Saline County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1910 (part 12 of 17)

Mr. Keys' rapid rise as an agriculturist and raiser of live stock has gained for him more than a local reputation and today he is widely known throughout the county as one of the leaders in the branches of farming to which he gives the greater part of his time. He also deals quite extensively in horses, devoting special attention to the finer breeds of roadsters, in which his success has been most gratifying. He is now not only one of the leading farmers and stock raisers of his part of the country, but also ranks among the financially solid men and representative citizens of the county, being public spirited and up-to-date in all of his enterprises and deeply interested in whatever tends to the material progress and moral advancement of the community. He gives his support to the Democratic party, but has never entered the political arena as a candidate for official honors, preferring the practical and satisfactory life which he now leads and the simple title of citizen to any public distinction within the gift of his fellow men. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic brotherhood, the Kniglits of Pythias. Odd Fellows and the Order of Eagles, in all of which he has been an active and influential worker besides being- honored from time to time wnth important official positions. In matters religious he has strong convictions and as a worthy member of the Christian church demonstrates the beauty and value of an abiding influence.

Mr. Keys, on August 29, 1883, was united in marriage to Susan E. Ayres, daughter of H. D. and Sallie (Turner) Ayres, of Kentucky. These parents moved to Saline county, Missouri, in the fall of 1878 and located near the city of Marshall, but two years later transferred their residence to Arrow Rock, where they lived until the family removed to Caldwell county, three years later, Mrs. Ayres dying in 1883 in the county of Saline. Mr. and Mrs. Ayres had five children, three of whom are living, viz: Mrs. Keys; William, of Bariy county, this state, and Mrs. Lottie King, who lives in Marshall. Mr. iVyres was accidentally killed on January 23, 1909, by a railway train which struck him ere he could escape its rapid approach, being seventy-five years of age at the time of his death.

Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Keys, namely : ]\Irs. A\'. B. Marshall, of Black Water township ; James E. ; Verlinda L. ; Amanda Van Wert; John W., Jr., and Ana Alloueze, all except the oldest being at home with their parents, constituting a happy domestic circle.

William Davis

One of the leading farmers of Arrow Rock township and of high character and strong influence as a citizen, the subject of this sketch fills a large place in the esteem of the community in which he lives and is also widely and favorablv known throughout the county of which for many years he has been an honored resident. William Davis is a native of Sullivan county, Indiana, where his birth occurred on November 9, 1823. His parents. Guilford and Marv (Grav) Davis, were born near Guilford Court House. Virginia, in 1796, the former a son of William Davis, whose birth occurred in the year

1740, and who was descended from the Davis family that came from Guilford, England, and settled in Virginia at a very early period in the history of the colonies. This William Davis moved west about the time General Harrison was appointed governor of Indiana territor}^ and settled near the site of Bloomington, where he entered land, improved a farm and spent the remainder of his life, dying in the year 1836. He was twice married and reared a family of five children, of whom Guilford, father of the subject, was the youngest.

Guilford Davis li\'ed on the farm near Bloomington until attaining his majority, when he hired to his brother-in-law, a millwright, whom he assisted in building a mill at Merom, Indiana, for Thomas Gray, a prominent and well-to-do citizen of Sullivan county. While thus engaged he formed the acquaintance of MaiT Gray, a daughter of Thomas Gray, w^ho subsequently, about the year 1819, became his wife. Thomas Gray was a native of Pennsylvania, his wife, who bore the maiden name of Martha Gay, having been born in Rockingham county, Virginia. Shortly after their marriage, in 1799, they migrated to the western part of Kentucky, where they lived until 1 81 6. when they removed to Sullivan county, Indiana, where they spent the rem.ainder of their days. Of their eleven children, Mrs. Davis was the second in order of birth. She was born in Kentucky and grew to womanhood amid the stirring scenes of the pioneer period and was well fitted for the duties which fell to the lot of the hc^usewife in a new and sparsely settled country.

Guilford Davis and wife located on a farm in Sullivan county, Indiana, and lived there until about 1851, when they moved to Wapello county, Iowa, whither some of their children had preceded them in the year 1847. They spent the residue of their lives in the latter state, Mr. Davis dying in 1879, his wife in the year 1886. They were the parents of ten children, the subject of this sketch being the second of the family and one of the four now living, the others being, Nancy Davis, of Ottumwa, Iowa. Joseph, of Missouri, and John G., who makes his home in Niles, Kansas.

^^^illiam Davis, whose name introduces this review, was reared to farm labor and remained with his parents until twenty-one years of age, receiving in the meantime such limited education as the schools of those early days were able to impart. In 1845 ^""^ l^^t home and went to Warsaw. Illinois, where he remained until the spring of the following year, when he made a trip to New Orleans. In the ensuing fall he secured employment at Terre Haute, Indiana, at ten dollars per month, but during the winter his wages were reduced to nine dollars, and at these figures he put in the time until the spring of 1847, when he gave up his job and during the remainder of that year worked on the rivers, making- his second trip by flat boat to the city of New Orleans. In the spring of 1848, in partnership with his uncle, John Gra}^, he bought a land warrant, paying one-half of the price, sixty-two dollars, in cash ; going to Iowa, he purchased eighty acres seven miles east of Ottumwa, which he improved and on which he lived and prospered until 1867. during which period he increased his holdings from time to time until at the date indicated he was the owner of three hundred and sixteen acres, the greater part under cultivation.

Disposing of his real estate in Iowa in the above year, Mr. Davis moved to Pettis county, Missouri, but after one year in that county, came to Saline county and purchased four hundred and eighty acres in Arrow Rock township, which he immediately began to improve and which in due time became one of the finest farms and most desirable countrv homes in the community. Air. Davis has always been a tiller of the soil and as such has made his calling very successful. He has long enjoyed the reputation of being one of the most enterprising and progressive farmers and stock raisers in the county of Saline, and has so managed his affairs as to amass a handsome competency for his declining' years, besides providing' each of his sons with sufficient means to start in life with every assurance of ultimate success. He has been a hard worker, but has divided his labors so as to obtain the largest possible returns, the result being an ample fortune and a conspicuous place among the leading men and representative citizens of his part of the country. Politically Mr. Davis has been an ardent supporter of the Democratic party ever since old enough to exercise the rights and privileges of citizenship, but his ambition has never led him to desire, much less to seek, office or public position. All worthy enterprises have received his sanction and support and during a long and active life he has not been unmindful of the needs of the poor and unfortunate or withheld his assistance from measures and movements having for their object the social and moral welfare of the community.

In the year 185 1 Mr. Davis entered the marriage relation with Elizabeth Major, a native of Ohio, a daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Green) Major, natives of Yorktown, Pennsylvania. These parents moved many years ago to Ohio, thence to Indiana and in 1846 migrated to Iowa, locating near the citv of Ottumwa, Mrs. Davis, whose birth occurred in the year 1826, being the fourth of their five children.

Mr. and Mrs. Davis reared a family of six children, four of whom grew to maturity as follows: Andrew J., Simon. Thomas J. and John G. Despite his advanced age, Mr. Davis is still hale and hearty and a stranger to the aches, pains and various ailments with which the majority of men are afflicted.

He has never been sick and. thoug'h in his eighty-seventh year, still has command of all his faculties and walks with the firm, elastic step of one in the prime of life. outdoor exercise and temperate habits account very largely for his longevity and bodily strength, to which may also be added a contented mind and a desire to use his life and influence for the good of his fellow men.

Thomas R. Lawless

iXmong- the honored old pioneer citizens of Saline county, Missouri, none stood higher in public esteem than did the late Thomas R. Lav^less, of Arrow Rock township. He was born March 6, 1828. in Virg-inia, and was the eldest of four children. The father died when the youngest child was yet but a baby and in 1835 the widowed mother and her four children came to Howard countv, Missouri. They made their home at Cooper's Fort several vears and then moved to Boone county, this state. In 1845 they came to Saline county, where ]\Irs. Lawless bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 34, near the town of Arrow Rock. Li 1852 the son Thomas R. bought his mother's farm, and there he made his home until 1866, wdien he moved to ALirshall township, this county, where he remained two years. Li 1868 he bought three hundred and twenty acres in sections 23 and 26. Arrow Rock township, for which he paid fifteen dollars an acre, and on this farm he remained until his death. He was prospered in his farming operations and at the time of his death he was the owner of over six hundred acres of land. He was a slave holder and at the beginning of the Civil war he had a colored boy by the name of Press Cole, fourteen years old. During the war the Union troops took Press with them to act as servant. He had never ridden a horse, but was placed astride an animal behind one of the soldiers. Press could not keep his seat and several times fell off to the ground. The soldier became angry and, placing his pistol at Press's head, he said. "Now, d - n you, stay on or I'll kill you." Press said, "Yes, sah. I'll ride," and afterwards in telling of the incident, he said, "I shore did stick to dat boss." At the close of the war Press returned to his master and is at present working for Benjamin F. Lawless, the latter's son. Thomas R. Lawless was a loyal Confederate in his sympathy, but. not being able to leave his family during the war, he sent a substitute. He was a faithful member of the Baptist church for many years.

On November g, 1852, Mr. Lawless married Elizabeth Jane Harv^ey, who was born in Virginia February 19, 1836. To this union were born six chil-

(Iren. namely : Burrell T., born January 21, 1854, died October 25, 1865 ; John T.. born July 14, 1857, died Januaiy 13, 1891, leaving a widow, Adeliai, and three children; William H., born January 17, 1862. resides at Marshall, this county; Mrs. Ida C. Whiteside, born December 27, 1867, resides at Kahoka, Missouri: Benjamin F., bom June 21, 1873, resides on the old homestead in Arrow Rock township; Dr. C. L., born May 15. 1876. also resides on a part of the oKl homestead. The subject's mother made her home with him until her death, which occurred in 1886, at the age of eighty-six years. She was a good Christian woman and was possessed of much determination and personal courage. In 1849 Thomas R. Lawless went to California, in company w4th the thousands of others who were attracted by the hope of quickly-acquired wealth. He walked almost the entire distance and remained in the West about a year. He died November 28, 1899. Mrs, Lawless now makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Whiteside.

Benjamin F. Lawless, the fifth child of Thomas and Elizabeth Lawless, was educated in the public schools and was reared on the home farm. He early decided to take up the pursuit of agriculture as .his life work and he has always followed that line, meeting with a gratifying degree of success. He is a man of splendid personal characteristics and is well liked by all who know him. Politically he is a Democrat, while fraternally he is a member of the I\Iodern \\'oodmen of America. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church South.

On December 29, 1897, ^'I^- Lawless married Dena Moehle. who was born in Cooper county. Missouri, June 20, 1880, a daughter of Augustus and Anna (Seiberth) Moehle, of Arrow Rock, the former a native of Germany, and the latter of Cooper county, this state, though of German parentage. To Mr. and Mrs. Lawless have been born the following children : Roy Redman, born December 16, 1898; Edith Josephine, born July 26. 1900; Margaret Rosalie, born April 11. 1904; Benjamin F., Jr., born November 2.^], 1907.

Charles L. Lawless, the sixth of the children of Thomas and Elizabeth Lawless, received his preliminary education in the schools of the home neighborhood, supplementing this by attendance in the Missouri Valley College, of Marshall. Having decided to make the practice of medicine his life work, he matriculated in the medical department of Washington University, at St. Louis, where he graduated April 27, 1899, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He at once returned to his home and entered upon the active practice of his profession, in which he has since continued. His practice covers a wide scope of territory, extending as far west as Marshall, east to Arrow Rock, north to Slater and south to Nelson. He is well grounded in the knowl- edge of his profession and keeps in close touch with the latest advances made in the healing art. He has met with splendid success and has handled with the best of results some exceedingly difficult cases, being now numbered among the leading physicians of his section of the county.

At the time of his father's death, the Doctor inherited about two hundred acres of land and his wife also received forty acres, all of which the Doctor has greatly improved. He built a beautiful and well arranged modern residence and has now one of the most comfortable homes in the community.

On June 19, 1901, Doctor Lawless married Mary L. McMahan, who was born in Arrow Rock township, this county, on June 30. 1880, the daughter of William H. C. and Martha E. (Hawpe) McMahan, of Arrow Rock township. To this union have been born three children, tw^o of whom died in infancy. The one living is Catherine Louise, born September 25, 1908.

Andrew J. Davis

A. J. Davis, a progressive farmer and stock raiser and the oldest son of William and Elizabeth (Major) Davis, was born in Wapello county, Iowa, on the 22d day of March, 1855. He spent his early life amid the bracing air and wholesome discipline of the country, received a practical education in the public schools and grew to manhood on the farm, remaining with his parents until twenty-seven years of age. He then moved to a farm of two hundred and forty acres in section 20, township 50, Arrow Rock township, where he has since resided and which under his effective labors and judicious management has been highly improved, being at this time one of the productive and valual)le farms of the county.

On December 20, 1882, Mr. Davis was united in marriage with Mary E. Jamison, whose birth occurred in Saline county, June 17, 1858, being a daughter of James X. and Edmonia (Huston) Jamison, the father born June 14, 1814, in Virginia, the mother in Cooper county, Missouri. September 28, 1823. Mrs. Jamison's parents were Benjamin and Polly ( Templeton) Huston, both natives of Virginia, and among the early pioneers of Missouri, moving to Cooper count v when that part of the state was a wilderness and the foot of the savage still pressed the soil. James N. Jamison came to Saline county about 1839 and located three hundred twenty acres of land, which he improved and on which he spent the remainder of his life. Soon after locating in Saline county, he married Lucy Townsend, daughter of

Sanders A. Townsend. of Virginia, a union terminated by the death of Mrs. Jamison one year later. Subsequently, 1849, he went to California, but after remaining- a short time in that far-off country he returned to Missouri, and the year 1851 entered the marriage relation with Edmonia Huston, who bore him five children, two sons and three daughters, namely: Newton R., of Oklahoma; Belle, of Marshall, Missouri; Mrs. Andrew J. Davis; Edmonia. who is unmarried and lives in Marshall ; the youngest, Benjamin H., died in 1887, at the age of twenty-three years. Mr. Jamison was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church South and active in all lines of religious and benevolent work. He was a true type of the upright Christian gentleman and enterprising citizen and his death, which occurred on May 23, 1907, was a matter of profound regret to all who knew him. Since the above date, his widow has lived with her daughter in Marshall where her many estimable qualities of mind and heart have endeared her to the large circle of friends with whom she is accustomed to mingle. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Davis has been blessed with seven children, the oldest of whom is Emmet E., who was born December 20, 1883, and is still with his parents; C. Jamison, the second child, was born November 4, 1885, and married on the 1 2th of December, 1907, in Kansas City, Elizabeth Piper, whose birth occurred in Clinton, Missouri, July 4, 1885, being a daughter of John W. and Lutie (Lindsay) Piper. One daughter is the result of this union, a sweet little daughter by the name of Lunora E., who first saw the light of day October 24, 1908.

Guilford Gay Davis, the third of the subject's family, was born August 21, 1888, and is still a member of the home circle; Minnie May, who is also at home, was born December i, 1890, after whom are William Major, bom March 7, 1893; Martha Linton, November 2, 1895. ^^^ Henry Huston, whose birth occurred on November 22, 1898, all these at home and pursuing their studies in the public schools.

Mr. Davis devotes his attention to general farming and stock raising and, as already indicated, has met with encouraging success in his vocation, being at this time in independent circumstances with a sufficiency of this world's goods in his possession to insure his future against the worry and anxiety which fall to the lot of the careless and improvident. He believes in progress in all the term implies, cultivates the soil according to the most approved methods and having made agriculture the subject of close and critical study never fails to realize abundant returns from the time and labor expended on his farm. He is held in high esteem by his neighbors and is proud of the fact that his antecedents were among the old and honored families of

Virg'inia and that his wife is connected with the best people of central Missouri. He is a Democrat in politics, but not a partisan, takes an active interest in whatever tends to the material progress and moral advancement of the community and enjoys to a marked degree the confidence of his fellow citizens of the county of Saline.

The Thornton Family

The name of this old family is intimately associated with the pioneer history of central Missouri, one of the first permanent settlements in Saline county having been made by Daniel Thornton as early as the year 1816. Daniel Thornton was a native of Charleston, South Carolina, where his birth occurred on the 26th of March, 1788, being the third of four children born to John and Polly Thornton. When a mere youth he removed with his parents to the eastern part of Tennessee, where he assisted his father on the farm until twenty years of age, when he married Maiy Neff, of Jackson county, that state, and began cultivating the soil upon his own responsibility. Mrs. Mary Thornton, who was bom March 28, 1791, was a daughter of John and Susan Neff, whose respective families were among the old and well known settlers of Jackson county.

Eight years after his marriage Daniel Thornton disposed of his interests in Tennessee and moved to Missouri, which at that time was the western border of civilization, traveling by water dowai the Ohio and up the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, pulling the boat with ropes and poling it against the current until arriving, in June, 1816, at a point just north of the present site of Arrow Rock, in what is now Saline county, where a landing was made and a settlement founded. According to well authenticated information, this, as already stated, appears to have been the first settlement within the present limits of the county of Saline. Mr. Thornton was accompanied from Tennessee by a brother-in-law of Mrs. Thornton, one Isaac Clark, who with his family located near the site of Saline City, where he remained a short time and then removed to Lexington, near which place he secured land and made a permanent settlement. For a short time after his arrival in the new country Mr. Thornton lived in a tent. but. the Indians becoming quite troublesome, he took his family to Cooper Fort in Howard countv where they remained until all danger from the savages was over. Returning to his land,- he erected a comfortable log cabin and, clearing a few acres, raised a crop of corn, which, with vegetables and wild game, afforded the family ample subsistence until a larger crop was grown the following year. Later he entered a quarter section of prairie land, to which he added at intervals until at one time he owned five hundred acres, the greater part of which he reduced to cultivation. Mr. Thornton conducted farming on quite an extensive scale, raising crops of hemp, flax, corn and oats, for all of which there appears to have been ready sale at fair prices. He was a man of intelligence and great force of character, a leader in the settlement and for many years took an active part in the development of the country and in directing matters of public moment. Religiously he and his family belonged to the Christian church, the first organization of which body in Saline county was the old Concord congregation, near Saline City, with which he held membership. Previous to his removal to Missouri he had sensed as private in the United States army, during the war of 1812, and w'hile living in Saline county he took part in the Black Hawk war, but was absent from home only a few^ months during the latter trouble. Mr. Thornton lived a useful life and his death, which occurred on the 31st of August, 1855. was greatly deplored by his fellow citizens of Saline county. His widow, w^ho survived him nearly nineteen years, departed this life on the 3d day of March, 1874.

Daniel and Susan Thornton were the parents of twelve children, namely: Susan, Rebecca, John, Isaac, Catherine, Elizabeth, Polly, Nancy, Lydia, Henderson, Mary and Andrew J., the first four born in Tennessee, the others in Missouri. Of this large family but two are living at the present time. Mrs. Nancy Cameron, of Slater, Missouri, who was born March 5, 1824, and Andrew Jackson, of Thornton, this state, who first saw the light of day on May 4. T833.

Isaac Thornton, the fourth of the above children, was born in Jackson county, Tennessee, January 26, 1816, and brought to Missouri in infancy. He grew to maturity on his father's farm near Arrow Rock, and at the early age of nineteen took to himself a wife in the person of Rachel Chappell, who was born in North Carolina in 181 5, being a daughter of Elisha Chappell, who came to Saline county in an early day and settled near the Thornton homestead. A short time after his marriage Mr. Thornton moved to northwestern Missouri and entered land in Buchanan county, which he improved and on which he lived until 1855, when he sold this fami and returning to Saline county, became associated with his father and brother-in-law in the manufacture of lumber. AA^hile in Buchanan county he built a water-powder sawmill, to which he afterwards added machinery for grinding flour and meal and which in its twofold capacity was greatly prized by the people of the community.

excellent and praiseworthy citizen. He lived a long and useful life and died lamented by all who knew him, in 1905, after rounding out his eighty-ninth year, his wife preceding him to the grave in September, 1891. They had a family of eight children, one of whom, Isaac L., died in infancy, the names of those w^ho grew to maturity being as follows : James H., of Tulare City, California; Daniel, who lives in Clinton, Missouri; John C, deceased; Andrew J., Jr., of Clay township, Saline county; Elisha E., a merchant of Saline City; Mrs. Mary F. Morris, a resident of Marshall, and William H., whose home is in Malta Bend, Missouri.

Elisha E. Thornton, the fifth child of Isaac and Rachel Thornton, was born April 8, 1846, in Buchanan county, Missouri, and remained with liis parents until twenty-two years of age, attending school during his youth and later assisting his father with the w^ork of the latter's sawmill. On September I, 1868, he entered the marriage relation with Mary E. Stapp, who was born in Howard county, Missouri, December 13, 1849, and during the three years ensuing continued the milling business with success and financial profit. At the expiration of that time he rented a farm in Clay township, but after a few months' residence, returned to the county of Saline and accepted the position of engineer of his father's mill. After serving three years in that capacity he moved to a small farm on Island; No. 2, Clay township, where he lived three years and then took up his residence in Saline City, leasing the mill of his father and operating the same in partnership with his brother, James, during the four years following. Discontinuing the manufacture of lumber at the end of the period indicated, Mr. Thornton, in 1886, took a contract for carrying the mails from Saline to Slater, which position he held until 1891, when he moved to the latter place, where for about six months he was engaged in the poultry business. Returning to Saline City in 1892 to care for his father, he still makes his home in that city, and since the year 1899 has had charge of a grocery store, which formerly belonged to Mr. Dysart, his son-in-law, but which since his death he conducts in his own name. On the death of his father Mr. Thornton inherited the latter's home on the banks of the Missouri river, which he now occupies and which is one of the most beautiful residence sites in Saline City. Mr. and Mrs. Thornton have two children, namely ; Perlula, born June t. 1869, married at the age of nineteen T. S. Dysart. of Randolph, who died in 1899, leaving two children, Estell and Jefif H. Dysart. Subsequently. ]\Iarch, 1909, Mrs. Dysart became the wife of Onie Thomas, of Clay township, where they now reside. Wilbern E., the second child of E. E. and Man- Thornton, was born in Saline City, May, 1872, and now lives in Maricopia, near Bakerfield, California.

Andrew Jackson Thornton, youngest child of Daniel and Mary ( Xeff) Thornton, was born in Arrow Rock township, Saline county, Missouri, May 4, 1833. He received a common school education and remained with his parents until their respective deaths, receiving as his share of the homestead one hundred ten acres, on which he lived and prospered until 1875, when he sold the place and moved to another farm in the vicinity, which he also owned. After residing on the latter farm until 1880, he built a beautiful and commodious modern dwelling in Saline City, which he has occupied since that year, devoting his attention in the meantime to l)lacksmithing and wagon making.

On November 6, i860, was solemnized the marriage of Andrew J. Thornton and Sarah J. \\'iley, the latter born December 22, 1844, in Xorth Carolina, being a daughter of Norwood and Alice (Gossett) \\'iley, natives of the Old North state, but since 1858 residents of Saline county, Missouri. Nine children have resulted from this union, viz : Mrs. Mary B. Romine, born August 23, 1 86 1, now living at Enid. Oklahoma; Susan Ada, wife of James Thornton, born January 6, 1863, and residing in Clay township; Mrs. Alice D. Walling, of Hugo, Oklahoma, born February 28, 1865; Henr}^ N., of Clay township, Saline county, born April 18, 1869; Mrs. Alice Childers, born August 28, 1872; Rebecca E., who was born January 23, 1875, is still with her parents; Charles A., of Clay township, was born i\ugust 2y, 1878; Mrs. Susan I. Reynolds, born September 7, 1880, lives in Saline City, and Willard W., who is still a member of the home circle and a pilot on the Missouri river, was born November 24, 1882.

Politically Mr. Thornton is a Democrat and religiously subscribes to the plain teachings of the Christian church. During the late Civil war he espoused the Southern cause and for about ten months served in the Confederate army under General Price, going to the front as a private in a Howard county company, and achieving a creditable record.

Charles H. Bradford

A worthy descendant of a prominent and honored pioneer family of Saline county, Missouri, is Charles H. Bradford, one of the substantial and representative citizens of this locality. He was born near Arrow Rock, this county, June 13, 1845, reared in the town of Arrow Rock, where he received his preliminary schooling, later attended the St. Louis University, then took a course in St. John's College, Westchester county. New York, from which he was g-raduated in i860, from the law department; later he attended the Military Colleg-e at Poughkeepsie, New York, for one year, retiring from the same with the rank of captain. He returned home on account of the rebellion in the South, and read medicine with his father as preceptor; he took a course of lectures at St. Louis, but was interrupted in the completion of his medical course. In 1864 he crossed the plains to Montana, where he engaged in mining, and in the fall of 1865 came home by way of the Yellowstone river, there being in his party fifteen hundred people; this move was made in anticipation of Indian trouble. They built their own pirogues and, after some difficulty, made their way home. Mr. Bradford then gave up the study of medicine and decided to take up the quiet life of the agriculturist. While in Montana he was actively engaged in mining enterprises and did a great deal of prospecting, locating paying mines there and being fairly successful, but when the Civil war closed he sold out his holdings there and returned home. His mother gave him a farm and he at once began farming and stock raising, handling high-grade stock successfully. This farm was near Arrow Rock, but several years later he changed farms and located near Napton, there continuing farming and stock raising until 1899, when he came to the home his mother had provided for him in Marshall and retired from all active work, renting- his farms to his oldest son.

Mr. Bradford is a strong Democrat, but has never aspired for public office nor public notoriety, preferring to lead a quiet life and look after his individual business interests. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and a liberal supporter of the same, his family also belonging to this church. He has lived to see the great development of Saline county, saw the county seat moved to Marshall, witnessed Marshall rise from a few huts on the prairie to a progressive, modern city. All the material for the construction of Marshall was handled from Arrow Rock, at which place all the milling and business of the county was done for many years. It was formerly a prosperous little city.

Mr. Bradford was married in 1867 to Susan L. Smith, Avho was born in Cooper county, Missouri, the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Lacey) Smith, both natives of Kentucky. John Houx, Mrs. Bradford's mother's stepfather, was also a native of Kentucky and a very early settler in Cooper county, Missouri. Thomas Smith married in the old Blue Grass state and came to Cooper county, Missouri, in 1833; he was a farmer and slave owner and became a prominent man there, remaining in Cooper county until his death. He was the father of four children, namely: Susan L., wife of Charles H. Bradford, of this review: Maggie, now Mrs. Todd; Dee, who has remained single: Massee M., a farmer in Cooper county, this state, now living at Boonville

To Mr. and Mrs. Charks H. Bradford the following children have been born : Charles E., who is living on the old farm; Thomas G., proprietor of a dental school at Dallas, Texas ; Helen L., who has remained single.

Charles H. Bradford is the son of Dr. C. M. and Lavinia M. (Pearson) Bradford, the latter born in Howard county, Missouri, August 23, 1825, the daughter of John G. Pearson, of Tennessee, who came to Howard county about 181 5 and became a farmer and slave owner. Dr. C. M. Bradford was born in East Haddam, Massachusetts, February 27, 181 7. He graduated in medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in 1839, after which he came to Howard county, Missouri, where he taught one term of school and settled at Arrow Rock where he began the practice of his profession, and in 1840 he was married. He soon afterward fonned a partnership with Doctor Sappington and Doctor William M. Price, Doctor Sappington being then the pioneer physician in northwestern Missouri and he later became famous. Doctor Bradford was the first physician in this county able to handle malarial diseases successfully, and the first to use the Peruvian bark as there was no quinine here. He went to Philadelphia and purchased a large quantity of quinine, which he and his partners formed into pills and started a general medicine business. They equipped a large and attractive wagon drawn by four mules and in this manner peddled their medicines all over Missouri and into Arkansas and other malarial districts, the firm name being Sappington & Company, which became famous and out of which they all made considerable money, and later made fortunes of their general practice. Doctor Bradford becoming an eminent physician and surgeon. He had a wide field for his practice - four counties ; he became widely known and was recognized by other physicians as standing at the head of the medical profession in this part of the state. At an early day he entered large tracts of land, having his farms worked, and he also bought and sold large numbers of mules, marketing them in the South, whither he had them driven.

Joel Bradford was the grandfather of Charles H. Bradford, a native of Connecticut, the son of Jeremiah Bradford, who was born in 1730 in Connecticut, the son of Gresham Bradford, who was born in 1691 at Brighton, Boston. Samuel Bradford, who was born in 1671, was appointed to look after and develop the common lands of the Plymouth colony. William Bradford was born in 1588 in England and came with the old Mayflower colony that landed at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts, and, next to^ Miles Standish, he had command of the affairs of the colony, and was commander-in-chief of the colonists in King Philip's war, holding the rank of major, and he was also assistant marshal and deputy governor of Plymouth, being generally recognized as one of the leading men of the colony. In 1608 he went to Holland, coming to this country in 1620, on the "Mayflower," as stated, of which colony he became the permanent leader, als(3 filled the office of governor of the colony, having been elected to that office thirty-one times, and was practically the leading spirit of the colony, and this branch of the Bradford family from the landing of the "Mayflower" to those living at the present day in Saline county, Missouri, have always stood at the head of whatever profession they adopted, and have been advocates of good government.

The father of the Pilg-rim was William Bradford, who was born in England, in 1530 and died in 1595. He had a coat-of-arms. The original was John Bradford, who^ was burned at the stake at Smithfield, England, July i, 1555. in "Bloody" Queen Mai-y's time. He was a celebrated preacher, having been burned because he advocated a religion other than that of the church of England.

Dr. Charles M. Bradford, father of Charles H. Bradford, of this review, was an active worker in the Democratic ranks, but he never held office. He accumulated considerable property and was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, His death occurred August 21, 1862, at the age of forty-four years. His widow survives and is now^ making her home with her daughters in St. Louis. To Dr. Charles M. Bradford and wife seven children were born, namely: Charles H., of this review; Sarah M., Mrs. Col. Tom Price (deceased); Ida, now Mrs. Rev. William Shaw, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister; Isabelle, now Mrs. J. T. Baker; Louisa, Mrs. L. C. Nelson: George died in infancy. The mother of these children is a woman of beautiful Christian character, and is now eighty-four years of age.

To win recognition in as exacting a profession as the law at an age when most men are only beginning the serious struggle, called by the poets, "the battle of life," indicates the possession of no mediocre talents and personal characteristics that command the commendation of all classes everywhere. These attributes fonn a component part of the nature of the popular young city attorney of Marshall, Francis E. Rigney, Jr., who was bom near Shackelford, Saline county, Missouri, February 24, 1877. He is the son of F. E. Rigney, who was a native of Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, where he grew to maturity and was educated. He emigrated to Missouri about 1870, settling first in Carroll county, later removing to Shackelford. He was one of the good farmers of the county, and while he does not carry on his business on so extensive a scale as formerly, he is still, at the age of sixty-six years, directing the afifairs of his fine farm near Shackelford.

The Rigney family originally came from Seven Churches, Ireland, the first member of the family, John Rigney, landing- in the United States in 1801 and settled in Rome, New York, soon afterward. He devoted his life to farming, becoming fairly well situated. His children settled in Wisconsin and Illinois. Grandfather John Rigney settled in Wisconsin and reared his family at Manitowoc, that state. He died when the father of the subject was just a boy.

The mother of Francis E. Rigney, Jr., was Ellen E. Prior, born near Shackelford, Saline county, Missouri. Her father, William E. Prior, settled in that neighborhood in 1845 and devoted his life to farming. Mrs. F. E. Rigney died on March 12, 1877. She was the mother of only one child, Francis E., Jr.. of this review. After her death, F. E. Rigney again married, his last wife being Mrs. H. E. Parker, of Augusta, Georgia: no children were born of the latter union.

Francis E. Rigney, Jr., was born and reared on the home farm, on which he worked when he became of proper age, remaining under the parental rooftree until he was twenty-three years of age. He received his primary schooling at Miami and in his home district, and at St. Savior's Academy at Marshall. In 1 89 1 he entered St. Mary's College at St. Mary's, Kansas, from which he was graduated in 1898 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He then took the junior year in the law department of the Georgetown University, Washington, D. C, and he spent his senior year at Washington Univer.sity, St. Louis, from \\hich institution he was graduated in 1900. haA'ing made a very commendable record in all the above named schools. Soon after leaving- the university he began the practice of his profession in Marshall and he has continued here ever since, practicing alone ; he has built up a very satisfactory patronage and has become one of the best known members of the liK^al l)ar. His knowledge of the law, governing both civil and criminal cases, is lucid and profound, and he has a power of persuasive argument that never fails to appeal to jurors. Such rare qualifications do not fail to attract public attention, and he was singled out by part^- leaders for offices of public trust, having been elected city attorney (^f Marshall in 1908, wdiich position he is now filling with credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned, irrespective of party affiliations.

Mr. Rignev has considerable farming- interests, being the owner of a fine farm of eightv acres near Shackelford, this ccumty. He has never assumed the responsibilities of the married state.

Mr. Rig-uey is a charter member of the Knights of Columbus, of which he is at present chancellor. He is a faithful member of the Catholic church. Personally he is a man of pleasing address and a good mixer, very studious, possessing an excellent library, and, judging from his past record of honor, the future to such as he must needs be replete with success, worthily attained.

Robert Oscar Bagnell

Although yet a young man, having merely reached the age when most pei'iple are becoming only fairl\- well launched on their chosen life work, Robert Oscar Bagnell has accomplished much as an agriculturist, stock man and public spirited citizen, being the well known proprietor of the beautiful "Elkhill Stock Farm,"" ha\'ing shown \vhat may be accomplislied by correct habits and rightly applied principles when they are backed by an ambition to do something worth while. He was born in southern Illinois, April 21, 1880, the son of Thomas Henry and Anna Amelia (Gaunt) Bagnell, the father a native of Rowden, Canada and his death occurred in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1895. He was the son of Robert Bagnell, a native of Canada, and a major in the British army,. Thomas H. Bagnell was reared on the farm' and received an excellent education in the public schools. When a young man he came to the United States and farmed and ranched in Colorado, handling large numbers of cattle, remaining there several .years, leaving there in 1888. He owned a large tract of land there and the large droves of sheep attracted attention even in the West. Upon leaving Colorado he came to Saline county, Missouri, and bought one thousand seven hundred and fifty-six acres of land in Black Water township, his son, Robert O., of this review, now living on the place. He later removed to St. Louis, where he died. He was very successful in all his business relations, engaged extensively in timber and was a widely known railroad tie contractor. He was an excellent financier, a man of keen foresight and he accumulated considerable property, having made it all unaided. Prior to going to Colorado he lived for a short time in southern Illinois. He was a member of the Masonic lodge, was a Democrat and belonged to the Episcopal church. It was about 1876 that Thomas H. Bagnell married Anna Amelia Gaunt, daughter of John and Mary Gaunt. She was born in southern Illinois, where she was reared and educated. Her death occurred in 1888. She became the mother of six children, namely : Nellie is the wife of Byron Babbitt, living in St. Louis; Robert O., of this review; Thomas H. is engaged

Six children were born to Robert Bagnell and wife, paternal grandparents of Robert O. Bagnell, namely: Robert is deceased; William lives in St. Louis; Thomas H., father of Robert O. ; Jane and Sarah live in St. Louis; Samuel is deceased.

Robert O. Bagnell was educated in the common schools and at Washington University, St. Louis. He was reared by an aunt, Miss Jane Bagnell, in St. Louis, until he was twenty-one years of age, when he came to his present fine farm of twenty-one hundred acres, which part of the father's estate fell to him, and here he at once began farming and stock raising and has been remarkably successful in each, becoming known throughout this and adjoining counties for his excellent farm and his high grade stuck. He has cleared off the timber from much of the land and placed it under a high state of cultivation, dividing it into two large farms. He has built over thirty miles of wire fence. Li 1909 he completed a modern, attractive, commodious and costly twelve-roomed brick house at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars, which is the finest country residence in Saline county. It is ecjuipped with all modern appliances, - steam heat, acetylene lights, bath, hard wood finish, - everything of the finest and most modern design. It is imposingly located in the midst of beautiful surroundings and is elegantly furnished, - in fact everything about the place shows thrift and prosperity and indicates that a gentleman of excellent tastes and sound judgment has its management in hand. This magnificent home is situated on an eminence overlooking the entire farm and surrounding county and an inspiring panorama may be had from its windows. The home is often the gathering place for the numerous friends of Mr. and Mrs. Bagnell and here they ahvays find good cheer and a free hospitality that is characteristic of the refined and cultured everywhere. This valuable and desirable farm is located about five miles west of Nelson, in Black \\^ater township.

In 1907 Mr. Bagnell was married to Ella Williams, a lady of talent and affable personality, a native of Saline county, and the daughter of C. P. and Amanda (Umphrey) Williams, a fine old family, natives of Pike county, i\Iissouri, but who for many years have lived in Saline county.

Politically Mr. Bagnell is a Democrat, but he does not find time to take any especial interest in political affairs, preferring to devote his entire attention to his farm and stock ; however, he is always ready to support any measure that has for its object the betterment of Saline county in any way. He is a

The excellent condition of everything with which Mr. Bagnell is connected indicates his care and .supervision. He is both practical and prog-ressive in his methods and to his energy and perseverance is attributed much of the gratifying success that has attended his efforts. Fidelity is one of his chief characteristics, such lidelity as manifests itself to his family and friends and in his faitliful discharge of all the duties of life, and it has won him warm recan 1 \\here\er he is known.

A lifelong resident of Saline county. Missouri, the son of honored ancestr\-. a veteran of the Civil war. successful as an agriculturist and one of the solid and substantial citi/rens of his community - possessing these characteristics, lohn M. Tennill is pecuHarh' entitled to representation in a work of this natin-e. the specific purpose of wdiich is to record the lives of the representative citizens of Saline county.

Mr. Tennill is a native son of the township in which he now lives, his Ijirth having- occurred there on June 8, 1842. He is a son of Hugh and Elizabeth ( McCarty) Tennill. The father was born in Tennessee in 1784 and in young manhood he came to Saline county, Missouri. Some time later he built a tread-power grist mill, to which he later added a distillery. He became the owner of one hundred and seventy-six acres of land, wdiich his brother, George, had entered and deeded to him. Prior to coming to Missouri he had operated an iron furnace in Tennessee. About 1827 he married Elizabeth McCarty, whip was born in Virginia al)out 1800. Her parents dying when she was a young girl, she came out to Saline county, Missouri, with a Mr. and Mrs. Staples, who located in Arrow Rock township. Mr. and Mrs. Tennill became the parents of five children, three of whom are living, namely: Mrs. Mary F. Haley, who was born about 1829, lives near West Point, California: Mrs. Elizabeth J. Sullivan, born about 1833, lives in Oklahoma; John M. is the immediate subject oi this sketch ; Hugh Tennill died in 1844. and was sunnved a number of years by his widow, whose death occurred in 1870. She was a faithful member of the Bapti.st church.

John M. Tennill remained with his mother until he was about sixteen years old. and received his education in the district schools of the township.

At the age mentioned he started out in hfe on his own account, hiring out as a farm hand. Later he was employed for awhile on the ferry at Glasgow, Alissouri. He was industrious and energetic and was wisely economical of his earnings, so that at length he was enabled to buy forty acres of land in section 17, Clay township, and he at once entered upon its operation. He was successful from the start and has added to his original farm from time tn time as he has been prospered, until at present lie is the owner of one hundred and forty acres, comprising one of the best farms in Clay township. To the cultivation of this land he is devoting his attention and is meeting with a very gratifying degree of success. His farm is adorned with a neat and attractive residence, good barn and other necessary outbuildings, the general appearance of the place indicating the owner to be a man of excellent taste and sound judgment.

In 1 86 1, at the outbreak of the great Civil war, Mr. Tennill enlisted for service in Company E, Gordon's regiment of cavalry, Confederate army, with which he served until compelled to retire from the sen^ice because of disability resulting from wounds received in battle. He was twice wounded severely and twice slightly, being at all times found in the thick of the battle. He participated in six big battles, besides a number of minor battles and skirmishes and his record was one of which he had just reason to be proud. At the battle of Cape Girardeau he was shot in the left arm with grape shot, which also passed through his body and lodged in his back, where the iron was cut out by the surgeons. At this time he fell into the hands of Union forces and was sent to a hospital, where he was compelled to remain all summer. In the fall of the same year, being on the road to recovery, he took the oath of allegiance and returned home. He is now a member of the Confederate Veteran's Association. In politics he is a stanch Democrat and has held the office of road overseer of Clay township for eleven years, giving efficient service in this capacity. Religiously he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which they give an earnest and generous support.

In June, 1866, Mr. Tennill was united in marriage to Columbia Goodman, who was born in Clay township. Saline county. Missouri, May 11, 1849, the daughter of Edward and Minerva (Dennis) Goodman, the former of whom was born in Virginia and the latter in Indiana. To the subject and his wife have been born eleven children, who are briefly mentioned as follows : Hugh E., Ixirn April i, 1869. resides in Slater. IMissouri ; James T., born May 28, 1871, resides in Clay town.ship. this county; Joseph V., born March 5, 1873, lives near Marshall: Filena T., bom March 11, 1875, is the wife of Cephas Iman, of Clay township; Sophrona A., born June 2, 1877, is the wife of Nich-

(lias I man. of Clay township; Elizabeth is the widow of David Dobbins and is the mother of three children, who are living with their grandfather, the siibjcci : Wilham M.. born March 17. 1880. remains at home; Clayborn F., born September 22, 1882; Luther E., born January 27, 1884. Hves in Cambridge township; Mary F,, born March 31, 1886, is the wife of Lloyd Richardson, of Clay township; Bessie E., born - April 15, 1889, is at home; two children are dead.

'rhn)ugh a long course of years in the same community, Mr. Tennill has lived a consistent and honorable hfe and has at all times stood high in the esteem of his fellow citizens. He is public spirited and gives a hearty support to every movement having for its object the advancement of the best interests of the communitv in wdiich he lives.

Thomas T. Stivers

Among the prominent and successful agriculturists of Clay township. Saline county. Missouri, the subject of this sketch has attained a high position. Enterprising and progressive in his methods, he keeps in close touch with the most advanced ideas relating to the science of agriculture and is achieving a success commensm-ate with his efforts.

Mr. Stivers was born in Boone county, Missouri. July 17. 1857. and is a son of Francis S. and Xancy E. (A\"ade) Stivers. The subject's paternal grandparents. Marshall and Xancy E. (Barnes) Stivers, were natives of Kentucky. In about 1829 they moved from that state to Boone county. Missouri. and took up government land. Soon after their arrival Mrs. Stivers died. leaving two children, l^^rancis S. and Mrs. Jane Wade, whose death occurred about 1905. After the death of his wife, Marshall Stivers returned to his old home in Kentucky and there married Mary Ann Houchens, of that state. After the marriage, they returned to his farm in Boone county, Missouri. They l)ecame the parents of two children, J. H. and Cynthia. Marshall Stivers was a wheelwright by trade and for this purpose he started a shop on his farm. He was a slave owner and the farm work was performed by slaves. Francis Stivers, the son, acted as overseer and manager, while Marshall, the father, gave his attention to the wagonshop. The latter lived on his farm until about 1873, ^vhen he sold that place and bought a farm in Howard county, Missouri. In 1874 he sold that place and moved to Dallas, Texas, where he spent the remainder of his days and where his younger son, Dr. J. H. Stivers, had located some time previously. Francis Stivers lived with his father on the farm until 1849. I" July, 1847, he married Nancy E. Wade, who was born in Boone county, Missouri, in March, 1832. They remained on the farm until 1849, when he got the gold fever and went to California, then the mecca of thousands, and there he remained until 1856. when he returned home. He had met with very gratifying success in the Golden state, and on his return home he bought a farm of eighty acres in Boone county, and devoted himself to its operation until the winter of 1870, when he sold the farm and liought eighty acres of land in Monroe county, this state. Four years later, however, he sold that and moved to Saline county, locating near Orearville, Clay township, where he rented land and farmed. In 1861 Francis Stivers enlisted in the Confederate army under General Price and served valiantly until the end of the war. He enlisted as a private and at the time of his discharge had risen to the rank of first lieutenant. He has been a member of the Baptist church for about sixty years. To him and his wife were born five children, namely : Thomas J., the subject of this sketch ; Sarah E. ; James H., who lives in Colorado ; Lucy, deceased ; John M., who is engaged in the operation of a rented farm near Marshall. Mrs. Stivers died in November, 1899, and Air. Stivers and his daughter, Sarah, now live with the son, John M.

The subject of this sketch lived with his parents until 1888. In his boyhood he was given the advantage of attendance at the common schools of the neighborhood and his early years were spent as his father's assistant in the farm work. In 1888 he started out for himself, operating rented farm land until 1898, when he purchased a farm of sixty acres in section 26, Clay township. Saline county, where he has since continued his agricultural pursuits. He here carries on general farming, raising all the crops common to this section of the country, and in connection with the tilling of the soil he also gives some attention to the raising of live stock, in which also he is fairly successful. He is up-to-date in his methods and is counted among the successful men of his locality.

Politically Mr. Stivers is a Democrat and has taken an active part in local public affairs. In 1890 he was elected supervisor of Clay township and is still the incumbent of the office, his present term expiring on January i, iQio. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of iVmerica, while his religious affiliation is with the Baptist church, to which he gives an earnest support.

On May 23, 1893, Mr. Stivers married Ludie A. Neff, who was born in Clay township, Saline county, September 15, 1857, the daughter of John and Mary (Neff) Neff. These parents. were both natives of Tennessee, and, lliou.^h both horo the same laiiuly name, they were in no way related. Because .)f liis splendid personal qnalities. Mr. Stivers has gained the confidence and rci^-ard of the entire community, in the best life of which he takes a prominent ])art.

George E. Trout

In one <>f the most exacting- of all callings the subject of this sketch has attained distinction, being- recog-nized as one of the most successful teachers in the county of Saline. He is a well educated, symmetrically developed man. his work as an educator having brought hin-i prominently to the notice of the public, the result of which is a demand for his services where a high standard of ])rofessional excellence is required.

George E. Trout was born near Nelson. Saline county, Missouri, April 13. 1867. and is a son of James P. and Margaret A. (Marshall) Trout. James P. Trout was born in Carthage, Jasper county, Missouri, April 16, 1844, and is a son of James and Elizabeth (Lane) Trout. The latter couple were natives of Indiana, who moved to Carthage, Missouri, in an early day, living there until 1863. when they moved to Saline county. They were the parents of ten children, five sons and five daughters, of whom James P., the subject's father. was the ninth in order of birth and the only one of the children now living. James Trout died in 1853 and his wife, Elizabeth, in 1867. James P. Trout was reared on the home farm, and secured his education in the common schools of the neighborhood. In 1862 he was pressed into the Confederate army, in which he served as flag bearer. After serving four months, he came to Saline county, Alissouri. where, during the remainder of the war, he devoted himself to the care of his mother and family. 1'hree of his brothers were killed in the Confederate army under General Price after thev had been mustered out of service. In 1865 Mr. Trout married Margaret Marshall and they moved onto rented land, to the culti\-ation of which Mr. Trout devoted his energies until \^S(), when he Ijegan work at his trade of wagonmaking. He was the first wagonmaker in Nelson, Missouri, and one of the first business men there. In 1003 he sold his business and moved to Black Water, Missouri, where he remained until igo6. when he went to Galena, Kansas, and now makes his home there with his daughter, Mrs. Jane Son. Margaret, the wife of James P. Trout, was born in Cooper county, Missouri, in 1846. on a farm now owned by her Ijrother. She was a daughter of Richard and Minen^a A. (Reynolds) Marshall, natives of Missouri, and was the fourth in order of birth in a family of thirteen children. Of the three children born to James P. and Margaret Trout, two are living, George E., the subject of this sketch, and Mrs. James Son, of Galena, Kansas. Mrs. Truut died on February 12. 1876. She and her husband were both faithful and earnest members of the Christian and Baptist churches, respectively.

George E. Trout lived with his father until he was sixteen years of age, when he hired out as a farm hand, in which manner he was engaged until he attained his majority. He then went to McMahan Institute, at Arrow Rock, :\lissouri, and subsequently entered the Nelson high school, where he graduated in 1891. He then engaged in teaching school for a year, after which he engaged in the mercantile business in Nelson, but after two years in this line he again took up the profession of teaching, in which he has been engaged ever since. He has met with marked success as a pedagogue and has taught a number of the best schools in the county. He has a keen appreciation of the responsibilities resting on the teacher and also recognizes the opportunity presented to the teacher for directing the moral character of the young men and women with whom he is brought in contact.

In the year 1894 Mr. Trout was married to Mary E. . Porter, who was born in this county in 1870, a daughter of ^Villiam and Sue i\Iason ( Childs) Porter. Mrs. Trout is the youngest of their children and the only one now living. To the subject and his wife have been born the following children; Beatrice E., born January 19, 1895; James W., born x\ugust 19, 1898: Lonnie E., born February 29, 1900, and Aubrey M., born April 16,

John I. Hardin

Prominent among the citizens of Saline county, Missouri, who, by lives of ]:»robity and honorable usefulness, have won and retain the high regard and confidence of their associates and acquaintances, is the subject of this sketch, a prominent and successful fanner of Miami township. He is a native of Loudoun county, Virginia, his natal day having been February 23. 1857. His parents, John R. and Anna (Wortman) Hardin, were also natives of that county, his nn.lher bcino- a ilaughter of Isaac Wortman. The latter was a native of Virginia and he served vahantly throug-hout the war of the Revolution, in which he received severe wounds. He subsequently settled down to agricultural pursuits and died in Virginia at the age of one hundred and three vears. He was widelv known and highly respected, his personal honor and integrity being above reproach. The Hardin family was an old one in the Old Dominion state and John R. was, because of the death of his father, placed at the head of his family. He was reared on a farm and received his education in the subscription schools of the period, gaining a fair education. He was married in his native state and in 1866 he came to Saline county, Missouri, where for two years he was employed as a farm hand, at the end of which time he rented a fann and conducted farming operations on his own account, which continued throughout his life. During the Civil war he served with the Confederate army in a Virginia regiment. He saw much hard service, but escaped without wounds or imprisonment. He has now a number of interesting relics of his war days. He was a strong Democrat in matters political and was well informed on public matters, state and national. He was a plain, honest faraier, never aspiring to public office or notoriety of any kind. In religion he was a member of the Baptist church. He died January i, 1904, at the age of eightythree years. His wife died in March. 1894, she having been also a member of the Baptist church. To John R. and Anna Hardin were born eleven children, two of whom died in infancy, and are briefly mentioned as follows : Margaret. the wife of T. B. Phillips; Robert H., a farmer; J. I., the subject of this sketch ; George ]\[., a farmer; Anna, the wife of B. Smith; William P., a farmer; Edward, a fruit fanner in California; Fannie E., who became the wife of Edward Rudd ; Emma J., the wife of James Turner.

John I. was brought to Missouri at the age of eight years and remained under the parental roof until he had attained manhood. When twenty-three years old he married and entered the employ of L. A. Smith as a fann hand, remaining so employed for one year. He then rented the farm, Mr. Smith furnishing the teams and seed, and this arrangement continued until 1890, when he bought a farm. He was not financially able to pay entirely for the land, but his reputation and credit were good and he had no trouble in making satisfactory arrangements for the future payments. Since 1888 he had been devoting much attention to the handling of live stock and to this he now gave a good deal of attention in connection with his other operations. At times he had partners, and in all his operations he has been successful to a gratifying degree. He is a good judge of live stock and an untiring and persistent wi«rker, ])ushing to completion everything he undertakes. Early in his active career he bought a second-hand threshing outfit and was engaged in this line for a number of years, doing some of the hardest work of his hfe. In this work he was measurably assisted by his wife, who did the cooking for the hands and in other ways helped to make the business a success. This work Mr. Hardin has continued to the present time, though his old machinery has been superseded by a completely new and up-to-date threshing outfit. :\Ir. Hardin has established a reputation for good honest work and during the season he is kept busy handling the work which comes to him unsohcited. In all of his business transactions Mr. Hardin has been very jealous of his credit and has scrupulously fulfilled every obligation which he has taken upon himself. In 1901 he sold his farm and the same year bought the William Parrish farm, wdiich he operated until 1904, when he sold it and bought the threehundred-acre farm in Miami township, where he now resides. He has since added by purchase one hundred and twenty-six acres. He has ninety acres in a high state of cultivation, the balance being in good grass. He gives his attention to general farming-, raising all the crops common to this section of the country, and is meeting with splendid success, sustaining a high reputation as a progressive and enterprising agriculturist. The farm has been improved in a permanent and substantial manner, not the least of which is the enlargement and remodeling of the residence, which is a convenient and modern home, having hot and cold water throughout and lighted by an acetylene gas plant. Mr. Hardin has reached the position where he can enjoy life, though he is in no degree inclined to relax his business activities, being today if anything more energetic and active in his business affairs than at any stage in his career.

Politically Mr, Hardin is a strong and ardent Democrat and has a keen and intelligent interest in his party affairs, though in no sense a seeker after public office or political preferment of any nature. He is public spirited in his attitude to all movements having for their object the advancement of the higher interests of the community and his support is given to all W'Orthy objects.

In 1879 Mr. Hardin married Laura J. Shoemaker, who was born in Adams county, Illinois, in 1862, and who has indeed been to him a worthy companion and true helpmate. In e^-ery stage of his business experience she has been his counsellor and adviser and in many ways has contributed to his success. She is a daughter of Andrew J. and Elizabeth (Hutton) Shoemaker, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Indiana, their marriage occurring in Adams county, Illinois. When a young man Andrew Shoemaker was a steamboatman on the Mississippi, subsequently becoming a fanner and teamster. In 1870 he moved from Adams county, Illinois, to Missouri, first locating in Manuii cuuiiu. He made three other moves, first to Lewis county, then to Knox county, and finally came to Saline county, where he rented a farm in ^[iami township. Subsequently he bought a farm and as an agriculturist he achieved a distinctive success. He was a strong Democrat in his political belief and took an intelligent interest in current public events. Both he and his wife were adherents of the Baptist church and were well known and highly respected in their community. Mrs. Shoemaker passed to the silent land in February. 1884, and was survived several years by her husband, whose death occurred in March. 1889. They were the parents of nine children, namely: George, a railroad man; Laura J-, wife of the subject of this sketch; Clara Belle, the wife of R. Hardin; William, of Nebraska; Thomas, a farmer; Harry, a railroad man; Richard, a veterinarian;. Alice, who is married and living in Wyoming; Andrew J., a railroad man, residing at Slater, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Hardin are the parents of five children, namely : Eva, the wife of E. Morgan; Maud, the wife of H. Akeman; Bessie, at home; Lewis, who died at the age of five and a half years ; Robert M.. at home. Mr. and Mrs. Hardin are well liked throughout the communit}- because of their fine personal qualities, their friends being in number as their acquaintances.

Charles B. Duncan

I1 is always pleasant and profitable to contemplate the career of a man who has made a success of life and won the honor and respect of his fellow c citizens. Such is the record of the well known farmer whose name heads >-<. this sketch.

^ of Clay township, who was bom in Logan county, Kentucky, February 5, 1834. George W. Duncan is a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Pendleton) Duncan, who were born in Culpeper and Fauquier counties, Virginia, respectively, the former's birth occurring on December 4, 1800. On their marriage they '- removed to Kentucky, where they made their home until 1837, when they p mos'ed to Sheridan .county. Missouri, locating two miles north of where Glasgow now is. Their stay there was brief, as they soon moved to Howard county. Missouri, where they lived about four years. In 1841 they came to Saline county and located on farming land in Jefiferson (now Clay) township. In 1844 they moved to Lafayette county, where Mr. Duncan was engaged in the o])eration of a mill on Tabo creek until 1847. He had met with a fair degree of prosperity in all of his undertakings and in 1847 he disposed of his property and returned to Clay township, Saline county, where he bought a farm of over two hundred acres. On this he remained until his death. He had been a lifelong farmer with the exception of the time when he operated the Tabo creek mill, and he enjoyed a splendid reputation because of his habits of industry and his large fund of good common sense. Benjamin and Sarah Duncan became the parents of six children, five of whom were sons, and of these, three are living, namely; James P., of Clay township, this county; George W., father of the subject; John R., of Marshall. Mrs. Duncan died in 1883, and her husband in 1886. George W. Duncan was reared on the home farm and remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age, when he bought one hundred acres of land, forty lying in section 13 and sixty in section 24. He entered actively upon the operation of this place and has prospered in his enterprise, being considered today, as he has been for many years, one of the enterprising and successful agriculturists of his community. He has added to his original holdings from time to time until now he is the owner of one hundred and fifty acres, having sold fifty acres which he owned some time ago.

In 186 1 Mr. Duncan joined a company of militia at Arrow Rock and retained his membership about a year, purchasing his release at the end of the period. In politics he is a Democrat, but has never been an aspirant for public office. In December, 1857, George W. Duncan married Charlotte Shumate, who was born in Lewis county, Missouri, about 1839, her death occurring in 1880. She left the following children: William E., born March 14, 1858, who now resides at Slater, this state; Henry C, born July 22, i860, lives in Cambridge township, this county; James F., born January 17, 1863, lives near Marshall, this county; Charles B., born October 27, 1865, of Clay township; Leona J., born January 7, 1868, is the wife of James O. Cott, of Clay tow^nship; Lillie A., deceased; George R., bom January 24, 1873, resides in the state of Idaho; Ida M., born July 20, 1875, is an invalid. In 1881 Mr. Duncan married Mary Hayes, who was born March 28, 1841, in Clay township, Saline county, Missouri, the daughter of James and Rebecca (Ford) Hayes, the former born in Tennessee and the latter in Virginia. Mr. Hayes came to Saline county with his parents in 18 16, and Rebecca Ford came to this state with a married sister.

Charles B. Duncan was born in Cambridge township. Saline county, Missouri, October 27, 1865. He was reared on the paternal homestead and secured his education in the district schools of the neighborhood. He assisted in the labors of the home farm until he had attained his majority, when, wishing to take up life's work on his own account, he rented land of his father and was ens-ao-ed in its operatic ni until 1896, when he bought eighty acres of good land in section 23. Chiy township, to which he has since devoted his attention. He has made many permanent and substantial improvements on the place, the latest of which is the beautiful and modern cottage which he erected in the summer of 1909 and which is numbered among the best farm homes of this section of the county. Mr. Duncan is progressive in his ideas and keeps his place up to the highest possible standard of excellence. He carries on a diversified system of farming, raising all the crops common to this section of the country and in addition he also gives some attention to the raising of live stock, and in all his operations he has met with a gratifying degree of success. ( )n January 17, 1905, Mr. Duncan was united in marriage to Eada flaring, who was born in Clay township, this county, in April, 1879. She is the daughter of George and Sarah (Hayes) Haring, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Clay township. Saline county, Missouri.

Joseph A. Johnson

The life history of him wdiose name heads this sketch has been closely identified with the history of Clay township, Saline county, Missouri. His life has been one of untiring activity and has been crowned with a gratifying" degree of success attained only by those who devote themselves indefatigably to the work before them. He is a native of Clay township. Saline county, Missouri, born on October 8, 1859, and is a son of Morgan and Sarah (Kirby) Johnson. The father Avas born in Indiana, March 20, 1835. and came to Saline county with his parents in 1840. His wife was born in Albemarle county, Virginia, August 2, 1836, and came to this state with her parents about the same time her future husband arrived here. Morgan Johnson's parents located near Saline City, Clay township, where they entered a tract of government land. Tliey were the parents f)f nine children, of w'hom Morgan was the eighth in order of birth. His father died when he was very small and he continued to make his home with his mother on the farm until about the time when he attained his majority, when he w^ent to live with his brother, James, the oldest of the family, who lived on a farm near Oreannlle, in the northeast part of Clay township. While living there he met Miss Kirby, and they were married January 3, 1859. They continued to make their home wnth his brother for a period of about five years longer, and then, in about 1865, Mr. Johnson lx)ught one hundred acres of land adjoining that of his brother in sections 22 and 2^. Later he bought twenty acres more, located in section 19, Clay township. To the cultivation of this land Mr. Johnson devoted his entire attention and was soon numbered among- the leading farmers of the community. In addition to raising the crops common to this section of the countiy. he was also engaged in the breeding and raising of live stock, in which also he met with success. He was a Democrat in politics, though he paid little attention to public affairs, devoting his entire attention to his family and his private business affairs. He died on August 10, 1874, leaving a widow and eight children, two of whom are now living, Joseph A., and James M., born May 29, 1861, and who is engaged in the operation of the old homestead. The mother of these children passed away October 2, 1903.

Joseph A. and James M. Johnson remained on the home farm with their mother until her death, after which event they purchased the interests of the other heirs in the home farm and also bought one hundred and twenty acres additional, lying in section 27. They farmed this entire tract together until 1907, when they divided the property, after selling the twenty-acre tract lying in section 19. In this division James M. received the old home residence and one hundred acres adjoining, while Joseph A. received the one hundred and twenty acres unimproved.

Joseph A. Johnson received a fair education in the district schools of the home neighborhood and spent his early life with his parents. He has always followed farming, in which he has attained to a due measure of success. In matters political he is affiliated with the Democratic party, but has never held public office, though during the past four years he has rendered effective sennce as a member of the county central committee from Clay township. Fraternally he is a member of the ^Masonic order, holding membership in Tranquility Lodge, No. 275, at Orearville.

On October 3, 1878, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Senora Johnson, who was born near Saline City, Missouri. She died August 18, 1900, aged forty years and nine months. She left six children, of whom five are now living, namely : Rosie, the wife of F. M. Mattix, of Clay township, this county ; Josie, the wife of William Morrison, of Slater, Missouri : Willie M.. the wife of Edwin Nugen, of Norton, Missouri; Lottie, at home; Oliver, at home. On December 9, 1901, Mr. Johnson wedded Fannie E. Pugh, who was born near Orearville, Clay township, January 13, 1874, the daughter of William and Louisa (Drummeller) Pugh. These parents were natives of Virginia and came to Boone county, Missouri, about 1871, and in the following year they located in Clay township, Saline county. To this union Mr. Johnson had born two children, Percy and Pauline. In all the qualities that go to the making- of an upright and well developed manhood, Mr. Johnson is well endowed and during the years of his residence in Clay township he has always enjoyed the uniform respect and regard of all who know him.

James M. Johnson was born May 29, 1861, and has always lived on the old homestead. After his mother's death, he operated the place jointly with liis brother, and in the division of the property in 1907 he retained the home place and one hundred acres of land, in the cultivation of which he is now engagetl. He is an enterprising and progressive farmer and the general appearance of the place indicates him to be a man of good judgment and excellent taste. He is energetic and gives his attention to every detail of the work. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. South, to which he renders an earnest support. Politically he is a Democrat.

On December 23, 1885, Mr. Johnson married Rosa A. Neal, who was born in Decatur, Illinois, December i, 1866, the daughter of George \\\ and Sarah E. (Frock) Xeal. Mr. Neal was born in Illinois in 1816 and his wife in Laclede county, Missouri, in 1844. They were married in Illinois and lived on a farm there until 1866, when they moved to Decatur, that state, but a year later they resumed farming near Decatur, where Mr. Neal died in 1868, leaving a widow and two children, of whom Mrs. Johnson was the youngest. Subsequently the other child died and in 1870 Mrs. Neal became the w'lfe of Alexander Neal, brother of her first husband. In 1874 they moved to Marshall, Saline county, Missouri, where they lived tmtil 1876, when they rented a farm in Clay township. Mrs. Neal died in 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have become the parents of ten children, three of whom are dead, the others being- Ruby Gertrude, bom June 27, 1891 ; Floyd McClure, born June 13, 1898; Florence Vivian, bom January 28, 1901 ; Nannie Lee, born April 22, 1903: Catherine Luella, born March 23, 1905; lona Lois, born July 15, 1907; Robert Dean, l>orn March 18, 1909. The members of the family move in the best circles of Clay township and are highly esteemed by all who know them.

Joseph H. Auer

Among those citizens of sterling worth and earned prominence in Clay township. Saline county, mention should be made of Joseph H. Auer, who is a successful and progressive agriculturist. Mr. Auer was born on the farm where he now lives, on March 25, 1866, and is a son of Martin and Anna Marie (Ault) Auer. Martin Auer was born in Dingolfing, Bavaria, Germany, on May i6. 1830. He was a well educated man, having been for a time a student in a military academy in his native land. He graduated in geology and by trade was a miller. At the age of twenty- four years he came to America and was engaged as a geologist until the time of his marriage. Upon arriving in this country he first lived for a short time in Pennsylvania, subsequently moving to \\'isconsin and from there to Fayette county, Missouri. About i860, after his marriage, he came to Saline county and rented land for three years. He was industrious and economical and at the end of that time he bought ten acres of land in section 17, Clay township. He operated this land and at the same time, as opportunity offered, he worked at his profession. His industry was rewarded and from time to time he was enabled to buv more land, so that eventually he was the owner of one hundred and thirty acres of good land. He died March i, 1895. Mrs. Auer was born in Germany April 4, 1842, and at the age of twelve years she came to the United States with her parents, who located on a farm near Xorborne, Carroll county, ^Missouri. Later the family moved to Miami, Saline county, where Mrs. Ault died. Mr. Ault and his family then moved to Dover Landing, near Lexington, Fayette county, where the daughter Anna Marie met and married Mr. Ault. Both Air. and ]\Irs. Auer were invalids for a number of years before their deaths, Mrs. Auer being rendered helpless from rheumatism for nine years prior to her death, which occurred on July 12, 1903. Mr. Auer, during the last fifteen years of his life, was a sufferer from bronchial trouble. He was for a number of years a member of the Baptist church, though he was reared in the faith of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. and Mrs. Auer were the parents of fifteen children, of whom thirteen are now living, namely: John F., born Xnvember 30, i860, living in Clay township, this county; Elizabeth K., born June 21, 1862, makes her home with her brother, the subject of this review: AA'illiam S., born May 26, 1864, lives near Slater, this county: Joseph H., born Alarch 2^, 1866, lives in Clay township: Emma, born June 18, 1868, is the wife of Jerry Sailor, of Clay township; Sophia, born April 26, 1870. is the wife of Rudolph Kochs, of Clay township; Belle, born June 16, 1874, is the wife of \\'illiam Murphy, of Clay township: James A., born February 9, 1876, lives in Xowata, Oklahoma : Charles AL, born April 20, 1878, lives in Clay township; Lloyd AL. born September 8. 1880, lives in Clay township; Sarah M.. born July 11, 1882, is the wife of L. L. Lowery, of Clay township; Viola M., born Xovember 12, 1884, and C. Pearl, born August 14, 1887. both make their homes with the subject.

Joseph H. Auer has spent his- entire life on the home farm, and in his boyhood days he attended the district schools in the home neighborhood. His parents liaving been invalids for a number of years, he was compelled to assume the entire care of them as well as the management of the home farm. \\'hile still quite young, he engaged in the cattle business, and formed a partnership with L. C. Warner, under the firm style of Warner & Auer. The firm was ver>- successful in its operations and became one of the most extensive cattle shippers on the Chicago & Alton railroad. In connection with that line of work, he also gave proper attention to the operation of the home farm, which he has always maintained at the highest standard of excellence. He and his three sisters, Elizabeth, Viola and Pearl, now live together in the home, and they are numbered among the popular people of the township, their splendid personal qualities commending them to the respect of all who know them.

Politically Mr. Auer is a stanch Democrat, while in religious belief he is a Baptist. His fraternal relations are with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is an appreciative member.

James W. Fizer

Among the enterprising and successful agriculturists of Clay township. Saline county, Missouri, the subject of this sketch occupies a prominent place. Of good business ability, a capable and energetic farmer and a public-spirited citizen - he has long enjoyed a high position in the esteem of his fellow citizens. He is a native of the township in which he now lives, having been born on the 27th day of October, 1874. He is a son of Samuel L. and Martha E. (Mayfield) Fizer, both of whom were born also in Saline county, the former on December 30, 1849, ^"d the latter on March 30, 1856. They were both reared on farms and their marriage took place on November 23, 1873. Immediately after their marriage they moved onto a farm in the Linn Grove district. Sometime afterwards they bought forty acres of land in section 20, and to this they afterwards added eighty acres. Politically Mr. Fizer was a Democrat, though he never held public office of any nature. Fraternally he was a member of the Court of Honor. Mr. and Mrs. Fizer were the parents of nine children. of whom seven are living, namely: James W., the subject of this sketch; Eugene, who lives with the subject; Mrs. Virginia R. Crane, of Salem, Oregon; George S., of Oklahoma; William H., at home; Jessamine M.. at home; Minnie G, at home. The parents of these children both died in 1899, the father on April 17th and the mother on September 13th.

James \\'. Fizer received his education in the common schools of the home neighborhood and was reared in the paternal home. Being- the oldest child, at the time of his parents' death he became guardian of his brothers and sisters and, under public administration, assumed charge of the home place. He has devoted himself assiduously to the management of the fa nil and has so conducted it as to realize each year a handsome income. Since assuming charge of it 1ie has added by purchase twenty acres and has also given particular attention to the development of a vein of coal on the place, out of which about one thousand tons are produced annually. Altogether this is considered one of the most valuable farms in the locality and it is maintained at the highest standard of excellence, its general appearance indicating the owners to be persons of good taste and energetic habits.

On October 28, 1896, Mr. Fizer was married to Minnie I. Dobbins, who was born in Saline county, Missouri, in June, 1879, the daughter of Allen and Letha (Peakenpall) Dobbins. To Mr. and Mrs. Fizer have been born four children, namely: Amarintha I., born May 20, 1900; Harry B., born May 19, 1902 ; Francis M., bom November 4, 1905 ; and Mattie L., born September 10. 1907. Politically, Mr. Fizer is a Democrat, while fraternally he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Alasons, the Modern \\'oodmen of America and the Court of Honor. He is a man of splendid personal qualities and enjoys the friendship of all who know him. He is a progressive and energetic farmer and bv his sterling traits of character he has merited the high position which he holds in the esteen of the community.

Among those citizens of sterling worth who have contributed by their earnest and consistent effort to the material prosperity of their home community, none is held in higher esteem than William C. Stafford, of Clay township, Saline county. Mr. Stafford, who is a native of Missouri, was born near Steelville, Crawford county, on the 7th day of September, 1849. He is the son of Jesse B. and Sarah A. (Butt) Stafford, both of whom were natives of Crawford county, the former born October 4, 181 8, and the latter, March 12, 1829. Their respective parents were farmers in Crawford county and were persons of the highest respectability in the community. Jesse and Sarah Stafford were married in 1846 and at once went to housekeeping on jMr. Stafford's farm. He was the owner of about four hundred acres of land, much t.i" ii. however, being rough and not very productive. In 1866 Mr. Stafford sold this farm for a1x)ut twelve hundred dollars and came to Saline county, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of good land in sections 20 and 2g and forty acres in secti(Mi 17, all being located in Clay township. On this fanu he lived until his death, wdiich occurred November 16, 1885.

Mrs. Sarah Stafford died May 14, 1858. She had borne her husband .seven children, four of whom survived her. Subsequently Mr. Stafford married Man- A. Butt, a cousin of his first wife, and her death occurred in 1887. During the Civil w'ar Mr. Stafford's sympathies were wdth the Union. Of the four children who survived ]\Irs. Sarah Stafford, who came to Saline county with their father, but two are living. Mrs. Matilda E. Richardson, who was the eldest of the family, came with her father and her husband to Saline count v. but a vear or two later they removed to Arkansas and subse- (|uentlv to Texas county, Missouri, where she died in 1873. William C, the subiect of this sketch, w^as the second in order of birth. The next in order of birth was John R., now a resident of Clay township, w-hile the youngest was Marv C. who was the wife of Stephen Craig, of Arrow Rock tow-nship, and whose death occurred in June, 1898.

\\^illiam C. Stafford secured his early education in the common schools of Craw^ford and Saline counties. He remained with his father until he had attained his majority, when he went on a visit to his native county and later was in Texas for a time. In 1876 he returned home and w^as married, after which he engaged in farming a part of his father's land. He built a good residence on the w^est side of his father's land and this he has occupied to the present time. Jesse Stafford, prior to his death, had deeded to his tw^o surviving sons his land, and by this act the subject became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres. This land he has continued to operate and by his energy and progressive methods he has come to be numbered among the leadingfarmers in his township.

In October, 1876, Mr. Stafford married Jennie V. Chestnut, w^ho was born in Ray county, Missouri, February 28, 1858. and whose death occurred on September 16. 1882. She left one son. Claude E.. who was bom February 27. 1880. and who now lives on a farm near that of his father in Clay township. In April, 1886. Mr. Stafford married Emma A. Pinkard. wdio was bf.rn in Virginia in April. 1856. She came to Saline county with her sister a few years prior to her marriage. To this union were born two children, a son who died at the age of three years, and a daughter. \\^illie E., bom January 29, 1893. ^^ho is a beautiful and accomplished girl, the sunshine of the home.