^d a cotton gin.

During the civil war Federal troops were stationed at Brownsville a portion of the time, many of whom lived in the neighborhood. A great many of the people of the township were opposed to secession, opposed to the Confederacy, and warmly attached to the old Federal Union.

At one time a scouting party of militia captured a young Confederate near Brownsville, with a large batch of mail from the Confederate army for friends and relatives north of the river, whither he was going. The young Southerner was but a mere boy, but he was dressed in Federal uniform, and so he was tried and shot as a spy.

The guerrilla leaders, Dave Poole, Bill Anderson, Blunt and Yager, passed through at different times on their marauding expeditions. Poole is the only one of these leaders now alive.

The first railroad ever built in Saline county was then called the Lexington and St. Louis railroad, now the Lexington branch of the Missouri Pacific. It passed through the southwest corner of Salt Pond township, and Brownsville was the first railroad station in the county. Track-laying was begun at Sedalia, in the month of August, and finished to Brownsville in December, 1871. The station was opened December 31. James Henry was the first station agent, telegraph operator, etc. He states that then hemp comprised about one-third of the outward shipments from that station during the first year, but that this product dwindled down in seven years from that time, so that there was not a pound shipped in 1878. During the large corn-crop year of 1875 there were 1,955 car-loads of corn shipped from Brownsville, inside of five months; and one-third of the total receipts of corn at St. Louis, during that time, was from Brownsville and Saline county. In 1872, the water of the Sweet Spring was shipped from Brownville, and with this commenced their favorable notoriety. It is claimed that Mr. Henry inaugurated the practice of shipping this famous water. He bought two-gallon jugs, and sent samples of it in every direction, to every important express office within 500 miles.

The Churches Of Brownsville The Christian Church

This church, according to its records, was organized in August, 1843, by Elder Louis Elgin. The original members were: W. C. Harrison, James Ferguson, W. R. Ward, J. Bright, J. Jackson, T. Hunter, D. D. Ostrander, Margaret Ferguson, Margaret Bright, Sarah Prigmore, A. Ostrander, Rebecca Parsons, Margaret Hunter, Mary Prigmore, Louisa Harrison ,M. A.Jackson, Mary Ward, Robert Price, Harriet Price, and a negress named "Dinah." A frame church, costing $1,200, was built in 1854, and dedicated the same year, by Elder Thomas Gaines. The pastors have been Elders M. L. Laughlin, Thomas Hancock, O. Spencer, James Randall, J. B. Wright, and C. A. Hedrick, the latter the present pastor. The number of members at present is ninety-five. The entire membership connected with the church, from its organization to the present time, is 417.

The Presbyterian Church

The Brownsville Presbyterian Church was organized September 6, 1868, with the following members: E. S. West, Corbin West, G. W. Smith, A. Hevelin, D. J. West, Wm. D. Rembert, George Hill, E. B. Bradley, R. L. Hamilton, S. E. Rembert, E. H. Anderson, Martha Brown, Martha E. Harris, Elizabeth Forbes, Mary E. Rembert, D. Brown, Hennie Smith, and Grace Bloom (colored). A frame church was built the same year the church was constituted, at a cost of $3,000. It was dedicated by Dr. J. L. Yantis, and Bishop E. M. Marvin. The church is owned jointly by the M. ' E. Church, South, and the Presbyterian Church in the United States. The pastors have been Joshua Barbee, John L. Yantis, D. D., John Montgomery, D. D., and Ed. M. Yantis. The present membership is about forty.

Organized in 1870, by Rev. W. B. McFarland. The original members were Fletcher Patrick and family, C. H. Wells and family, Wm. Chapman and wife, and Benj. Smith. In conjunction with the Presbyterians a frame church was built in 1868, and dedicated in 1872 by Bishop

Marvin. Names of pastors, Revs. W. B. McFarland, C. H. Boggs, . John Keener, Preston Phillips, B. Margeson, and R. H. Shafter. A parsonage connected with the church was built in 1872; its present value is $1,000. Present membership, 63.

Baptist Church

The Brownsville Baptist Church was organized January 24, 1870. The original members were M. M. Weekly, Jesse Jackson, W. G. Buckner and their wives, J. J. Murray, J. W. Hammontree, and Misses Elizabeth, Rachael and Catharine Murray. In 1879 a frame church building was erected at a cost :pl,400. It was dedicated by Rev. Pope Yeaman. The pastors have been, Thos. Hudson, T. C. Floyd, J. L. Hampton, R. H. Harris, and T. J. Tate. Present membership, 54. Since its organization the church has had 89 members.

M. E. Church, Colored

Brownsville Chapel, Colored Methodists, was constituted in 1872. The original members were Geo. Lucas, Major Brockman, J. W. Brown, Agnes Brown, Mary N. Lucas, Fannie Lucas, Sallie Brockman, John Baker, and John Washington. A frame church was built in 1872, which cost $250. It was dedicated in 1873, by E. W. S. Peck, presiding elder. The pastors have been, Geo. Lucas, J. W. Payne, J. D. Evans, V. Chastain, and J. W. Brown. The present membership is 65. It is proposed to erect a new church building the present season at a cost of $1,000.

Barbee Lodge, No. 217, A. F. and A. M., was chartered October 19, 1867, by order of Wm. E. Dunscomb, grand master. The charter members were doctors D. J. Parsons, E. S. West, Ryland Tuck, and L. H. Williams, and Capt. R. L. Ferguson, Josh. Barbee, H. N. Beaty, B. F. Pitts, and D. M. Payne.. The first officers were D. L. Berry, W. M.; Joshua Barbee, S. W.;*Ryland Tuck, J. W.; R. L. Ferguson, secretary. The names of present officers are D. L. Berry, W. M.; John C. Lankins, S. W.; B. F. Bellamy, J. W.; T. C. Andrew, secretary. The records from 1874 to the present were destroyed in the fire of January 20, 1881. A hall 22x60, of brick, was built in 1872, by W. G. Buckner and M- G. Brown, at a cost of $5,500. The lodge is in a healthy condition financially, and brotherly love prevails. It tias lost seven members by death since its organization - W. L. Hawkins, P. E. B. Wright, J. L. Hampton, R. L. Ferguson, Wm. Andrew, B. F. Pitts, and Dr. L. H. Williams. The master of the lodge writes that Capt. Ferguson, who commanded a company in the Missouri state militia during the civil war, was a member of

Brownsville Lodge No. 170, 1. O. O. F., was instituted by order of the grand master of the state, July 12, 1867. The charter members were Wm. M. Taylor, Z. F. Taylor, Albert Clark, Wm. M. Stephens, J. N. Clark, M. G. Brown, Hardin Witcher, W. G. Buckner, and R. P. Walls. The first officers were Z. F. Taylor, N. G.; Hardin Witcher, V. G.; W. G. Buckner, secretary; M. G. Brown, treasurer. The present officers are J. j. Gross, N. G.; D. L. Berry, V. G.; J. F. Anderson, recording secretary; John J.Wilcox, perm, secretary; C.F. Eisner, treasurer ; John DeLong, Wm. Spurgin, and A. J. Tisdale, trustees. The present membership is 54. The lodge has no hall, but it is in a prosperous condition, and has over $500 in the treasury over all liabilities.

Salt Pond creek meanders through the western part of this township, and it was upon this stream that the first settlements in the township were made in 1828, 1829, 1830, to 1837, by Robert and John S. Owens, of Tennessee, and Thomas Hunter and the Francisco family, of Kentucky, who settled west of where the town of Elmwood now stands. Then came the Triggs and the Joneses at the salt springs, not far fi-om the same time. Old Capt. Bright, Robert Owen, James Montgomery, Gilmore Hays, Thos. Hunter, John S. Owens, James Brown, Col. John T. Smith, John and Kit Clarkin, John S. Harris, James Beaty, John McAllister, S. G. Wentworth. Dr. Parks, Asa Pennington, and Joshua Steppe were early settlers in Elmwood township and bordering country. These were mostly from Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. A few were from Ireland.

In 1837, when Mr. C. L. Francisco came to this section, timber was scarcer in the county than now. The settlers lived in log cabins with puncheon floors, and often there were wide cracks between the puncheons, and these were made to serve the purpose of spittoons! It was deemed useless to build frame houses on the prairie, for at that date high winds were prevalent, and it was thought they would be blown over. A man would have been deemed crazy who would have attempted to build a frame house then where scores are standing now.

Game of every kind abounded. Bear were to be found, and wolves were so numerous and so bold that they would chase the settlers' dogs into the houses at night. (See chapter on game, wild animals, etc.)

This township furnished the colonel, the adjutant, and several members of a regiment that marched up to Richmond, in Ray county, during the Mormon war - " and then marched back again."

Mr. W. L. Beatie, who removed to section 31, township 50, range 22, in 1836, says that the first settlers in that neighborhood were James Montgomery, in township 49, range 23 ; Thomas Himter, of Kentucky, in township 50, range 23 ; Robert and John Owens, in township 50, range 23, all in 1830-31. Samuel Hayes came in 1832, to township 49, range 23, and Father Bright and the widow Pennington and family, in 1833, from Kentucky.

The first physicians came from Dover, in Lafayette county, until 1888, when Dr. Thomas Parks made his appearance in the settlement from Booneville. Probably Abram Millice, a Methodist, was the first mmister, and held the first religious services at the house of Samuel Hays ; but Dr. Yantis, Presbyterian, held services at James Montgomery's about the same time.

The first school was taught on the line between townships forty-nine and fifty, on section three, by Miss Mary Ann Ferrel, now Mrs. Laughlin, of Brownsville. The first school house was built in what is now Salt Pond township, on section fourteen, township forty-nine, range twentythree, in the year 1840. It was built by the contributed labor of the community, and cost but little if any money. It was very primitive and rude in style; the seats were made of split slabs.

From 1836 to 1840, there were no regularly worked roads through the township, and no bridges, and indeed none were needed. The country was open allowing a " bee-line" course to be taken to almost any point, and the streams were almost always fordable. The nearest postoffice was at Dover, about twenty miles away. Postage on a letter then was twenty-five cents. Mills were from fifteen to twenty miles off. Goods were bought at Dover and Jonesboro. The settlers diverted themselves at times with chasing deer and wolves, or shooting at a mark. It was also considered entertaining, and combining business with pleasure to hunt bee-trees and take therefrom their mellifluous stores. The troubles experienced were mostly caused by the severe and protracted winters, which exhausted and cut off supplies, and rendered intercourse with the outer world extremely difficult. Much suffering was occasioned by the severe winter of 1832 (?) when the snow fell on Christmas day, to the depth of four feet, and remained untU March. (See History of Grand Pass township, and general history.) During this period corn had to be crushed in mortars to make meal for bread.

Dr. Thomas Parks, of Elmwood, thinks John and Robert Owens came in 1 828, from Howard county. Prior to them, but at what date, is not known, was Abe Job, who settled on section 4, township 49, range 23.

Dr. Parks himself, from Todd county, Kentucky, was the first physician. Rev. J. L. Yantis, Old School Presbyterian, held the first religious services, at the house of his father-in-law, James Montgomery. The first school house was ne;ir the present residence of S. N. Beatie. The first school taught was by John Lynch, afterward sheriff of Saline county, who died about 1863, on the same farm he first settled.

A brief sketch of one character, that formerly resided in this township, must be given to the exclusion of other matter. Col. John T. Smith, a brother of Gen. Thos. A. Smith, of the famous " Experiment " farm, settled at the Big Salt Springs, at an early date. He bought out the springs, greatly improved them, and made salt for some years. He was a bachelor, and in everv other particular an odd character! His means were very ample. He counted his acres by hundreds, and his slaves by troops.

By his own command. Col. Smith, was called "Jack Smith T." His commands were always obeyed, or there was a funeral if they were not. The character of the man may be conjectured from these incidents :

He had been a principal in three of four duels, in all of which he killed his man. On one occasion, he went from Saline county to Bloody Island, opposite St. Louis, on an affair of honor. At another time, as he was on his way to Booneville, he met two horsemen coming westward. Smith saluted them and they returned his greeting, not very politely or ceremoniously. Thereupon he drew his rein and called out:

" O, we are from Virginia, and are going west. We are land-sharks," returned the two strangers, rather indifferently and somewhat provokingly.

"By (j - ! That is just what I thought. Draw you pistols, gentlemen," and drawing his own, Jack T. fired and killed one of the men and badly wounded the other.

The men were not " land-sharks," but honest, reputable citizens, looking for locations and intending to become actual settlers in this county.

Some years ago, about the year 1835, an officer of the regular army, in charge of some horses for Ft. Osage, passed through Saline county. He became separated from his detachment in some manner, and arrived at Col. Smith's house just at dusk. Jack T. met the gallant captain, who was gorgeous in epaulettes and military trappings, wore a cocked hat and "a sword and pistols by his side," and in answer to his request for supper and lodging for the night, assured him that " the besit on the place " was at his service.

A negro servant took charge of the captain's horse, Col. Jack himself of the captain, and his side-arms, the latter being laid carefully away. The officer was invited to seat himself in front of a blazing fire, while Jack T. went out and ordered supper. Upon his return the host and his guest entered upon an animated and extended conversation, which was kept up until a negro came to the door and announced that supper was ready. " Bring it in ! " shouted Jack T. Two lusty, strapping hemp-breakers thereupon entered the room, bearing between them a huge iron wash kettle filled with hot, smoking corn-meal mush. " Bring spoons !" roared Col. Jack. The spoons, large iron ones, were brought. " Now, Captain," said Smith, in his blandest manner and milder tones, " sit up to supper." The officer, too hungry to be particular, and too polite to refuse anyhow, took the profTered spoon and, seated opposite his host, attacked the huge, hissing mess of pottage before him, as it it were a rare and dainty dish set upon a king's board, reminded somewhat of the incident of Francis Marion, the British officer, and the sweet potatoes.

Jack T. and the United States captain ate for some time, apparently in great enjoyment, keeping up a brisk conversation the while. At last the officer laid down his spoon, and, pushing back his chair from the cauldron, announced himself satisfied. "Eat some more, eat some more," urged Colonel Jack. Upon the officer's persistent refusal and assertions that he was abundantly satisfied, Smith took down his dragoon pistols, which he always kept convenient, cocked one, and pointing it at his now astonished guest, said, solemnly:

He now thought he had fallen in with a maniac. As soon as operations had been resumed, Col. Smith became -the pleasant, entertaining host of an hour before. Now, corn-meal mush is very "filling" sOrt of food. The captain had not long plied his spoon until he again announced himself satisfied. "Eat some more!" thundered Jack T. Remonstrances, and even entreaties were unavailing, and the captaiin ate " some more." In a few minutes, he again intimated his desire for a cessation of hostilities, as it were. The miish was very good, he said; it was indeed refreajting; there was nothing else he liked so well as mush, and this was decidedly the best he had ever eaten ; but, if the colonel would pardon him, he had eaten quite a sufficiency, and begged to be allowed to retire. some morel" again demanded Old Jack, presenting a pistol.

. But, at last, nature came to the assistance of the poor surfeited, if not " foundered," officer. And Col. Smith, perhaps touched by the spectacle, allowed him to retire.

The next morning the captain departed before breakfast. Not until he had mounted his horse and was out in the road, were his pistols and sword given him. As he rode away, his imagination, like his stomach, was distended, as he thought that it certainly did require all sorts of people to make the world, especially the Missouri part of the world.

Col. Smith left the Salt Springs many years ago. His tubs and pans, and vats, and other machinery were to be seen by passers-by for years after he left. He died in some part of this state, it is said, many years since. Many other incidents, illustrative of the character of the man, might be given.

Murder Op Faber And Dawson

In February, 1864, two citizens of this township, Christian Faber and J. J. Dawson, were most inhumanly murdered near Marshall. They were citizens, not soldiers, and were universally respected. Mr. Faber was an old man, nearly seventy years of age. On the day of their death they went to Marshall to buy some family supplies, and to pay their taxes. In making their purchases they showed that they had some money with them. They started for their homes at about two o'clock in the afternoon, but never reached there alive Their wagon and team was found the next morning, and soon after their bodies were found a mile or two west of Marshall, one on either side of the road, in some brush.

Dawson had been shot three times, twice in the breast and once in the back. Faber received two balls in the breast and one in the head. Their bodies were carried to a house in process of erection for a Mr. Neale, and placed in coffins made by the carpenters there at work. They were buried in the Hays burying-ground. A coroner's jury returned a verdict that Faber and Dawson were killed by parties unknown.

On the day of the murder, Capt. Grain's company of militia was stationed at Marshall, and at about the time of the murder was on drill. Some of the members of this compan}'^ were among the first to discover the bodies, and made active search for the murderers. Years afterward, in the fall of 1875, Levi Hagan and T. B. Fulkerson, two of the members of this company, were arrested and put upon trial, at Marshall, charged with the murder. Hagan was arrested in Texas. His father warned him by telegraph of the charge against him, and advised him to leave the country, but Hagan answered that he was perfectly willing to be put on trial, and accordingly voluntarily surrendered himself to the officers sent after him. The . evidence was purely circumstantial and not at all convincing, and both men were honorably acquitted. Who did commit the crime will probably never be known, and what motive there was for its commission will likewise ever be a mystery. The pockets of the murdered men were not rifled, and the goods in the wagon were undisturbed. Both bushwhackers and militiamen were charged with the cowardly, coldblooded crime, but nothing positive could ever be proven against anybody.

Pisgah Church

Pisgah Church, situated one-half mile north of Elmwood, was organized in connection with the Old School Presbyterian Church, August 7, 1845, by Rev. G. Hickman, and Rev. J. L. Yantis, acting under the orders of the presbytery. It is one of the oldest, if not the very oldest , church of that denomination in that part of Saline county. Its first elders were Dr. Thomas Parks and Anderson Fitzpatrick. Dr. Parks, at the advanced age of more than four-score, still lives at Elmwood. Mr. Fitzpatrick died in 1874. The other elders were elected in the following order: Moses Woodfin (or Wordfin), in 1849, and to him is due, in a great measure, the credit of the erection of the present church building. Samuel F. Taylor was elected in 1855, and during the six years of his eldership, and. under the ministration of Rev. James Clark, the church enjoyed its highest prosperity. The name of Samuel Taylor is held in almost sacred veneration by the older members of the church, and is honored by the entire community for the many noble traits which adorn his character. Rev. James Clark died at Clarinda, Iowa, in the year 1879. He removed to the north during the civil war, and was Hving in the town named at the time of his death. In 1860, the following elders were elected: JohnC. Clark, George Francisco, and Dr. A. W. Reese; in 1875, G. M. Francisco. The last additions reported to this historian were Geo. Washburn and Andrew Dysart,in 1876. The following ministers have preached for this church, in the order in which their names stand: G. Hickman, J. L. Yantis, Wm. Paulding, C. Crow, Ralph Harris, Jas. C. Clark, J. L. Yantis, Joshua Barbee. The organization took place in a log school house, which was the only place for public worship in the neighborhood for a number of years. The church increased in numbers and influence until the war, when many of its members were scattered, and great indifference upon the subject of religion prevailed throughout the country. The close of the war found the church in a sad condition. A kind Providence, however, smiled upon it in some measure, and its numbers and influence, though not its former condition, have been restored. The church was able, in 1875, to give about thirty of its members to another Presbyterian congregation, which worship seven or eight miles west, and still maintains its usual strength, and have public worship regularly twice a month. Its present membership is between sixty and seventy, and the congregations, upon Sabbath morning services, are generally very fine. The congregations are composed in part of members of other denominations, which Christian courtesy is returned by the Presbyterians, and shows a most friendly feding existing between the different denominations in the neighborhood. Information concerning this church has been furnished by Rev. Joshua Barbee.

Society Of The Methodist Episcopal Church

A society of the M. E. Church, or Northern Methodists, called the Salt Springs Society, was organized in 1867, with the following members: Samuel, Nancy, James, William, Mary, and Emma McClelland; M. Maupin, Wm. Bray, Maria Bray, Samuel and Elizabeth Brown, and James Moreland. It has had for pastors, Wm. Stevens, H. R. Miller, A. P. Salloway, G. T. Smiley, F. Oechsle, Stanford Ing, J. S. Porter, and J. H. Gillespie. Number of present membership, twenty-eight. There is hope for the erection of a church building in the near future.

Christian Union Church

This church, of thfe Christian demonination, was organized in 1869, with the following members: H. S. Pollard, T. W. and W. L. Hancock, Wm. Beck, Jas. Clay, T. H. Gunnell, Wm. and Jas. Hickman, Alex. Green, M. Beamer, Alf. Hickman. A frame church building was erected the same year at a cost of $2,434.66. The pastors have been Geo. Plattenburg, T. W. Hancock, T. N. Gaines, Wm. Pinkerton, - Perkins, - Gill, and C. Q. Shouse. Present membership, seventy-five.

The Church of the Annunciation, was organized in 1843, although there were Catholics here as early as 1841. The first members were Christopher Fitzsimmons, John Clarkin, Patrick Loftus, Michael Langan, Wm. Prior, Martha King, Thos. CafTery, Miss O. Ferrell, now Mrs. Harrison, and others who came from Charleston, South Carolina. The first church building was erected in 1851; it was of wood. The second church was built in 1878, of dressed stone, at a cost of near $5,000. It will be dedicated the present year by Right Rev. John Joseph Hogan, D. D., of Kansas City. The pastors of this church have been: The Rev. Francis De Maria, S. J., in 1845; Rev. James Kinney, S. J., in 1846; Rev. James Murphy, 1847; Rev. Thos. Cusack, in 1850; Rev. Bernard Donnelly, 1854; Rev. Joseph Meister, in 1855; Rev. Bernard Hilmer, in 1856; Rev. Eugene O'Hea, in 1857, and Rev. Edward Hamill, the venerable and universally revered present pastor. The present membership is composed of about sixty or seventy families. Michael Finney, Christopher Clarkin, and Thos. Langan were here in 1841. , John and Christopher Clarkin went to California and died there.

The " Irish settlement," so called, which is partly in Elmdwood an partly in Marshall townships, was begun as early as 1843, by a small colony from Charleston, South Carolina. Among the first were the Clarkins, the Gallaghers, the Kings, Loftus, Langan, Prior, Caffery, and the O'Farrells. In this settlement the first Catholic congregation was organized, although there were Catholics scattered over the county prior to that time. At present Catholicity is extensively diffused throughout Saline county. There is a fine Catholic Church at Marshall, one at Frankfort, and there are numerous missions in the county. Father Hamill came to reside at the Annunciation in 1867. Father Murphy, now of Marshall, was his assistant from 1870 for some time.

The Town Of Elmwood

The town of Elmwood was laid out in the year 1867. Its founders were R. F. Canterbury and Dr. George Hereford, The postoflSce was established the same year, and Wm. W. Kennedy was the first postmaster. R. H. Brady built the first house for Canterbury & Hereford, who were proprietors of the first store.

The first school house was built in 1867, and James Parton taught the first school. There were about twenty-five pupils, and the teacher received fifty dollars per month for his services.

The first marriage was that of James Fitzpatrick to Miss Susan Kennedy. Rev. Joshua Barbee performed the ceremony. The first male child born was John Kennedy, son of James M. and Maria H. Kennedy, born in 186'J. The first female born was Ella Kennedy, in 1868 or 1869, of the

The first physician was Dr. Thomas Parks, a native of Augusta county, Virginia, but fi-om Todd county, Kentucky, to Saline county. The first religious services were held in the school house where the first school was taught by Rev. Tolbert, a Methodist.

Independent Order Of Good Templars

Elmwood Lodge, No. 215, I. O. G. T., was organized April 6, 1879, by Dr. Holland, of Marshall. The charter members were S. N. Beatie, Mrs. S. E. Hays, W. L. Beatie, S. T. Dysart, Mrs. M. D. Francisco, G. T. Martin, Joe Francisco, Robert Green, G. T. Nichols, J. W. Garrard, Mary and Belle Beatie, W. H. Ireland, W. A. Smith, and others. The first officers were S. N. Beatie, W. C. T.; Mrs. S. E. Hays, W. V. T.; W. L. Beatie, W. C; G. T. Martin, secretary; S. T. Dysart, W. F. S.; Mrs. M. D. Francisco, W, T.; Joe Francisco, N. M.; Robert Green, I. G.; G. T. Nichols, O. G. The present officers are S. N. Beatie, L. D.; G. T. Martin, P. W. C. T.; T. J. Dysart, W. C. T.; Mary Kennedy, W. V. T.; A. Hunter, secretary; G. R. Davis, F. S.; Belle Beatie, treasurer; J. A. Halley, C; George L. Harris, M.; Florence Kennedy, D. M.; Mattie Kennedy, I. G.; H. G. Dysart, O. G.; Sallie VParks, assistant secretary; MoUie Hays, R. S.; Virgie Davis, L. S. The present number of members is 113. The hall is over the Methodist Church, South, built by the members of that church, and sold to Elmwood Grange, No. 210, and is now owned by the grange. It is rented for the use of this lodge at $4 per quarter. It is a frame, and cost the grange $500. The P. W. C. T. states that when this lodge was organized this neighborhood was noted for the number of its dissipated young men, and the village of Elmwood sold more whisky than any other town in the county of twice its size. Soon after the organization of the lodge the liquor dealers closed up, and there has been no whisky sold in the place since. " Now," says the gentleman referred to, " we have as orderly and well-behaved a community as there is anywhere."

The Town Of Blackburn

town is named, and P. H. Rea, of Marshall, laid out the city's boundaries. This was in 1879. Now the tall spires and the noisy din of business remind the stranger that Blackburn is not merely a railroad station, but a live business town. In the spring of 1879, George A. Alkire built a house and opened the first store, keeping general merchandise.

Blackburn, though yet in its infancy, is quite a business point. Trent & Palmer have a large dry goods and clothing store on Main street, and are doing a splendid business. Trent, the resident member, is a young man of fine business qualifications, and very popular among his customers.

A. H. Shindler & Co. are live men, from Waverly, who have brought their trade with them, and are handling an extensive line of dry goods, clothing, and staple groceries. Their reputation for straightforward dealing and honesty will always insure them a lively trade.

The lumber business is in the hands of the enterprising young Catron Bros., who are handling all the lumber for that point, and of course are doing a good business.

J. H. Handley, mayor of the city, is proprietor of a mammoth livery stable, on south side of railroad ; runs a daily hack line to Waverly and Sweet Springs. *

Episcopal Church

The congregation of the Church of the Mediator was first organized at St. Thomas, now Waverly, February 17, 1856, and was called St. Thomas' Parish, In 1880, the present church building was erected at Blackburn, and the name of the association was changed to its present name, the Church of the Mediator. The original members were Rev. D. G. Estes, Jacob Fackler, Geo. J. Fackler, D. Creel, H. S. Davis, R. H. Creel, W. A. Richards, D. Trigg, J. Major, Wm. Ashford, J. S. Harding. The church building, at Blackburn was built in the spring of 1880, and was dedicated, September 14, following, by Rt. Rev. C. F. Robertson, bishop of Missouri. It is a frame, and cost about $800. The present rector is Rev. M. S. Woodruff, of Marshall. The rectors in past years have been

Blackburn Lodge, No. 315, 1. O. G. T., was organized Nov. 21, 1879, by T. J. Hutchinson, The charter members were E. Marshall, H. E. Mandorf, Thos. Doyle, M. Blackburn, T. Maupin, Wm. Washburn, Henry Miles, Y. Anderson, M. Welch, Phelps and Gregory, Misses Bettie Miles, Laura Davis, Owens, and Jones. The first officers were: E. Marshall, W. C. T.; Bettie Miles, W. V. T.; T. Maupin, P. W. C. T.; H. E. Mandorf, W. C; C. Bulkley, Sec'y; M. Blackburn, W. F. S.- Laura Davis, W. T.; H. Miles, W. M.; Mrs. Jones, W. D. M.; O. Gregory, W. S.; Mrs. Owens, W. I. G. The present officers are: Chas. Bulkley, W. C. T.; Laura B. Davis, W. V. T.; A. Davis, P. W. C. T.;

-Thos. Doyle, L. D.; M. Welch, W. Sec; T. B. Small, W. Chap'.; M. Biven, W. F. Sec; Ella B. Davis, W. Treas.; Spencer Small, W. M.; Belle Welch, W. D. M.; P. Welch, W. Sec; Ella Welch, W. I. G. The present number of members is 36. The lodge meets in

Mt. Leonard

[No report has been received from this place although solicited from, and blanks furnished to, parties best acquainted with its history, and most interested in its welfare. Enough is known, however, to state that the town was laid out in the latter part of 1877, upon the completion of the Chicago & Alton Railroad, and named in honor of the Leonard brothers, principal proprietors of the place.]

Church Knights Of Honor

Mt. Leonard Lodge, No. 1938, K. of H., was organized December 20, 1879, by James Drowns of St. Louis. The charter members were Geo. L. Goulding, Wm. and Abiel Leonard, Leveritt Leonard, John and David Hancock, J. B. Carthrae, J. U. Fountain, D. U. Pinkerton, John Lynd, Entrecan, N. Richardson, John Bradley, E. Magoffin, Chas. Bulkley, John Edwards, C. Deathreage, J. K. Fmnell, John Cherry, R. James, - Dr. Harrison. The first officers were E. Magoffin, Dictator; J. B. Carthrae, V. D.; Abiel Leonard, A. D.; D. U. Pinkerton, R.; John Bradley, F. R.; Dr. Harrison, J.; W. M. Leonard, Chaplain; Nat. Richardson, T.; David Hancock, Guardian; John Wallace, S.; L. Leonard, John Wallace and N. Richardson, Trustees. The present officers are: Wm. Leonard, Dictator; E. Magoffin, V. D.; Taylor Entrecan, A. D.; John Cherry, R.; John Bradley, F. R.; John Lynd, G.; John K. Finnel, Chaplain; Nat.

Richardson, T. ; J. U. Fountain, Guardian; D. U. Pinkerton, S.; Abiel Leonard, Nat. Richardson, and John Edwards, Trustees. Present membership, about 30. The lodge meets in a frame hall, erected in 1880, at a cost of $700.

The Salt Springs

The hamlet and postoffice of this name is situated about eight miles west of Marshall. It consists of a postoffice, a dry goods and grocery store, a blacksmith shop, etc. It is situated within one-fourth of a mile from either of th? two large salt springs, in the beautiful -Salt Springs valley.

The great Salt Springs constitute one of the most important and interesting features of the county. The water of one of them contains fifteen per cent of salt; of the other, seventeen per cent. By a little improvement, invalids and health-seekers could here have the benefits of a sea-bath. The springs are large, and very beautifully situated. The splendid and delightful Salt Springs valley contains ninety, or more, of these smaller springs of salt water, besides many soft water springs. One of the latter . discharges 125 gallons per minute. It is situated on Mr. Langan's farm.

This township, being almost destitute of timber at the time, was not settled when Miami, Cambridge, Clay, and the other townships bordering on the river were.

In the vicinitv of where'the railroad station of Norton now is, the first settlements were made, in 1839, by Robt. Brown, Matthias C. Gwinn, Elias Wilhite, Dudley Cooper, David Ford, Thos. Duggins, H. Swisher, John Pulliam, Samuel Wall, and Owen T. Willis, from Virginia and Tennessee, and by Cuth. Hickman, from Kentucky, in 1840.

The first marriage was that of Wm. N. Oliver, of the Platte purchase, and Miss Mary Ann Jackson, near Mt. Horeb Church, about the year 1843. The first death occurred in the fall of 1843, and was a son of Thos. C. and Elizabeth W. Duggins.

The first physicians, always excepting, of course. Dr. Sappington, were Drs. Long and Hicks, of Marshall. Dr. Long died at Lexington, and Dr. Hicks at Marshall, the latter of cholera, in 1849.

The first minister remembered was Rev. Dodds, a Methodist, who first held service at Richard Durrett's residence, near Rock Creek. The first school was taught by Capt. Ruxton, about three-fourths of a mile west of the present site of Norton, about 184-. It was a small subscription school. Thos. C. Duggins opened his school in 1841-2, at Pink

Mrs. Jackson, wife of Thomas Jackson, had the first weaving done by her servants. -There were, in the first settlement, no mills nearer than Jonesboro. Groceries were brought from Miami and Old Jefferson. Potatoes and peas were often used when the people could not get meal. The latter was often ground in hand-mills, or grated upon the old-fashioned tin graters.

The first female child born in the neighborhood was Margaret Pemberton, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Pemberton. The marriages of Misses GofF and Nancy Durrett were the first.

Drs. Price, Penn, and Sappington were the first physicians. Thos. Fristoe was the first minister. The people went to hear him preach away down to Zoar Church at Jonesboro.

The history of Marshall township is so largely blended with that of the county in general that no separate mention of it need here be made. As soon as the county seat was permanently located at the town of Marshall, the township began to settle up rapidly, and even before 1839, many of the best tracts of land were occupied.

The boundaries of this township have been considerably expanded since its first survey, and many of the settlements and settlers upon its borders are named in the history of other townships.

Mt. Olive Church

It is due to the many memories clustering about this chnrch that extended mention of it should be made. It is situated about five miles south of Marshall, and is the joint property of the Old School and the Cumberland Presbyterians. The two denominations have walked and worshipped together in the spirit of unity and in the bonds of peace for more than a quarter of a century, forgetting, in a great measure, the grounds and points of difference between themselves.

The Cumberland congregation was organized, February 22, 1852, by P. G. Rea. Some of the original members were Harry Buie and wife, Wm. and A. E. Burke and their wives, and John Buck and his wife. The ministers who have preached for the church are P. G. Rea, James Mar-

It was organized with Wm. Burke and John Buck as elders. Mr. Burke is still living, now seventy-five years of age, and discharging faithfully the duties of his office. His services have been very valuable to his church and community. The following elders have been since added: Bolivar G. Doyle, in 1860; Wm. Corum, in 1861; W. K. Mahard, in 1868. The membership is between forty and fifty.

The Old School branch of the church was organized in 1853; the same year in which the house was built. The ministers that have preached for this church from its organization, are Rev. G. Hickman, William Paulding, George C. Crow, James C. Clark, James Morton, GeOrge Cameron, James C. Clark, J. L. Yantis, and Joshua Barbee. The elders which constituted its first session were Joseph Laury, and .

In a few years Thompson G. Miller was made an elder. Just after the war, in 1866, Dr. Wm. Fisher and Robert Stuart were added to the session And in 1875, Isaac Sydenstriker was elected as an additional elder. The membership numbers between forty and fifty. The two denominations worshipping in the same house, has been a great advantage to the neighborhood, affording public worship almost every Sabbath, and making the interest of one identical with the other. The cemetery, which is enclosed in the same grounds with the church, has been an object of considerable pride and attention upon the part of not only both churches, but the entire community. Nature has made the location more than ordinarily attractive, but the noble dead that live beneath its sod have rendered it more sacred to the hearts of many. It is to be hoped that the same care and attention will be shown to these grounds to the latest generation, and the blessings of Providence always attend these churches, and brotherly love continue and abound in every heart.

The church building, a frame 28x46, costing about $1,100, was built in 1853. It was dedicated in a year or two by Dr. Nathan Hall, of Lexington, Kentucky. During the war there was regular preaching at Mount Olive throughout all of those dark and bloody years, an uncommon circumstance. People of all denominations attended, some coming for miles. It was visited regularly by the people of Marshall.

The cemetery has been used by all of the surrounding country. Many former citizens of the town of Marshall sleep within its sacred precincts.

The Town Of Marshall

town was laid out. The location had been sometimes known as the Elk Hill, so-called from the droves of elk which frequented the site itself, and the adjacent country.

Henry C. Simmons built the first house, in 1839. It was a one-story frame and was used as a saloon ! It was situated on the west side of the northwest corner of the public square. Thomas Davis built the first two-story house, and sold the first goods ; Col. Wm. Lewis put up the second store, and was the second merchant in the place. Alexander Skillen built the first hotel, or tavern stand; Col. Wm. Lewis, the next. The first public school house in the place was built in 1849 or 1850. It was a frame, and stood on lots five and six, in block forty-three. Its cost was about $350. The first church building was put up by the Methodists, on the lot where the Baptist Church now is. Mr. John McCowan was the builder. It was partly completed - the frame being put up - when the work stopped for a while, for the want of funds. It was dedicated by Rev. T. P. Akers.

Prior to the building of the first church and school house, religious services had been held in Skillen's tavern, and in the court house, and schools had been taught in private houses and in the court house. Probably the first religious services were held in Skillen's tavern, by the Cumberland Presbyterians, and it is claimed that Henry Gaines taught the first private school. Mr. Barbee was one of the very first teachers.

The first physicians were Drs. Lawton and Hicks. Lawton went to Booneville, and from thence to St. Louis, where he died. Hicks died in Marshall, as has been often stated, in 1849, of cholera. The first attorneys were Ramage, Trigg, McNutt, Shepherd, and Bryant.

The first cemetery used was the burying ground of Jerry Odell, north and east of the main part of town. In about 1857, Col. Geo. W. Allen established one, now to be seen between the Chicago & Alton railroad depot and the business portion of town. This was used during the war, and here the soldiers who died at Marshall were buried. Near this is the place where Dr. Benson and Flannigan were shot. This ground is fast being occupied. Houses are being built and gardens are growing over the dust of those buried there, and doubtless in fifty years from this date, when the next history of Saline county is written, the historian shall write of the mammoth business enterprises carried on and the gigantic business houses established upon the site of the second burying ground of Marshall.

When the public county buildings were put up Wm. Hook built the court house, Mr. Simmons did the iron work and "Black" Johnson the rock work on the first jail, a stone structure. The town was first incorporated in 1866. In order to take in more ter- ritory, February 10, 1870, it was re-incorporated, or. incorporated regularly. Robert S. Sandidge was the first chairman of the board of trustees, and acting ma3^or. The town was again incorporated as a city of the fourth class, March 20, IS 78, and under this organization A. A. Newman was the first mayor, being elected in 1878. The first post-office was established in 1840, and John Hood was the first postmaster. The present town officers are: Mayor, C. T. Shannon. Aldermen - first ward, C. G. Page and W. D. Bush; second ward, Andrew Holmes and I. N. Sergeant; third ward, A. A. Newman and James Tippin. Chairman of the board, A. A. Newman. City Clerk, Ed. T. Orear; City Attorney, J. M. Yantis; City Collector, Thos. Boatright; Marshal, Sail C. Aulger; Street Commissioner, Peter Holmes.

During the civil war, the place was almost constantly garrisoned by Federal troops, after the spring of 1862. There were many outrages perpetrated on the citizens of both Union and secession sympathies. Two or three stores kept open during the struggle, but the proprietors ran great risk. The Federals preyed upon prominent Confederate sympathizers - the families of Judge Bryant, Mrs. Sheridan, Mrs. Shroyer, and others. The Confederates retaliated upon the households of Judge DavidLandon, William Membry, Snell, and others. The women of these families often had to cook and wait upon the soldiers of both sides. Many of the men became fugitives ; of these, the most, by far, were Confederates in sympathy. The guerrillas, upon one occasion, visited the family of Judge Landon, a union man, and, with drawn revolvers, confronted him. His wife believes he was only saved by her prayers. The militia hunted Judge Bryant and other citizens as if they had been wolves.

Certain buildings in town, one of them the present store-house of Paddy , Flynn, were struck by Shelby's cannon-balls, when " old Joe" cannonaded the place in his fight with Gen. Brown, in October, 1863.

Since the war, Marshall has greatly^ improved, especially since the completion of the Chicago and Alton railroad, in 1868. It now has a population of over 3,000. It has a fine public school building, a good colored school building, and has an excellent corps of teachers. Its churches are mentioned elsewhere. Two large steam flouring mills, a grain elevator, and a good variety of business houses, add greatly to the prosperity of the place.

The Banks Of Marshall

There is a large amount of financial business transacted in the place. The surrounding country is very wealthy, and the deposits of the three banks of the place are extraordinarih' large. A short sketch of these banks is worthy to be given.

Banking-House Of Wood & Huston

This house commenced the banking business in ' Marshall, February 14, 1874. The bank is, and has been from the first, owned and conducted by Will H. Wood and Joseph Huston. It commenced business with a capital of $20,000, which has been increased to $80,000. Business has gradually increased every year. The following is the official report of the condition of the bank, at the close of business on the 30th day of April, 1881:

This bank was first organized at Waverly, Lafayette county, in July, 1870. The incorporators were Chris. Catron, G. C. Fletcher, N. Corder, J. Corder, D.J. Waters, P. L. Peak, T. J. Fletcher, B. F. Coffey, J. A. Gordon, and J. W. Goodwin. G. C. Fletcher was the first president, and James A. Gordon the first cashier. These gentlemen are still in their original positions. The bank moved to Marshall, March 1, 1879. It now has a paid up capital of $50,000 and a surplus of $10,000. It has always paid adividend of not less than ten per cent. The following is its last sworn sta,tement, at close of business on the 30th day of April, 1881:

Banking House Of Cordell & Dunnica

BANKING HOUSE OF CORDELL & DUNNICA. The first bank in Marshall was that of Dunnica, Cordell & Co., composed of W. F. Dunnica, J. H. Cordell, and J. H. Eakin, succeeded by Cordell & Montague, with J. H. Cordell and E. D. Montague as partners. Cordell & Montague were succeeded by the Saline County Bank in 1874, W . W. Field being the president, and J. H. Cordell the cashier. March 6, 1877, the Saline County Bank wound up its business, selling its real estate to the Farmers' Savings, and on the same day the firm of Cordell & Dunnica, composed of J. H. Cordell and W. F. Dunnica began business, which is still continued, with a paid-up capital of $30,000.

Past Condition Of The Marshall Banks

Below is given the amounts of deposits and discounts of the three banks of this place, as published from time to time, and covering a period of a little less than two years:

Deposits. Discounts December, 1879

It will be seen from these figures, which are official and correct, that the increase in deposits has been nearly a hundred per cent., and the increase in discounts has been little less than two hundred per cent., in a short space of less than two years.

The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was organized in 1842. The first members were Rev. John Hood and wife. Dr. John Hicks (or Hix) and wife, John A. Trigg, Mrs. Rebecca Trigg, Fleming H. Brown, Benoni Robion, and Thomas Davis. The first church building was erected where the Baptist Church now is, on Lafayette street, north of the northwest corner of the square. It was a frame. It still stands, in the rear of the Baptist Church, and is occupied as a dwelling house. During the war and after the fight at Marshall between Shelby and Brown, it was used as a Confederate hospital. It was dedicated by Rev. T. P. Akers. The second church was the present, which was begun in 1870. It was dedicated in October, 1876, by Bishop E. M. Marvin. The church is of brick, and cost, including the site, about $9,000. The pastors of this church were in its first days Benj. Johnson, - Jones, Wm. Prots man, Thomas Finney, Thomas Wallace, and others, who were "circuit riders." The pastors proper have been : Rev. M. G. Williams, I. C. Shack elford, W. F. Camp, S. M. Godby, W. M. Page, W. B. Palmore, and E. G. Frazier, present pastor. Present membership, about 200.

The basement of the church building is usually rented out foi* school purposes, and is rarely used for religious exercises, which are uniformlyconducted in the auditorium overhead; this is reached from the central doorway and a stairway through the vestibule, and also by way of a door and stairway in the tower. The choir occupies a gallery containing seats and a fine organ, situated over the vestibule.

This church was organized in 1851, the original members being C. H. Hickman and wife, A. F. Bruce and wife, B. F. Downs and wife, - Bowen and wife, Bettie Odell, S. Harris and wife, Mrs. Barbara Smith, Mrs. Georgia Bruce, and others. A frame church was built in the year 1852, at a cost of $2,000, It -was dedicated the same year by Rev. D. P. Henderson. It is still standing. The . pastors have been Elders J. W. McGarvey, - Stewart, George Plattenburg, W. H. Robinson, O. Spencer, John Duncan, R. N. Davis, R. M. Messick. Present membership, 300.

The original organization of this church was broken up during the war, and was re-organized in 1866, by Elder Geo. Plattenburg, with about thirty members. During the year 1880, this church, by an almost unanimous vote, decided that it would not tolerate the signing of dramshop petitions by its members. The church, at this time, is in a flourishing condition under the charge of its present pastor. Its officers at present are Dr. W. S. Holland, G. C. Fletcher, Dr. M. T. Chastain, W. D. Woodson, elders. The deacons, are W. H. Fletcher, Wm. Walker, Daniel Folck, and John Coyle.

Methodist Episcopal

This church, often called the Northern Methodist, was organized in October, 1865. The original members were D. Buie, John Hood, Jennie and Sallie Hood, W. A. Hulse, David Landon, F. G. Landon, and C. M.

$3,300. The pastors have been: S. Alexander, J. R. Sasseen, W. Stevens, H. R. Miller (assistant), A. P. Salloway, G. T. Smiley (assistant), A. P. Colton, F. Oechsle, Stanford Ing, J. S. Porter, and the present pastor, John H. Gillespie. Present membership, fifty. This society was, for a long time, embarrassed with a heavy debt, but is free now and is in a fair way to reap a rich reward.

The Old-School Presbyterian Church

The first organization of this church was some time prior to the year 1846, and after 1840. Some of the first members were Stephen Smith, Mr. Martin, Joseph N. Laurie, and their wives, and Daniel Snoddy. The first preacher was Rev. Gary Hickman, and after him came Revs. - Reynolds, Wm. C. McPheeters, Pauling, Cambern, and Clark. The ruling elders were Daniel Snoddy, who died of cholera, in 1849; Joseph N. Laurie, and Thompson G. Miller.

At first, the congregation met in the court-house, but at last Wm. B. Sappington gave the church a lot, and another was purchased on the south side of the southeast corner of the public square, being a double corner lot, and, in 1860, a fine frame church building, 40x90 feet in size, and costing about $2,500, was built thereon. Although there was an indebtedness of about $900 on the church at the time, the church was dedicated the same year, by Rev. Mr. Painter, of Booneville. Rev. James Clark was the first pastor after the church was finished. He died in Iowa, in 1879.

During the war, preaching was very in;egular, and at last discontinued entirely, and the organization broken up. The church records were in the court-house when it was destroyed, by Col. Jackson's Confederates, in 1864, and were bui-ned with it. At the Marshall fight, in 1863, one of Shelby's cannon balls passed through the church, and another struck it. The soldiers often used the church for sleeping quarters.

New Organization. - After the war, .viz., January 11, 1869, the church was re-organized, by Rev. J. H. Quarles, of Lexington, Missouri. The original members were seventeen in number, some of whom were J. H. Cordell, George and Sophia Rehm, Mrs. Sabina Shroyer, Mrs. Mary Wilson, Miss Mary Allen, Dr. and Mrs. E. S. Clarkson, and Mrs. Sallie A. Mack. The pastors of this church have been, since the re-organization. Dr. J. L. Yantis, E. M. Yantis, John Montgomery, B. H. Charles, A. W. Nesbitt, and L. P. Bo wen. The elders, J. H. Cordell, George Rehm, T. G. Ehrnman, G. M. Francisco, Dr. C. L. Hall, and J. L. Woodbridge. The present membership is about 125. -

In the year 1870, the congregation sold the lots and the church building on the southeast corner of the square, and with the proceeds, and additional subscription, began the^erection, upon another lot, of a new church of stone, which was finished in the spring of 1872. Its entire cost was about $8,000. It has not yet been dedicated, but it is expected that it will be in a short time. The old church is still in existence, and stands now south of the public square, where it has been used, until lately, as a school-house. The new one is the only building of the kind in the place, and bids fair to last for a generation, even though it now begins to wear an antiquated appearance, with its ancient style of architecture, its buttresses, its towers, and its Gothic openings. And long may it stand, with all of its grandeur, and yet with all of its picturesqueness and its beauty.

First Baptist Church Of Marshall

The brethren and sisters of Marshall, Saline county, Missouri, met according to notice given at the last meeting of the Saline Association, on the 30th of January, 1868, with a view to be constituted into a church.

The presbytery was composed of Rev. Wm. M. Bell, of Miami Baptist Church, Rev. J. C. Hamner, of Miami Church, Dea. N. J. Smith, of Miami Church, Rev. J. Kingdom, and Rev. S. W. Marsdon, D. D., of St. Louis, Dea. James H. Huey, of Union Church, and Rev. C. Ingham, of Old Path Church.

In January, 1872, they purchased the house and site of the M. E. Church, South, and in 1873 erected their new brick building at a cost of about $5,000, which was dedicated the same year, since which time Rev. Wm. M. Bell, Rev. I. B. Dotson, Rev. J. C. Hamner, and Rev. B. G. Tutt have been its pastors; Rev. B. G. Tutt being the present pastor, and one of the best in Missouri. It has a present membership of about 175, and a Sunday-school in connection with it, which was organized about the time the church was organized, and has since been kept up, and has a present membership of 75. The church expenditures for the last year, (1881) were $1,170.

St. Peter's Church was organized in the year 1869. The original members were Col. M. Flynn, M. Schreckler, P. Flynn, D. McGrath, Mrs. A. T. Harrison, A. Holmes, N. Mooney, and T. McCaffrey. A brick church was built in 1870, at a cost of $1,200.. It was dedicated in June, 1871, by Rt. Rev. P. J. Ryan. The pastors have been E. Hamill and John T. D. Murphy, the first and present resident pastor. The present membership is 325, comprising persons of four nationalities.

Cumberland Presbyterian Church

The date of the organization of this church is August 16, 1871. The original members were W. E., M. L., J. S., and 3. J. Burke; W. M. and S. A. Nordyke, Mary Swisher, J. T. and H. Burke, A. M. Utz, M. Odell, J. R. Burke, A. C. Johnson, S. M. and S. A. Oldham, John Gilmore. A brick church was built in the year 1873,, at a cost of $4,027.72. It was dedicated, October 12, 1873, by Rev. James Morrow. This church has had for pastors, Revs. W. E. Burke, S. W. McCorkle, W. H. Doff, M. B.

Irvine, P. G. Rea, and, lastly, M. B. Irvine, who has been in charge for one year. Present membership, 91. This little church, because of its small membership, has had a hard struggle at times for existence, but has been true to its promises. It has just passed through a gracious revival, in which there were ninety professions of faith in Christ,' and sixty-one were added to the church. It is now in good condition, and its future is hopeful.

E. D. Montage, Wm. Gosline, John R. Vance, Mrs. Emily Montague, Mrs. J. H. Cordell, Mrs. J. V. Chase, Mrs. Robt. Montague, Mrs. Mary Gaines, Mrs. Joseph Field, Mrs. L. Marmaduke, Mrs. Wm. R. Bruce, Dr. and Mrs. B. St. George Tucker. A frame church building was erected in 1874, at a cost of $1,900. It was dedicated the next year by Rt. Rev. C.

Colored Churches

There are three colored church organizations and congregations in Marshall, one Baptist and two Methodist. All three have comfortable church buildings and a large membership. No reports have been received from the Methodfst Churches, whose pastors are Revs. Tays and McDonald.

Fairview Colored Baptist Church was organized in August, 1876. Some of the original members were Rev. Johnson, Commodore Miller, Harrison Greene, Wm. Carter, and Wilson Colder. A frame church was built the same year and dedicated upon the organization of the church. Its cost was $550. The pastors of this church have been Harrison Greene, Wm. Carter, Wilson Colder, John Brown, and Albert Spears. The present membership is 115.

Royal Arch Masons

Saline Chapter, No. 74, R. A. M., was constituted under its dispensation May 8, 1872. It received its charter October 11, 1872, and was set to work by Xenophon Ryland, of Lexington. The charter members were Adair Wilson, M. T. Chastain, H. D. Doak, F. H. Shrock, J. P. Strother,

E. R. Page, N. G.; Otis Caton, V. G.; W. T. Smith, rec. secretary ; John P. Martin, per. secretary ; - Wronker, treasurer. The present number of members is 37. The lodge meets in a brick hall on the southeast corner of the public square, built in 1868, at a cost of $2,000.

United Workmen Knights Of Pythias

The town of Norton, located on the Chicago & Alton railroad, about midway between Marshall and Slater, was laid off by Jesse Van Winkle, who was the owner of the land, it being the eastern part of a 500 acre tract, section 18, township 51, range 20, purchased by him of Dudley Cooper in the summer of 1878. The town and railroad grounds embrace eighty acres. The railroad company have built a handsome station house and platform, and a side-track 300 feet long. In the same year, 1878, an elevator, with a capacity of 20,000 bushels, was built by Mr. John M. Woodson, of St. Louis, who is a partner with Mr. Van Winkle in the town enterprise. He also built a large storeroom, now occupied by Van Winkle & Clarey, general merchants. One blacksmith shop, and residences make up the rest of the town, so far.

As a business point, the village of Norton is backed up by a splendid body of farming country. Four roads branch out from it, and open communication with a grain-growing and stock-feeding region that has few superiors in the county. The famous

Sulphur Springs

SULPHUR SPRINGS, five miles northeast of Marshall, are situated but one mile from Norton, and will yet prove of great advantage to it. Already these springs are the summer resort for quite a number of invalids and pleasure-seekers.

The Town Op Shackelford

This is one of the county's new, or "railroad towns." It was laid out in the fall of 187S, upon the completion of the railroad. The surveying into town lots was done by County Surveyor Ross. The town was laid out upon land belonging to Joe. Thompson & Son, James Huey, and Wm. Sheridan. Messrs. Rae & Page were the first to engage in business here. Their business was buying, and shipping grain. Then

Fh'nn & Bro. built and opened out a grocery store, followed in the same line of business by Armentrout & Gauldin, now Armentrout & Bro. Next the hotel was built ; then another store house ; then a saloon, now a drug store.

At present there are two grocery stores, one dry goods establishment, a drug store, a blacksmith shop, hotel, a Baptist Church, a large grain house, railroad depot, and stock-yards.

The Baptist Church, of Shackelford, was organized April 1, 1880. The original members were J. H. Huey, W. H. Vaughan, Emily Vaughn, May V. McPherson, M. E. Hatcher, Minnie Walk, Eliza J. Caswell, Carrie Caswell, Eveline Walk, Giles Turley, Gabriella Turley, Kate Huey, Emily J. Hunter, Elizabeth Cox, and D. H. Hatcher. A frame church building, to cost $700, is in process of erection.

The subject of this sketch, one of Saline's most distingushed men, was born in Wayne county, Kentucky, on the 12th day of July, 1807, and died in Saline county, Missouri, April 21st, 1866, being nearly fifty-nine years of age. He was a son of Wm. Bruce, a native of King George county, Virginia, and Sarah Bruce, his wife, whose maiden name was Vandever, and who was a native of Buncomb county. North Carolina. His father saw the army of Washington in its march to the final victory of the revolution at Yorktown. Both his parents lived to a green old age, the father being in his ninety-second, and the mother in her eighty-sixth year of age. The subject of this sketch was the sixth of a family of nine children, all of whom are now dead, except Mrs. Lavina Strother, mother of Hon. John P. Strother, late of Kentucky, but now of Marshall, and at present circuit judge of this circuit. In the year after his birth, his parents moved to Henry county, Kentucky, where they spent the remainder of their lives, dying in 1862, and where Aaron F. Bruce was reared. He was always industrious and energetic, even in boyhood. At that early day, school privileges were not abundant, and when a grammar schoiDl was started in his boyhood, in the neighborhood, his father told him and his brother they could attend. The brother attended, but Aaron told his father that if he would pay him the money that he intended to pay the teacher for his tuition, he would study his grammar at his plow-handle. This was done, and he carried his book with him into the field and cultivated his mind while he cultivated the corn. This serves

* This biography was not received by the printers in time to be inserted with those of Distinguished Citizens of Saline dounty," and consequently appears here.

fitly to illustrate his indomitable will and energy. When a young man, th'is same brother persuaded him to embark in, a mercantile venture in Owenton, Owen county, Kentucky, which proved financially disastrous, and was, in fact, entered upon in the first instance against the better judgment of Aaron. During this time both brothers were married, Aaron F. Bruce to Miss E. J. Robertson, of Woodford county, Kentucky. They were married on the 10th day of November, 1831, and Mrs. Bruce still survives him, after actively assisting him in his busy life, as only a true and faithful housewife can. But the failure at Owenton was not a conquest. Boldly striking out in reliance upon their energy and judgment Mr. Bruce and wife removed to Woodford county and started the race of life anew. Not satisfied with the prospect there, they sold out, and in the year 1837, removed to Missouri and pitched their tent on the magnificent prairie west of Marshall, then unbroken and blooming in virgin beauty and fragrant with the aroma of native flowers. Here they began anew the struggle for success, in which victory came as a reward to the industry and superior judgment displayed in nearly all his undertakings through life. His selection of lands, of which he became the owner in large quantities, was one of the best ever made in this, the richest of all counties.

In the year 1850, against the advice and protest of his parents, he joined that long and disastrous procession of pioneers, that moved across the continent to take possession of the golden shores of California, and work its precious mines. His reasons for going are best given in his own words. In a letter to his parents, began near Ft. Kearney, and written partly on the way and partly on his return, among other things, he says: " I am dyspeptic, and in rather a feeble state of health, and according to the advice of all the physicians, with whom I have conversed, I ought in justice to myself and family to take such a trip as this in order to prolong my life and benefit my family; and if, bye the bj^e, it should be the cause of my coming to my end in this world, it will not, in all probability, rob me of many days, nor take me from my dear family much sooner than if I had stayed at home." Further on he says : " I have, three wagons and teams of oxen and cows, two mules and one horse. The wagons started^ on the 5th day of May, ( 1850) and I started on the 7th. We are now on the Platte river, about sixty miles above Fort Kearney, and in the midst of sickness and death on all sides. The cholera has been among the emigrants for about eight or ten days. I have been sick for five or six days myself, and have got well. * The doctor said I had it ^ myself." Further on, under date of June 15th, he says: "We are still ascending the Platte river, or I might say, we are still in the valley of death. The cholera has been for several weeks making sad havoc in this emigration. Thousands have fallen victims to its wrath, if I may

Through sickness, dangers, and death, this fearless man moved on. On July 5 he says : " Yesterday was the 4th of July. We took a snowballing as we passed a deep bank of snow. * * Our health has much improved." On the 9th of February following he arrived at home, after having finished the journey to California overland, and disposing of his property and returning On a sail-ship by way of Panama. The ship landed, after being at sea forty days, when he weighed and found that he had gained twelve pounds over his weight at home. Among other things he says: " Well, I have got home again, after a long and unpleasant journey. Thousands of the most robust and best constitutions have fallen and left their bones to bleach on the plains, or have found a grave in the great ocean. Thousands died on the plains of cholera." At Salt Lake, he says that flour was $50 per barrel; sugar, coffee and dried fruit, 75 cents per pound. He saj^s the road was lined with dead stock for one thousand miles, and that " at the great desert, which is forty miles wide where we crossed, I believe had all the stock that died there been placed in a line, they would have reached across it - they would have touched each other all the way; and had the wagons left there been placed with their bodies end to end, they would have reached across it. A barrel of crackers would command $500. * * Two hungry fellows, after crossing the desert, sat down at a little brush shanty where was kept for sale pies, bread and meat, and they called for what they wanted, and when they got up their bill was $29, so said, and the writer thinks it likely."

When he returned, his dyspepsia was gone, and no doubt he had a new lease of life. So he plunged again into the activities of a farmer's life, rejoicing at his safe return and restored health.

On the outbreak of the late civil war he was a large slave-owner, and perhaps the largest hemp-grower in Saline county, his annual crop being from 300 to 400 acres. His sympathies were naturally with the south, and his wealth made him a prey to the avaricious. One day^ as he was returning home from Marshall, a murderous detachment of militia lay in ambush intending to kill him, as one of them afterward confessed, but were prevented by the fact that he was in company with a Union man. Busin:;ss was paralyzed by war, and, not content to risk his life and do nothing- at home, he left his beautiful home on Pilot Knob, four miles northwest of Marshall, and going to Nebraska City, embarked in a lucrative enterprise on a large scale, that of freighting for the government and transporting supplies across the plains to Colorado, whose silver and gold mines were then attracting a large emigration. In this business he employed many men and twelve heavy vv^agons and one hundred and twenty head of work cattle.

In the year 1865 he returned, to find much of the fencing on his large estate, laid waste by the jackals of war, and he set to work with characteristic energy to repair and re-build. An effort was made by vandals, during the war, to burn his fine mansion on Pilot Knob, but the incendiaries becoming alarmed, fled in haste, leaving the family to extinguish the flames, after many of his valuable papers were burned. The ravages of war - ^the mental and bodily excitements and tensions, and his wanderings in the west, no doubt, told on his powers of life, and in the spring of 1866, his body fell a victim to the King of Terrors, but he gave pleasing evidence that his Christian spirit triumphed over death and entered upon a happier life beyond. He died the owner of about eleven thousand acres of Missouri's best land, and leaving much property beside, and a family of five children, all of whom are now living and have their homes in the city of Marshall, where lives also his widow, Mrs. E. J. Bruce. They are among our worthy citizens, ^enterprising, intelligent and cultivated. The sons are Wm. R., Sidney T. and Robert Bruce, and the daughters, Mrs. Georgia A. Bruce and Mrs. Mary B. Marmaduke. Aaron F. Bruce was no ordinary man. Although a farmer, persuing with unusual activity, the business affairs of rural life on a large scale, he was well posted in public affairs, and could readily puzzle the college man with questions in science and philosophy, as well as in theology. He had a fine intellect, with strong powers of analysis, and was deeply reflective in quiescent moments. He was a liberal and faithful friend, a man of enterprise and public spirit and a kind'husband and father. If his mind had t^en a turn to public affairs he would have made a conspicuous mark in the roll, of distinguished men.

WILLIAM T. PATTISON, P. O., Arrow Rock. Son of Dr. John Pattison, who was a native of Ireland, and came to the United States and settled in Virginia at an early date ; his mother was a native of New England. The subject of this sketch was born on New Year's Day, 1822, in Fairfield county, Connecticut, at which place his parents were sojourning at that time. While he was yet an infant, his parents returned to Monroe county, in what is now West Virginia, and there he grew up, and was educated in the county schools, and at Yale College. At the age of twenty-three, Mr. Pattison, with a younger brother, established the first printing press in Monroe county, Virginia, and later the same couple founded at Omaha, the first newspaper ever published in Nebraska. On the 31st of October, 1849, he was married to Miss Nancy B. Clark, of Monroe county, Virginia, and had six children - two of them now living, Mary S. and Henrietta V. In 1850, Mr. Pattison moved to this county, and taught the male and female seminary in Arrow Rock for two years. He then bou|fht a farm on Blackwater, and tried farming - at the same time continued teaching - and continued both for about eight years. He then moved to Marshall, and was appointed postmaster to succeed Michael Flynn, and was also made a justice of the peace, which offices, as well as that of express agent, stage agent, and notary public, he held at one and the same time, and in addition carried on a book and news store. During the war, Mr. Keithly was elected county treasurer, and failed to give bond. The court appointed Mr. Pattison to fill the office, giving bond, which he did, and collected about $11,000 of revenue, when he discovered that his appointment was illegal, and resigned. In his settlement with the court there was a difference of ten cents, and that against himself. He then engaged in the grocery business, in what was then well known in Marshall as the old "gun-boat" house. He remained in Marshall until 1864, when the guerrillas and militia became so dangerous to non-combatants that he moved his family to Canada, and remained till the war ended, and then returned to Saline, and settled in Arrow Rock, where he now resides. He is justice of the peace, and has been for seventeen years, and notary public for many years. In 1860, he took the United States census for Saline county. His pen was known in the old Marshall Democrat, and for the last seven or eight years has been con- nected with the Saline County Democrat. He is a well-known and witty writer, and was the author of certain famous articles in 1860, known as the "Book of Chronicles." He is a public-spirited gentleman, and has done much to develop the mineral resources of Saline.

JUDGE STEPHEN M. THOMPSON, P. O., Arrow Rock. The subject of this sketch was born in Jefferson county, New York, June 3d, 1825, and is now in his fifty-sixth year. His father, Ichabod Thompson, and his mother Achsah, were natives of New York, and are both now dead. He was raised on his father's farm, and was educated in the common schools and in the Clinton Seminary, Oneida county, N. Y. After he became of age, he engaged mostly in mechanical work and business. In 1867 he came west, and settled in Booneville, Mo., and lived there a short time, and then moved to Arrows Rock, in this county, where he settled permanently, and engaged in the milling business - operating a steam flouring mill, elevator, and saw mill. In 1870 he was elected one of the judges of the county court. He was a republican, but as he was never extreme, he joined the liberal wing in 1870, and was elected for six years. While on the bench he continued to prosecute his milling and elevator business, and does still. On the 6th of February, 1850, Judge Thompson was married to Miss Cyrene L. Norton, of Jefferson county, N. Y., and has three children - Alice M., Norton S., and Bertha C. Judge Thompson has closely identified himself with the interests of this county, and while on the bench his mechanical knowledge enabled him to save the county many hundreds of dollars.

TEMPLETON C. McMAHAN, P. O., Arrow Rock. Was born in Cooper county. Mo., October 10, 1830. "His father, Wm. C. McMahan, a native of Kentucky, came to Missouri in 1810, and settled on a farm in Cooper county, and was killed near Brownsville, in this county, by the Indians, and robbed of about $20,000.

He was raised on a farm and educated in the neighborhood schools. In 1850 he entered the store of his uncle Jesse McMahan, in Arrow Rock, and remained there as clerk for six years. For several years after this he was occupied in teaching school in this and Cooper counties.

In April, 1858, he married Miss Sarah E. Mcjilton, of Arrow Rock, and in 1864 his wife died, leaving three children, two now living: William E. and Nannie. In 1861 he engaged in the commission business in Arrow Rock, and continued it until 1865. He then went into the stove and tinware business with McGuffin, which they continued until 1872, when he returned to the commission business.

On the 1st of September, 1870, he was married to Miss Annie M. Reid of Cooper county, (now principal of the McMahan Institute), and has two children by this marriage, Carl Templeton and Arter Reid. Mr. McMahan has lived many years in Arrow Rock, and is ranked among the most respectable citizens of the place. He was often arrested during the war by the soldiers on both sides, but was never taken from the county. He lost heavily by the war.

WILLIAM M. TYLER, P. O., Arrow Rock. Was born in Cooper county, Missiouri, October, 10, 1852. His father, Wm. D. Tyler, was a native of Virginia, but came to Missouri at an early day, and settled on a farm in Cooper county, where the subject of this sketch was raised, and educated in the country schools, and at Booneville. His mother was a native of Missouri. At the age of twenty-one he came to Arrow Rock, in this county, and engaged in the drug business, which he continued for several 3'-ears, and then went into the grocery and produce business. Most of Mr. Tyler's business life has so far been spent in Arrow Rock, where he has many friends and a lucrative trade, obtained by fair and honest dealing. On the 8th of October, 1879, he was united in marriage to Miss M. P. Reid, of Cooper county. He is justly ranked among the leading business men of Arrow Rock.

SAMUEL C. McCLEAN, P. O., Arrow Rock. Was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, August 31, 1848. His father was a native of Kentucky, but moved to Indiana, and settled on a farm, where the subject of this sketch was born and raised to the age of sixteen. He then went to Owensville, Kentucky, and served an apprenticeship at the saddler trade, and then engaged in journey-work until 1871, when he left Kentucky and came to Missouri and located at Kirksville, in Adair county, and remained there seven years in the saddlery and harness business. In 1878 he left Kirksville and located in Arrow Rock, in this county, where he now is; and as he is the only saddler in Arrow Rock, he has a large trade, which he deserves, as he is a good workman, and deals honestly and squarely by his patrons. On the 8th of May, 1869, he was married to Miss Mary E. Richart, of Bath county, Kentucky, and has had five children, of whom only one, Charles Howe, is now living.

PLEASANT I. DAVIS, P. O., Arrow Rock. Was born in Kentucky, March>18, 1816. When he was but three weeks old, his father came to Missouri and settled in Howard county. There he was raised, and received such education as the country schools afforded. His father was a native of Virginia, but came to Kentucky when thirty-two years of age, and married in that state. His parents both died in Howard caunty, where they lived for thirty years. Mr. Davis was engaged in farming until 1841. He then went to Caldwell county, Missouri, where he remained 'about 8 years, engaged in farming. When the war broke out, Mr. Davis entered the Confederate army under Gen. Sterling Price, and was in the battles of Wilson Creek, Pea Ridge, Carthage, Cane Creek and Little Rock. He was under Shelby for about two years, served throughout the war. After the war, in the spring of 1866, he came to Arrow

Rock, where he has since been engaged in the livery business, and has a first-class business. At twenty-one years of age he was married to Miss Berthilda Duncan, of Howard county, Missouri; has four children; Sarah L., Wade Hampton, Lena and Thomas.