Shelby County, Missouri - Biographical sketches, 1911 (part 9 of 16)

Mr. O'Donnell's farm comprises eighty acres of good land and is well improved. He applied to its cultivation while he was in charge of it the intelligence he had gained in his extensive and varied experience, and also what he had gained in study and from observation and reflection, and he brought it to a high state of fertility and productiveness. It is now farmed by tenants, but Mr. O'Donnell still supervises the farming, and the same care and systematic work that he performed is the rule governing all its operations, and the standard of excellence in farming set up by him still prevails in every feature of what is done on the i^lace.

Mr. O'Donnell was married in 1870 to Miss Jane Cross, also a native of Ireland. They have had eight children, six of whom are living, and all residents of Shelby county. They are : John, also a prosperous farmer; Thomas, who resides in Shelbina; Richard, Jr.; Mary, the widow of Eugene Bailey; Eugene, who is a farmer of this county ; and Evelyn, who is at home with her parents. The father is a pronomiced Democrat in his political faith and allegiance, and his religious connection is with the Catholic church, of which he is a devout and faithful member.

John F. Sparks

Born of one of the sturdy strains of Virginia yeomanry on his father's side of the house, his paternal grandfather, Robert Sparks, having been a product of old families in the Old Dominion, and of Kentucky parentage on both sides, John F. Sparks, of Salt River township, in this county, has reproduced in his own career on the soil of Missouri the best historical and traditional life features of his ancestry in the two older states of the South, and shown that whatever the condition or snrroundings of the sterling American citizen, he is snre to exemj^lify the commendable traits of character and manhood that have given that citizenship its high rank in the jndicions estimate of the world.

Mr. Sparks himself is a native of Henr}^ county, Kentucky, where he was born on January 4, 1835. His father, James P. Sparks, was born in Kentucky on January 4, 1801, and was reared and educated in his native state. There, also, he began the career as a farmer and live stock man which lasted to the end of his life. He came to Missouri and located his family on the boundary line between Monroe and Shelby counties in 1839, the dwelling of the family being in Monroe and part of the farm on which it was located in Shelby county. Here he renewed his activity as a farmer and stock man and continued it to his untimely death in 1846, at the age of forty-five years. He was very enterprising and energetic and success followed all his efforts. And from the indications presented he was destined to become a man of considerable wealth and influence if death had not cut short his usefulness when he was at the height of his powers.

In 1822 he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Elizabeth Threlkeld, and by this union he became the father of fourteen children, five of wliom are living: Martha Margaret, the wife of Judge N. Adams, of Shelbina; John F., who is the interesting theme of this writing; Sarah Elizabeth, the wife of Henry Sparks ; Nancy Helen, the wife of Henry Smith, of Monroe county; and S. A. Sparks, an esteemed citizen of Blackwell, Oklahoma. The father was a loyal and zealous member of the Democratic party from the dawn of his manhood, and his services to his party were always pronounced and appreciated by the leaders and the rank and file of the organization. John F. Sparks was reared on the parental farm and educated at the district schools of Monroe county. After leaving school life on the farm seemed tame and insipid to him, and accordingly, in 1853, he gratified the love of adventure he had inherited from his forefathers by going to California, which had not long before thrilled the world with the inspiring strains of its golden music. He remained on the Pacific coast fourteen years, then returned to his Missouri home, locating in Shelby county in 1867. In the meantime he had mined and done teaming in the neighborhood of Sacramento, and had experienced all the adventure and exciting incidents in life that he had previously longed for.

After his return to this state he was continuously and profitably engaged in farming and raising live stock until 1904. In that year he retired from active pursuits in consequence of a serious injury he received, and since then he has lived quietly in the eujojonent of the competency his industry and frugality had brought him. He was married in 1870 to Mrs. Mary E. (List) Sparks, the widow of his deceased brother. Thej' had three children, two of whom are living: Gerard, of Moberly, and Ada B., the wife of Y. E. Sullivan, of this county. The father is a Democrat in politics, a Presbyterian in church connection and has been a Freemason in fraternal life. He is one of the most esteemed citizens of his township.

John Thornton Keith

Highly successful in his vocation of farmer and live stock man, and- prominent and influential in county affairs for many years, John T. Keith, of Salt Eiver township, Shelby county, has served his day and generation well and given an excellent example for the giiidance and stimulation of the next. He is one of the leading farmers of his township and one of the most useful and important men in his county, exemplifying in his career the virtue and the value of industry and frugality in business and of high character and public spirit in regard to community nit'airs.

Mr. Keith was born in Monroe county, Missouri, on August 13, 1847, and is a grandson of John H. Keith, a native of Virginia, who left the home of his ancestors in his early manhood to make a new one for himself in what was then the wilds of Kentucky. There, on the frontier, or near it, his son, William T. Keith, the father of John T., was bom in 1821. While he was yet a boy the family moved to Missouri, and in this state he grew to manhood, received his scholastic training and prejiared himself for a short but useful professional life. His academic education was completed at McDowell college in St. Louis, and after leaving that institution as a graduate, he studied medicine in Marion county. Wlien he was ready to enter the profession he began his practice in Monroe county and later was associated with Dr. Bowen at Old Clinton in Monroe county. He rose rapidly in his profession and was fast api)roaching the first rank in the medical fraternity in this part of the

The doctor did some farming in connection with his practice. He owned a farm of 240 acres which his slaves cultivated under his direction and supervision. He was married in 1849 to Miss Mary Ann Smith, of Kentucky, and by this marriage became the father of one child, his son John T., the immediate subject of this sketch. His first wife died, and in 1851 he was married a second time, being united on this occasion with Miss Mary Lipscomb, of Monroe county, Missouri. They had one child also, who is now deceased. In politics the father trained with the old VTiug party, and in religious association he was connected with the Missionary Baptist church.

John Thornton Keith began his education in the district schools of Monrod county and completed it at Bethel college in Palmyra. He afterward pursued a course of special training at the Jones Commercial college in St. Louis. After leaving school he bought a farm of 120 acres in this county four miles southwest of Shelbina, and on this tract and the additions he made to it by subsequent purchases, he has been actively engaged in farming and raising live stock, also in feeding and shipping stock, ever since until recently he sold 260 of the 380 acres of land which lie owned. His operations are now confined to his original 120 aci-es, and on this his specialty is handling jacks and jennets, and for his output in this department of the live stock industry he is prominently and favorably known

Locally he is best esteemed for his public spirit and devotion to tlie welfare and improvement of Shelby county. He is an ardent worker and stimulating force in all matters of progress and development, with a fine initiative spirit for designs and great energy and zeal in working them out. For more than forty years he has been president of the school board, and for a long time has served in the same capacity in the Shelbina Fair association, which has pi'ospered admirably under his skillful management.

On November 12, 1867, Mr. Keith married with Miss Martha Ellen Maddox, a native of Monroe coimty and a daughter of Marcus D. and Sarah M. (Sparks) Maddox, esteemed residents of that county. Eight children have been born of the union, seven of whom ai'e living: Ernest, resident in this county; Lena, the wife of Samuel Kimble, also dwelling in Shelby county; Alonzo, whose home is here too; Harry, who lives in Shelbina ; Bertie, the wife of Luther Fitzpatrick, of Monroe county; and Myrtle and Lester, who are still under the parental rooftree.

The father is an earnest and devoted member of the Democratic party in his political relations and a faithful and effective worker for the success of his party. His church affiliation is with the Southern Methodists, as is also his family. With his mind alert and fruitful and his hand open and free for every worthy undertaking for the good of*his township and county in a material way, and all his faculties ready at all times to aid in expanding and intensifying the power and usefulness of the moral agencies at work among their people, and with conscientious attention to every duty of citizenship, he is universally and justly regarded as one of the leading and most serviceable men in this part of the state.

John Way

Born and reared in that great hive of industry, the state of Pennsylvania, in which almost every form of human endeavor finds expression if the latitude permits, and there trained to useful labor from his boyhood, enlisting in the Union army when he was eighteen, and during the four terrible years of our Civil war facing death on the battlefield and enduring the hardships and privations of the march and the cam]i, John Way, one of the progressive and prosperous farmers and live stock men of Salt River township, in this county, had a discipline in duty that fitted him for almost any requirement smd made him equal to almost any emergency in peace or war.

Mr. Way was born on January 10, 1844, in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Frederick and Harriet (Sprinkle) Way, natives of Matyland. The father was born near Hagerstown in that state, in 1815, and after a residence there and in Pennsylvania of fifty-seven years, came to Missouri in 1871 and located in Shelliy county, five miles southwest of Shelbina. Here he acquired land and was actively engaged in farming and raising live stock until 1891, when death ended his labors. Before coining to this state lie lived and operated on farms which he rented in various localities in the former states of his residence. Both on them and on his own land in this county he was successful and wrought out good results by his skillful and persistent industry and his excellent management.

He was married in Hagerstown, Maryland, to Miss Harriet Sprinkle, of the same nativity as himself, and they became the parents of eight children, six of whom are living: John, the interesting subject of this bi'ief review; Harry, whose home is in Shelbina ; Luther, a resident of Marion county ; Cyrus, also a resident of Marion county; Mary Ann, the wife of Mark Heuniuger, of Santa Ana, California; Alexander, of Shelby county, Missouri; and Clark, of Shelbina. In political relations the father adhered to the Democratic party and gave it effective and appreciated service, although he never sought or desired a political office for himself. His religious connection was with the Presbyterian church. The mother died in Shelby county October 25, 190-1.

John Way was educated in the district schools of his native county, but left school when he was eighteen to enter the Federal army in defense of the Union. He enlisted in 18(52 in Company B, Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, under Corps Commander John B. Gregg and Col. K. E. Robinson, being enrolled in Pittsburg. He served throughout the war and was honorably discharged at Javis Hospital, in Baltimore,Maryland, in July, 1865. His military service was no child's play, but the most strenuous in its exactions and experiences. He was in the Army of the Potamac, around which the war storm raged perpetually, and he was called on to take part in some of the most renowned and sanguinary battles of the mighty conflict, among them those at Chancellorsville, Petersburg, the Weldon railroad, Mine Run and "Winchester, and he was present at Lee's surrender at Appomattox, where the banner of the Confederacy went down in everlasting defeat. At the battle of Winchester he was wounded and taken to an old tobacco barn, where he lay four days in agony and was then taken to City Point, and there the news of President Lincoln's assassination reached him.

After the war Mr. Way followed railroading on the section in AVestmoreland county, Pennsylvania, until 1871, when he came to Shelby county, Missouri, with his parents. After a residence in this county of two years, he returned to Pennsylvania and again engaged in railroad work. Two years later he sold his interests in that state and came l)ack to this county, arriving in 1875, and liere he has been actively, extensively and profitably engaged in farming and raising live stock ever since. He now owns 140 acres of superior land and is prominently connected with the live stock industry, his specialty being feeding the best grades and strains of cattle and shipping his output to markets farther east. He has been very successful in all his undertakings and is regarded as one of the leading cattle dealers in this j^art of the state.

seven childi'en, three of whom are living: "William Upton, of Woodliind, Missouri; Forest Gary, whose home is in Seattle, Washington; and Celia AVay, the oldest of the three, who is the wife of Adolph Fitzpatrick. The mother of these children died September 11, 1894, and on October 25, 1896, the father married a second wife, being united in the second alliance with Miss Bettie Bennett, of Moberly, Missouri. They have two children, their daughters, Gladys and Delia May, who are still living at home with their parents. In politics the father is an active, working Eepubliean, but he never seeks an office of any kind for himself, either by election or appointment, preferring to serve the state from the honorable jsost of private citizenship. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist church, and his wife belongs to the same. He has been zealous and helpful in building up his township and county, and the people who live in them esteem him highly as one of their best and most useful citizens. Mr. Way was a member of the G. A. E. for some years, but the post has since gone out of existence, most of the members having died.

Marion M. Maupin

Marion M. Maupin, of Lentner township, who is one of the most extensive and successful farmers and live stock dealers in Shelby county, is a native of Monroe county, Missouri, where he was born on June 13, 1858, and a scion of old Virginia families resident in the Old Dominion from colonial times. He has inherited the elevation of character and sterling manliness of his ancestors, and is thoroughly imbued with the spirit of enterprise and progressiveness tliat fills the West with its energy and has made it so wealthy in production and potential in influence. He has therefore a combination of (puilities which would in.sure business success in almost any tield of effort and win him esteem and general consideration in any community.

]\Ir. Maupin is a grandson of Thomas G. Maupin, who was born, reared and passed his early manhood in Virginia, then moved to Missouri in the youth of this state but the full maturity of his own ijowers. His son, Thomas H. ]\Iaupin, the father of Marion M., was also a native of Virginia, born there in 1827. When he was but seven years of age the family moved to this state and located in Monroe county. There he grew to manhood and ol)taiued his education in the district schools. There also he farmed and raised live stock to the end of his life, except during a period of four years which he passed in California at the height of the early excitement over the discovery of gold in that state. He was successful as a miner there and as a farmer and live stock man here, and when he died in 1905 was possessed of a considerable estate, all won by his own industry, thrift and excellent management.

In 1856 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary F. Maupin, of Marion county, Missouri, and by this marriage became the father of three children, of whom Marion M. is the only one now living. In political relations the father was a life-long Democrat, and from the dawn of his manhood to tlie end of his life was true and loyal to his party and one of its zealous and effective workers in all campaigns. He never sought or desired a political office for himself, but worked for the principles of his party because he believed in them and from a stern and exacting sense of duty.

His son, Marion M. Maupin, grew to manhood on the family homestead and assisted in its labors while attending the district school in the neighborhood and after leaving school until 1881. He then bought a portion of the land on which he now resides eight miles southwest of Shelbina, and began fanning and raising live stock on his own account. Seeking no other occupation for his energies and devoting them to these with ardor and excellent judgment, he has been very successful. His methods have been progressive and all his operations have embodied the best thought and intelligence available concerning the lines of activity in which he has been engaged.

Mr. Maupin now owns 940 acres of fine land and has it nearly all vmder vigorous and skillful cultivation, and his live stock industry is in proportion to his acreage. He has some of the land farmed by tenants, but he gives it all his personal attention and supervision. In his stock industry he has somewhat specialized jacks and jennets, but he has also raised and shipped large numbers of Duroc-Jersey hogs, and he has not confined his output to the two lines mentioned but has been an extensive shipper of general live stock to the Chicago and Eastern markets. He is also a stockholder in the Old Bank of Shelbina.

active part. He has served the people well and wisely as school clerk during the last fifteen years, and in many other ways has contributed materially and extensively to the development and improvement of the region in which he lives. No enterprise of value to the people has been without his active and serviceable aid and intelligent and stimulating guidance. And his services are highly appreciated by those who have had the benefit of them.

On February 23, 1881, he was married to ^liss Emma Francis, a daughter of Thomas and Millie (Miles) Francis, highly esteemed residents of Monroe county. Six children have been born of the union, four of whom are living: Thomas Eugene, who resides in this county; Myrtle E., the wife of E. L. Smock, of Monroe county; Nannie B., the wife of Benjamin Stewart, also a resident of Monroe county; and Varian F., who is living at home with his parents. The father's political allegiance is given firmly and faithfully to the Democratic party, and in its service he is always energetic and influential. He is representative of all that is best in Shelby county citizenship, and is correspondingly esteemed by the people of the county, who know his worth and hold his usefulness in high regard. ^Irs. ]\Iaupin is a member of the Christian church.

Lee Dimmitt

Beginning active efforts for himself in the struggle for advancement among men when he was but a youth, and now occupying a place of prominence in the industrial and public life of his com-

Lee Dim Mitt

1898, and Dillman Daniel, boru in 1903. Tliey are all living at home with their parents. The father is a Democrat of the most reliable kind in his political association, and a very earnest and efficient worker for the success of his party in all campaigns. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow, a Modern Woodman and a Koyal Neighbor. His religious connection is with the Southern Methodist church and that of his wife is with the Christian sect. Both work well for all church interests.

John S. Barton

This prominent, progressive and pros- ]ierous farmer and live stock man of Lentner township is not a native of Shelby countj', but has lived in it from the time when he was two years of age. He grew to manhood drawing his stature and his strength from its soil, was educated in its district schools, and from his boyhood has been busily engaged in two of its leading industries. He is therefore to all intents and purposes a Shelby county product, and the people of the county admire and esteem him as a representative of their best citizenship and an extensive contributor to the jirogress and development of this part of the state.

Mr. Barton was boi-n in ]\lonroe county, Missouri, on June 10, 1849, and is a grandson of Squire P. Barton, one of the pioneers of northeastern jNIissouri, who was born and reared in Kentucky and came to this state in his early manhood and located in Marion county. He liollted to lireak u]) the wild laud of that region and to lav the foundations of civil government for the county, being a man of great force of character and considerable intelligence. His son, Morgan P. Barton, the father of John S., was born in Marion county in 1824 and moved to Shelby county in his young manhood. He followed farming and raising live stock from the time of his arrival in the county to the end of his life on 160 acres of land three miles south of Lentner. His widow, now aged eighty-four years, is living on that fai-m.

The elder Mr. Barton was prospering finely and was well established in the confidence and esteem of the community in which he lived at the beginning of the Civil war. Being a man of strong convictions and a high sense of duty, and believing firmly in the doctrine of state rights, he followed his convictions to the field of battle in response to one of the early calls of the Southern Confederacy for volunteers, enlisting in the command of Gen. Joseph Porter and being hurried soon afterward to the front. After a service of four months he broke one of his hands in a fall from his horse at the battle of Kirksville and, being hard pressed, gave himself up to the Federal authorities, surrendering to Colonel Benjamin. He was transferred from prison to prison, at length reaching the one at Alton, Illinois, in which he died in 1863. His remains were buried in an Alton burial ground with military honors.

He was married on February 15, 1847, to Miss Elizabeth Ann iMcBroom, a native of Virgina. Of the nine children born to them seven are living: John S., the immediate subject of this brief memoir; Sarah G., the wife of John

Clay, of this county; Mary Susan, the wife of John Brison, of Kansas City, Missouri ; Squire P., who is also a resident of this county; Stephen F., also a Shelhy county citizen; AVilliani W., whose home is in Omaha, Nebraska ; and Morgan H., who lives in Shelby county. In politics the father was a pronounced and energetic Democrat. His religious affiliation was with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

His venerable widow, now eighty-four years old, as has been noted, is the oldest woman in Shelby county - a veritable and shining link between the bustling present, with its advanced development and strident progress, and the remote l^ast of the pioneer days, with its ruggedness of life, its thrilling adventures, constant ]ierils and almost ever-present privations and hardships. She has lived usefully and correctly among this people, and there is not one of them who does not do her reverence.

Her son, John S. Barton, was educated in the district schools of Shelby county, whither his ]iarents moved from Monroe county in 1851. After leaving school he worked out on neighboinng farms and assisted the family on the home farm until 1870, then bought the farm of 200 acres' on which he now lives, and on this he has been actively, extensively and protitably engaged in farming and raising live stock ever since. He has been very successful in his operations, conducting them with intelligence and skill and managing his business with judgment and foresight. He has also been zealous and energetic in promoting the welfare of his township and county, serving as a member of the school board at several different periods, and giving earnest attention to all projects for the advancement and improvement of the locality in which he has his home.

On December 22, 1872, Mr. Barton was united in marriage with Miss Sophronia Kidwell, a daughter of Henry and Nancy (Mullins) Kidwell, long esteemed residents of Shelby county. Of the seven children born of the union six are living: Lulu May, the wife of Rev. E. L. Carroll, of Liberty, Missouri; Etta B., the wife of Thomas Noel, of Lentner; George F., who still has his home with his parents; Edgar C, who is also a resident of Liberty ; Jesse W., living in this county ; and Eva v., who is still a member of the parental household. In political relations the father is allied with the Democratic party. He and his wife are active members of Missionary Baptist church. They are among the most highly respected citizens of Shelby county and fully deserve the regard and good will bestowed on them.

William Gamble

Settling down to the quiet yet interesting and independent life of a farmer and live stock man after trying his hand at varioiis other occupations and instructive experience in several different localities, William Gamble, of Lentner township, this county, has foimd the field of effort suited to his taste and made a success of gratifying ]n-oportions in working it. He has qualities of persevering industry and good business management that would have brought him profitable returns in almost any line of industry, but his bent is more decidedlv in the Hue he is following than any other, and lie has been wise enough to adhere to it through all temptations to do otherwise, and these have been numerous in his case, as American life is full of allurements for men of capacity and enterprise.

Mr. Gamble was born in Vicksburg, Mississijopi, on December 21, 185-4, and is a son of Andrew and Patience (Pottercary) Gamble, both of whom met tragic fates after many years of usefulness and upright living. The father was born in Ireland and came to the United States in his boyhood, locating at Vicksburg, Mississippi. There he grew to manhood and became the owner of a cotton plantation east of the city. He also conducted a livery business and traded in horses and mules. In a trip down the Mississippi to New Orleans in 1860 he was accidentally drowned. He was a stone cutter and monument or tombstone maker by trade, but he did not work at that craft long after acquiring a knowledge of it. His widow was killed by a piece of a shell from the Federal army during the siege of Vicksburg. They had seven children, three of whom are living: Andrew, whose home is in St. Louis; William, the subject of this brief review; and Robert, who is a resident of Jackson, Mississippi. The father was a member of the Masonic oi-der and his religious affiliation was with the Protestant Episcopal church.

His son William was educated in the ))ublic schools of Vicksburg and St. Louis, and after leaving school began the battle of life for himself by working in a harness manufactory. But he did not like this occupation and in a short time transferred his energies to work in a machine shop, where he remained until 1870. He then came to Missouri and located for one year in Macon county. At the end of that period he settled in Shelby county on the farm two miles west of Shelbina, and in 1902 on the farm he now lives on and here he has been continuously and successfully engaged in farming and raising live stock ever since. He has increased his farm to 312 acres, one-half of which he has in grass and the rest under general cultivation. In addition to the live stock he raises he feeds numbers of cattle and ships his whole output to Chicago and markets farther east.

Mr. Gamble has taken an earnest interest and active part in promoting the welfare of his township and county, giving energetic attention to every worthy undertaking for their advancement and improvement, and contributing by all means in his power to the comfort and convenience of their people. He served on the school board seven years and in many other ways has shown his abiding interest in the good of his commimity. He was first married in 1876 to Miss Henrietta Kidwell of Shelby county. She died seven months after the marriage, and on February 12, 1880, he married a second time, his choice in this union being Miss Rosa Tayloi-, a daughter of Wesley and Emerine (Bowles) Taylor, esteemed residents of Marion county, this state, where Mrs. Gamble was born on April 19, 1856. They have had five children, but only two of them are living: Fannie, the wife of Earl Bowen, of Clarence, Missouri, and

Charles Milton, who is still at home with his parents. Politically the father is a Democrat and he and his wife are members of the Baptist church.

Willis J. Magruder

This prosperous and enterprising farmer and live stock man of Lentuer township was boi'n in Shelby county, near Maud, on August 13, 1865, and has passed the whole of his life to this time in the county of his nativity. From his boyhood he has been engaged in the two of its leading industries which now command his time and attention, and by that means has contributed materially to the wealth and commercial influence of his township and the consequence of its people. He has also taken an earnest interest in its welfare in all other ways, performing all the duties of good citizenship in a commendable manner and exemplifying in his daily life the best attributes of elevated American manhood.

Mr. Magruder is of Kentucky ancestry on his father's side of the house. His father, William Henry, and his grandfather, Willis Magruder, were born in the Blue Grass state and became early residents of Missouri, locating in Monroe county during the boyhood of the father. He came- into being in 1839, and, after a residence of a few years in his native state, and one of several more in Monroe county, this state, moved to Shelby county in 1862. Here he followed farming and raising live stock until 1893, when he retired from active pursuits and has since been living with his children in this and Monroe county. He still owns his farm in Shelby county and has it rented to a tenant who farms it under his direction and supervision.

He was married in 1862 to Miss Sarah Jane Weatherford, of Monroe county, Missouri. They have had nine children, three of whom have died. Those living are: Beauregard, a resident of Walla Walla, state of Washington; Willis J., the subject of this writing; Lucy Helen, the wife of E. R. Gaines, of Monroe county, Missouri; Henrietta, the wife of Alexander Stalcup, of Monroe county; Minnie Kate, the wife of Le Roy Harding, of Shelby county; and Beulah May, the wife of George Ashford, of Shelbina. In his political relations the father adheres to the principles of the Democratic party, and has long been a faithful worker in its service. His religious connection is with the Baptist church.

Willis J. Magruder obtained his education at the district school in Fairview, Monroe county, this state. After leaving school he studied telegraphy at Sedalia for one year, then farmed on the home place and assisted the family there until 1888. In that year he began a career in farming and raising live stock on his own account in Shelby county, and here he has been continuously and successfully engaged in those pursuits ever since. He makes a specialty of raising superior breeds of hogs, but also handles sheep and cattle in large numbers. He has studied all features of his business thoughtfully and observed all its manifestations with care, and by this means has become not only one of the most successful stock men in his township, but

Mr. Magruder is a man of public spirit and progressiveness and shows these qualities of his manhood in his devotion to the welfare of his township and his earnest efforts on all occasions and in every way to promote it. No effort designed to advance their interests goes without his active aid, which is always given with intelligence and good judgment. On September 28. 1890, he was imited in marriage with Miss Mary Virginia Kidwell, of Shelby county, Missouri. They have had nine children, all of whom are living. They are: Charles F., Visa F., Chester, Koland, Everett, Vemey, Howard, Velma and Vivian, and are all yet members of the parental family circle.

Michael E. Eutter

Although a native of Marion county, this state, where he was born on October 7, 1833. ]\richael E. Rutter, of Salt River township, has been a resident of Shelby county during all but the first two years of his life, and from his boyhood has been connected with its farming and stock raising industries in an energetic and serviceable way. He is now one of the best and most widely known breeders and handlers of mules of superior grades in this county, his operations in this line being extensive and commanding attention and admiration all over the country.

^Ir. Rutter is a grandson of Edmond Rutter, who was born and reared in Kentucky and a son of Chambers Rutter, who was also a native of that state, and born in 1799. The latter came to Missouri in the early days of its histoiy and located near Scipio Bottom, where he passed a number of years engaged in teaming. In 1833 he moved to Marion county, and after fanning there two years, changed his residence to Shelliy county. Here he was actively and successfully engaged in farming and raising live stock until 1839, when he turned his attention to merchandising and kept at it two years. At the end of that period he returned to the farm, on which he died in 1852.

He was married in 1832 to Miss Nancy Hornback of Macon county. They had two children, both of whom are living, Michael E. and his sister Mary E., the wife of Clark Vandiver, who lives in Shelbina. Their mother died and in 1836 the father married a second wife, being united in this marriage with Miss Catherine Gallagher, of Shelby county. In politics he was a pronounced Democrat, loyal to his party and zealous in its service. His religious affiliation was with the ^lethodist Episcopal Church. South.

^lichael E. Rutter was educated in the country schools of Shelby county, and after leaving school at once began farming and raising live stock on his own account, continuing his operations in these interesting and profitable industries until ]90,'5, when he gave uj) all active pursuits, although he is still living on his farm. During the last fifteen years of his activity he was very successfully occupied in raising superior strains of mules, building uj) a large trade and acquiring a wide reputation for the excellence of his output, as has been stated.

He was married in 1852 to Miss Eliza H. Hollyman, of Marion county. They have had eight children, four of whom are living: John W., a resident of Shelby county; Nancy E., the wife of Clay Dufer, of Shelby county ; and James and Charles, who are also residents of this county. The father is a loyal and unwavering Democrat in his poltical relations and an earnest and effective worker for his party in all campaigns, although he has never sought a political office of any kind for himself. He is devoted to the progress and welfare of his township and county and shows his interest' in their substantial advancement by zealous assistance in every worthy project involving the good of their people, among whom he is held in high esteem as one of the leading and most useful citizens of this portion of the state. His religious connection is with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and he is active in the service of the congregation to which he belongs. Now verging close upon eighty years of age, he can look back over his long career with the satisfaction that it has been profitable to himself and serviceable to the people around him. for he has been faithful in the performance of every duty and given an impressive illustration of the benefit and comfort of upright living.

Geoege W. O 'Bryan

It is not often that man who has lived to an almost patriarchal age in his native region moves to another, and on what is to him practically an alien soil lights the fires of a new domestic hearth, but this is what hapi)ened in the case of John

0 'Bryan, the father of George W. 0 'Bryan, one of the enterprising and progressive farmers and stock men of Lentner township and one of the public spirited and broad minded citizens of this county, who came to Missouri when he was well advanced in years, and with all the energy of his youth re])eated here what he had already achieved in the state of his nativity as a successful fai'mer and live stock man and a live and influential citizen.

Mr. 0 'Bryan is a native of Washington coimty, Virginia, where he was born on February 18, 18-f9. His parents, John and Sallie (Heninger) 0 'Bryan, were also natives of that state and descended of families resident there from early colonial days. They were married on June 28, 1829, and had four children, of whom George W. is the only one living. The father was born in Virginia in 1778 and came to Missouri in 1853. In his native state he was a shoemaker, but after coming to this state he followed fai'ming and raising stock exclusively, which he had been engaged in in connection with working at his trade in Virginia. He died in Monroe county, which was the place of his Missouri residence, in 1862. He was married twice, the first time to Miss Anna Anderson, of Virginia, with whom he was united on July 29, 1804. They had five children, whose mother died a few years after the last one was born. His second wife was a daughter of Jacob and Mary Henninger, esteemed residents of Monroe county, and numbered among its most respected and useful citizens. In politics he belonged to the '\Vhig ]iarty until the death of that organization, and afterward took but lit-

His son, George W. 0 'Bryan, was educated in the public schools of Monroe county, this state, of which he became a resident when he was four years old, and after leaving school bought sixty acres of land, which he farmed until 1893. He then sold his farm in the autumn of that year and also everything pertaining to his farming operations, and went to California for the winter. On his return to j\Iissouri he bought 327 acres of farm land in Shelby county, but took up his residence in Lentner. Here for six years he carried on a general merchandising establishment in connection with his farming and live stock operations. At the end of the period mentioned he sold out his interests in the store and since then he has done a little fanning, but has had the greater part of his land worked by his sons. His fann now comprises 300 acres and is all under vigorous and skillful cultivation.

In 1904 he was elected president of the Farmers and IMerchants' Bank of Shelbina, now the Sbelbina National Bank. He resigned after a service of about two years in this capacity, but he still holds stock in the bank and is one of its directors. This plain narrative of his life, as far as it has proceeded, is sufficient to show that he is a man of character and force, but it has made no mention of the fact that he has at all times been zealous and energetic in the service of his township and county, and has done all in his power to promote their welfare. Yet this is a well known fact and has secured for him the lasting regard and good will of

On September 11, 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna M. Hager, a native daughter of the town of Hager 's Grove, in this county, to which her father, John Hager, gave its name, or rather, which was named in his honor. Of the eight children born of this union seven are living: Lena V., the wife of ^r. AV. Moxley, of Merced, California; Laura F., the wife of Charles Brady, of Monroe county, Missouri; Anna Virginia, the wife of A. "W. Byrum, of Santa Rosa, California; Jimmie Lee, who resides in Lentner, Missouri ; Walter C, a resident of this county; George Vest, also a resident of Lentner; and Archie C, who lives in the same place.

In political affairs the father gives his allegiance to the Democratic party, and as he is a man of strong convictions he works for the success of the party he believes in with all his ardor in all its campaigns. The religious affiliation of himself and his wife is with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and both are active and effective church workers for the congregation to which they belong, and give serviceable aid to all worthy church enter]irises without regard to denominational lines. Mr. 0 'Bryan has been very successful in business, prominent and influential for years as a citizen, and one of the leaders in the live stock industry in this state, especially in the production and handling of mules of the best grades, for his output in which he has a national reputation. He is the father of Jimmie 0 'Bryan, a sketch of whom will be found in this volume.

Thomas W. Forman

In section 5, Black Creek township, is located the fine farm property of this rei)reseutative exponent of the agricultural industry in liis native county, where he has ever held a secure place in popular confidence and esteem. He is a scion of one of the honored pioneer families of Shelby county, and he is one of the loyal sons of the state who went forth in defense of the Union when its integritj' was menaced by armed rebellion.

Thomas W. Forman was born on the parental homestead farm, in Taylor township, this county, on December 15, 1844, and is a son of Benjamin F. and Mary (Bowling) Forman, honored pioneers, concerning whom duly specific mention is made in the sketch of the career of their elder sou, John Forman, on other pages of this work, so that further review of the family historj^ is not demanded in the present connection. Thomas W. Forman was reared under the conditions and influences of the pioneer days and contributed his quota to the work of the home farm, the while he received such limited educational advantages as were offered in the somewhat primitive district schools of the locality and period. He was about seventeen years of age at the inception of the Civil war, and his youthful patriotism prompted him to make definite response to President Lincoln's call for volunteers. At Palmyra, Marion county, in October, 18G1, Mr. Forman enlisted as a private in Company F, Third Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, under command of Gen. John M. Glover. He continued in active service with this gallant regiment until victory had crowned the Union arms and peace had been declared. His command was assigned to the Army of the Red River, and with the same he participated in many engagements in ]\lissouri and Arkansas, including the battle of Little Rock. He was mustered out in the city of St. Louis in the fall of 1865, and duly received his honorable discharge, having proved a valiant and faithful soldier of the republic and made an excellent record during his long years of service.

After the close of his military career the young soldier returned to his native county, where he farmed on rented land until he was able to make investment in land of his own. In 1867 he purchased sixty acres in section 5, Black Creek township, and from this modest nucleus, through his own well-directed efforts and careful business methods, he has evolved a fine landed estate of 880 acres, constituting one of the best farm properties in the county, as he has made the best of improvements on the same and has manifested much judgment in the handling of all departments of the farm work. Mr. Forman is thus one of the extensive and substantial agriculturists of his native county, and he has .made a specialty of the raising of high-grade live stock and in the buying and shipping of cattle, horses and mules, in which connection he has built up a flourishing enterprise, particularly in the handling of mules, of.,which he keeps an average of fifty head, being a successful breeder as well as dealer.

It is naturally to be presu]iposed that a citizen who has been so enterprising and successful in connection with his private interests should also take a loyal concern in all that tends to advance the material and civic welfare of the community, and in this respect Mr. Forman is essentially progressive and public spirited. He is a stalwart in the local camp of the Democratic party, but the only office in which he has consented to serve is that of school director, of which he was incumbent for a number of years. He and his wife hold membership in the Christian church.

On December 18, 1873, Mr. Forman was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Mayes, who was born, reared and educated in this county, being a daughter of James and Louisa Mayes. Mr. and Mrs. Forman have four children, namely: Ella, who is the wife of Joseph Van Skike, of Shelby county; Benjamin F., who is associated in the work and management of the home farm, and Alice and Marvin.

Hugo Powell

This esteemed citizen of Shelbina, who has recently moved to that city after farming and raising live stock in Shelby county with great industry and a gratifying measure of success for a period of over thirty-four years, is a native of Germany, and was born in the city of Breslau in that country on May 20, 1827. Before he was a year old his parents, Arthur and Laura (Frost) Powell, also natives of Germany, emigrated to the United States and located in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. There the father worked at his trade as a brewer until 1848, when he returned to his native land, where he died in 1852. He and his wife were the parents of two children, of whom Hugo is the only one living. The mother died in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, in 1847, and the year following the father took her remains back to Germany.

He obtained a limited public school education in the schools of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, and after leaving school went to the city of New York, where he served as a cash boy in a store five years. In 1853 he enlisted in Company F, Sixth New York Regular Cavalry, under the command of General Scott. While in the military service under this enlistment he learned the trade of clothing cutter. But he was devoted to the Union and found a charm in military life which had not been fully dispelled by his short term in the army. He therefore enlisted .again in 1861, at the very beginning of the Civil war, liecoming a member of Company F, Excelsior Brigade, New York, which was commanded by Colonel Sickles, who later became one of the distinguished generals of the Union army and lost one of his limbs in the deluge of death at Gettysburg. Mr. Powell served in this brigade eighteen months, then received a serious injury by falling off a bridge while doing duty as a picket during the battle of Fair Oaks, Virginia. This incapacitated him for further military service, and he was honorably discharged from the army on August 28, 1862, in the city of Philadelphia.

His next move in life was to M'ork at his trade as a clothing cutter, which he followed for five years in New Yoi'k city. At the end of that period he came West and located for a short time at Beloit, Wisconsin, and there he was engaged in merchant tailoring and dealing in gents' furnishings for three years.

From Beloit lie moved to Hamiibal, Missouri, where he followed the same business nine years. He then took up his residence in Shelby county and changed his occupation to farming and raising live stock. He has been industriously occupied in these pursuits ever since until a few months ago, when he determined to retire from active pursuits and moved to Shelbina, where he is now living in comfort and contentment after a long and arduous struggle for advancement in prosperity and enduring many privations and hardships at different periods of his life.

Mr. Powell has been successful in his undertakings, winning a competence for himself and his family and rising to a high position in the regard and good will of the people of this county. He has been active in promoting their welfare and given them an excellent example in elevated citizenship. His political connection is with the Republican party, of which he is an earnest and zealous member, and in religion he is affiliated with the Christian church at Lentner. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic order and the Grand Army of the Republic. On July 10, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Eusebia Meeter, of Beloit, Wisconsin. She is still living. They have no children. Mr. Powell's four score and three years sit lightly on him. He is still a man of vigor and enterprise, as earnestly interested in the progi-ess of his county and state, as faithful and energetic in the performance of the duties of citizenship, and as genial, obliging and companionable in social relations as he ever was. He is justly

Hugh W. Wood

.Viming at no high-flown or spectacular success in life, and seeking no avenues to preferment but that of honest fidelity to daily duty in his chosen vocation, but adhering steadfastly and zealously to that, Hugh W. Wood, one of the substantial and prosperous farmers and stock men of Lentner township in this county, has made steady progress in advancement and attained a position of prominence and permanency in the respect and good opinion of the people in all ijarts of this and the adjoining counties.

Mr. Wood is wholly a product of Shelby county. He was born within its borders on April 11, 1861, obtained his education in its public schools, has passed all the active years of his life to the present time (1910) in helping to promote its industrial and commercial growth and the elevation of its civil and social institutions, and taken the mistress of his home and helpmate in life's arduous struggle from among its agreeable daughters. All that he is, therefore, Shelby county has made him, and all that he has done and achieved has redounded to its credit and advantage.

It is to be said, however, that he had native force and capacity which enabled him to take advantage of the opportunities presented for his betterment, and has shown great industry and business acumen in managing his affairs. He is a son of John Wesley and Kitty (Robb)

Wood, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of the state of Tennessee. The father's fatlier, "William Wood, was also born and reared in Kentucky, where his parents were among the pioneers of that great and progressive state. There John Wesley Wood, father of Hugh W., was born on May 3, 1831, and from there he accompanied his jiarents to Missouri and Shelby county in 1835, when he was but four years old. He grew to manhood and secured a common school education in the primitive coimtry schools of his boyhood, the best then attainable in the undeveloped state of this region.

After leaving school he started the battle of life for himself as a farmer on a tract of forty acres of wild land. This he reduced to subjection and fertility, improved it into a comfortable country home and, as his prosperity increased, added to its extent by additional purchases. He is now seventy-eight years of age and is still actively engaged in farming and raising live stock, his farm now comprising 180 acres of superior land and being all under skillful and vigoi'ous cultivation. It is located three miles northwest of Shelbina.

Mr. Wood, the elder, married Miss Kitty Robb, a native daughter of Tennessee, as has been stated, but long resident in this county. Of the nine children born of this union six are living: Meredith, the wife of Malcolm Swearinger, of Shelbina ; Hugh W., the subject of this sketch ; Meretta, the wife of L. W. Duncan ; T^aura Frances, the wife of Ollie Fletcher; and Myrtle, the wife of W. H. Tenney, all residents of Shelby county, the hist named having her home in Shelbina. The father adheres faithfully and firmly to the Democratic party in i)olitical matters and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in his religious relations.

Hugh W. AVood was educated in the public schools of Shelby county and, after completing their course of instruction, helped his father on the home fann until he reached the age of twenty-seven years. In the autumn of 1888 he began the career in farming and raising live stock which he is still extending. Hi?f tine farm of eighty-five acres is a model of its size and capacity in the development to which it has been brought and the skill and intelligence with which it is managed. For, having no ambition in any other line of effort, Mr. Wood studies what he is engaged in and applies to his operations in both farming and the live stock industry all that he can acquire of valuable information from judicious i-eading and reflection. All this is greatly to his credit and of material benefit to his township and county, in which he has always manifested a very active and helpful interest.

On October 3, 1888, Mr. Wood was united in marriage with Miss Mary L. Fletcher, a daughter of Charles A. Fletcher, who was a ])rominent resident of Shelbina. His political allegiance is given to the Democratic party and in all its campaigns he is one of its serviceable and ap])reciated workers, although never seeking any of its honors or official positions for himself. His religious affiliation is with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and in this also he takes an earnest and productive interest.

John T. Davis

Looking well always to the interests of his country and freely offering his life and all its energies to the service of that country, whether the call of duty took him to the gory field of battle trampled by the relentless iron heel of civil war or those white with the harvests of peaceful and productive industry, John T. Davis, one of the leading and most successful farmers and live stock men of Jackson township in this county, has vindicated his patriotism and sterling citizenship in peace and war.

He was boi-n in Marion county, Missouri, in 1833, and is a son of Gabriel and Cynthia (Kinkaid) Davis, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Virginia. They were married in 1832 and had six children, two of whom are living: John T. and his brother Wallace, who is also a resident of Shelby county. The father was born in 1809 and came to Missouri in 1828. Through the agency of his ancestors and other hardy pioneers his native state had by that time been largely redeemed from its wild and unpruned condition and made highly productive and progressive. But when he became a resident of Missouri at the age of nineteen he found the frontier conditions still extensively prevalent and himself face to face with the problem that had engaged the energies of his forefathers one and two generations earlier in Kentucky. But he was of heroic mold and accepted the situation and its obligations with cheerfulness, entered upon the duties before him with alacrity and did his part toward the development and improvement of the region in which he had taken up his residence with diligence and tidelity to every requirement. He located in Marion county and engaged in farming and raising live stock, which he followed continuously and with success until 1884, when he retired from active labor. In 1848 he sold his Marion county property and bought a farm in Shelby county, on which he passed the remainder of his life and died in 1894. He was a Republican in political faith and allegiance from the foundation of the party and always gave its principles and candidates his earnest and effective support.

John T. Davis was educated in the country schools of this county and after leaving school learned the carpenter trade. He worked at this until 1864, when he enlisted in the Union army. Company F, Thirty-ninth Missouri Infantry, under command of Captain Poe. The Civil war was in its last stage of vigor, however, at the time of his enlistment, and his militarj^ service lasted only six months. At the end of that time he was mustered out of the army at St. Louis, Missouri. He was ready for more arduous trials in the service than he experienced, as he was familiar with military tactics and knew something of the possible hazards and hardships of war, having belonged to the state militia for some years before the Civil war began and during the war until his enlistment.

1867 lie bought a farm of fifty acres and to its development,, improvement and proper cultivation he devoted himself with all his energy- until a short time ago. He now has his farm worked by a tenant but still employs himself in light tasks in connection with its management. He has prospered as a fanner and stock man, and has attained to general esteem and approval as a citizen. He gives his earnest support to the Republican party in political affairs and is jjotential in its service. His fraternal relations with the Grand Army of the Republic are maintained in active membership and devoted loyalty to that organization, and his religious convictions find expression in zealous and hel])ful connection with the Southern Methodist Episcopal church. He was married in 1867 to Miss Angeline Davis, of New York state. They have had three children, two of whom are living: Alma, at home, and Linneus I., who resides in the state of Texas. The mother of these children died February 8, 1905.

Charles A. Graves

Among the substantial, prosperous and progressive farmers and live stock men of Jackson township, this county, none stands higher tlian Charles A. Graves, whether his industry, good management and success in his business or the elevated character and continued usefulness of his citizenship is taken as the gavige of his merit. He is well and widely esteemed for both, and it is conceded on all sides that he is fully worthy of the high rank he holds in the general

Mr. Graves was born in Marion county, Missouri, on March 31, 1858, but has been a resident of Shelby county for many years. He is a son of James and Martha (Janes) Graves, natives of Kentucky, who were married in Kentuckj'', and had eleven children, three of whom are living: Ellen, the wife of John W. Hubbard, pf Monroe City, Missouri; Henrietta, the wife of R. D. Rogers, who resides in Oregon; and Charles A., the interesting subject of this brief review. The father settled in Marion county, this state, long before the Civil war and was busily engaged in farming and raising live stock until the end of his life. He belonged to the Democratic party in political allegiance and the Catholic church in religious faith and obedience, and gave earnest attention to the interests of both.

Charles A. Graves obtained a limited common school education in the country schools of this county, and after leaving their course of training began the struggle for advancement in life by working on farms in the neighborhood of his home, in addition to what he did there, assisting his mother, who was then a widow. Some time later he moved to this county and bought a farm. On this he has worked hard and steadily, but with .indgment and profit, ever since, making it higlily productive and improving it with judicious taste, re-creating it into one of the attractive rural homes of the township in which it is located. He has carried on, in connection with his fanning operations, a flourishing live stock business, raising many head of stoclv and feeding numbers for the markets. In botli lines of his endeavor he has been very successful, l)ecause he has applied intelligence as well as gi-eat energy to his work. His farm now comprises 160 acres and is nearly all under cultivation.

Mr. Graves has suffered many disasters in his career as a farmer and stock man, but these never disheartened him. On the contrary, they seemed to awaken latent powers of enterprise in him and stimulate him to broader vision and still greater activity. In the local affairs of the county, and especially those of his township, he has taken a very earnest interest and rendered very helpful service. He has been a member of the school board three years, is a stockholder in the Hunnewell bank, and in many other ways has contributed to the advancement and imi:)rovement of this portion of the state and the enduring welfare of its people.

He was first married on February 1, 1880, to Miss Louisa Howe, a resident of Shelby county, and by this marriage became the father of five children, all of whom are living. They are : Artie, who resides in Marion county, Missouri; James, whose home is in the state of Montana ; Estes Vai"ian, a resident of St. Louis, Missouri ; Josie, the wife of M. Miller, of California; and Letha Ethel, who also lives in California. The father was married again December 20, 1905, uniting with Mrs. Cora E. (Kellogg) Snider, of this county. They have one child, their son Charles Lyman, who is still at home with his parents. The father is a Democrat in his political relations and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in his religious affiliation. He is regarded as one of the leading and most useful citizens of his township.

James W. Howe

James W. Howe, widely known m northwestern Missouri as one of the most successful and ijrogressive farmers and public spirited citizens of Shelby county, whose fine farm of 420 acres is located in Jackson township, is a native of this county and was born on July 7, 1846. His father, Samuel R. Howe, was born in the state of Kentucky and came to Missouri at an early date, while the greater part of the state was still on the frontier and its resources were yet waiting for the commanding might of mind and the energy of the pioneers aud their followers to call them into productiveness and the service of mankind. He located in Shelby county and here he was continuously and successfully engaged in farming and raising live stock until his death in 1877.

He was married to Miss Nancy Davidson, of this county, and they became the parents of eight children, all of whom are living -. Susan, the wife of J. E. Howell; John, also a prosperous fai-mer; James W., the immediate subject of this memoir; Eliza Ann, the wife of George See; Francis, another contributor to the agricultural greatness of Shelby county; Margaret, who resides in the neighborhood of her birthplace; Rebecca, the wife of Harvey Rivercomb; and Louisa, the widow of the late Charles Graves. They are all residents of this county. The father was a Democrat in politics and a

Mr. Phillips was born in Wyoming county, New York, on June 16, 1841, and is a son of William H. and Pliileta (Pierson) Phillips, the former a native of New Hampshire, born in 1801, and the latter born in 1810 and reared in Connecticut. The father was a farmer and passed the whole of his life after the removal of the family to the state of New York on the parental homestead actively engaged in farming. He died in 1869, but throughout his career relied on his own exertions for advancement, and never made much of the fact that he was a descendant of Lord Phillips of Ireland. In politics he was a Whig until the extinction of the party, and after that a Republican. He and his wife were the parents of eight children, five of whom are living - Arabella, of Harvey, Illinois; Mary, of Lakenan, in this ooimty; Kitty P., the widow of H. ]\I. Johnson, and now a resident of Live Oak, Florida ; and the immediate subject of this brief review; Bessie Y., now the widow of William H. Cushman, resides at Phoenix, Arizona.

Eugene C. Phillips obtained his education in the i)ublic schools of Erie county. New York. On leaving school he showed his fidelity to the Union by enlisting for the Civil war in the Thirtythird New York Battery of Light Artillery imder Capt. A. M. Wheeler. The battery was an inde]iendent organization, but wholly devoted to the cause of the Union and worked in perfect harmony and co-operation with the Federal forces. It was stationed most of the time at or near Petersburg, and was actively engaged in all the operations around that historic center of the storm of the great Civil war.

Mr. Phillips was mustered out of the service in June, 1865, and returned to the home of his parents in Erie county. New York, and worked his father's farm as a tenant for two years. In the spring of 1870 he became a resident of Missouri, locating on a farm he purchased in Shelby county. He cultivated and improved this farm until 1908, and in connection with his farming operations carried on an extensive enterprise in stock breeding. In the year last mentioned he retired from active pursuits and has since been enjoying the rest to which his long years of faithful and productive toil entitled him. He has his farm rented and gives his attention to other interests which command and reward it. He is a stockholder in the Commercial Bank of Shelbina, and is now and long has been a stockholder in and director of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Association of Shelby County.

In March, 1867, Mr. Phillips was married to Miss Helen Churchill, of Niagara county, New York, and by this marriage liecame the father of thi'ce children, all of whom are living. They are: Edwin P., of Hannibal, Missouri ; Gertrude, who is the wife of Robert McUlvoy, of Troy, Missouri, and Ernest, a successful business man, now living in Chicago. In politics the father is an ardent Prohibitionist and in religion a devout and serviceable member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He is well esteemed in the county and is favorably

James A. Spencer

The interesting subject of this brief memoir, whose death on April 4, 1904, cast a gloom over the whole community in which he had so long been a leading citizen, successful merchant and prosperous and progressive farmer, was a native of Marion county, [Missouri, where he was born on July 14, 1841. He was a son of Edward G. and Margaret (McElroy) Spencer, who were natives of Kentucky. They were married in Kentucky and had twelve children, five of whom are living: "Wilson, a resident of Saline county, Missouri; Mollie, the wife of Douglas Ricks, of Taylorville, Illinois; Edward and Dorris, whose homes are in this county; and Henry C, who lives in Kansas City, Missouri.

The father came to Missouri at an early day and located in Marion county. There for a number of years he was prosperously engaged in farming, but late in life he changed his residence to Lafayette count j% and there he died in 1871. He was a man of force and prominence, active in the early history of the locality in which he lived, esteemed by all who knew him, and desen^ing their regard and approbation by his uprightness and good influence as a man and his progressiveness and usefulness as a citizen.

His son, James A. Spencer, was educated in the public schools in Shelbyville and Paris, Missouri, and after securing his own mental training for the duties of life shared the benefits he derived from it with others by teaching school at Paris for some years. He moved to Shelby county in 1869 and located at Hunnewell, where he followed the drug business four years. At the end of that period he changed the seat of his activity to Monroe county and his occu])ation to farming. His mind was too versatile and active to be confined to one line of employment, however, and in 1875 he returned to Hunnewell and to merchandising in connection with his farming and live stock industries. He was first a grocer and afterward a general merchant, carrying on an extensive business in each line and winning a very gratifying success in both. He was also postmaster of Hunnewell four years.

In 1894 he sold all his mercantile interests and began an active and successful career in the real estate business, still continuing his farming operations. His farm at that time comprised 253 acres, and this he enlarged by successive purchases until at the time of his death he owned and had under vigorous and progressive cultivation 753 acres. On this farm he passed the last twenty-six years of his life, and in that period greatly improved it and increased its value, making it one of the best and most desirable in Jackson township, in which it was located. He was also a stockholder in the Hunnewell bank, and was actively and sei-viceably connected with other institutions of value to the community of his home.

dale, a daughter of James and Sallie (Deaver) Eagsdale, of Monroe county, this state. ]\Irs. Spencer was born on December 3, 1849, and is still living. She and her husband became the parents of eight children, seven of whom are living. They are : James E., died September 29, 1910; Sidney IL; Kipley C; Nellie A., the wife of T. J. Greening ; Eichard R. ; Earl; Leta, the wife of Clancy Fitzsimmons ; and Orrie M., the wife of Charles M. Yancy. They are all residents of Shelby county. The parents were active and useful members of the Christian church. They were esteemed as among the best and most worthy citizens of the county and enjoyed the regard and good will of the whole people.

Sidney H. Browne, Jr

Of good old Pennsylvania stock, and inheriting from his ancestry the traits of industry, thrift and persevering selfreliance which are characteristic of the people of that great industrial hive, Sidney H. Browne, Jr., one of the enterprising and prosperous farmers and live stock men of Jackson township, in this county, has employed his native ability and used his opportunities to great advantage in improving his own worldly condition and helping to push forward the welfare and progress of the locality of his home. He has aptly exemplified on the soil of Missouri the qualities of diligence, frugality and good management that have so signally advanced the prosperity and made the greatness of his ancestral state, although he is not a native of it.

Mr. Browne was born in Quincy, Illinois, on February 1, 1871, and is a grandson of George Blight Browne, a well-to-do business man of Pennsylvania, and a son of Peter A. and Lavena (Jordan) Browne, also natives of Pennsylvania, the latter born in the city of Philadelphia. The father's life began in 1837 and he became a resident of Missouri in 1872, after a residence of some years in Quincy, Illinois, and Hannibal, Missouri. On their arrival in this state the parents located at Huunewell, where they lived one year. They then moved to a farm one mile and three-quarters from that town. The father engaged in farming and raising live stock, and also dealt extensively in cultivators for the benefit of the farmers living aroimd him, and for his own profit as well. He was in this line of mercantile business about eight years. On March 10, 1900, his life ended on the old homestead.

He and his wife were the parents of six children, five of whom are living: Elizabeth J., the wife of F. E. Swift, of Hunter, Oklahoma; George Blight, a resident of Burlington, Iowa ; Sidney H., the subject of these paragraphs: Penelope, the wife of J. A. 0 'Daniel, of Hunnewell; and Kenton S., who also lives at Hunnewell. The father was a Republican in his political faith and allegiance, and earnestly interested in the welfare of his party, although he was never a very active partisan. His fraternal affiliation was with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Sidney H. Browne, Jr., had the preparation for the battle of life usually secured by boys of his class and surroundings. He was trained to useful labor on his father's farm and in scholastic development and acquirements in the public schools, attending them at Hunnewell. Since leaving school he has been continuously engaged in farming and raising live stock with increasing prosperity and progressive intelligence. He has not only given his business close and careful attention in a manual way, but has studied its requirements and possibilities, applying to his operations the best information he could gather from reading and reflection, and he has been successful accordingly. He is a stockholder in the Farmers and Merchants' Bank and has interests in other profitable connections.

On December 19, 1895, he was united in marriage with Miss Olive Dill, who was born on November 6, 1873, and is a daughter of F. j\I. and Heneretta (Selsor) Dill, highly respected residents of this county. One child has been born of the union, a son named Francis Marion, who is living at home with his parents. The father is a zealous and active member of the Eepublican party in his political alliance. His fraternal connection is with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he and his wife are devoted adherents of the Southern Methodist Episcopal church.

Peter A. Snidee

After a trying and adventurous experience during the first few years of his manhood, which embraced the hazards of sectional strife on the battle fields of the Civil war and confinement in a military prison, a surveillance of months under a military parole and a residence and struggle for existence in a state distant from his home and all the associations of his boyhood and youth, Peter A. Snider settled down to farming and raising live stock, and became one of the prosperous, enterprising and progressive men engaged in those pursuits in Jackson township of this county.

Mr. Snider was born near Columbus, Ohio, on June 29, 1841, and was a grand- ( son of Peter Snider, a native of Germany, who came to this country and located in Pennsylvania in his early manhood. He is a son of John Henry and Barliara (Rupright) Snider, the former born in Pennsylvania in 1818, and the latter a native of Germany. After their marriage they lived for a time in Franklin county, Ohio, near the capital city of Columbus. They moved to Hannibal, Missouri, in 1842, and after a residence of four years in that city, came to Shelby county and took up their residence on a farm on which the village of Kendall now stands. The father also opened a general store there, which he conducted for six or seven years, then moved his stock of goods to Hunnewell, but still retained his farm at Kendall. He continued his mercantile operations at Hunnewell until the troublesome times incident to the Civil war destroyed his business and ended his mercantile career. He then returned to his farm, where he died in 18G3.

His first wife, the mother of Peter A. Snider, their only child, died while the latter was still in his childhood, and some time afterward he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Utz, a resi- dent at the time of Shelby county. By his second marriage he became the father of eight children, seven of whom are living: Charles, a resident of Lakenan; Marion F., a sketch of whom appears in this volume; John and Henry F., who also reside in this county, a sketch of the latter being included in this work; Belle, the wife of Frank Erwiu; Joseph, another prosperous Shelby county citizen; and Ida, the wife of Thomas 0 'Daniel. In his political allegiance the father belonged to the Democratic party and gave it loyal and effective service. His religious affiliation was with the Presbyterian church.

Peter A. Snider obtained his education in the district schools of this county and a gi'aded school in Ilunnewell. After leaving school he worked on the farm with his father until 1862, when he enlisted in the service of the Confederate army under Gen. Joseph Porter. But he found military life altogether intolerable to him, and, after being in the armj^ two months, just before the battle of Kirksville he returned to his home and surrendered to Federal General McNeil, who was then in command of this military district. Under orders from General McNeil he was taken to St. Louis and incarcerated in a military prison. After languishing in this i^lace of torture from October, 18()2, to September, 18()3, he was released on parole to await further orders. He then again returned to his home, and six months later was set free from his parole.

Being thus at liberty to do as he pleased, and finding the state of life in his home locality one of incessant strife and deadly hazard, he went to California to remain until the war should be over. In 18(36 he came back to Shelby coimty and began farming and raising live stock, in which he has been continuously and profitably engaged until his death. May 29, 1910. He i^rospered in his undertakings since the war, in a worldly way, and rose to high esteem and consideration among the people of his township. He owned 160 acres of good land, which he had highly improved, and nearly all under intelligent and profitable cultivation.

In November, 1867, Mr. Snider was united in marriage with Miss Martha Utz, of this county. They had six children, five of whom are living: Anna May, the wife of Oscar Blackford, of Shelbina ; Noah, an esteemed resident of this county; Barbara, the wife of "\V. S. Parker, also living here; Winifred, the wife of Larue Wood, of Sedalia, Missouri; and Abbie Belle, who is still at home with her mother. In politics the father was a staunch and active Democrat, and was a member of the Methodist E2:)iscopal church, South. He was held in high approval by the people around him and was considered a most estimable and worthy citizen.

Wesley Baker

Of Pennsylvania ancestry and Iowa nativity, and for some years a resident of Kansas and twenty-one years of Missouri, Weslej' Baker, of Jackson township, in this county, where he is a proslierous and progressive farmer and live stock man and a highly esteemed citizen, has had the influence of four of the great states of the American Union in molding his career, and that influence has worked well to his advantage and the benefit of the several communities in which he has lived. He has done his part to be worthy of it and true to the incentives of industry, frugality and enterprise it has given him, using his opportunities with judgment and making them all minister to his advancement and the good of the peoi)le among whom he has dwelt.

Mr. Baker was born in Poweshieak county, Iowa, on December 7, 1861. His father, John Baker, was born in Beaver coimty, Pennsylvania, in October, 1834, and his grandfather, Richard W. Baker, was also native in that state. In his young manhood the father took passage on the tide of migration to the throbbing West and established for himself a new home in Poweshieak county, Iowa. There, in 1859, he was mari-ied to Miss Julia Stanley of that county, and he is still living in the state. He was reared on a farm and he has followed fai-ming continuously from his boyhood. He and his wife became the parents of eight children, five of whom are living: Mary, the wife of Paul Nelson, of Eochester, Minnesota; Wesley, the interesting subject of this brief review; George M., a resident of Iowa; Clara A., who also lives in that state; and Cora, the wife of Albert Sexton, another member of the family whose home is in Iowa. In politics the father is a Eei^ublican.

His son Wesley was educated in the district schools of his native county, and after completing their course of instruction, worked for a short time for his father on the home farm. But he was ambitious to do something material and considerable on his own account, and accordingly he rented some land in the neighborhood of his home, which he farmed for four years. At the end of that period he left Iowa and went to southwestern Kansas, where he took up a homestead. He lived on this and improved it until he received a government » patent for it. In 1890 he sold his homestead in Kansas and sought another new home in Shelby coimty, Missouri.

He looked foi-ward to his opportunities in this count}'^ with high hopes and pleasing anticipations of advantage to himself, and cheerfully dared all the dangers and privations of a journey to his new location overland in a covered wagon. The journey was made in safety, the destination was reached without greater inconvenience than the weariness incident to the long trip and slow progress, land was secured in Jackson township on his arrival, and he at once began the career in farming and raising live stock which is still in progress, and which has made him one of the substantial farmers and stock men of the county and raised him to consequence and general esteem among the people here.

,Mr. Baker now has a farm of 330 acres, all under cultivation, highly improved with good buildings and in an advanced state of iiroductiveness. He is also a stockholder and vice-president of the Hunnewell Bank, and has other interests of value in the county. But his own affairs have not been allowed to engross all his time and energy. He has taken an earnest interest and active part in those of his township and county and rendered them good service. For a number of years he has been one of the leading members of the local school board, and in many other ways has been influential and effective in helping to advance public, business and social interests to the advantage of the people, the development of the locality of his home and the general welfare of the county and state.

On December 23, 1896, Mr. Baker was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Bell Perry, a resident of this county. Six children have blessed their union and five of them are living. They are: Ura A., John T., Walter 0., Charles L. and George W., all of whom are still members of the parental household. Politically the father is a Democrat; fraternally he is an Odd Fellow, and in religious affiliation he belongs to the Missionary Baptist church. He is regarded as one of the leading citizens of his township, enteri^rising and progressive, intelligent and broad-minded, and true to every public and private duty.

Heney F. Snider

A native of Shelby county, and having passed his whole life to this time within its borders engaged from his youth in helping to promote its industrial, civil and social life, Henry F. Snider, of Jackson township, has been of great service to this portion of the state and admirably ujiheld the credit of his family, two other members of which have honorable mention in this work. He has been successful in building up his own estate, although he began the struggle for advancement among men with practically nothing in the way of capital but his own natural ability and determined spirit, and the same qualities have made

Mr. Snider was born on October 2, 1857, near where he now resides, and is a son of Jolm Henry and Sarah (Utz) Snider, the story of whose lives of success and disaster is told in a sketch of his half-brother, Peter A. Snider, to be found on another page of this history. Since leaving the country school in which he obtained his scholastic training, Henry has been continuously and profitably engaged in farming and raising stock for the markets. He has a fann of 100 acres of superior land, all of which he cultivates with skill and industrJ^ and which he has improved with good buildings and other necessary structures.

Mr. Snider takes a warm and serviceable interest in the alTairs of his township and county, rendering the people excellent returns for their confidence in calling him to the school board, of which he has been a member and the clerk for a number of years, and in numerous other ways proving himself worthy of their regard and efficient in tlieir behalf. He was married on October 25, 1883, to Miss Fanny B. Metcalf, of Howard county, this state. Of the four children which have blessed their union and brightened their hoiisehold three are living: John W., who resides in this county; Lillian F., the wife of Forrest McGlasson, of Pullman, state of Washington; and Henry H., who still dwells under the parental rooftree.

The father gives his political allegiance and su])]:)ort to the Democratic party and is at all times zealous in its service. Fraternally he is allied with the Court of Honor, and to the welfare and progress of this order he is earnestly and actively devoted. His religious connection is with the Methodist Episcopal church, South, of which he is a live and helpful member, giving a good man's share of attention to the affairs of his congregation and his due portion of assistance toward all its worthy and beneficent undertakings of every kind.

Hedgeman Pickett

Of old Virginia ancestry, but a native of Missouri, and having passed the whole of his life to the present time (1911) within its borders, Hedgeman Pickett, of Bethel township, combines in his character and make-up the best traits and characteristics of the people of both states, and is a ci'edit to each. His gi"andfather, 8anford Pickett, came from his native state of Virginia to Missouri among the early pioneers of this part of the state and located on a farm in Shelby county, where he died after years of great usefulness to the locality.

Hedgeman Pickett, who was born in Bethel townshij), this county, on January 1, 1859, is a son of Hiram and Elizabeth (Eookwood) Pickett, natives of Fauquier county, in the Old Dominion, where the father was born on August 10, 1822. He came to Missouri when he was thirteen years of age with his parents and grew to manhood on the family homestead, near Betliel. After completing his education he began a very successful career as a fanner, which lasted until his death on ^liwrh 29, 1S90. He was also prominent and influential m the public life of the county, displaying great enterprise and public spirit in its development and improvement, carrying into matters of general concern the same energy, breadth of view and progressiveuess that characterized him in the improvement and cultivation of the 9G0 acres of land he owned when he died.

His marriage with Miss Eookwood occurred in 1854. They became the parents of twelve children, eight of whom are living - ^^Sanford H., a resident of Quincy, Illinois; Hedgeman, the immediate subject of this memoir ; Jennie Lee, the wife of John H. Bue, of this county, a sketch of whom will be found in this work ; Annie, the wife of J. A. Green, of Woodward, Oklahoma ; John and James S., residents of this county; Gabrella, the wife of C. R. Douglas, also residing in Shelby county, and Oscar W., whose home is in Shelby county, too. Jennie and Annie, named above, are twins. The father was a Democrat of the most pi'onouuced and active type in his political relations.

Hedgeman Pickett obtained his education in the district schools of Betliel township, which he attended at intervals until he reached the age of nineteen. He then engaged regularly in the employ of his father and continued the relation imtil 1880. In that year he rented a portion of the fai-m on which he now resides and bought two years later what he had been renting, its extent being eighty acres. He has ever since been energeticallj", studiously and successfully occupied in farming and raising and feeding live stock, advancing to great ]iros]ierity in his business and high standing and universal esteem as a man and citizen. His farm now comprises 600 acres, all but forty of which are under skillful and systematic cultivation according to the most ajjproved methods of husbandry. It is one of the best and most valuable farms in tlie township, and has been made so by his persistent industry and the wisdom and intelligence with which he has managed his business and looked after every detail of the work.

But Mr. Pickett has not employed his energy and capacity wholly in his own affairs. He is a progressive and publicspirited man and takes great interest in the needs and ]iossibilities of the community around him and does all in his power to promote its welfare. He is a school director and has been road commissioner, rendering approved service to the people in botli offices and retaining their eontidence and regard by his general and active work in their behalf in many ways and holding their admiration and his widespread popularitj^ by the excellent example he gives as a citizen.

Mr. Pickett was married on Feliruary 17, 1880, to Miss Sarah Catherine Allen, who was born in Shelby county on September 17, 1861, a daughter of David and Sarah Ann (Ford) Allen, natives of Kentucky, but long esteemed, prominent and useful residents of this portion of Missouri, having come to Shelby county many j^ears ago. The union has resulted in the birth of six children, five of whom are living - Edgar, who is farming on his own account in this county, and Sylvia, Frank, Bessie and Charles, who are dwelling yet under the family rooftree and helping to enliven the parental family circle. In politics the father is a Democrat of firm convictions and continued loyalty to his party. He is influential in its councils and effective in its service, but he neither seeks nor desires any of its honors or emoluments for himself, being well content to serve the state from the honorable post of private and faithful citizenship. His wife is an active and interested member of the ^Missionary Baptist cliurch.

Marion F. Snider

Owning 211 acres of excellent land in Jackson township, this county, and making this the base of active, enterprising and progressive industries in farming and raising live stock, Marion P. Snider stands among the leading men in the township engaged in those pursuits. He is also held in high esteem as one of the influential and sei'viceable citizens of the township, with cordial interest in the progress and development of the region in which he lives, integrity and uprightness of life as a man, and energy and breadth of view with reference to public atfairs as the foundation on wliicli the popular estimation of his worth rests.

Mr. Snider was born in Shelby county, Missouri, on May 6, 1850. He is a halfbrother of Peter A. Snider, in a sketch, of whom, to be found elsewhere in this book, an account is given of the lives of his father and mother, John Henry and Sarah (Utz) Snider, long residents of the county and accounted as among its most estimable citizens. After obtaining the limited education which the Shelby county country schools of his boyhood and youth afforded, the subject of this brief review worked on his father's farm and assisted the family imtil 1872.

By this time Mr. Snider 's mind was firml}^ fixed on establishing a home of his own, and in accordance with his desire to do this, he began farming and raising live stock on his own accoimt. Although his progress was slow at first, it has been steady from the beginning. The way before him was ascending and rugged, for he was without material resources, and had nothing but his personal qualities of head, heart and spirit to depend on, but he ke])t climbing it, whatever the difficulties, and as he gained higher ground and surer footing, he enlarged his estate and his business operations in proportion to his increasing prosperity.

His farm, as has been stated, comprises 211 acres and it is well improved, highly developed and veiy productive. It is all under cultivation and is tilled with intelligence and vigor, every acre being made to yield the best result the most advanced modern agricultural methods can produce, according to the season and other circumstances. He studies his work with earnest thought and reflective observation, and he applies the information he thus gains to all his efforts with energy and zeal that leave nothing to chance, in so far as such industry can overcome or command it.