Saline County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1910 (part 10 of 17)

August Katlexder

A man who has won definite success in life liecause he has worked for it along legitimate lines rather than been favored by the caprices of fortune and assistance of influential friends is August Katlender, a well know^n farmer in Elmwood township. Saline county. He was born in St. Louis. Missouri, December 3, 1844. the son of Henry and Mary Katlender, both natives of Germany and who. in early life, came to America, locating in the city of St. Louis. They were young in years and consequently energetic and soon had a foothold in the new country. Henry Katlender began work as a stonemason. His death occurred in 1852 and his wife reached the age of eightysix vears. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and were the parents of five children, namely: Catherine, Louisa, August, of this review ; Henry, who lives in St. Louis ; Lewis is deceased. After the father of these children died the mother married again, her last husband being Henry Lindhorst, of St. Louis, and to them seven children were born, now all deceased except Millie, of St. Louis.

August Katlender was reared in St. Louis and received a limited education in the public schools there. When he became old enough he began teaming there, following this until his removal to Lafayette countVx^lissouri, in 1 87 1, where he farmed for several years. In 1893 he bought his present farm in Elmwood township, Saline county, consisting of one hundred and forty acres of good land, all under cultivation but twenty acres which is in timber. He has fenced and otherwise greatly improved the place and has a comfortable house and other buildings. He is a hard worker and has managed his affairs in such a manner as to obtain a very comfortable income from year to year.

Mr. Katlender married Dora Borsum in 1880. She is a native of Haur over, Germany, and the daughter of Conrad and Sophia Borsum, natives of Germany, who came to America in about 1850, first settling in Baltimore. Maryland, but in a short time came on to Lafayette county, Missouri, where they farmed for a time. Conrad Borsum was a shoemaker by trade ; he and his wife were the parents of three children, namely; Henry, became a Union soldier, dying while in the service, of smallpox; he was in the Twenty-fourth Regiment Illinois Infantry and participated in many important and hotly contested battles during his service of over three years; Dora is the wife of Mr. Katlender, of this review; Frederick lives in Colorado. The Borsum family are members of the Lutheran church. Several other children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Borsum while living in the old country, but they died in unfancy, unnamed.

Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Katlender, namely : William Frederick, who has remained single, is living at home, managing the farm for his parents; Mary Louisa is the wife of Joseph Menegali, a farmer of Salt Pond township, this county, and they are the parents of one child, August ; Albert Henry is single and is living at home, assisting with the work on the farm. Mrs. Katlender was married to Charles Brace, now deceased, prior to her marriage with the subject, and five children were born of her first marriage, namely: Mary, the wife of James Cole, lives in Danville, Illinois:

Mattie is living at home; Lizzie is the wife of John Hink ; Sophia is the wife of Van Elsa, Hving in Sah Pond township on a farm; Emma is the wife of Joshua Dorsey, hving in North Dakota.

Mr. Katlender rendered some efficient services to the Union during the conflict with the Southern states, having enhsted in the Missouri State Mihtia in 1864 and served until the close of the war, his services being mostly guard duty. Politically he is a Republican and he and his wife are members of the Christian church. This family are highly respected in Elmwood township, where they have led plain, industrious lives and attended strictly to their own affairs.

Daniel M. Botts

The life record of Daniel M. Botts, of Elmwood township, Saline county, is one of varied interest, having been lived in such a manner as to stamp him as a man of fidelity to principle, loyalty to the Union and generosity to his friends. He is a native of Missouri, having first seen the light of day in Pettis county, May ii, 1837, the son of Seth and Elmina (Harper) Botts, both natives of Tennessee, but who emigrated to Missouri in 1832 and settled in Pettis county in 1833 when conditions here were decidedly primitive, entering land from the government. The father of Seth was John Botts, a native of North Carolina and an early settler in Tennessee, his death occurring in Missouri. Elmina Harper was born in Tennessee, of an excellent old familv. She was a member of the Baptist church. To Mr. and Mrs. Seth Botts eight children were born: Louisa, William, John H., Martha A., Daniel M. (subject), David M., Nancy and Malinda.

Daniel M. Botts was reared on the home farm and received a C(nnmon school education, alternating schooling with farming, attending the pioneer schools, taught in log school houses, with puncheon floors and greased paper in lieu of window panes. September 8, 1864, he married Elizabeth Durrill, a native of Pettis county, Missouri; she died ]May 2. 1887. She was the daughter of Milton Durrill. This union resulted in the birth of nine children, namely : Etta, wife of George Kindrick, lives in Oklahoma, and is the mother of four children. John E. died in Leadville, Colorado, in 1902; Eva is the wife of B. Renfro, living in Pettis county, Missouri; Nannie is the wife of William Harris, living in Texas; Milton S., who married Lula Huckelberry, lives in Pettis county and engaged in the mercantile business; Millie is the wife of H. H. McMullen, living in the state of Washington;

Clara E. lives in Seattle. \\\ishinoton ; George D. also lives in Washington; Grover C, who has remained single, is a resident of the state of Washington.

Daniel M. Botts began life as a farmer in Pettis county, this state, where he remained until 1889, then came to Mt. Leonard, Saline county, Missouri. Early in life he had learned the blacksmith's trade, also the wag(Mimaker's trade and he successfully conducted such a shop at Mt. Leonard until 1902, when he moved to the little town of Elmwood, in Elm wood township, where he now owns a small farm adjoining the town, which is well improved with a cozy dwelling and a good barn, and he keeps the premises in tasty order. He also maintains and operates a blacksmith shop and wagon shop in Elmwood and carries on quite a large business, his reputation as a blacksmith and inechanic being second to none in the county.

Mr. Botts is a member of the Baptist church and politically he is a Democrat, and held the office of justice of the peace for a period of sixteen years while living in Pettis county, Missouri. He is a deacon in the local church and takes much interest in church affairs.

Mr. Botts was a Union soldier during the coniiict between the states, enlisting in the Home Guards in 1862 in Pettis county, Missouri, later enlisting in the State Militia in 1863 under Colonel Crawford, serving nine months. In the same year he enlisted in the Fifth Missouri Regiment (Companv C) and served until 1865. He entered this company as a private and rose to first lieutenant, most of his service being in Missouri. He was in the Marshall skirmish, also the one at Sedalia ; at the former he made the first charge and carried the flag. Most of his services w'ere in skirmishing and keeping down the Confederates in this state.

In 1890 Mr. Botts was married a second time, his last wnfe being Elizabeth Rebecca Fulkerson, a native of Boone county, Missouri ; she is the daughter of Frederick M. and Sarah (Ridgeway) Fulkerson, the former the son of James Fulkerson, a native of Lee county. Virginia. The Fulkersons were known as blacksmiths and hunters in the early days. James Fulkerson came to Missouri in 1817, settling in Cole county, spending the first winter where Boonville now stands. All was then wild, and he took up government land in that county, farming there until his death, in December, 1847. He was a member of the Baptist church. He married Elizabeth McMillen, of Virginia, who died in 1832. They were the parents of nine children, namely: W^illiam, Abraham, Nancy, Elizabeth, Sarah, James, Jane, Frederick, fathcr of Mrs. Botts, and John.

souri. His wife. Sarah Ridgeway, was the daug-hter of Elijah Ridgeway, a native of Tennessee, and she came with her parents to Howard county. yUssouri, in 1818. Frederick Fulkerson was a menihcr of the Primitive Baptist church and a RepubHcan. With an old squirrel rifle, he took part in the "Mormon war." He was a slave owner and his family consisted of eleven children, namely: James, Elijah H., William, Elizabeth (Mrs. Botts), John, Nancy, Thomas B.. Jane. Richard, Jesse; the youngest died unnamed. The present Mrs. Botts was first married to Ray Fulkerson, a nati\'e of Cooper county, Missouri. He was a Presbyterian, and his death occurred in 1859. Two children were born of this union. James, a farmer in Salt Pond township. Saline county, who married Belle Talbert. and Florence D.. wife of Julius Deal, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. No children have been born to Mr. Botts and his second wife.

Henry Clay Terrell

Among the citizens of Elmwood township. Saline county, ^Missouri, who have built up a comfortable home and surrounded themselves with large landed and personal property, none has attained a higher degree of success than Henry Clay Terrell. With few opportunities except what his own efforts were capable of mastering and with many discouragements to overcome, he has made an exceptional success of life.

Henry Clay Terrell was born in St. Clair county. Illinois. November 18. 1844, and is a son of Isaac L. and Nancy J. (Woods) Terrell, the former a native of Bourbon county, Kentucky, and the latter of St. Clair county, Illinois. The paternal grandfather was Jeremiah Terrell, who was born in Cumberland county. New Jersey, in 1773. In 1813 he made the long journey to Bourbon county. Kentucky, walking the entire distance. He remained there until 1829, when he remo\'ed to St. Clair county. Illinois, where he took up wild land, which he improved and developed into a good farm. He became one of the leading men of his section and maintained his home there until his death, which occurred in 1855, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. \\'liile in Kentucky he had married Mrs. ]\Iary (Christa) Davis, a widow and the mother of three children, James L., William C. and Mary. She had been a weaver by vocation, which was also his trade. To Jeremiah and Alary ( Christa) Terrell were born three children, Edward, Adam and Isaac. Isaac came to Saline county, Missouri, in 1883. and lived here until his death, which occurred November 11, 1900, at the age of eighty years. He married Nancy J. ^^'oods in 1843. She was born in 1825 and was a daughter of John Woods, who was a native of Pennsylvania and an early settler of St. Clair county, Illinois, where they were successful farmers and died. Isaac Terrell was a Renublican in politics and a leading man in the community. In 1864 he enlisted as a member of the One Hundred and Forty-third Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he sei~ved six months, mostly in Tennessee. Nancv J. Terrell died in 1889. To her union with Isaac Terrell were born nine children, namely: Henry C. the immediate subject of this sketch; Edward, of Saline county, Missouri; James M., also of this county; Virginia M,. the wife of William J. Miller, of St. Clair county, Illinois ; John is a successful farmer in Virginia; George died in i860; William C, who lives in Texas, is successfully engaged in the raising of potatoes; Martha lives in Texas ; Isaac lives at Marshall, this county.

Henry C. Terrell was reared on the paternal farmstead and secured his elementary education in the common schools, supplementing this by attendance at a business college. He was reared to the life of a farmer and foll(A\e(l this vocation in St. Clair county, Illinois, until 1882, when he came to Saline county, Missouri, and purchased seven hundred and twenty acres of fine and fertile land, comprising his present farm. Here he has since remained, being continuously engaged in the tilling of the soil and the breeding and raising of live stock, in both of which lines he has been prospered to a satisfactory degree. The Terrell farm is known far and wide and is generally recognized as one of the most attractive and best equipped farms in this part of ?vIissouri. The progressive methods of Mr. Terrell are in evidence on every side. The residence, which he erected, is one of the most attractive and modern houses in the county, being large and conveniently arranged. It is of two stories and is heated by a furnace and lighted by a complete and up-todate acetylene gas plant, the light being also installed in the barns and other farm buildings where it can be used to advantage. A powerful wind mill pumps water to a large tank, from which it is conveyed by pipes to every part of the residence, as well as to the smoke house, cow barn, horse barn and large modern hog house. Thus the place has practically all the conveniences to be found in improved city property. In the large orchard are to be found every variety of fruit trees that will grow in this section of the countr}-, many of them l)eing of the very finest and some of rare varieties. The home is most eligibly situated about five miles southeast of Blackburn and is a deligluful place to visit, the spirit of hospitality being ever in evidence.

and keeps in close touch with the most advanced ideas relating to the science of ag-riculture. the result being- that he is enabled annually to realize handsome returns for his labor. He keeps in close touch with every detail of the work and the general appearance of the place indicates him to be a man of excellent taste and splendid judgment. In addition to the tilling of the soil, Mr. Terrell has achieved marked success in the handling of live stock, of which large numbers annually pass through his hands. He raises and buys large numbers of cattle, hogs and sheep, which he fattens and places on the market, and he also' raises many mules and horses. He is a very- busy man, his present prosperity being the direct result of his energetic and well planned methods. Far and wide he is known as a thoroughly practical farmer and enterprising man of affairs.

In i86g Henry C. Terrell was united in marriage with Nancy Carr, a native of St. Clair county, Illinois, and a daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Wilderman) Carr, also natives of St. Clair county, and farming folk. This union has been a most happy and congenial one and has been blessed in the birth of nine children, namely : Miriam ; Sarah is the wife of J. F. Coulter, of Sweet Springs, and they have three children, \yilbin- T., Mary and an infant; George, who is a successful farmer in this county, married Lydia Spencer and they have one child. Georgia May ; Edith died at the age of four years ; John died at the age of four years ; Henry Clay died in infancy ; one that died unnamed ; Grant, who lives at home, and Mary. In politics Mr. Terrell gives his support to the Republican party and takes a commendable interest in local public affairs, though not in any sense an aspirant for public office of any nature.

Jackey Spencer Hitt

In the daily laborious struggle for an honorable competence and a solid career on the part of a business man there is little to attract the casual reader in search of a sensational chapter ; but to a mind thoroughly awake to the realitv and meaning of human existence there are noble and imperishable lessons in the career of an individual who, without other means than a clear head, strong arm and true heart, directed and controlled by correct principles and unerring judgment, Cfinquers all obstacles and finally wins, not only pecuniary independence, but. wdiat is far greater and higher, the deserved respect and confidence of those with whom his active years have been passed. Such a man is the honored subject of this sketch, who. after many years of active

Air. Mitt was born in Scott county, Illinois, on June 13. 184J, and is a son of Benjamin F. and Elvira (Riggs) ITitt, tbe former of who was a native of Bourbon county, Kentucky, and the latter of Illinois. The subject's paternal grandparents were Jackey and Theresa Hitt. natives of Virginia, who emigrated t(~) Kentucky. They were the parents of four children. Elisha B., Jesse L.. Nancy and Benjamin F. Jackey Hitt was married a second time to Matilda Avres, and they became the parents of five children, Amanda. Rachael A., Margaret J.. Henry B. and John. Jackey Hitt was a farmer by vocation, which he followed all his active years. He was in politics a strong Jackson Democrat and in religion he was an equally strong Methodist. He died in Kentucky. Benjamin F. Hitt, the subject's father, was reared on the paternal farmstead in Kentuck}' and received his education in the common schools of his home neighborhood. He was also a Democrat in politics and a Methodist in religious belief. In 1835 he emigrated to Illinois, settling on uncleared land in Scott county, and there he cleared and developed the land into a splendid farm. In 1865 he and his family came to Alissouri, settling near Dover, in Lafayette county, where he successfully operated a farm until his death. He married Elvira Riggs, who was a daughter of Scott and Hannah Riggs, natives of South Carolina, but early settlers of Tennessee. Later they came to Illinois, being among the pioneer settlers of Scott county, where they settled on wild land, which they proceeded to clear and develop into a good farm. Mr. Riggs was also a blacksmith and operated a forge on his farm, his services in this capacity being much in demand among the early settlers of that section of the country. Scott Riggs was a man of fine character and stood high in the community. He was an old-line Whig in political belief and he and his wife were earnest members of the Disciples church. He and his wife were the parents of nine children, namely: Berry, who died in Oregon; Zeddie, who started for Oregon in 1850 but died on the Avay ; John, who died in early life; Milton was a stock farmer on the old homestead, where his death occurred ; Cynthia ; Harriet ; Sarah ; Elvira, mother of the .subject, and Louisa. The marriage of Benjamin and Elvira Hitt occurred in 1841 and they became the parents of the following children-. Jackey S., the immediate subject of this review- ; Amanda, Johanna, Hannah B., Elisha, Jesse, Benjamin F., Samuel and Robert Lee, all of whom are living but Samuel, who died in infancy.

Jackey S. Hitt was reared on the home farm, in the labors of which he took a part as soon as old enough. He secured his elementary education in the common schools, supplementing this by a two-years course in the Millersburg- College, in Kentucky. In 1863 he started overland to California, taking- along one hundred and sixty mules. He made the trip in safety and made the remarkable record of losing onh' one of the mules. He was gone about a year and a half, spending the greater part of the time in prospecting and looking over the country, which presented to him many features of interest. On his twenty-first birthday he bathed his face in the (ireat Salt lake. On his return to Illinois he remained with his family until their removal to Missouri in 1865. In the winter of that year he was married and in the spring of the following }-ear he engaged in farming in Elmwood township. Saline county, and in this line of work he has prospered from the Ijeginning. He bought land and, as he was able from time to time, he added to his original possession until at one time he owned three hundred and twenty acres of iine land, a part of this being now known as the Frank Mitchell farm. Mr. Hitt was practical and energetic in his operations and realized a handsome profit from his operations, so that in 1901 he was able to sell his propertv and retire to the beautiful home which he had acquired in Blackburn, where he is now spending his days in the enjoyment of that rest which he has so richly earned. His home is a modern and conveniently arranged residence, and is fitted up with all the conveniences which go to make life pleasant. The house is brilliantly illuminated with an acetylene gas plant, heated with a furnace and ecjuipped with a water plant which provides water in every part of the house where required. In every respect Mr. Hitt is most comfortably situated and his home is considered one of the most pleasant and attractive in the community.

In 1865 Mr. Hitt was united in marriage to Phoebe Moore, who was born in Brown county, Illinois, the daughter of Jacob and Cynthia A. (Garish) Moore, natives of New Hampshire, and earty settlers in Illinois, \vhere. in Brown county, they became highly respected farming folk. They were members of the Congregational church and in politics Mr. Moore was a Republican. They were the parents of five children, namely: Joseph G.. who died in 1905; Frances, Phoebe, George H. and Albert H. To the subject and his wife were born five children, namely: Jessie, who died in 1886; Frank, of Idaho, who married Minnie Gibson ; Russell married Susan Clark and also in Idaho; Cynthia is the wudow of Joseph Nelson and resides at Seattle, Washington ; Elvira died in )^oung womanhood.

Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Hitt are members of the ^Methodist Episcopal and Presbyterian churches respectively, and Mr. Hitt is a member of the oflicial board of his church, serving in the capacities of steward and trustee.

Politically, he gives his support to the Democratic party, while fraternally he is a member of the time-honored order of Freemasons. He is a man of a high order of mentality, being animated in all his actions by the highest principles, and in this county, where he has passed the best years of his life, he has aided materially in the development of the county and given his influence in support of all measures for the general good.

Several of the ancestors of Mrs. Hitt served in the war of the Revolution, among them being commissioned officers attaining the rank of captain and colonel. Mrs. Hitt is a member of the Daughters of the Revolution. She is a lady of refinement, having been educated at the Jacksonville (Illinois) Female Academy and was graduated therefrom in 1864 with honors of her class. She is a member of the alumnus and for many years has been a life member of the American Bible Societv.

George Balthasar Setbert

The agricultural interests of Saline county are well represented by George B. Seibert, who is one of the practical and enterprising farmers of Elmwood township. Like many other successful, self-made men of this locality, he is an American b}^ adoption only, being a native of Germany, from whence come so manv of the bone and sinew of this great western republic. Wherever known the German type is noted for thrift and enterprise, the gentleman whose life record is briefly outlined in the following paragraphs being no exception to this rule. His birth occurred in the grand duchy of Hessen- Darmstadt, October 14, 1841. the son of Balthasar and Catherine (Yost) Seibert, both natives of Germany and the representatives of an excellent and influential line of ancestry. Balthasar Seibert was the son of John Seiberi, who was a farmer, spending his entire life in the Fatherland. All were members of the Lutheran church and loyal supporters of the same. Balthasar Seibert was born December i, 1807, and his wife, Catherine Yost, was born September 23, 1813; they grew to maturity in their native land, were educated there and married upon reaching maturity. Believing that the new republic of the West held greater opportunities for them than their own country offered, they crossed the great Atlantic in 1852 in an old-fashioned sailing vessel, the "Yankee Plate," the voyage requiring thirty-eight days. They landed in Xew York Citv and went immediately to St. Clair county, Illinois, where they purchased a farm and spent the remainder of their lives, prospering there by reason of llieir induslr}- and honorable dealings with their neighbors. The father died February 19, 1889, having been preceded to the unseen world by his faithful life companion on March 16, 1883. They were people of strict integrity, members of the Lutheran church, and to them eight children were born, named as follows : Anna Catherine, born October 3, 1835, and died in childhood, May 22, 1836; Margaret was born August I, 1837, and died June 24, 1905; she was the wife of John Hagist ; Adam, who was born August 22, 1839, died December 10, 190-I-; he was a farmer in St. Clair county, Illinois; George B., of this review; Peter, born April 24, 1844, is a farmer in St. Clair county, Illinois, where he is prominent in politics, having served one term as state senator; Anna Catherine, born January 18, 1847. is the wife of Lewis Klingel. living in Illinois; Lizzie, born February 4, 1885, lives in Illinois, the wife of Henry Stein; Henry was born November 5, 1858, and died April 23, 1862.

George B. Seibert was eleven years of age when the family came to America. He distinctly remembers the ocean voyage and much of the revolution in Germany in 1848. He was reared to habits of industry on his father's farm in Illinois, where he began working vvhen merely a boy. However, he alternated fanning with schooling in the parochial schools in Germany and six months in the public schools in this country. He remained at home until he married and then he began farming on the old homestead, later buying the interests of the other children in the same. In 1890 he sold the place for one hundred dollars per acre, his father having paid only twenty dollars per acre for it when the family came there from Germany. He then moved to Saline county. Missouri, and bought the old Judge Sparks farni of three hundred and sixty acres for forty-five dollars per acre He has drained the same and remodeled the dwelling and built additional barns and made many other substantial improvements, until he now has one of the finest old farm homes in the county, the house being on the antique colonial style, in the midst of attractive surroundings. Mr. Seibert is an up-to-date farmer and everything about his place shows good management. He handles quite a good deal of stock of various kinds, no small amount of his income being derived from this source.

Mr. Seibert has been twice married, first in 1868 to Elizabeth Mueller, a native of St. Clair county, Illinois, the daughter of Jacob Mueller ; she was called to her rest on May 22, 1884. The following children were born to this union : Gustave, a farmer in Illinois, married Carrie Trautmann and is the father of four children, Oscar deceased, Leona, Cleda and Leonard; Clara is the wife of Charles A. Senges, lives on a farm in Elmwood township, and nthey are the parents of one child, Albert George ; Lewis married Rosa Weber and they are the parents of three children, Georgia E., deceased, George K. and Frances Leia ; Ahna is the wife of Jacob Weber, a farmer, and they have two chil(h-en. Lewis and ])()r()thy E.

- George B. Seibert's second wife was Margaret Katharine Sohn. whom he married on October 29, 1885; she was born in France, October 20, 1863, and is the daughter of Frederick and Alargaret (Michaeh) Sohn, l)oth natives of France, the former having followed the avocation of stone-mason : thev came to Amei-ica in 1866 and settled in St. Louis, Missouri, where he worked at his trade until his death, in November, 1906. He served ten years in the Foreign Legion of France in northern Africa. His wife died March 10, 1903. They were members of the Evangelical Protestant church and Mr. Sohn was a Republican. They were the parents of three children : Margaret K.. wife of Mr. Seibert, of this review; Emma H. F., the wife of William Ralhert. lives in St. Louis: Lla D. is the wife of Henry Frank, living in St. Louis. The mother of these children was born October 23, 1838.

Mr. Seibert is the father of five children by his second wife, namely : Robert Henry George, born November 25, 1886, lives at home and is now attending \A'ashington L^niversity, St. Louis; Emma, born July 20. 1888; Frederick, born September 5, 1889; Georgia Margaret, born March 31, 1901, and Eugene Connell, April 20, 1906. are all members of the home* circle.

Mr. Seibert proved his loyalty to his adopted country by enlisting in the L'nion army during the war between the states, becoming a member of Companv D, One Hundred and Forty-ninth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in 1865, and he was discharged from the service at Dalton, Georgia, Januarv 11, 1866. His service consisted i)rincipally in assisting to keep the railroads open for supplies.

Politically. Mr. Seibert is a Republican, but he is now voting independently, preferring to cast his ballot for the man rather than the party. He is interested in whatexer tends to promote the common g(^od locall)- and in general and all worthy measures find in him liberal support.

Freel Sanders Edwards

Back to stanch old Welsh stock does Mr. Edwards trace his lineage, and that in his character abide those sterling qualities which have ever marked the true type of the Welsh people is manifest when we come to consider the more salient points in his life history, which has ever been marked by consecutive industry and invincible spirit, eventuating most naturally in securing- him a high position in the respect and confidence of his fellow men.

Freel S. Edwards is a native son of the Old Dominion state, having first seen the light of day in Carroll county, Virginia, on February 22. 1845, ^^'^^^ is a son of Isaac and Alary (Beamer) Edwards, who also were natives of that state. The subject's paternal grandfather, also named Isaac, was a native of rock-ribbed A\'ales, who' came in young manhood to the United States and settled in Virginia, where he followed the pursuit of farming until his death. The subject's parents were married in Virginia and they too followed agricultural pursuits during all their active years. Both died and are buried near where they lived. The subject's mother was a faithful member of the "Hardshell" Baptist church. They were the parents of eleven children, namely; Eliza, deceased; Philip E., deceased; Joshua A., who still resides in Virginia; Rosa, Charity, Absalom \\\. Jonathan, Mahala ; Creed, who was a soldier during the Civil war and lost his life while in battle ; Richard Alanoah. and Freel S.. the immediate subject of this sketch.

Freel S. remained under the parental roof until he was eighteen years of age and received a fair education in the schools of the neighborhood. At the age of eighteen years he enlisted as a member of Company D, Twenty-ninth Regiment Virginia Confederate Infantry, joining the command at Petersburg, that state, and sen-ing until the end of the war. ]\Iuch of his ser\ice was in and around Richmond and he also did considerable sen-ice as a member of the ambulance corps. He escaped being wounded and at the end of his period of seiwice he took up the pursuit of farming, which he followed in Carroll countv, Virginia, about seven years, and later in other locations in that state. In 1883 Mr. Edwards came to Lafayette county, Missouri, and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1902, when he came to his present location in Elmwood township. Saline county, and bought the eighty-acre farm which he now occupies and which he is successfully cultivating. The farm, which is close by the attractive little town of Elmwood, is highly improved and under the persistent and systematic efforts of the subject it has been made to return a handsome income. The splendid residence, commodious and well arranged bam, spacious outbuildings, well kept fences, up-to-date machinery and other accessories of a modern farm give evidence of the progressive and practical methods that are followed in its operation.

On November 8, 1866. Mr. Edwards was united in marriage with Phoebe Higgins. a native of Virginia and a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Edwards) Higgins. who were natives of Grayson county. Virginia, where they spent their lives on a farm, and died. To the subject and his wife have been born nine children, who are briefly mentioned as follows : Jennie is the wife of Alfred Peacock, a successful farmer in Lafayette county, Missouri ; Flora is the wife of W'yatt Lewis, of Lafayette county, and they are the parents of four children, \\'ilma, W'orthington, Anna Ruth and Lester; Thomas L died at the age of twenty-eight years ; Charles H., who is engaged in fanning in Clay county, Missouri, married Sarah Elmaker and they have three children. Chappell, Christopher and Freel; Mary is the wife of William E. Vanarsdall, a farmer in Elmwood township, this county, and they have one child, Alfred; Joseph, who is a foreman in the Missouri Pacific railroad shops at Sedalia, Missouri, married Lizzie Lemons, and they have two children, Nannie Marie and Phoebe Elizabeth ; Mattie is the wife of Buford Wood, a farmer in Elmwood township, this county, and they have one child, Cecil; Rufus B., who is unmarried, remains at home and is operating the farm for his father ; Delpha is the wife of John Forbes and they have two children, Earl and Russell.

Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Edwards are members of the Disciples church, holding their membership with the society at New Home chapel, to which they give an earnest and liberal support. Fraternally Mr. Edwards is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

Benjamin Franklin Henley

The true western spirit of progress and enterprise is strikingly exemplified in the lives of such men as the subject of this sketch, men whose energetic nature and laudable ambition have enabled them to conquer many adverse circumstances and advance steadily in business life. The subject is a worthy representative of this class and is now a prominent figure in the business circles of Saline county, being successfully engaged in several different capacities in the town of Blackburn, Elmwood township.

Benjamin F. Henley is a native of the county in which he now lives, his natal day having been the 24th day of June, 1869, and he is a son of Matthew and Elizabeth (Coffey) Henley. The subject's father was a native of North Carolina, while his mother was born in Kentucky. Matthew Henley was reared on a farm in his native state and received his education in the common schools. In young manhood he came to Missouri and for a while was engaged in teaching school, in which vocation he was fairly successful. He was wisely economical and in due time was enabled to buy a farm, in the operation of which he was thereafter engaged until to an old age. He died in 1887, at the age of seventy-four years. In politics he was a Republican and his religious belief was that of the Disciples church, of which body he w^as a faithful member. Matthew Henley was three times married. To his first union there were born four children ; Augusta, of Baker City, Oregon ; Jeffrey, who died in 1886; Margaret E., the widow of C. C. Wingfield, and Rebecca, who died in 1902. His second marriage bore no fruit. To his union with Elizabeth Coffey were born three children, namely: Benjamin F., the immediate subject of this sketch ; Guernsey, deceased, and Andrew M. The mother of these children is still living and is making her home in Blackburn.

Benjamin F. Henley first saw the light of day on a farm near Salt Springs, Saline county, Missouri, and on that farm he was reared and taught his first lessons of industry. He is indebted to the common schools of the locality for his mental training and he remained under the parental roof until he was sixteen years old. when he started out in life on his own account, working on farms by the month. At the time of his marriage he had saved enough money to enable him to buy a farm, and he was engaged in farming until 1899, when he sold out and engaged in carpentering and building, which trade he had learned while engaged on the farm. He was so occupied until 1901, when he became proprietor of a general store at Herndon, Missouri, which he operated until 1907, when he sold that at cost and five per cent, premium and came to Blackburn and established a poultry and produce business, in which he is now engaged. Starting on a small scale, Mr. Henley so conducted his busi-. ness that it thrived and increased in volume almost constantly, until now it is one of the principal houses of this character in this part of the country. Three hands are constantly employed and large numbers of fowls and great quantities of butter, eggs and other farm produce are shipped to the city markets. Honest dealing has been the watchword which has guided him in all his business dealings and this fact has become impressed on all who have dealt with him, the result being that he is in command of practically the entire business in his line here. Mr. Henley is also engaged in the real estate business, being the agent for some of the best land in Missouri. Texas, Colorado and Kansas. As an insurance agent, he represents the well known Hartford, Home and Phoenix companies, whose reputations for solidity and promptness have never been questioned. Mr. Henley is also a notary public and in 1908 he was elected a justice of the peace and is now discharging the duties of that office.

In politics Mr. Henley is a Republican and takes a strong stand for his party, believing that the principles as enunciated in the platform of that party to be the best for the x\merican people. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Woodmen of the World and the Modern

In 1892 Mr. Henley was united in marriage with Mary V. Halsey, who was born in Saline county, Missouri, the daughter of William K. and Sarah (Huffman) Halsey. To this union have been born six children, namely: Joseph W.. \\'illie (who died at the age of five years), James, Ewart F., Gladys M. and Ruth V. In every relation of life Mr. Henley has evidenced the fact that he can be relied upon, one of the most valuable traits of character which a man can cultivate, and he has been true to every trust placed in him. A man of genial disposition, he is easily approached and because of the excellent qualities of character which he possesses he has long enjoyed the respect and confidence of all who have had dealings with him.

Louis Hering, who is engaged in the lumber business in Blackburn, Saline county, Missouri, ranks among the most enterprising and progressive business men of that section of the county. The prosperity of any community, town or city depends upon its commercial activity, its industrial interests and its trade relations, and therefore the real upbuilders of a tow-n are those wdio stand at the head of the leading enterprises. Mr. Hering has had to do at various times w'ith a number of enterprises which have directly contributed to the prosperity of the community and therefore is deserving of specific mention in a work of this nature.

Louis Hering, Jr., was born in St. Clair county, Illinois, March 7, 1853, and is a son of Louis and Rosa (Haase) Hering, both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to the United States in 1848 and settled in Belleville, Illinois, where the father was engaged at his trade, that of cabinetmaker. He was an expert workman and w^as also employed frequently in the making of coffins and other articles. He died in 1893, having survived many years his wife, who died when the subject of this sketch was quite young. They were the parents of four children, namely : Louisa, who is the wife of Henry Fredrick, of Marion county, Illinois; Fredrica, the wife of George Bender, of Belleville, Illinois ; Bertha, the wife of George Edwards ; and Louis, the subject of this sketch. Louis Hering, Sr., was married the second time, his choice being Margaret Rodgers, a native of Ireland.

The subject of this sketch w^as reared in his native county and received a good education in the common schools, supplementing this by two years' at- tendance at the State University at Champaign, Illinois. Under his father's directions he learned the cabinetmaker's trade, at which he was employed about five years at Belleville. He was also engaged about a year in teaching school. Subsequently he went to St. Louis and was employed as g'eneral office man for a coal firm, and was eventually given oversight of the finn's business in Illinois, which position he retained six or seven years. In 1882 Mr. Hering came to Blackburn, Saline county, and started in the hardware and lumber business. He was successful and conducted the twO' lines for some time, eventually selling the lumber business to the LaCross Lumber Company. With F. \'V. Mollenbrock, John Donaldson, Logan Chappell, Fred Rubelman, W. A. Botha and others, he took a prominent part in the organization of the Blackburn Mercantile Company, one oi the most important enterprises in the town. Sometime later he disposed of his interests in this company and bought the LaCross Lumber Company, the business of which he has since been engaged in conducting-. The lumber yard is a large one and in it is to be found a complete line of lumber of all the kinds and dimensions usually to be found in a well stocked yard. In addition, Mr. Hering also handles a number of side lines, allied with the lumber business, including all kinds of building material, paints, oils, etc. In all his operations he has been prospered and is numbered among the best business men of this section of the county. At one time Mr. Hering was a stockholder in the Bank of Blackburn, and from April I, 1900, to 1905 he served as cashier of the bank, but he has disposed of his banking interests and is devoting his attention to his lumber interests.

In politics Mr. Hering is a Democrat and has taken much interest in local public affairs, having served as town clerk and chairman of the town board, in both of which positions he rendered satisfactory service to his fellow townsman. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has passed through all the chairs in the subordinate lodge and is now a member of the grand lodge, serving also at the present time as treasurer of the local lodge.

In 1878 Mr. Hering married Emma Flair, who is a native of Nebraska and a daughter of Barnard Flair. This union has been blessed by the advent of four children, namely: Louis B., who is engaged in the grocery business in Oklahoma, married May Bothe ; Harry, who is engaged in the lumber business in Oklahoma, married Anna Rollins and they are the parents of two children. Harold A. and Anna Louise; Frances Gertrude is the wife of F. C. Neal, a successful farmer, and they have one child, Gaines Hering; Carl, who is still a member of the home circle, is a student in Washington University, at St. Louis, Missouri.

Mr. Hering's success has been attained by worthy and legitimate means and through his own efforts, so that to him has always been accorded the fullest measure of popular confidence and esteem, the citizens of the community being appreciatiN-e of the value of his influence and co-operation in connection with any project or undertaking conserving the general welfare. Of genial disposition and courteous manners, he has won a host of warm personal friends.

Lewis A. Dierker

No citizen of Salt Pond township, Saline county, was better known or more highly regarded by his fellow citizens than the late Lewis A. Dierker, whose death occurred September 20, 1886. Persistent industry, a high purpose and unimpeachable integrity - these were the dominant traits of his character, and, because of his success in life and his splendid personal qualities, he was numbered among the leading citizens of his community and is eminently entitled to representation in a work of this nature.

Lewis A. Dierker was born in Hanover, Germany, on September 2, 1842, and was a son of Frederick and Anna Dierker, both also natives of the Fatherland. The family came to the United States in 1848, settling first in St. Clair county, Missouri, where they were engaged in farming until 1875, when they came to Saline county. Here they bought a farm, on which they made their home until their deaths. They were faithful members of the Lutheran church and were consistent Christian people. They were the parents of the following children: Fredrick, Lewis A., Christina, Eliza, Henry, Ernest, Sophia. John, Louisa and William.

Lewis A. Dierker received his education in the schools connected with the Lutheran church, of which he was a lifelong member. He was reared to the life of a farmer and he followed that vocation continuously during his active years. He remained in the parental home until his marriage, at which time he began farming in Franklin county, this state. Subsequently he moved to Lafayette county, where he remained until 1875, when he came to Saline county and bought the farm on which the family now resides, and where his death occurred. The place comprises one hundred and fifty-five acres and is most eligibly situated. The place is well improved, being adorned by a neat and attractive residence, good barn and other necessary outbuildings, while the well kept fences and highly cultivated fields indicate it to be one of the upto-date farms of the township.

In politics ]\'Ir. Dierker was a stanch Republican and gave to that party his consistent support at the polls, though he never sought office for himself. His religious membership was, as has been stated, in the Lutheran church, to which he gave a generous support.

In 1 87 1 Mr. Dierker was united in marriage to Dora A'lindrup. who was born in St. Charles county, Missouri, the daughter of George H. and Catharine (Francis) Mindrup. These parents were both natives of Germany and came in an early day to Missouri, settling in St. Charles county. There the father followed farming principally. He is now dead, but his wife is still living in that county. They were the parents of twelve children, namely : Dora, Theresa, Theodore, Lizzie, Rudolph, Amanda. Eliza, Huldah, Rosa. Oscar, Hul:)ert and Frances. To Mr. and Mrs. Dierker were born seven children namely: Hubert, deceased; Julius, who lives at Lidependence, Missouri, married Bertha Haesemeier and they have two children, Eleanora and Sadie. Adolph. who is a successful farmer in Salt Pond township, married Amelia Henning and they have two children. Harry and Rosa; Anna and Oscar are both single and remain at home, assisting in the operation of the farm ; Huldah is the wife of Gus Hollrah, a farmer of Salt Pond township, and they have two children. Alice and Ollie: Lewis died in infancv.

Mrs. Dierker and her two children. Anna and Oscar, reside on the homestead farm, which is located four miles north of Sweet Springs, and they are meeting with pronounced success in its operation, being numbered among the successful farmers of Salt Pond township. Li addition to the cultivation of the soil, they also give some attention to the raising of live stock, in w^hich also they have met with very gratifying success. Their attractive home is a favorite meeting place of their many friends who delight in the spirit of hospitality always there in evidence. Mrs. Dierker is a lady of manv fine qualities of character and is well liked bv all who know her.

James J. Ahtchell

One of Marshall's popular business men and city councilman is James J. Mitchell, a native of Saline county, having been born here on June 30, 1859, reared to farming and stock raising pursuits and received a good common school education in his native community. He is the son of Patrick and Mary (Malony) Mitchell, both natives of Erin's green isle, but they came to Saline county when young and married here. Patrick Mitchell was the son of James

Mitchell, a native of Ireland, who, with his family, emigrated to America in 1845 ^"<^^ about 1847 settled near where the town of Shackelford was since located, and the family secured a good farm where James Mitchell spent the rest of his life, dying in 1852. This was one of the first of the Irish families to locate here and establish the colony which has grown to large proportions and taken a conspicuous part in the development of the agricultural and other resources of the county, making this second to no other county in the state of Missouri, and wherever the sons of this little colony have dispersed they have been a power for a high standard of citizenship and good government. In 1847, '^vhen not more than half a dozen families had located here, the missionaiT priests from St. Louis and St. Charles and other then distant points began calling on the families and held services at the private houses of the settlers and from this small beginning both the priests and the families put their "shoulders to the wheel" and their efforts have been crowned with success and a large and happy community of about one hundred families in the vicinity of Shackelford worship at the altars of their forebears. James Mitchell was an old man when he came here, and he depended upon his sons, and Patrick, being the oldest, naturally took the lead ; not long afterwards both parents died. To them the following children were born : Patrick, Owen, James R., Joseph, Mary, now Mrs. Woodbick; Elizabeth married a Mr. Miller. Patrick and Owen both died in Saline county, then the four remaining children went to California where they died, leaving families.

Patrick Mitchell grew to maturity in Ireland and when the family came to America he took charge of all the affairs and when they located in this county he entered land and began farming, soon having the family veiw comfortably settled. In 185 1 he was lured to California on account of the gold being mined there, and he continued successfully at mining for one year. Receiving a letter informing him of the failing health of his father, he started home by way of the Isthmus of Panama, a long and tedious journey, arriving home early in 1853 to find that his father had died in 1852. The son resumed farming and in 1858 married; he prospered and invested his savings in more land and was a successful farmer, becoming one of the prominent men of the county and was highly respected. He was a strong Democrat, but avoided public notoriety. He was devoted to the mother church, in which he reared his family. He died on the homestead in February, 1903, his good wife following him to the silent land in October of that year. She was a daughter of John Malony, who lived in Ireland when a young man, but finally came to Saline county where he settled on a farm south of Shackelford, where he lived comfortably until his death in 1881. His wife died in Ireland before he came to America. He was an honest, retiring- man and a member of the CathoHc church. He and his wife were the parents of these children : Mary, mother of James J. Mitchell, of this review ; Michael D. is living on the old home farm ; John died young, as did the other children who were unnamed. The following- children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Mitchell : James J., of this review; John H., deputy marshal, of Marshall, Missouri; ]\Iary A., now Mrs. Boyd; Elizabeth has given her life to the church, becoming a nun and she goes where she is most needed, being now located at Montgomery, Alabama ; Frank E. is living on the old home farm.

James J. Mitchell was reared near Shackelford and assisted on the home farm, remaining there until he married, when he began farming and stock raising, continuing very successfully until 1900, when, in order to get the benefit of better schools for his children, he sold out and moved to Marshall where he still resides. Being naturally inclined to operate machinery when on the farm, he engaged in threshing, which he yet continues, having operated a threshing machine in this county for twenty years and becoming widely known in this line of endeavor. He has a traction engine, also a wheat threshing machine and a corn sheller, all modern machinery, he being an expert in operating all kinds of machinery and keeping it in repair. In order that he may be kept busy the year round he has added a feed market and a wood yard in Marshall, all of which receives his attention and yields him a comfortable income. He has a very attractive and commodious residence on Miami street.

Mr. Mitchell has always been devoted to the Democratic party and he assists in placing his friends in office, but he does not aspire to public positions himself. However, because of his fitness and his public spirit, the citizens of the first ward in 1907 elected him for their covmcilman, and he made such a creditable record that they elected him a second time and he has filled the place with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned. He has been on some important committees, being at this writing chairman of the committee on water and light. He is active in all the business relating to the welfare and general good of Marshall, the council being unanimous in building up and beautifying the city.

Mr. Mitchell was married in 1884 to Emily E. Chamberlin, a native of Saline county, the daughter of Peter A. and Mary A. (Langan) Chamberlin, the former a native of Canada and of French descent. His wife was a daughter of Michael Langan, a native of Ireland who came to America, locating near Shackelford, Saline county, Missouri, in 1844, among the early settlers, and engaged in farming and assisted in the early work of Establishing the Catholic church in this county, which has borne much good fruit. He was a successful farmer and lie and his wife both died at the old homestead. They were the parents of ten children: Emily E., wife of James J. Mitchell, of this review, being- the oldest child.

To Mr. and Mrs. J^nies J. Mitchell six children have been born, five of whom are living at this writing, namely: Eugene P., born in 1885, is a traveling- salesman: James J., Jr.. born in 1887, died in 1902; Frank E., born in 1890, graduated from the Marshall high school and is also a traveling- salesman: ]\iary Elizabeth, born in 1892. is attending- school: Alberta E.. born in 1894. is also in school; John Bryan, born in 1896, is also a student. All these children are members of the Catholic church at Marshall and they are receiving everv adA-antag-e possible to make them useful citizens.

William C. Godman

W. C. Godman, a veteran of the Civil war and for a number of years actively identified with the agricultural interests of Saline county, was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, June 27, 1845, being a son of Melvin and Mary R. Godman, both natives of the Blue Grass country, where the subject first saw the light of day. William Godman, father of Melvin, was born in jMaryland, but went to Kentucky in an early day and about the year 1830 migrated to Missouri, locating near Palmyra, where, at the sale of lands forfeited bv the original owners for non-pavment of the government price, he purchased several large tracts of those lands, on one of which he settled and in due time became one of the most successful farmers in his part of the country. He owned quite a number of slaves and rose to a position of prominence and influence in the community and died a number of years ago on the original homestead which he redeemed from the wilderness. His family consisted of two sons and three daughters, one of whom. Melvin, father of the subject, returned to Kentucky, where he married Marv R. IMarsh and engaged in farming, in connection with which he also dealt quite extensively in live stock and slaves and became one of the successful men of Bourbon county.

At the breaking out of the late Civil war. Melvin Godman entered the Confederate army and spent considerrible time in Richmond. A^irginia. where he. by reason of his knowledge of conditions through the South, proved of great value to the authorities. At the close of the war he returned to Kentucky where he continued farming until 1868, when he disposed of his interests there and moved to SaHne county, Missouri, where he purchased the O'Banning farm, of four hundred and thirty acres, on which he Hved and prospered until called to his final reward in July, 1894. He was a man of excellent social standing and great moral worth, a devout member of the Christian church and a prominent worker in the Masonic brotherhood, in which he rose to high rank and held various positions of honor and trust. Mrs. Godman departed this life in 1888. She was a daughter of Abraham C. Marsh, a prominent planter of Kentucky and an ardent Union man during the Civil war. He accumulated a handsome fortune and died in January, 1876, leaving one child, the mother of the subject.

Melvin and Mary R. Godman were the parents of the following children : William C, of this review; Thomas M., who died while in prison at Camp Douglas during the war; Burton L., a lawyer of Marshall, who died in 1876; Josephine, wife of J. B. Way, of Kansas City; Mary, deceased, who married H. E. Emerson ; Mattie, whose husband, W. Naylor, is a retired farmer residing near Marshall, and Beal, who died some years ago.

William C. Godman was born June ly , 1845, and spent his childhood and youth on tlie home farm and at the proper age he entered the public schools, in which he obtained a fair knowledge of the usual course of study. He was reared to agricultural pursuits and assisted his father until 1861. when he espoused the cause of the Confederacy and served under General Buckner until the fall of Fort Donelson, when his command joined Gen. John Morgan's cavaliy and took part in the several campaigns and numerous fights under that intrepid leader in Tennessee, Kentucky and other states, including the raid through scuithern Indiana and Ohi(\ which ended in the defeat and capture of the General and the majority of his men. ]\Ir. Godman, with about three hundred of his comrades, fell into the hands of the Federals at Chesshire, Ohio, and from thence was taken to Columbus, where Morgan and four of his leaders were incarcerated in the penitentiary for safe keeping. \Wthin a short time, however, the daring commander succeeded in effecting his escape and, returning to Kentucky, it was not long until he was again at the head of a well organized force in the field where he rendered gallant service until shot by the enemv at Greenville. Tennessee, a few months after rejoining his command.

Mr. Godman was first sent to Camp Chase, near Columbus, Ohio, and from there was removed a little later to Camp Douglas, Chicago, where he remained for a period of eighteen months. At the expiration of that time he was sent to Richmond. Virginia, and exchanged, following which he returned to the tield ami joining" ^Morgan's secund force. He proceeded to Greensboro, North Carolina, where he was detailed to act as one of the body guard of Jefferson Davis, in which capacity he continued until a short time before the Confederate President fell into the hands of his enemies. Fearing- capture, Mr. Davis divided all the money in his possession amon^g his faithful followers, each man receiving- twenty-six dollars. In the share falling- to Mr. Godman was a five-dollar sovereign, which he still keeps as a relic and which is all he has to show in the way of remuneration for his long- and arduous period of military service.

At the close of the war Mr. Godman returned to Bourbon county and resu.med the peaceful pursuits of civil life on the home place, where he assisted his father in reconstructing- the farm and getting affairs in orderuntil 1868. wdien they closed out their interests in Kentucky and removed with all of the family to Saline county. Missouri, where with the exception of two years the subject has since resided. In 1872 he took a wife and helpmeet in the person of Mary Law-ler and. returning to Kentucky, again addressed himself to the tilling of the soil on a rented farm, but at the expiration of tw'o years he came back to Missouri and purchased a farm of his own on which he has since lived and prospered.

Mr. Godman owns two hundred acres of valuable and highly improved land which is considered one of the best farms and attracti\-e rural homes in his part of the county. In connection with agriculture, he has devoted considerable attention to the raising of live stock, and by strict attention to his interests and excellent management he is now^ in .independent circumstances, with an ample amount of material wealth in his possession to insure his future against want or care. Mr. Godman has been married three times, his first wife, whose name is mentioned in a preceding paragraph, having been a native of Saline county and a teacher by profession. Her father. E. G. Lawler. moved to Missouri from Tennessee in an early day and took a lively interest in the improvement of the locality in wdiich he settled. He is still living, at the ripe old age of eighty years, and is remarkably well preserved.

Mrs. Godman died in 1888. after bearing her husband nine children, namely: William H., wdio farms the home place; Thomas M., of California; Charles, who is now^ in Dakota for the purpose of regaining his health ; Lester, a bookkeeper for a wholesale house in Kansas City; Jesse B., who is in the railway service; Beal M.. formerlv with the National Bank of Commerce of Kansas City, but now connected with a wholesale firm, and three daughters who died in infancy. In 1893 Mr. Godman contracted a matrimonial alliance with Georgia Laythani, of Bourbon countv, Kentucky, and a daughter of

James Laytham, who moved to Missouri in 1881 and became one of the large "farmers and successful stock men of Saline county. Claude, the only child of the second marriage, was born in 1894 and five days after his birth the wife and mother was summoned to her eternal rest. Like the first Mrs. Godman, she was a lady of excellent character and beautiful life and a worthy member of the Baptist church.

Mr. Godman married, in 1897, Mrs. Willie Hatfield, widow of the late James Hatfield, by whom she had three children, her union with the subject being without issue. After thirteen months of mutually happy and contented wedded experience Mr. Godman was again left a widower, since which time he has lived with his children who vie with each other in looking after his interests and ministering to his comfort. In all that constitutes high moral worth, upright manhood and intelligent citizenship, Mr. Godman affords a conspicuous example. Enterprising and public spirited, he does all withni his power to encourage progress and improvement and his private life and character are as an open volume in which is inscribed a clean and beautiful record.

Thomas Adams

Thomas Adams, retired business man and representative citizen of Marshall, is a native of Mercer coimty, Kentucky, and the oldest of a family of six children whose parents, John W'. and Jane Adams, were also born and reared in that state. David Adams, the subject's grandfather, was a native of Virginia, and of Scotch-Irish lineage. He went to Kentucky in an early day, entered several large tracts of land in ^Mercer county and became a prominent farmer and influential citizen. His wife, whose maiden name was Woods, a daughter a wealthy planter and distiller, bore him six children, namely: Archie, Mary, Elizabeth, John W., William and James, all of whom settled on land which their father purchased from the government and spent their lives in their native commonwealth.

John W. Adams grew to maturity at the place of his birth and in young manhood married Jane Adams, who, although of the same family name as his own, was in no wise related by ties of kinship. In due time he became an enterprising farmer and well known citizen, took an active part in promoting the advancement of his community and stood high in the esteem of a large circle of neighbors and friends. A Whig in politics and always interested in public matters; he held no elective office nor did he ever aspire to leadership.

liaving been content in lending his inlluence to his parly and seeing that good men were nominated for jmhHc positions. He was opposed to secession. Init being too old tor military service he took no part in the Cix'il war fnrther than to use his best efforts to maintain peace and quietude in the community where he lived. Mrs. Adams was a daughter of Joseph Adams, a native of Maryland and an early settler of Kentucky, where as a farmer and manufacturer of flour and lumber he became quite prosperous and influential, b'or many years he was a leading citizen of the community in which he lived, a zealous Whig and a prominent member of the Scotch Seceder church. He has long been sleeping the sleep that knows no waking, Imt the high standard of honor and integrity which he ever maintained is still remembered in the neighborhood where the greater part of his life was spent. John W. Adams died in 1865 and his wife two years prior to that date. Their children in order of birth were as follows : Thomas, of this review ; Ebenezer, John, Caleb, Joshua and William, all of whom remained in Kentucky except John, who for some years has been ;i resident of Indianapolis, Indiana. Bv a previous marriage with Elizabeth Sharp, Mr. Adams was the father of four children, viz : Adam, David, Precilla and Elizabeth, all of whom spent their lives in Kentucky, and were greatly esteemed in their respective places of abode.

Thomas Adams, the subject of this sketch, was born on December 14, 1835, spent his early life on the home farm in Mercer count}', received his preliminary education in such schools as the community afforded and later attended Center College at Danville, Kentuck}-. Owing to an injury caused by a horse falling upon him, he was disabled in young manhood and to some extent rendered a cripple for life. Unable to do manual work, he bent all of his energies in the direction of obtaining an education and in due time was sufficiently advanced to teach. However, not finding the profession congenial, he abandoned it after an experience of a few months. Later he clerked for seme time in a drug store, but owing to the unsettled condition of the country during the Civil war he resigned the position and went to Ohio, where he spent several months with an uncle. Returning to his native state, he accepted a clerkshij) with a large drug firm in Lexing'ton. where he continued for a period of twelve years, at the expiration of which period he purchased an establishment of his own. with A\hich he was identified for some time. Mr. .Adams remained in that business until his father's death, when he dis])osed of his interests and returned home for the jjurpose of settling up the estate. This done, he went back to Lexington and entered the employ of a drug house, where he continued until March. 1867, when he was married in that city to Sadie Adams, and immediatelv thereafter came to Saline county, Missouri, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. After renting land for two years, he purchased a farm, which he conducted for a period of six years, when he sold out and bought a smaller place near Marshall, where he made his home for one year.

Disposing of his real estate at the expiration of that lime he became a partner of H. G. Allen in the grocery business at Marshall, the firm thus constituted lasting six years and building up a large and lucrative patronage. Selling his interest in the establishment at the expiration of the period indicated, Mr. Adams made a prospecting tour through Kansas. Arkansas, Florida and several other states, after which he returned to Marshall and became a member of the well known and popular jewelry firm of Walker, Mauch & Adams, which was organized in 1885, and soon became the leading establishment of the kind in Saline county. In 1892 Mr. Walker sold out his interest to Mauch and Adams, who continued as partners until the health of the latter became so impaired as to render further indoor labor injurious. Accordingly, in 1907 he sold out to his associate and retired from business pursuits.

On moving to Marshall Mr. Adams purchased a valuable residence property, which he subsequently enlarged and remodeled into a fine modern dwelling, which he still occupies. By skillful management and wdse economy he succeeded admirably in his business and is now one of the financially solid men of his city as well as one of its most influential and highly respected citizens. A firm and unyielding supporter of the Democratic party and ready at all times to labor and make sacrifices for its interests and success, he has never asked public recognition at the hands of his fellow men, the ofiice of alderman being the only elective position he has ever held. Wdiile a member of the council he was untiring in his efl:'orts in behalf of the water works and other public enterprises and to him as much perhaps as to any other man is due the series of improvements wdiich has made Marshall one of the finest and most progressive cities of its size in the state. Religiously Mr. Adams adheres to the Presbyterian faith, in which he was reared and to which he has ever been loyal, being at this time one of the leading members of the church in Marshall and a liberal contributor to its support.

Airs. Adams is a lady of intelligence and in every respect well fitted to be the wife and helpmeet of the enterprising gentleman with whom her interests and fortunes are intertwined. She was born in Kentucky, being the daughter of Mrs. Evaline (Hearn) Adams, but has no knowledge of the history of her father, who passed out of her life when she was quite young. Her mother subseciuently married James Allen, a blacksmith of Kentucky.

later of Saline cuunly, ^lissouri, where the two spent the remainder of their days. By her first marriage she had four daughters : Sadie, wife of the subject; Jennie, who married Hugh Allen; Mrs. Nannie Woodson, and Willie, who died unmarried. The marriage wdth Mr. Allen resulted in the birth of two offspring, James, who died in young manhood, and Eva D., now Mrs. Page. Mrs. Allen departed this life in the year 1899. To Thomas and Sadie Adams one child only has been born, a son, John W., who lives in Marshal! and is one of the citv's w^ell known and hiefhlv esteemed residents.

James M. Huff

This old and prominent business man is a native of Augusta county, Virginia, where his birth occurred on the 21st of June, 1829. His father, Vincent Huff, also a Virginian, was a son of John Huff, w-ho belonged to one of the old and highly esteemed families of that state and traced his lineage through a long line of sturdy Scotch-German ancestry. By occupation John Huff was a planter. He served with distinction in the war of 1812 became a successful tiller of the soil and died near the place of his birth many years ago. lamented by all who knew him.

Of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. John Huff, Vincent, the subject's father, was the oldest. He was reared on the home farm in Augusta county, and on reaching the years of maturity turned his attention to agriculture, in connection with which he also built and operated a flouring mill and cording machine which were well patronized and proved the source of a liberal income. By his marriage to Sarah Childres he had four sons and one daughter, viz : John, who moved to North Carolina, and later to Saline county, Missouri, where his deaath subsequently occurred: Anna, who died in childhood; James M., of this review; William, who moved to Missouri in i860 and still resides in this state, and Vincent, a banker, and prominent business man of W yethville, Virginia. The mother of these children, a daughter of James Childres, a well-to-do farmer and worthy citizen of the Old Dominion state, departed this life about the year 1840. Later Mr. Huff married a Miss Smith, by whom he had several children, all but two born after the subject left home to seek his fortune in the West.

James M. Huff spent his childhood and youth on the family homestead and remained under the parental roof until eighteen years of age, wdien he severed home ties to make his own way in the world. Thinking the West afforded better advantages for a young man than his native state, he started in the spring of 1852 for Missotu'i, and in March of that year arrived in Sahne county, where he first found employment in a mill at Jonesboro. He also teamed some for the proprietor, delivering the products of the mill, and some time after the death of his employer he purchased a fami in Cooper county, where he lived and prospered until the breaking out of the w^ar between the North and South. His sympathies were with the Confederacy, although he took no part in the struggle, notwithstanding which he was made prisoner several times by the Federals and suffered considerable loss on account of his horses and other live stock being taken by the lawless bands which roamed the country, bent on all kinds of thieven- and other kinds of mischief.

In 1 88 1 he sold his farm and moved to Marshall, where he engaged in the transfer business, later turning his attention to w^ood and coal, which he still handles on quite an extensive scale, being the largest and most successful dealer in those lines in the city. He has also been identified with other enterprises, including the City Ice Plant, which he helped organize and of which he has been president since it began operations, besides being one of the heaviest stockholders in the concern. By reason of the steady growth of his business interests as well as of his advancing age, he recently admitted his son to a partnership, since which time the firm has been known as Huff & Son. a name standing for honorable methods and straightforward dealing, as its continuous success abundantly demonstrates.

Mr. Huff" has been active in promoting the welfare of his adopted city ever since becoming a resident of the same and during the past thirteen years has been a member of the city council from his ward, the people refusing to accept his resignation notwithstanding his earnest desire to be freed from the burdens of official life. Since his election to that body he has brought about considerable important municipal legislation and spared no reasonable efforts to advertise Marshall abroad and give publicity to its advantages as a favorable business center and a safe place for the investment of capital.

Mr. Huff was married in 1859 to Matilda McMahan. who was born in Cooper county. Missouri, in 1831. the daughter of John W. and Elvira (Turlev) McMahan. natives of that county and representatives of old and well known families that came to Missouri in pioneer times and took active parts in the development of their respective places of settlement. They reared a familv of five children, whose names are as follows: Nicholas. John, Mrs. Sally Hill, Mrs. Marv Clingenfield and Mrs. Matilda Huff. To Mr. and Mrs. Huff were born two offspring, the older of whom, a son by the name of Vincent, is a farmer of Sahne county; the younger being a daughter, Mary C, now the wife of A. Webb. Mrs. Huff dying in the month of May, 1866, Mr. Huff subsequently contracted a marriage with Edmona M. Tyler, who was born in Cooper count}- in 1827. Her parents w'ere Jesse B. and Julia (Riddle) Tyler, ^vell known and highly respected citizens of the above county in an early day ; the father afterwards engaged in freighting on the old Santa Fe trail, where he met his death at the hands of Mexican bandits manv \'ears ago. The second marriage of the subject was blessed with two children, Theodore T., his father's business partner, and Helen B., who looks after the home, the mother having been called to her final reward on March 9, 1908.

Mr. Huff is a Democrat in politics and a faitliful and devoted member of the Christian church, to which his wife also belonged. He has not only led an active and eminently useful life, but has always kept himself free from debasing habits and contaminating influences, never having used tobacco in any form nor taken a glass of any kind of intoxicating liquor. He holds a large place in the business circles of Marshall and is highly esteemed by all with whom he mineles.

Among the men of sterling qualities of character who have for many years occupied a conspicuous place in the esteem of the entire community, the subject of this sketch is deserving of mention. Though now in the golden sunset of life's journey and past the best years of his activity, he is still in full possession of his faculties and is as alert mentally as in the days of his prime, being still able to maintain a general oversight of his large landed estate in Arrow' Rock township.

William H. C. McMahan was born in Lamine township, Cooper county, Missouri, on May 10, 1825, and is a son of Thomas and Margaret (Jones) McMahan. Thomas McMahan was born near Winchester, Virginia, between 1785 and 1790. When a young boy the family removed to Kentucky, and in Lexington, that state, he learned the trade of a hatter. He was of Scotch descent and possessed all the sterling qualities of that sturdy race. In 18 10 he came to Cooper county, Missouri, with his father, who w^as also named Thomas, and two brothers, one older and one younger than himself. The older brother. Samuel, was killed near Boonville bv Indians in 1812. as he was driving- cattle to Colesport. Thomas McMahan entered considerable land in Cooper county when they located there, his father- not entering anv because of his advanced age. Soon after coming liere, Thomas McMahan married Margaret Jones. She was one of eleven children who. with their jiarents, came to this section from Madison county. Kentucky. a1)out the same time the AIcMahans came. They lived in Lamine township until the Indian uprising, when they went to Cooper's Fort for safety, remaining there about two years. Soon after returning to the farm the elder Thomas McMahan died and was buried on the farm. To Thomas and Margaret McMahan were born eleven children, of which luiml^er William H. C. was the fifth in order of birth. Thomas McMahan was a man of intelligence and acumen and was an appreciative member of the Masonic order. At one time he owned over one thousand acres of land in Lawrence township, but sold some of it. owning at the time of his death about six hundred and fifty acres. He died in 1855. His widow then made her home with her son. the subject of this sketch, until her death, which occurred in 1875. at the age of eighty-four years. Of their ele\'en children, but two are now living, the subject and Mrs. Margaret TPhillips, of Canon City, Colorado, who was born in 1841 and was the voungest child.

William H. C. McMahan remained with his parents on the home farm until 1852, when, in company with his brother, James, he went to California. An older brother, Samuel G., was a member of the first emigrant train which crossed the plains to Sacramento, California. He and his cousin, Nelson Mc- Mahan. and also a man by the name of Child, from Jackson countv. this state, were members of the train which started on the long trip in 1841. Samuel G. McMahan got into an encounter with a grizzly bear and \\as pretty badly injured, and it was several months before he was able to continue on to Sacramento. He secured a farm near there, but some time later went to Oregon, where he remained two years. He returned later to California and married.

The subject and his brother remained in California until 1856, when \Villiam returned home. James remained and eventually went to Montana, where he died of fever in 1861. The subject returned by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and while enroute he contracted a fever from the effects of which he was under a doctor's care for a year. Before going to California he had bought two hundred acres of land in section 27, township 50, Arrow Rock township, and in 1857 he built a house on this land, and in October of the following- year he was married, and started housekeeping here. At the time of the Civil war he owned nine or ten slaves, some of which his father had owned and some of which his wife had inherited as her share of her father's estate.

The subject was in sympathy with the Southern cause, but because of the frail condition of his health he was unfit for military service. During- the war he lost practically everything he had except his house and the land. A\'hat the federal troops did not take, the state militia did, so that by the time hostilities were over he found himself in bad shape. He was not made of the kind of stufl: that is easily discouraged, however, and he went to work with energy to recoup himself. He was rewarded with abundant success and as he was prospered he added to his original purchase until he owned nine hundred and ninetv-eight acres of land. At the present time he owns nine hundred and fiftv-eight acres, all in one body and splendidly improved. During ante-war times his principal crop was hemp, but since that time he has given his attention to general farming, in which he has been fairly successful. He is practical and progressive in his methods and, though he does not now do any active work, he maintains a close touch with the general operation of the farm, In October, 1858, Mr. McMahan married Martha E. Haw^pe, who was born near Arrow Rock, this county, August 11, 1835, the daughter of Rudolph and Ellen Hawpe, both natives of Virginia. To this union were born nine children, two of whom died while young. Those living are Mrs. Adelia Lawless, of Arrow Rock township, born in August, 1859; Harvey G., of near Napton. born in 1864; Edward, of Marshall, this county, born in 1867; George Hawpe, born in 1872, remains at home; Margaret L., born in 1874, is at home; Mattie K., born in 1877, at home; Mrs. Mary L., the wife of Dr. C. L. Lawless, of Arrow Rock township, born in 1880. The mother of these children died March 26, 1900. She was a woman of many kindly qualities and was well liked and highly esteemed throughout the community where she had spent so many years of her life. The subject enjoys a large circle of wann friends who esteem him for his sterling personal worth.

Jeffries P. Corder

The subject of this sketch is descended from staunch old Virginia Revolutionary ancestry and is w-orthy of specific notice among the representative men of the county honored by his citizenship. A native of Rappahannock county, Virginia, he was born April t. 1843, and received his education in an old log school house near his home, but devoted the greater part of his early life to labor on the family homestead. His father, Elias Corder, was a son of lohn Corder, a native of the Old Dominion state and a soldier of the war of the Revolution. John Corder was of Scotch descent and belonged to an old and prominent Virginia family wdiich figured conspicuously in the early history of Rappahannock and other counties, the ancestors of the American branch coming to this country at a remote pericxl in the time of the colonies. The following are the names of the children of John Corder : Vincent, John, Nathan, Martin, Elias, Alexandria, Betty, Hannah and Polly, all of whom married, reared families and became settled in life.

Elias Corder was born in reared in Virginia and in due time became a prominent farmer and slaveholder and was widely and favorably known as a public spirited citizen. In his early life he was a Whig, and although a Union man at the breaking out of the Civil war, all of his interests being in the South his sympathies naturally turned in that direction, but he was too old at the time for military service. Owing to the freeing of his slaves he sufl:'ered heavy pecuniarv loss, but as he had always been kind to his slaves the majoritv remained with him and assisted in recuperating his fortunes after the war closed. He married, when a young man, Sarah Jeffries, a member of one of the first families of Virginia, who bore him children as follows ; Aldridge, a soldier of the Civil war, who is still living ; Fanny died single at the age of forty-five years ; Judson, who fought with the South during the late war, and is still living in his native state; Mrs. Ann Cropp ; John, who entered the Southern ami}' in a Missouri regiment and served until the close of the Civil war; Henry Clay, a farmer of Lafayette county; Mrs. Sarah M. Bagley, of Virginia; William (deceased); Jeffries P., of this review, and Lelia, who died in early life. Elias Corder was born in 1806 and died in 1877. His wife, whose birth also occurred in 1806, lived to be eighty years old, both having been highly esteemed members of the Primitive Baptist church and greatly respected by the people among whom their lives were spent. Meredith Jeffries, a brother of Mrs. Corder, served in the war of 18 12 and took part in the campaign in which the city of Washington was captured and destroyed by the British, besides participating in a number of other battles and earning an honorable record as a soldier.

Jeffries P. Corder was reared on the paternal homestead in Rappahannock county, Virginia, and after receiving an elementary education in the country school was preparing for more advanced scholastic training when the Civil war interfered with his plans. Imbued with an ardent patriotism and devotion to his state, he volunteered at the beginning of the struggle in the h'orty-ninth Regiment Virginia Infantry, Compan}^ G, the reg'iment recruited by ex-Governor Smith, who became its gallant leader in some of the most noted campaigns and bloody battles which made the early sixties historic.

(ioiiii^- into cam]) at Bull Run after the first l)attle of that name had been fought, the regiment was subsequently transferred to Vorktown, where it was first under fire in a figlit with [""ederal gunboats and. joining General "Stonewall" Jackson's division later, it ])articipate(l in a numl>er of the bloodiest engagements of the Virginia campaigns. Mr. Corder was wounded and taken prisoner at Fair Oaks and for i\\<; months was confined at Fort Delaw are. w hen an exchange w-as effected. Rejoining his command at Richmond, he was soon afterwards in the terrific battle of Fredericksburg, after which the regiment was variously engaged under Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania, when he took i)art in the great and decisive battle of CJettysburg, where over half of his company was lost and where he was again wounded, though not sufficiently serious to cause him to leave the ranks. Later he participated in the battles of the Wilderness. Spottsylvania Court House and Cold Harbor, where he received a gunshot wound in the right thigh and left arm, which necessitated three months' treatment in a hospital at Richmond ere he was sufficiently recovered to rejoin his company. During the latter part of his service he took part in the battles of Peter.sburg and Farm tlill. thence retreated to Appomattox Court House, where in due time (ieneral Lee surrendered his army, which i)ut an end to the war.

Mr. Corder experienced all the hardships and dangers of warfare but never faltered in his duty to what he considered a noble cause. After the surrender he received a parole which he yet treasures as a relic and. returning home, remained in \^irginia until 1868. wlien he went to Lafayette county. Missouri, where he li\ed with a brother on a farm until marrying and engaged in agriculture pursuits for himself in the year of 1870. Mr. Corder chose for his first wife Mrs. Fannie Ramey. widow of Thomas Ramey. whose death some time previously was caused by an accident, her first marriage being without issue. Mrs. Corder was the daughter of John Corder. a native of Virginia, and an earl\" settler and ])rominent farmer of Lafayette county. Missouri, she being one of his six children, whose names are as follows: Mrs. Lucy (ioodwin. Mrs. Letitia Elzy, Mrs. Fannie Corder, Mrs. Eliza Jackson, Mrs. Martha Hayes and Jacksoline, who married Cla\- Corder, brother of the subject.

The marriage of Jeffries P. and bannie Corder resulted in the birth of three daughters, namely : Willie, who lives w^ith her father, looks after the home and ministers to his comfort; Lucv. wife of Charles Piper, and Blanche, who died unmarried at the age of twenty-four years. After his marriage Mr. Corder engaged in fanning and stock raising, which he continued with marked success for a number of years, accumulating in the meantime a suf- ficiency of this world's goods to make him independent and to enable him to move to Marshall, where he resided for some time for the purpose of educating- his children. Later he purchased a farm in Saline county on which he lived until 1902, when he again transferred his residence to Marshall, although continuing his agricultural interests until June, 1908, when, on account of the death of his wife, he sold his place and retired fn^n active life. Politically Mr. COrder is an uncompromising Democrat, though not an otifice seeker, and fraternally belongs to the Masonic order. In matters religious, he holds to the creed of the Methodist Episcopal church. South, with which body his wife was also identified, his daughter Willie being an earnest and devoted member of the Baptist church.

George T. Hahn

George J. Hahn. son of Hammond P. and Sarah ( Saudey ) Hahn. was born in Rockingham county. Virginia. h>bruar\- 10. 1(847. ^^^^^ belongs to a sturdy family of German descent which for many years figured prominently in the history of that part of the Old Dominion state. Hammond P. Hahn was a farmer and slaveholder, a gentleman of strictest integritA- whose honor was never impugned and whose word wherever known had all the sanctity of a written obligation. A leader in the Lutheran church and prominent in every good work, he lived a life of great usefulness and his death, which occurred in Rockingham county on May i. 1868. was considered a personal loss by all who knew him. Mrs. Hahn. who was born No\ember 16. 18 18. survived him until the year 1872, having borne him the following children : Mrs. Mary A. Whitmore. Eliza Sherman. Mrs. Sarah F. Hawkins. George J. (subject of this sketch). James H., Mrs. Martha J. Schaeffer. Mrs. Lucy W'isner. Luther and Emma, all but the two younger living to maturity.