Shelby County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1911 (part 8 of 16)

On May 29, 1889, Mr. Jacobs was united in marriage to Miss Emma Seeley, who was born in this state, and who is a daughter of the late James Seeley, an honored citizen of Clarence at the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs became the parents of four children, of whom one, Mary A., died at the age of four years. The surviving children - Louis S., Aileen and Nellie E. - remain at the parental home, which is a recognized center of gracious hospitality.

John W. Jacobs

subject of this memoir in connection witli the civic affairs and practical business activities of Shelby county, where he long lived and labored to goodly ends, and where his name is revered by all who came within the sphere of his generous and kindly influence. As one who was thoroughly and essentially a representative citizen of the county, there is eminent propriety in according in this volume a tribute of respect and appreciation to his memory.

John Wright Jacobs was born in Greene coimty, in the eastern part of the state of Tennessee, August 5, 1824, and died at his home in the city of Clarence, Shelby county, Missouri, April 7, 1906, leaving the priceless heritage of a good name, as no spot or blemish rests on any part of his career, now that he has passed forward to the life eternal. His father, Lewis M. Jacobs, was a merchant tailor at Greenville, Tennessee, and among the first of the journeymen tailors employed by him was Andrew Johnson, who eventually became president of the United States, and whose name and fame rest secure in the annals of our nation. Lewis M. Jacobs was a native of Virginia, where the family was founded in the colonial epoch, and the lineage is traced back to staunch Scotch- Irish origin. He was reared and educated in the Old Dominion state, whence, as a young man, he removed to Greenville, Tennessee, where he was engaged in business for a number of years. There was solemnized his marriage to Miss Anna AVright, and a number of years later he removed with his family to Missouri and located in Shelbyville, where he passed the residue of his long and useful life, a successful business man and sterling citizen, and one whose name merits perpetuation as that of one of the worthy pioneers of Shelby county. His death occurred in 1868, and his cherished and devoted wife preceded him to eternal rest by about one year. They became the parents of six children, of whom the subject of this memoir was the eldest. The father secured a tract of land near Shelbyville, and there gave his attention to farming, in connection with other business enterprises. On this old homestead his children were reared to maturity.

John W. Jacobs was a boy at the time of the family removal to Missouri, and he contributed his quota to the development of the home farm near Shelbyville, in the meanwhile availing himself of such advantages as were offered by the common schools of the locality and period. He remained at home and assisted in the management of the farm until two years after his marriage, which was solemnized in 1855. In 1857 he purchased and established his home upon a farm in Clay township, this county, developing the same into one of the model places of the county, and there continuing to be actively identified with agricultural pursuits and stock-growing until 1873, when he disposed of his farm and removed to the village of Clarence, where he became a dealer in lumber, ag- I'icultural implements and grain, in connection with which important lines of enterprise he built up a large and substantial trade and gained precedence as one of the vigorous, far-sighted and progressive ])Usinoss men of the county. In 1876 he disposed of this business, and thereafter he continued to be identified with other lines of enterprise of varied order until 1884, in January of which year he and his son, William L., secured a half interest in the general merchandise business which was thereafter conducted under the firm name of AVhitby, Jacobs & Company, the son assuming the active management of the business, which he still continues, as will be noted by reference to the sketch of his career appearing on other pages of this work. In this connection John W. Jacobs gave the benefit of his keen business sagacity and mature experience, but, save for this advisory service in the business, he lived virtually retired from 1890 until his death. He was regarded as one of the best business men and most upright and honorable citizens of this part of the coimty, where his circle of friends was coincident with that of his acquaintances. Though never a seeker of public office or of notoriety of any order, Mr. Jacobs wielded a large and beneficent influence in local affairs, and his advice and counsel were frequently sought in connection with matters of public polity, the while he gave freely of his aid and influence in support of all that touched the best interests of the community.

In politics Mr. Jacobs was aligned as a loyal supporter of the principles and policies for which the Democi-atic party stands sponsor, he was affiliated with Clarence Lodge, No. 305, Free & Accepted Masons, and he was a most zealous and devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, having been one of the charter members of the church of this denomination in Clarence, as is also his wife. Upon him devolved the privilege of turning the first spade of earth for the erection of the church edifice. She survives her honored husband and finds a measure of consolation and compensation in the gracious memories of their long years of loving companionship. She was born in Delaware, near Laurel, February 15, 1836, and thus has passed the psalmist's span of three score years and ten. She is held in affectionate regard by all who know her, and still maintains her home in Clarence, where she is surrounded by a wide circle of devoted friends.

On February 15, 1855, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Jacobs to Miss Mary A. Drain, daughter of the late Stanford Drain, one of the honored pioneers of Shelby county. Of the six children of this union, four are living, namely : William L., of whom specific mention is made elsewhere in this volume ; Anna E., who remains with her widowed mother ; Eobert L., who is a representative business man of Clarence; and Cassie L., who is the wife of Albert Mai'ley, of Kansas City, Missouri.

Dr. Henry M. Pollard

A practicing physician and surgeon among them during the last twenty-two years, and throughout the whole period performing his professional duties and those of elevated citizenship to their entire satisfaction. Dr. Henry M. Pollard, of Shelbina, won the regard of the people of Shelby county on his merits by proving himself to be a very useful man and deeply and intelligently interested in the welfare of the region in which he lived and labored. He was active and zealous in connection with all undertakings for the impi-ovement of the county and licttennent of its people, and gave all observers an excellent example of upright and serviceable living.

Dr. Pollard was born on February 4, 1861, in this county and was a grandson of Tliomas Pollard, a native of Kentucky, and a son of James M. Pollard, who was also born in that state, his life beginning on October 17, 1826, in Owen county. In 1847, although he had attained his majority, he accompanied the family to Missouri, and with the rest, took up his residence in Monroe county. Soon after his arrival he moved to Florida and learned carriage and wagon making. He worked at the trade eiglit years, and during most of the time after completing his apprenticeship, was engaged in making wagons for parties who wished to travel overland to the fai'ther west, and also government wagons for Fort Leavenworth, the seat of his operations being at Platte City in this state. In 1855 he returned to Monroe county, where he remained two years, then moved to Shelby county and engaged in general merchandising at Hunnewell, conducting a successful enterprise in that line there imtil 1863.

In the year last named, owing to the imsettled and dangerous condition of the country around him brought on by the Civil war, he moved his family and effects to Illinios, where he dwelt until the restoration of peace. When the dread war cloud had passed away, and a reasonable degree of quiet had been brouglit back to the region of Ms former home, he returned to Monroe county, and there followed general farming until his death.

which occurred in 1900. At tlie time of his demise he owned 300 acres of land and nearly all of it under advanced cultivation and developed to a high state of productiveness.

He took an active and very serviceable interest in the public affairs of the county, and was elected presiding justice of the county court in 1878 for a term of four years. Prior to that time he filled other offices of trust and I'esponsibility for a ]3eriod of five years. In politics he was an ardent and determined working Democrat, always giving his party the full benefit of his influence, intelligence and energj^. His religious connection was with the Baptist sect, and fraternally he was allied with the Masonic order from his early manhood. On October 11, 1853, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Blackburn, a native of Shelby county and daughter of Samuel Blackburn, a long esteemed resident of this part of the state. Three of the five children born of the union are living: Samuel Thomas, whose home is at Monroe City, Missouri ; Viola, the wife of 0. A. Marr, who resides in Monroe county, and William Lee, who lives at Lamar, Colorado.

Dr. Pollard, obtained his education in academic lines in the public schools of Monroe county and at the Kirksville State Normal school. In 1885 he matriculated at Missouri Medical college in St. Louis, from which he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1888. He then pursued one post graduate course in New York and five in Chicago at the Polyclinic school. With the world before him in which to choose a location for his life work, the young jibysician lo- cated at Maud in this county, where he began his practice in 1888. Seven years were passed in an active general practice at that place, then, in 1895, the doctor moved to Shelbina, where he lived and gave diligent and faithful attention to the exactions of an ever increasing practice covering a steadily expanding range of country, rising to prominence in his profession and winning great and wide-spread popularity among the people until his death August 21, 1910.

The doctor's rank in his profession and his popularity with the people were based on substantial grounds and well deserved. He was a close stiadent of all that pertained to his work, keeping abreast with the advance in medical science by reflective reading of its best literature, and in close touch with the teachings of practical experience by active membership in the county, state and national medical societies. He was president of the first named and one of its most active and useful members, and was esteemed by its other adherents as a skillful and judicious man in the application of the medical knowledge of which he was admitted to have in considerable volume and systematic accuracy.

In fraternal life Dr. Pollard was connected with the Masonic order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was loyal and appreciative in his devotion to both. His political affiliation was with the Democratic party, and to this, too, he was true and constant, zealous in its service and unwavering in his support of its principles and candidates. At the time of his death he was a member of the Baptist church. On July 17, 1889, he was married to Miss Mollie Clay, the daughter of Charles B. and Amanda (Ilininger) Clay, of Monroe county, this state. Two children have been born of the union, Jessie V. and Eva C, both of whom are still members of the parental household.

Joseph Leonard Ridings

Prominent in the public life of the community in which he lives ; active, enteri)rising and successful in his business, in which he occupies a leading place in this whole section of the state; and standing well in the political, fraternal, social and religious circles of Clarence, the city of liis home, Joseph Leonard Ridings is an ornament to Missouri manhood, Shelby county citizenship and the business and industrial interests of a locality that has made rapid strides of progress under the influence of such men as he.

Mr. Ridings was born on November 23, 1864, and is a grandson of Peter F. Ridings, a native of Virginia, who became an early settler in Randolph county, Missouri. In that county his son, Peter F. Ridings, the father of Joseph Leonard, was born in 1826, September 11th, and there he was reared and assisted the family by working on the home farm until 1849, when he joined the host of argonauts who flocked to the newly discovered gold fields of California. The next year, however, he returned to his old home near Levick Mill, in Randolph county, this state, and turned his attention to farming on 200 acres of land which his father gave him. He continued to farm this land until 1863, then went to Illinois and for one year worked on a farm in that state. In 1864 lie came back to his Randolph county farm and soon afterward bought a general store and tannery, which he conducted until 1877. In that year he moved his mercantile enterprise to what was but a cross-roads and organized a town, which he named Maud in honor of his daughter. He continued to keep his store at that point, and also to farm. In a little while he was appointed postmaster of Maud, and he served in that capacity until 1888, when he moved to Clarence, and during the next year followed the livery business. In 1869 he sold this and retired from all active pursuits, and is now enjoying a well earned rest and the fruits of his labor from good city properties and his farm land, which is being farmed by a tenant.

He was married in November, 1862, to Miss Mary Larrick, of Palmyra, a native of Virginia, who was born November 24, 1843, and by this marriage became the father of seven children, five of whom are living: Joseph Leonard, of Clarence; Albert M., who lives in the same city ; Charles Franklin, also a resident of Clarence; Maud, the wife of William Schwada, of West Burlington, Iowa; and Jessie, the wife of Lester Herst, of Denver, Colorado. In politics the father is a Democrat, and his wife is a member of the Soi;thern Methodist Episcopal church.

Their son, Joseph Leonard Ridings, was educated in the district schools of Randolph and Shelby counties, and after leaving school he assisted his father in the store at Maud until he reached the age of twenty years. In 1884, following his father's example, he also organized a new town, which he called Enterprise, planting it at a cross-roads also, and opening and keeping the first store there. The place soon grew to the digiiity of a Ijostoffice and its founder was made postmaster. He remained there seven years, operating a saw mill and blacksmith shop in connection with his store and the postofSce, and found all the circumstances favorable to his prosperity. In 1891 Mr. Ridings sold out his interests at Enterprise and located in Clarence. There he has been continuously engaged in contracting for building, heating, electrical and plumbing work, and is considered the most extensive and reliable contractor in those lines of construction in this part of the county. His business is very large and active, and he is now (1910) erecting a two-story brick building to accommodate it and provide for necessary enlargements.

Mr. Ridings is also prominent and influential in the affairs of the city. He is serving his fifth term as a member of the city council, and is considered one of the best, as he is certainly one of the most popular members of the body. He has given intelligent and energetic attention to the wants of the city, looked after its best interests with great zeal and enterprise, and taken broad and progressive views, of everything involving its improvement and further development, and the people highly appreciate his services in this behalf.

On January 12, 1888, Mr. Ridings was united in marriage with Miss Annie Dean Sidner, a daughter of William P. Sidner, of Monroe county, this state, and a cousin of Thomas Sidner, who was one of the men killed at the cruel and brutal Palmyra massacre of 1864. Mrs. Eidings was born in Monroe county on September 17, 1867. She and her husband have had six children, four of whom are living, and all of them are still at home with their parents. They are: Leonard. DoUie, Clarence and Lucy, and add great life and light to the family circle. In politics the father is a hard working Democrat; in fraternal life he is connected with the Knights of the Maccabees, and in religious affiliation he is a member of the Southern Methodist Episcopal church, which his wife also attends.

Hon. Eufus Farrell

In the life story of this eminent citizen of Shelby county and esteemed jurist and publicist of Missouri, will be found a most impressive illustration of the number and variety of claims that are likely to be made on almost any American citizen of parts and acquirements, and also of the great versatility and adaptability of the American mind, which is always found equal to all demands and ready to exercise its mastery over any circumstances, however imnsual or trying. Farmer, commission merchant, hotel keeper, live stock man of active business, following other lines of trade, and finally judge of the highest court in the county, and turning his faculties from one calling to another almost with the ease of a proteus. Judge Farrell has shown himself to be a man of great capacity and resourcefulness, and has done credit to the ancestry from which he sprang and also to the section of

Judge Rufus Farrell was born on ^Miu-cli 25, 1850, in Madison, Monroe county, Missouri, and is a grandson of William Farrell, a native of Kentucky, where the family lived for generations and held an honorable place in the history of that state. The judge is a son of John and Mary Ann (Grove) Farrell, also natives of Kentuckj^, the former born in Madison county on July 14, 1826, and tiie latter in Oldham county only a little later. The father came to Missouri in 1839 with his parents, and the family located in Monroe county. There he grew to manhood and learned the blacksmith trade, and this he followed in connection with farming and raising live stock until 1885, when he retired from active pursuits and moved to Madison, where he remained until his death ou July 15, 1905.

At one time the Judge's father owned 800 acres of land in adjoining ti-acts, although the.v were located in two counties - Monroe and Shelby. His marriage with Miss Mary Ann Grove took place in 1845, and by it he became the father of thirteen children, six of whom are now living: W. M., a resident of Paris, Missouri; Judge Rufus, who lives in Clarence, this county; Thomas J., whose home is in St. Louis; John W., who resides in ^ladison ; ^Mary Catherine, the wife of 0. T. Hall, of" Shelby county; and Ira Stanberry, a prominent citizen of Billings, Montana. In politics the father was an ardent and steadfast Democrat, and in religious connection lielonged to the Christian church. He al-

took a very active and serviceable interest in church work, serving his congregation as deacon and elder at intervals for fifty years.

Judge Rufus Farrell was educated in a private school at Clarence, under the management and instruction of Professor Johnson. After leaving school he was associated with his uncle, James M. Farrell, six years in extensive farming operations, and at the end of that period he went to St. Louis and took up the live-stock commission business in partnership with Metcalf, Moore & Company, and this occupied him imtil 1879. In that year he changed his plans and took charge of the Commercial hotel at Moberly, Missouri, and carried it on until 1882. Tiring of the life of a publican by that time, he sold out in that year and returned to farming on 120 acres of his father's old place in Shelby county. He continued his activity in this line of endeavor and the allied ones of raising and feeding live stock, and shipping hogs and cattle to the markets for fifteen years, until 1897, in fact, when he took up his residence in Clarence and gave his attention to the grain elevator and stock business in association with J. B. Shale. This business connection lasted until 1902, when Mr. Farrell was elected district judge. He served one term of four years, and at the end of that, in 1906, he was chosen presiding .judge of Shelby county. Since his accession to this office, through his efforts, the county has built a fine infirmary, which was very badly needed, and which is now highly appreciated by the people.

county. One child was born to them in 1872, and died in 1874. Mrs. Farrell died in 1875, of tuberculosis. On November 4, 1883, the Judge contracted a second marriage, being united on this occasion with Miss Bettie Wright, a resident of Maud, Missouri. Ten children have been born to them, and all of them are living: Kuby, the wife of Dr. S. J. Miller, of Liberal, Kansas; Gentry T., a resident of Tulsa, Oklahoma ; Una iMay, the wife of Earl Ray, of Louisiana, Missouri ; and Blanche, John W., Madge, Maurine, Manuel, Juanita and Elizabeth, all of whom are living at home with their parents. In politics, Judge Farrell is a Democrat in his faith and allegiance, but since his accession to the bench he has not been an active partisan, although outside of political considerations he takes a great and very helpful interest in all the public affairs of the county, state and nation. He has also been energetic and progressive with reference to local improvements and everything involving the comfort, convenience and enduring welfare of the people of the locality in which he lives. His religious affiliation is with the Christian church. Of the Judge's legal attainments, course on the bench, judicial temperament, or other qualifications for the high office he fills, it is not for the present biographer to speak. They are written in enduring jjhrase in the records of his court, the decisions he has rendered, and the general and high estimation in which he is held as a jurist all over the state of Missouri and those that are adjacent to it. There is tribute to his attainments, also, in the fact that he has been the choice of the people for a higher position on the bench after having given them apiireciated service in a lower one, and that his popularity at home and renown abroad in the exalted station he fills increases and intensifies as the years pass and add their testimony in favor of his excellence as a judge, his usefulness as a citizen and his worth as a man.

Alonzo L. Griswold

Making his struggle for advancement in life in several different occupations - agricultural, mechanical and mercantile - Alonzo L. Griswold, one of the leading merchants of Clarence, in this county, has been successful in all, aud his progress has been steady and continued. He has enterprise and perseverance, and through his varied experience has acquired a good knowledge of the world and of human nature in its manj^ forms of development and activity. And he is industrious in the application of his knowledge to his business, adapting himself to the tastes and requirements of his patrons with a zealous determination to meet their wants and satisfy their wishes.

Mr. Griswold was born in Aberdeen, Indiana, on February 18, 1863, and came to Missouri with his parents when he was but five years old. He is a son of Washington E. and Louisa (Larue) Griswold, the former born in Trumbull county, Ohio, on June 4, 1828, and the latter a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Their marriage occurred in 1851 and the.y were the parents of nine children, eight of whom are living: William E., a resident of Clarence, Missouri; Ida, the wife of Dr. J. D. McNeely, of

Sun). Iowa; Clarence T., who has his hcmie in Clarence, this county; Charles W., also a resident of Clarence ; Emma, the wife of John Thorne, of Sumner, Missouri; Abbie, the wife of E. W. Black, of Chillicothe, Missouri, and Harry A., a prosperous citizen of Colorado Springs, Colorado, in addition to Alonzo L., the subject of this brief review, who is sixth in order of birth of the eight living children of the household.

In early life the father moved from his native state to Aberdeen, Indiana, and in 1868 brought his family to Missouri, locating at Clarence, in this county. He worked at liis trade of blacksmithing all of his mature life imtil about twenty years before his death, when he retired from active work. He died on Januarj' 6, 1906. He was a Republican in political faith and activity, and devoted to the success and genei-al welfare of his party. In fraternal relations he was for many years actively and prominently connected with the Masonic order, and when he died was buried by his lodge according to the ritual of the order. His religious connection was with the Presbyterian church.

Alonzo L. Griswold obtained a district school education in Clarence, and after leaving school engaged in farming until 1882. During the next six years he and his brother, Clarence T. Griswold, conducted a flourishing blacksmithing business in partnership. Tiring of this line of work, he abandoned it in 1888, and became a clerk in the dry goods and clothing store of Marvin Dimmitt, in Clarence. He was employed in the store in the capacity of clerk and salesman for six years, and at the end of that period became the manager of the 1)usiness, Mr. Dimmitt retiring in 1895. He has since carried it on nnder the name and style of A. L. Griswold & Co., and has made it one of the leaders in its line in this part of the state. His store is a very popular one and he has the confidence of the people as to his business methods and meets the requirements of the community by the extent, variety and comprehensiveness of his stock.

Mr. Griswold was married on April 3, 1895, to Miss Margaret E. Carruthers, of Shelby county, Missouri. They have had seven children, five of wliom are living: Clarence A., Ernest F., Gladys M., Warren R. and Ellen L.,all of whom are still members of the x^arental family circle. The father is a Republican in politics and a ilodern Woodman of the World in fraternal life. He stands well as a merchant, is influential and prominent as a citizen, and is held in the highest esteem as a man.

James A. Hamilton

Farmer, miller and merchant, James A. Hamilton, of Clarence, in this county, has, during all of the last twenty-eight years, contributed essentially and substantially to the progress and development of Shelby county and the enduring welfare of its people. He is not a native of the county, but has lived so long and so serviceably among its people, that, to all intents and purposes he is practically a Shelby countian, being thoroughly imbued with the spirit and aspirations of its citizens and zealous and effective in helping to carry them to their highest and best development.

Mr. Hamilton was born in ]\Ionroe county, Missouri, on May 24, 1854, and is a grandson of Walter Hamilton, a native of Marion county, Kentucky, where Clement A. Hamilton, the father of James A., also was born, his life beginning there in 1824. He came to Missouri in 1851 and took up his residence in Monroe county. There be was engaged extensively and continuously in farming and general stock raising until 1888, when he retired from active pursuits and moved to Clarence, where he passed the remainder of his days, dying in November, 1900. He was very successful in all his undertakings, at one time owning and farming 500 acres of land.

He was married in 1846 to Miss Susan Mary Brown, a native of Washington county, Kentucky. They became the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are living : Susan Dorothy, the wife of J. 0. Stribling, of Clarence, Missouri; James A., the subject of these i^aragraphs ; Margaret Isabelle, the wife of J. T. Elliott, "of Monroe City; P. W., a resident of Monroe county, this state; Mary Ann, the widow of the late E. C. Patrick, of Clarence ; Hattie, the wife of AVilliam Lister, of Hunnewell, Missouri ; and C. A., a resident of Monroe City. The father was a Democrat in his politics and a member of the Catholic church in his religious faith and allegiance. He was highly respected as a man and wielded considerable influence in the affairs of his localit}^ as a progressive and public spirited citizen.

His son, James A. Hamilton, was educated in the district schools of Monroe county, and after leaving school worked on the home farm with his father until his marriage. In 1882 he bought land in Shelby county, on which he engaged in farming and raising live stock until 1891. He then sold his farm of 160 acres and accepted the position of manager of the Alliance flour mill at Shell)ina. In 1893 he bought the mill in association with other men and continued to conduct its operation until 1901. In that year he sold his interest in it, but continued to live at Shelbina until 1904, when he moved to Clarence, and here he has ever since been actively engaged in the harness and road vehicle trade. He has been successful in all his undertakings and is one of the substantial and prominent citizens of the town in which he lives, active in promoting its progress and development and looking after the best interests of its people, and those of a large extent of the surrounding country. He has always taken an earnest interest and an active part in the public affairs of the community of his home and been of very substantial service to the people. While living in Shelbina he served as alderman of the city, and much of its progress is due to his wise and judicious care of everything involving the welfare of its people, both as a public official and a private citizen.

Mr. Hamilton was married in 1879 to Miss Cecilia T. Worland, of Lakenan, Shelby county, Missouri. They have had four children, three of whom are living: John C, who resides in the state of Montana; Margaret, the wife of E. C. Davis, of Brookfield, Missouri; and Winona, who is living at home with her parents. In politics the father is a Democrat, in fraternal relations a Modern AVoodman

Hon. H. Jeaxe Simmons

The Clarence Courier, ])ublished at Clarence in this county, is one of the bright, lively, up-to-date and progressive newspapers of our country which enjoys an unusual allotment of Fortune's favors. It is doubly endowed in its edit»rial department, combining therein the delicacj- and grace of woman with the strength and aggressiveness of man - the endearing arms of tenderness engirdled witli tlie steel bracelets of power. Its editorial staff includes Hon. H. Jeane Simmons, its owner and publisher, and his accomplished wife, Mrs. Alice (Grant) Simmons, one of the most successful and pleasing literaiy ladies in this part of the country. It is to this duplex torch that this volume is indebted for the luminous, interesting and comprehensive general liistory of Slielby county which sparkles on its pages. That attractive chronicle of the life, progress, aspirations and achievements of the people of the county is the joint product of Mr. and Mrs. Simmons, and it proclaims tlieir mastery of facts and the best method of grouping and presenting them for the entertainment of the reader in every paragraph. But it must speak for itself, and it does so in a voice of no uncertain sound or meaning.

Mr. Simmons represented Shelby county in the lower branch of the state legislature continuously fi'om 1900 to 1908, and was again chosen as its representative in that body on November 8,

H. Jeane Simmons

1910. He was born in the village of Girard, Branch county, Michigan, on March 6, 1869, and is a son of Watson C. and Etta J. (Brown) Simmons. The father was a native of Erie connty, New York, where his life began on July 6, 1841. He died in Monroe county, Missouri, on April 5, 1870, closing at the age of twenty-nine years a life of unusual promise and ef considerable achievement, short as it was.

During his boyhood his parents moved to Branch county, Michigan, and there he grew to manhood and obtained his education. On June 20, 1861, he hearkened to one of the first calls for volunteers for the defense of the Union and enlisted in Company E, Fourth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, in the federal army, for a term of three years. But he suffered in the service, and in April, 1862, was discharged on account of disability, receiving his release at Georgetown, Kentucky. He returned home and recuperated his health, and then, still fired with patriotic ardor, again enlisted in the Union army, this time becoming a member of Company H, Ninth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and being enrolled in the City of Kalamazoo. Under his second enlistment he served to the close of the war, and was mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee, on September 15, 1865. The next four years were passed by him in his native county. In 1869 he moved his family to Monroe county in this state and engaged in fai'ming six miles south of Hunnewell. But he had not more tban fairly started his useful labors in this state before death ended them, and left his son Jeane an orphan aged thirteen months.

The father was married on October 7, 1863, to Miss Etta J. Brown, who is still living. They had two children, the immediate subject of this review, and his brother, Glenn C. Simmons, who is now a resident of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The family had its origin in this country in the east, the grandparents of Mr. Simmons of this sketch being natives of the state of New York, and descended from families long resident in that part of the country. But they were versatile and could easih^ adapt themselves to circmnstances. Although reared amid the customs and trained to the ideals of the east they met all the requirements of the west and prospered on its soil and were esteemed by its people. The same adaptability to requirements distinguishes the present representatives of the family, and has enabled them to do well wherever they have found themselves and in whatever they have undertaken.

The mother of Hon. H. Jeane Simmons married again after the death of his father, and during the childhood of her two sons became a resident of Shelby eountj'^, locating on a farm three miles south of Clarence. Here Mr. Simmons passed his boyhood and youth in the pursuits and experiences customary in this region. The family moved to Clarence in 1875 and here he began his scholastic training in the public schools and completed it at the college in Glasgow, Howard county, from which he was graduated, after a four years' course of study, in 1889. After receiving his college degree he followed teacliing school one year, then entered the employ of the Missouri Lumber & Mining Company, with which he remained a year. Followiug that eugagemeut he was variously oceuijied until June of 1894, when he purcha'sed The Clarence Courier, which he has edited and iniblished ever since. From 1901 to 1910 he was assisted in publisliing the paper by his brother-inlaw, Edward B. Grant, whose connection with the Courier was severed by his death in July of the year last mentioned. In politics Mr. Simmons has been a life-long Democrat. He has 'been very energetic and effective in the service of his party, and has risen to commanding intluence and leadership in its councils, both in Shelby county and the state at large. He served as mayor of Clarence from 1895 to 1899, and as city clerk for two terms previous to his first election as mayor. In 1900 he was elected to the state house of representatives, and so satisfactory were his services in that assemblage that he was re-elected in 1902, and again in 1904 and 1906. He was chosen for a fifth term in the fall election of 1910. He was also a candidate for the office of lieutenant governor in the fall of 1908, but was defeated for the nomination by a small majority in the primary election. During his service in the house of representatives he has seWed as chairman of the committees on Life Insurance and "Ways and Means, and as a member of the committee on Eailroads and Internal Improvements, and several others of leading importance. He was also a member of the commission appointed to make arrangements for the centennial celebration of the Louisiana Purchase by a world's fair in St. Louis.

In the session of 1907, ^Ir. Simmons introduced and secured the passage of the two cent railroad fare law, which is now being te.sted as to its constitutionality in the Supreme Court of the United States. He was also the father of the law providing for the choice of United States senators at ]irimary elections, the law regulating the taxation of franchises and the compulsory education law. In 1903, Governor Dockery apl>oinled him a member of the commission to audit the books of all state officials, and in 1907 he was chairman of the committee which was appointed to refurnish the legislative halls and other rooms in the state capitol.

On May 23, 1894, Mr. Simmons united in marriage with Miss Alice Grant, a daughter of William and Mary A. (Moulton) Grant, the former a native of England and the latter of the province of Ontario, Canada. They located in ^Ionroe county, Missouri, in 1869, and in 1879 moved to Shelbina, where the father died in 1893. The mother is now living at Clarence, '^h. and Mrs. Simmons have had two children, their daughters, Alice Jean and Annette, the former of whom died at the age of eighteen months. Annette is still living at home with her parents.

Mrs. Simmons, who has won renown by her versatile and graceful pen, and is one of the distinguished literary lights of Missouri, was educated in the schools of Shelbina, l)eing graduated from the high scliool in 1888. For three years she taught schools at different places in Shelby county, and during another period of equal length was principal of the

Mrs. H. J. Simmons

Intermediate department of the Slielbina schools. Her whole life has been passed in touch with literature, of which she has been a diligent and discriminating student, and she has its best spirit of productiveness largely developed in her nature. She has for years been a valued contributor to the Women's department of a number of the papers in this state, and is now held in high esteem as a writer for several ladies' journals in different parts of the country. While her husband was absent from the city during the first three terms of his service, she successfully edited The Clarence Courier, and neither its influence nor its force diminished while it was under her control. Her reputation as a newspaper writer of brilliancy, power I and directness is coextensive with the state and extends far beyond its borders. She assisted largely in the compilation of the general history of Shelby county that is published in this work.

Mr. and Mrs. Simmons are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and both are active in all the good work of the congregation to which they belong. Mr. Simmons is chairman of its board of stewards and superintendent of its Sunday school. He was also chairman of the building committee during the erection of the church edifice now occupied by the congregation. Fraternally he is allied with the Masonic order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. Shelby county has no citizens more estimable than these, and none whom the people of all classes respect more highly or regard with more genuine and well merited pride and esteem.

J. Sidner Smith

Having passed the three score years and ten allowed by the sacred writer as the ordinary span of a complete life and during more than fifty of the period having toiled faithfully and effectively in advancing his fortunes and promoting the welfare of the region of his activities, J. Sidner Smith, of Clarence, is now living retired from active pursuits and enjoying the rest he has so richly earned and the fruits of the labors he so faithfully performed during the heat and burden of his day. He is a t\ne representative of the best and most useful Shelby county citizenship, and as such is universally esteemed by the people of the county.

Mr. Smith was born in Monroe county, Missouri, on October 7, 1839, and is a son of Thornton and Ann (Siduer) Smith, the former born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, on July 12, 1809, and the latter a native of Fayette county in the same state. They were married on November 19, 1829, and became residents of Missouri in 1835, locating in Monroe county, north of Paris. There the father was activelj^ and successfully engaged in farming and raising live stock until his death, which occurred in 1878.

He and his wife were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are living: Nancy J., the wife of Sam Baker, a resident of Clarence ; J. Sidner, also living in Clarence; Fannie, the wife of John Williamson; Emma, the wife of Henry Glasscock, of Monroe county, Missouri; John T., who also lives in Monroe county; M. C, whose home is in Shelby county; and Robert C, a resident of the state of AVashington. In politics the father was a lirm aud faithful member of the Democratic party. In fraternal relations he was long connected with the Masonic order and in religious allegiance was attached to the Christian church.

Jacob Sidner Smith obtained his education in the district schools of Monroe county and when he left school went to work on his father's farm, on which he had been reared and had learned the art to which he has ever since been devoted. He did not remain at home long, however, but after working with and for his father a short time, went to Kentucky, the home of his ancestors, where he remained a few years, and where he was united in marriage on December 20, 1860, with Miss Sarah E. Houston, of Newtown, Scott county, in that state. He returned to Missouri with his bride in 1861, and located in Shelby county, and here he was energetically and profitably engaged in farming and raising live stock imtil 1908, when he retired from active pursuits and moved to Clarence. He has 240 acres of fine land, all under cultivation, and its products yield him a very comfortable living.

Mr. Smith and his wife have had twelve children, eleven of whom are living : Virginia Ella, the wife of J. F. Lariek, of this county; Mary Addie, the wife of P. P. Barton, of Kansas City, Missouri; Eobert K., who also lives in Shelby county ; Annie Fletcher, the wife of J. W. Brewer, of Kansas City, Missouri; Emina Susan, the wife of F. S. Barton, of Shelby county ; Abner G., who resides at Liberty, Missouri; Nora Agnes, the wife of D. M. Butner, of this count}'; Leslie G., also residing in this county; Fannie Kate, the wife of "William Cross, another resident of Shelby county; Sallie H., the wife of Edward Savage, of Kansas City, Missouri; and Emmett S., of Shelby county.

In his political faith and allegiance the father trains with the Democratic party and is zealous of its service, although asking nothing from it for himself. From his youth he has provided for himself without outside aid or any of Fortune's favors, and he has so faithfully performed his duties in all relations that everybody who knows him thinks and speaks well of him.

Lewis J. Peter Man

The ordinary observer and the superficial judge of affairs measures success in life among men by results. The deeper thinker and more judicious analyst of men and events measures it according to the direction in which a man moves, being convinced that the only real success is to work in the right direction, whatever tlie results may be. Tried by either standard Lewis J. Peterman, a retired merchant and farmer of Shelby county, now living in ease and comfort in Clarence, has l)een a successful man. The results he has achieved "are gratifying in magnitude and character, and he has always expended his efforts in the direction of not only enlarging his own worldly estate, but as well in promoting to the best of his ability the welfare of his community and tJie good of the people among whom he has lived.

of Pennsylvania, and a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Shale) Peterman, natives of England. The father was born on December 10, 1819, in Westmoreland county, and when he was about twentyfive years of age moved to Michigan, where he was actively and successfully engaged in farming until April, 1869, when he moved to Missouri and located in Shelby coimty. He purchased 200 acres of good land one mile east of Enterprise, and on that fruitful and responsive farm he expended his efforts successfully and profitably until 1880, when he retired and moved to Clarence. But he was not destined to enjoy long the rest for which he longed and which he sought by his retirement from active pursuits. He died in April, 1880, a few days after his removal to the city. In early life he was a carpenter, but the greater part of his time on earth, after reaching maturity, was passed in farming.

He was married in 1842 to Miss Elizabeth Shale, native of England, as has been noted, and by this union became the father of nine children, five of whom are living: Frankie, the wife of W. M. Davis, of San Diego, California; William, a resident of New York City; Addie, the wife of Thomas Freeman, of St. Clair county, Missouri ; Charles and liCwis J., residents of this county. In politics the father followed faithfully the fortunes of the Republican party, and in religious affiliation he was actively connected with the Methodist Episcopal church.

the battle of life, worked on the old homestead until 1884, passing one year (1880) or the greater part of it, in Clarence with his mother, just after the death of his father. In 1884 he moved to Oregon, where he was engaged in ranching three years. At the end of that period he sold his ranch and changed his residence to Tulare county, California, and there he followed buying and shipping fruit with moderate success until 1895. He then returned to Clarence, Missouri, and during the next two years carried on a lively trade in boots and shoes, and for the latter portion of the time, also in gents' furnishings. But his health began to give way under the close confinement of the store, and in 1897 he sold his business in the mercantile line and returned to farming on 160 acres five miles south of Clarence. He retired from the farm, however, within a short time and took up his residence in Clarence, where he has ever since been living in ease and freedom from toil. He retains his farm and emploj's the revenues from it in comfortable living, the land being in charge of a tenant, who farms it largely under his. supervision and direction.

Mr. Peterman was first married on June 24, 1885, to Miss Stella Gorby, of Shelby county, Missouri, and by this marriage became the father of two children, Itoth of whom are deceased. Their mother died on December 20, 1891, and on December 28, 1897, the father contracted a second marriage, being imited on this occasion with Miss Emma Whiles, of Macon county, Missouri. They have one child, their son William Lewis, who is living at home with thorn. In political affairs the father adheres with fidelity to the Eepublican party, and he is at all times zealous and effective in its service, but never seeks any of its positions of honor or profit for himself. His fratei-- nal affiliation is with the orders of Modern Woodmen of America and the I. 0. 0. F., and in religious matters he is connected with the Methodist Episcopal church. He has won a competence for life by his industry, enterprise and good management, and holds a high place in public estimation because of his usefulness as a citizen and his worth and excellence as a man.

Thomas A. Bean

This highly esteemed citizen of Clarence, wlio is now living in ease and comfort in his attractive home, retired from active pursuits after many years of toil and trial, is a native of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, where he was born on November 4, 1836. He is of Irish ancestry, both his father and his mother having been natives of the Emerald Isle. The father, "William "Warren Bean, was born in Dublin, Ireland, and came to the United States in 1833. He located in Bucks county, Pennsjdvania, at that time one of the most progressive and prosperous sections of the country, and there he followed architecture and building, and in addition engaged extensively in farming until 1843.

In that year he sold all his interests in Bucks county and moved to Philadelphia, where he carried on a large grocery business until his death in 1855. He was united in marriage with Miss Fannie Briton, like liimself born in Ireland, as has been stated, and by this marriage became the father of seven children, three of whom are living : Daniel, whose home is in Fresno, California ; Martha, the wife of George Bright of St. Louis, Missouri, and Thomas A. The father was a devout member of the Presbyterian church and took a great interest in the welfare of the congregation to which he belonged. His political faith was anchored firmh^ to the principles of the Democratic party, and in the success of that organization he at all times manifested the most earnest interest. He was a veiy active worker for the good of the party and during his life spent a large amount of money in its behalf, although at no time desii'ous of holding any of the offices in its gift, either by election or appointment.

Thomas A. Bean obtained his education in the district schools of his native county, and on leaving school in 1858 came to Alissouri and located in Monroe county. There he worked on a number of different farms until 1862, when he moved to Shelby county. In this county he was continuously, energetically and profitably engaged in fanning and raising live stock until 1901. He then sold his farm and retired from active work. He and his wife passed the next four years in visiting their children in Idaho, "Washington, and ]\lontana, and also visited Oregon. Eeturning to Missouri in 1905, he bought the home he now occupies in Clarence, and with his wife he has made this a center of refined and gracious hospitality and one of the popular resorts of the city ever since.

son Meadows of this state. They were married on January 24, 1862, and their nnion resulted in the birth of eight children, seven of whom are living: Fannie L., the wife of J. L. Million of Maud in this county; Daniel 0., who resides in the state of Washington; James A., whose home is at Mullan, Idaho ; Samuel C, who is also a resident of Mullan, Idaho; Warren, who lives in this county ; William P. of Mullan, Idaho ; and Nora, the wife of W. W. Stohr of Plains, Montana.

Mr. Bean, the father of these children, has been a life-long adherent of the Democratic party and one of the wheel horses of the organization in the locality of his home. He is active in its service without any personal interest to serve, as he never desires an office of any kind for himself. His fraternal relations are with the Ancient Order of United AVorkmen and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in religious affairs he leans to the Missionary Baptist church, of which his wife has long been a member, zealous in her devotion to its interest and energetic in its service.

Avilliam F. Hirrlinger

Beginning the battle of life for himself at an early age, and wholly' dependent on his own resources for advancement, William F. Hirrlinger of Clarence, where he carries on a flourishing business as a fuiniture dealer and undertaker, realized that it was necessary for him to eml^loy his every energy, all his time and all the business capacity he could summon to succeed and make headway. He has acted on this conviction and made it tell greatly to his advantage, having become one of the men of material substance in his community and risen to high standing as a man, a merchant and a citizen among its people.

Mr. Hirrlinger was born on December 26, 1877, in Shelby county, Missouri, and obtained his education in its district schools and at the high school in Clarence. After leaving school at the age of eighteen, he at once began a mercantile career as a dealer in buggies and implements. He continued his operations in these lines two years, then, in 1897, sold his business in them and transferred his energies and attention to the furniture trade and undertaking. He has been actively engaged in these departments of mercantile life ever since, with the exception of two years, during which he was on the road for F. C. Biddle & Bros., handling coffins and other undertakers' supplies. AVhile he was engaged in the furniture and undertaking business he was also associated with M. H. Lewis in the hardware trade. He has been very successful, now owning business and residence property of value, and holding other interests which are of consequence and remunerative, and all his acquisitions are the result of his own persevering industry, alertness to see and seize his opportunities, and good management in making the most of them.

Mr. Hirrlinger was united in marriage with Miss Emma A. McCarty of this county in 1900. They have two children, their sons, Charles and Hai'old, both of whom are living at home, and brightening the family fireside with their presence. In political relations the father is a firm and faithful member of the Dem- ocratic party, in whose affairs he shows an earnest interest and takes an active part, rendering his party good service in all its campaigns, although seeking none of its official favors for himself.

As an active and devoted member of the Masonic order and the order of Knights of Pythias, he has for years been zealous and energetic in the fraternal life of the community; and as a communicant of the Southern Methodist Episcopal cliurch he has contributed essentialh' and substantially to the moral and spiritual welfare of the section in which he lives. He has also done a good citizen's part toward promoting the material welfare and progi-ess of his locality, supporting with ardor and practical sei'vice every worthy undertaking in which the lasting good of his township and county has been involved, or whereby the comfort and convenience of its people could be enlarged and advanced. He is esteemed as one of the best citizens of his home town, and is widely and favorably known throughout the county and a large extent of the surrounding country.

George T. Gilman

The scion of old New England families and inheriting their traits of ingenuity, thrift and readiness for every emergency, George T. Gilman, one of the respected and influential citizens of Clarence, has known how to promote his own interests under all circumstances and has also been potential in furthering the welfare of the community of his home and promoting the best interests of its people.

county, Maine, where he was born on November 29, 1858. His grandfather, James Gilman, was a native of New Hampshire, and his son, George "W. Gilman, the father of George T., was born in Somerset county, Maine, on August 24, 1828. In his earh' manhood the father was proprietor of hotels in Maine and California for a number of years. He came to Missouri in 1868 and settled on a farm three miles southeast of Clarence, on which he was energetical!}', progressively and profitably engaged in farming and raising live stock until 1897. He then moved to Clarence, and during the rest of his life enjoyed the peaceful existence of a well-to-do retired farmer, highly esteemed by his fellow citizens and in all respects worthy of the regard and good will they bestowed upon him.

In 1900 he made a trip to his old home in the far East to visit the scenes of his early life and his relatives in that part of the country, and while there died at Foxcroft, Maine, on June 8 of that year. It was in Foxcroft, also, that he was married, being united there in 1855 with ]\[iss Martha Thomjison, of that town. They became the parents of two children, both of whom are living : George T. and his older sister Abbie, the wife of C. F. Osgood, of Garland, Maine. In politics the father was a Republican of pronounced convictions and faithful party service, and in fraternal relations was connected with the order of Odd Fellows.

George T. Gilman did not accom])any his father to the Pacific coast, but remained in the home of his ancestors and grew to the age of sixteen there. He was educated in the district schools of his native county and at an excellent academy in Foxcroft, in that oonnty. Upon the completion of his education in 1874 he came to Missouri and joined liis father, who had lieen here in Shelby county for six years before his arrival. He worked with his father on the farm and in the live stock industry conducted on it until the father retired in 1897, when he took practical charge of the business. But about the same time he, also, moved to Clarence, putting the farm of 400 acres out to be farmed on shares, as it has been ever since, he still retaining the ownership and superintending the farming operations.

On January 24, 1889, Mr. Gilman was married to Miss Ella M. Chinn, a daughter of George W. and Maria (Abington) Chinn, and a resident of Clarence at the time of the marriage. They have one child, their daughter, Abbie L., who is living at home with her parents. The father, like his father, but as a matter of firm conviction for himself, has been a life-long Republican in political faith and activity, and, like his father, also, has rendered his party energetic and effective support without political ambition or aspirations to public office. His fraternal connection is with the Masonic order. He is a friend to all good angencies at work among the people of his community, and helps to sujiport all without regard to sect or partisan considerations. He is universally regarded as one of the most active and helpful citizens of Clarence and Shelby county, and is always reliably numbered among their most progressive and representative men.

Shelby County State Bank of Clarence and was elected president of the same to succeed Mr. Shain. Mr. Gilman is a gentleman of wide business experience and enjoys the confidence of the people of the entire county.

Dr. McCuUy, who is engaged in the successful practice of his profession at Clarence, is recognized as one of the able and representative physicians and surgeons of Shelby county, and in view of this fact he is well entitled to consideration in this compilation, which has to do with the history of the county and its people. He is a scion of one of the honored pioneer families of Missouri, where his grandfather, John McCully, a native of Tennessee, took up his abode in an early day, becoming one of the sterling pioneers of Randolph county, where he passed the residue of his life and where he followed agricultural pursuits.

Dr. MeCully was born in Randolph county, this state, on May 8, 1851, and is a son of William and Frances C. (Yates) McCully. William McCully was born in Randolph county, Missouri, on June 4, 1828, and was there reared and educated. He was identified with the great basic industry of agriculture throughout his entire active career and in this connection he so ordered his efforts as to gain a generous measure of success, becoming one of the substantial citizens of Shelby county, whither he removed from Randolph county in the year 1860 and where his death occurred in the year 1901. He left an estate whose valuation was conserva- tively placed at fully thirty thousand dollars, and at the time of his demise he was the owner of more than eight hundred acres of valuable land. He was pi'ominent and influential in public affairs in his community and for many years held the office of school director in his district. His fine old homestead, where his death occurred, is located in Taylor townshi]), this county. In politics he was a zealous and efficient advocate of the principles and policies for which the Democratic party stands sponsor. He was a man of probity and honor and ever held the implicit confidence and esteem of those with whom he came in contact in the various relations of life. On March 28, 1850, he was united in mai-- riage to- Miss Frances C. Yates, who was born in Kentucky and reared in Randolph county, this state, and whose death occurred on April 1, 1891. She was a devoted member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and was a woman whose gentle and gracious attributes of character endeared her to all who came within the sphere of her influence. Of this marriage seven children were born and of the number the subject of this review is the eldest. "William C. is a successful farmer of Shelby count}', Sarah C. is the wife of James W. Collins, of Macon coimty; Georgia E. is the wife of William E. Mc- Cully, of Macon, this state; Mary E. is the wife of John II. Hudson, of Cherry Box, Shelby county ; Thomas M. is a successful physician and surgeon and is engaged in practice at Novelty, Knoxcounty, and Lucy V. is the wife of Charles H. Sterling, of Cherry Box. On November 21, 1893, William Mc-

Dr. John M. McCully passed his boyhood and youth on the home farm and was a lad of nine years at the time of the family removal to Shelby county, where he was reared to maturity and where he received his early scholastic training in the district schools of Taylor township. Thereafter he continued his academic studies in Mount Pleasant College, at Huntsville, this state, in which well ordered institution he completed the full four years' course and was graduated as a member of the class of 1871, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Soon afterward he began the study of medicine under the effective preceptorship of Dr. Luther Turner, of Cherry Box, this state, and in 1873, after the completion of the prescri])ed three years' course, he was graduated in the St. Louis Medical College, from which he received his well earned degree of Doctor of Medicine, and from which he came forth admirably equip]ied and fortified for the active work of his exacting profession. He initiated his professional practice at Sue City, Macon county, this slate, where he remained for a period of nine years, at the expiration of which, in 1882, he removed to Shelbina, Shelby county, where he devoted his attention to professional work for a short period, and then, in May, 1883, imrchasod the plant and business of the Shelbina Index, of which weekly paper he continued as editor and publisher for two years, being successful in the journalistic field. In 1885 he disposed of the paper and business and the ])ublication of the same is now continued under the title of the

Slielbiua Torchlight. After retiriug from the iiews^japer field Dr. ]McCully engaged in the drug business in Shelbina, continuing this enterprise, together with the practice of his profession, for twelve years. He then sold his drug business and shortly afterward he effected, in 1896, the organization of the Shelby County Telephone Company, his interest in which he later sold to other citizens of Shelbina. During the six years of his active identification with the telephone business the doctor was president and general manager of the company which he thus organized and he developed its business along most effective and successful lines. He also has the distinction of having been a pioneer in the development of the independent telephone business in the United States.

In 1903 Dr. McCully removed to Clarence, where he established McCully 's pharmacy, which he has since conducted with ever-increasing success, while he still gives no little attention to the practice of his profession. He is identified with the Missouri State Medical Society and the Shelby County Medical Society, and is held in high esteem both as a physician and as a progressive and ])ublic spirited business man of unqualified civic loyalty and optimism. He is a stockholder in the Clarence Savings Bank, is a staunch Democrat in his political allegiance, is aililiated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife is a member of the Southern M. E. church. He was president of the board of education at Shelbina for nine years and was largely instrumental in providing for the erection of the fine new school building in that place.

On September 18, 1873, Dr. Mc- Cully was united in marriage to Miss Martha Alice Kawlings, who was born in Tiger Fork, Shelby county, on October 11, 1851, and who is a daughter of the late William H. Rawlings, one of the representative citizens of this county. Dr. and Mrs. McCvdly became the parents of three children, of whom two are living, Aubrey M., who resides in Shelbina, and Glessner. Dr. and Mrs. McCully are prominent and popular in connection with the social activities of their home town and their attractive residence is a recognized center of gracious hospitality.

James F. Cbow

One of the most successful among the farmers, merchants and manufacturers of Scotland and Shelby counties of this state and widely and favorably known throughout northeastern Missouri as a public spirited and enterprising citizen, whose energies and resources were always available for the service of his locality and its j^eople, James F. Crow, of Shelbina, had won his way to the consequence and influence and the business prosperity for which he was distinguished by his own efforts and inborn capacity.

Mr. Crow was a native of Scotland county, this state, born on March 2, 1846. He was a grandson of John Crow, a native of Kentucky, and a son of Jacob and Agnes (Fifer) Crow, the former born near Perryville, Boyle county, Kentucky, and the latter in Augusta county, Virginia. The father came to Missouri at an earlv dav and located in Boone coun- ty with lii« parents. The family soon afterward moved to Pike county, and there he was educated in the district schools and began his life work as a farmer and stock man on his father's farm. He remained with his parents, helping them on the farm and assisting the family for a number of years after attaining his majority, and then moved to Scotland county, near Memphis, while yet the nomadic aborigines infested the region and sometimes became troublesome, although in the main they were not unfriendly to the white invaders of their ancestral range and aboriginal rights. There he became an extensive and enterprising farmer, and also raised live stock and traded in it on a large scale until 1865, when he removed to Monroe county and resided there with his family until his death, which occurred on December 12, 1899.

He was also a builder and put up the tirst jail erected in Scotland county, and took a great and very serviceable interest in school affairs, working with ardor for the cause of public education and vastly augmenting the power and usefulness of the institutions devoted to it in that county. More than this, he manifested a very earnest interest in everything involving the welfare of the region and the advancement of its people, and never withheld the aid of his resourceful brain or ready and skillful hand from any worthy enterprise likely to promote them. At the time of his death he was possessed of about 600 acres of superior land and had it all under vigorous and productive cultivation.

of six children, two of whom are living: James F., who is the interesting subject of these paragraphs, died May 29, 1910; "William D., who resides in Kansas City, Missouri ; and Alice, the wife of John W. Gillispie.

In political affairs and allegiance the father adhered to the Democratic party through life, and was a faithful worker for the success of the principles in which he believed. His religious connection was with the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and to this, also, he gave earnest and cordial support.

James F. Crow obtained his education in the district schools of Scotland county and a graded school in Memphis, its present county seat. He remained on the ]iareutal farm, working under the direction of his father and assisting the family until 1891, but during a large part of the time was also engaged in farming and raising and trading in live stock on his own account. At the time of his leaving home he owned and cultivated 600 acres of land of his own. In 1892 lie located in Shelbina, but continued his farming and stock industries, and in addition carried on a flourishing and extensive business as a dealer in farm lands. During the last seventeen years of his life he was continuously, profitably and extensively occupied in the milling industry, being conducted under the firm name of Crow & Co. Later it became Crow & Wlialey, and still later Crow & Co., and is now known as the Shelbina IMilling Comjiany. This, however, had not been Mr. Crow's first experience in the milling industry, for during 1885 and 1886 he was interested in a mill at Clarence and also a lumber business at the same place. He was very successful in all his undertakings, making everything pay that he put his hand to, and showing his broad intelligeuoe, business acumen and masterly management in all. He owned 760 aci'es of land, which was farmed by tenants, and had considerable town property in addition.

Mr. Crow was never married, but, although he had no family claims to impel him to action, he was, nevertheless, one of the most useful and progressive men in his community in all that pertains to the general welfare and the substantial and lasting good of the people. In political atifairs he was firmly attached to the Democratic party, and one of its most energetic working members. He never aspired to public station nor was willing to accept a political office of any kind, either by appointment or election. But no duty of citizenship was neglected by him, and all were performed with vigor, intelligence and an ardent desire to advance the best interests of his county, state and country. He was regarded as one of Shelby county's best and most representative men, and was universally esteemed as such throughout the county and the whole of northeastern Missouri.

Martin S. Buckman

Of Kentucky ancestry and immediate parentage, and imbued with the spirit of enterprise and daring which laid the foundations of the great state in which his parents were born, and the breadth of view and progressiveness which have so largely aided in building the superstructure of the commonwealth, Martin S. Buckman, of Salt River township, in this county, has repeated in some measure on the soil of Missouri the performance of his progenitors in the blue grass region. True, he has not been called upon to face the dangers, endure the hardshiijs or engage in the large undertakings which were portions of the lot of his ancestors in the wilds of Kentucky in its frontier days, but whatever has come his way to do or endure he has confronted with a manly sjnrit and overcome by persistent and well directed energy, and has therefore met in his day the duty of life as faithfully as they did in theirs.

Mr. Buckman was born in Monroe county, Missouri, on December 3, 1856, and came into life, therefore, after the frontier period had passed, although the country here was even then sparsely settled and very largely undeveloped. His grandfather, John R., and his father, Joseph R. Buckman, were natives of Kentucky, where the father was born on November 5, 181.3. He came to Missouri in the early days and located in Monroe county, where passed the remainder of his days busily engaged in farming and raising live stock and rearing to maturity, with the best instruction and example he could give them, his numerous offspring. He was a man of energy and determination, and was successful in his ventures, retiring in 1877 from larger operations to a farm of 2-10 acres in this county.

He was married in 1838 to Miss Martha Simms, of the same nativity as himself, and by this marriage tliey became the parents of ten children, nine of whom are living: John G., whose home was in Monroe county, this state, died

December 25, 1909; Benjamin, who resides in California ; Frank, who lives in Shelby covmty; ^fary A., the widow of the late George "\V. Drake, wliose present home is in Qnincy, Illinois ; Douglas, also a resident of Monroe county, Missouri; Martin S., the subject of this brief review ; Kate, the wife of Stephen Seward, of Monroe county; Elizabeth, who lives in this county; and George, who has his residence in the state of Nebraska. The father died in 1880. He was a Democrat in politics and a Catholic in religious faith and allegiance. He was twice married, his first wife having died in 1865. His second wife was Frances Fowler. George was born to the second marriage. His second wife died in 1872.

His son, Martin S. Buckman, grew to manhood on his father's farm and obtained a limited education in the district schools of Monroe county. After leaving school he worked on the home farms in Monroe and Shelby counties with his father until 1880. Tlien, by the death of the father the conditions of the home were changed, and he bought a fanu of 240 acres of his own in Shelby coimty. On this as a nucleus he has ever since been energetically and skillfully engaged in farming and raising live stock, increasing his land and his business as Fortune has smiled on his enterprise and ability, until he now owns about 1,000 acres of good land and has it all imder cultivation and brought to a high state of improvement and productiveness. He also holds stock in the Commercial Bank of Shelbina and is one of its directors, besides being interested in other industries of value.

marriage with Miss Emma Simms, of Monroe county, Missouri. They bav« had eleven children, ten of whom are living: Olive, the wife of Loren Yates, of Monroe City; Lambert, Lillian, Alfred, Grigg, Julius, Benjamin, ^lary (deceased), Otis, Martha and Genevieve. In politics the father is a Democrat and in religion a Catholic.

Charles N. Schwieters

Thrown on his own resources at the early age of fourteen years, and at that age leaving his home to try his fortunes in a distant and strange land in which he had no relatives and few, if any, acquaintances, Charles N. Sehwieters, one of the substantial retired farmers and live stock men of Salt River township, Shelby county, has, in his subsequent career and achievements fully justified the faith of his friends and his own in his ability to take care of himself in a worldly way and make his own progress a certainty, and at the same time be of good service to any community which might have the benefit of his citizenship and good example of industry.

Mr. Sehwieters was born in Prussia, Germany, on October 2, 184-8. His father, Casper, and his grandfather, Joseph Sehwieters, were natives of the Fatherland also, as was his mother, whose maiden name was ^lary Gayner, and in that great empire their forefathers had lived many generations before them. The father was born in 1813 and married to ]\Iiss Gayner in 1846. They became the parents of seven children, four of whom are living: Sophia, the wife of Christopher Kuehne, of Lentner,

Missouri; Charles N., the interesting subject of this review; Clement, who resides in Los Angeles, California; and Barney, whose home is still in Germany. The father, Casper Schwieters, was a soldier in Germany and took an active part in the war of 1848 in that country, through the disastrous ending of which numbers of distinguished Germans became exiles from their native land.

Charles N. Schwieters began his education in Germany and completed it in night schools in this country. At the age of fourteen he came to the United States, and under the persuasive allurements of the West, which were based on a solid foundation of real wealth of opportunity, he left the Atlantic seaboard to those who found it satisfactory and himself hastened into the bustling activities and expanding hopes and prospects of the great Mississipjoi valley, locating in Qnincy, Illinois, arriving in that city in 1863.

His resources financially were very limited and it was necessary for, him to find employment at once. He soon found an engagement on implement and bridge work, on which he spent the hours of toil during the day, and with characteristic energ\' and foresight, attended school at night. He continued this arrangement until 1868, then moved to Warsaw, Illinois, where he worked in a woolen mill about two years. In 1870 he came to Missouri and located near Lentner in this county, where he passed one year on a farm. But there was still a voice from the farther West within him, pleading for recognition, and in 1871 he went to Colorado and in that

He did not, however, find that section of the country as agreeable to him as this, and in 1877 he returned to Missouri and Shelby county, and located on a farm of eighty acres, which he occupied three years. The spirit of roving and adventure was not yet fully satisfied in him, and in 1880 he moved to Monroe county, and during the next ten years he was prosperously engaged in farming and raising live stock in that county. In 1890 he once more became a resident of Shelby county, and this has, been his home ever since. He was industriously and skilfully engaged in farming here from that time until 1908, when he retired from active work and rented to his sons the 360 acres of fine land which he had acquired.

In November, 1868, he was vmited in marriage with Miss Johanna Moessmer, who was born in Germany in 1848 and is a daughter of Charles and Clara (Dehner) Moessmer of that country. By this marriage he became the father of eleven children, nine of whom are living: Clement J., John C, Frederick W., Henry V., Frank, Louis N., Joseph, William and Clara May. They are all residents of Shelby county but Frank, who lives in Moni'oe county. Louis lives on the old homestead, and Joseph, William and Clara May are living at home with their parents. The father is a Republican in politics, and ardently supports his political party in all its campaigns. He belongs to the Catholic church, and is devout and constant in his obedience to its teachings.

A poor lioy with nothing but his own health, strength and unconqiierable spirit, and a friendless exile from his native land, at the age of fourteen; a man of large means and a highly resjiected citizen in the country of his adoption at sixty; this is his record, and it is creditable to our land of great resources and abundant opportunities. But it is far more to his credit, because it has been his native ability, fidelity to duty and determined industry and frugality which have wrought such gratifying results. Others, many of them, have had similar or equal ojjportunities, but he has taken advantage of liis and made the most of them. The people among whom he has lived, labored and succeeded so well recognize his merit and esteem him accordingly as one of their best citizens. He also owns two tine residences in Shelbina.

Most. D. Ayers

Orphaned in his infancy, when he was little more than one year old, by the untimely death of his father at the early age of forty-four, and being one of eight children left for the mother to rear and educate, Mort. D. Ayers, now one of the prosperous, progressive and enterprising farmers of Salt River township in this county, was forced to begin the battle of life for himself at an eai'ly age, and for years after beginning it found the struggle an arduous and trying one. But he had the make-up of a man of merit and determination, and never lost faith in himself or his ability to win out in the contest, whatever its difficulties.

Mr. Ayers was born at Bay City, Michigan, on ^hiy 30, 1867, and is a son of Wright and Clara (Wright) Ayers, natives of Massachusetts, where the father was born in 1824, and where they were married. They had eight children, only two of whom are now living, Mort. D. and his older sister, Mina, the wife of j\Ir. Middleton, of Allen, Michigan. The father was a carpenter and prospered at his trade, bidding fair to win a competence for himself and his family, when death ended his labors in 1868.

After his death, about one year, tliat is, in 1869, the mother brought her offsi)ring to Missouri and located in Shelbina. Here the son obtained a limited common school education, and as soon as he completed it immediately engaged in farming and raising live stock on a farm of 120 acres of land three miles east of Shelbina. The career as a farmer which he thus began he has continued to the present time, and in his efforts for advancement has been successful, winning a comfortable estate through his persistent and .iudiciously applied industrj' and his frugality and good management. He is now one of the substantial and wellto-do farmers and stock men of his township, and is also regarded as one of its most progressive and enterprising citizens in respect to all matters of public improvement. For he has taken a warm and lioli)ful interest in every worthy undertaking designed to advance the welfare of the locality of his home or promote the good of its people.

On July 2-t, 1887, Mr. Ayers was united in marriage with Miss Julia Nitsche, a daughter of Fred and Minnie (Miller) Nitsche, of Shelbina, where

Mrs. Avers was born ou May 5, 1866. Four children have been born to the union, three of whom are living: Clara Lillian, the wife of James T. Greening, of this county, and Lee Frederick and Alberta, who are living at liome with their jiarents. As a member of the Masonic order and the Order of Odd Fellows the father has taken a deep interest in the fraternal life of his community and contributed to the expansion of its usefulness and the strengtliening of its forces for good. He has sought nothing in the way of i:)olitical preferment, but has, nevertheless, taken a very active interest in local public affairs with a view to securing the best results for the general weal of the township and county of his home. No duty of citizenship lias been neglected by him, and all have been performed with zeal, fidelity and intelligence, and he is esteemed by his fellow men of the locality in accordance with his demonstrated worth and usefulness.

George A. Wright

This valued citizen and prosperous farmer and live stock man of Salt River township liegan life for himself with nothing and now has a comfortable competence, all of which he has acquired by his own thrift, persistent industry and excellent management. He knows what is required in the way of effort for advancement where the competition is so keen and the avenues of progress are becoming so crowded, when a man has nothing to depend on but his own unaided faculties, and he can therefore appreciate the endeavors of others situated as he was when he began the struggle.

Mr. Wright was born in Lewis county, Missouri, on July 28, 1865, where his l^arents had located two years before. His father, also named George, was born in Canada in 1825 and is still living at the grand old age of eighty-five years, with a cousidei'able measure of his vigor still available. He is like some genial and fruitful year, passing to its close, doubtless, but with some of its warmth and beauty and usefulness still remaining. He came to the United States before the Civil war and took up his residence in Illinois, where he followed farming two or three years. In 1863 he moved across the Mississippi to Lewis county, Missouri, but four or five years later became a resident of Shelby county, and here he has ever since had his home. In 1899, after farming and raising live stock for a period of more than sixtyfive years, he retired from active pursuits and moved to Shelbina, where he now resides.

He was united in marriage with ]\Iiss Nancy Hastings, of Ohio. They became the parents of twelve children, six of whom are living: Ella, the wife of J. W. Peters, of Shelbina; George A., the pleasing subject of this sketch ; William, who is a resident of Paris, Missouri; Lillie, the wife of Roy Haskins, of Shelbina; Nettie, the wife of Louis Noble, also a resident of Paris, Missouri ; and Ida, the wife of David Montgomery, of Shelbina. The mother of these children is still living. In politics the father is a Republican, and in religious affiliation a member of the Christian church.

at an early age worked on farms in the neigliborliood of his home, and also at railroading until 1885. He was thrifty and economical, and by the year last mentioned felt himself able to engage in a ]3ermanent occupation, and therefore bought a farm near Shelbina. He prospered on this, and in 1896 bought another farm of eighty acres, on which lis has been actively and profitably engaged in farming and raising live stock from that time to the present. In 1909 he purchased ninety acres adjoining. As his prosperity has increased he has purchased additional land, and now owns 260 acres, all of which he has under advanced and productive ciiltivation.

Mr. Wright has his farm well improved with good buildings and fully equipped with all the necessary appliances foi"' its tillage according to the most approved modem methods, and he studies his business in all its features with a view to securiug the best results for all his outlay of toil and care in connection with it. He is regarded as one of the enterprising and progressive farmers and stock men of his township, and the appearance of his farm indicates that he deserves the reputation he enjoys.

On November 22, 1887, he was united in marriage with Miss Amanda L. Peters, who was born in Scotland county, Missouri, on May 8, 1859, and is a daughter of "William and ]\Iatilda (Rice) Peters. Seven children have been born of the union, five of whom are living, and are at home with their ]iarents. They are: Artie Francis, Benjamin Alexander, "William P., Porter Clifford and

John H. Moore

Born April 24, 1848, in Bethel township, this county, and having passed all his subsequent years within the county, John H. Moore, of that township, where he carries on an extensive business as a farmer and stock man, has witnessed the progress and development of tlie region and has done his part to aid in promoting them. In his boyhood the locality of his present residence was but little removed from its wild state, or at the most was still but sparsely peopled and its settlement was in a primitive state. But he, when he grew to manhood, and many others like him, gave attention to the needs of the locality and under their quickening labors it has grown to greatness, wealth and power, witli every element of its civilization iuteuse with activity and enterprise.

Mr. Moore is a son of Elislia and Admonia (Brown) Moore, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter born in the same state, but brought to Missouri by her parents at a tender age. The father came to Ralls county. ^Missouri, in about 1829, but settled in this county in 1836, and passed the remainder of his days here actively and profitably engaged in farming and raising live stock. He was first married in 18.S0 to INIiss Amanda Gentry, a native of Ralls county, in this state. They had three children. Their mother died in 1843, and the father afterward contracted his marriage with Miss Admonia Brown. Five children were boru of this uuiou, four of whom are living, "William, John H., Tandy G. and Marj^ E., the wife of S. Bragg, of Bethel. The father was a AVhig in polities. His death occurred in 1851 and that of the mother on August 7. 1891.

Their sou John H. began his education in the district schools of this county and completed it at a high school. Since leaving school he has been continuously and energetically engaged in farming and raising stock, and by industry and good management has become one of the most extensive farmers in the county. He owns over 1,200 acres of land, which is of good quality and the greater part of it is under advanced and skillful cultivation. The stock industry connected with the farming operations is also extensive and conducted with great enterprise and excellent judgment. Mr. Moore is also a leading stockholder in the Shelby County Railroad Company and has other interests of value in the county and elsewhere.

On July 15, 1879, he was united in marriage with Miss Nannie Moran, a daughter of Solon and Mary Winifred (Martin) Moran, natives of Madison county, Kentucky, who came to Missouri when their daughter, now Mrs. Moore, was but six months old. By her marriage to Mr. Moore she has become the mother of eight children, seven of whom are living - Mary Edna, the wife of AValter Singleton ; James C, Lulu D., Hattie, Lucy E., John, Jr., and Frankie, the wife of Charles E. Baldwin, of Knox county, Missouri. In politics the father is an active, working Democrat, always zealous and effective in the service of his party, but never desirous of official station of any kind, although he has served on the school board for a period of over twenty-five years. He does not belong to any fraternal or social organization, but is a devoted and serviceable member of the Baptist church. He has been very successful and always manifested a lively and helpful interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his township and county. He is looked upon as a model farmer of large enterl^rise and great progressiveness and is universally esteemed as a citizen and a man correct in his demeanor in every relation of life. And as he has passed all the years of his life in the locality of his present home the people around him have full knowledge of his worth.

Richard O'Donnell

This prosperous and highly respected retired farmer of Shelby county, whose well improved and skillfully cultivated farm of eighty acres lies in Salt River township, is a good illustration of the adaptability of the Irish race and its readiness to grapple with any condition in life and secure advancement if given a fair chance. He came to this country after going from his native land to Australia and passing a few years there. He had practically nothing when he came, but the qualities of pluck, perseverance and shrewdness, with which nature had endowed him, and he is now a man of substance, with a comfortable corape fence for life and stands high in the esteem of all who know him.

O'Donnell, and his grandfather, Richard O'Donnell, were also natives of the Emerald Isle, and there their forefathers lived many generations. The father came to the United States in 1845 and located in New York City, but three years later returned to Ireland, and there passed the balance of his life. He was a stone mason by occupation and did well at his trade. He was married in 1832 to Miss Mary Shea, also of Ireland, and they had six children.

Richard O'Donnell obtained his education in Ireland and passed the years of his early manhood in Australia, where he was engaged in building- bridges and saw mills. It was natural that he should seek better opportunities away from his native heath than the political and social conditions in his own country affoi'ded, and as Australia was a new and progressive land, with seeming abundance of opportunity for a poor but ambitious young man, he went there. And the qualities of head and hand and heart which he possessed, which would have won him success almost anywhere, were serviceable to him there. But still he hankered for America, and in 1877 he came to this country and found a home in Chicago, where he worked six months. He then moved to Shelby county and located on the farm in Salt River township on which he now lives, and on which he was actively and profitably engaged in farming and raising live stock until his retirement from active work in 1904.