Vernon County, Missouri - The whole text, 1911 (part 10 of 14)

Lowry LI. acquired his early education in the public schools and lived on the farm till he reached manhood. On attaining his majority he turned his attention to learning the printer's trade in the office of Mr. W. R. Crockett, who published the "Vernon County Democrat," which later became the " Evening Post." Later, he was associated with Mr. Harvey W. Isbell in the publica¬ tion of "The Noticer," and after that, spent two years in connec¬ tion with the "Southwest Mail."

In 1896 Mr. McDaniel established himself in the printing business on his own account, and since that time, under the name of the L. H. McDaniel Printing Company, he being sole owner and

Mr. McDaniel is a hard worker and his success is the result of persistent effort, good management and fair and honorable business methods and dealing.

Mr. McDaniel has always adhered to the principles of the4 Democratic party and has been active in its affairs. He served three years as city clerk (1897 to 1900), and one term as collector. He is actively identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knight of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Woodmen of the World.

On June 15, 1898, Mr. McDaniel was united in marriage with Miss Edna Sterett, daughter of S. A. and Tillie (Laswell) Steret't, of Nevada. Mr. and Mrs. McDaniel have one child, Ruth Adele McDaniel.

William J. McElwain is an enterprising and prosperous busi¬ ness man of Nevada, Mo., who has achieved success by persevering and persistent work. He was born at Jericho Springs, in Cedar county, Missouri, April 6, 1884, and is the fifth child of a family of thirteen children born to J. W. and Caroline (Robinson) McElwain. The father is a native of Illinois, and when he was sixteen years of age, in 1870, he came to Missouri with his parents, and later settled in Vernon county. The mother is a native of Missouri. Their other surviving children are Warren McElwain, George F. McElwain, Harry R. McElwain, Hattie, who married Mr. Frank Stowell and lives in North Dakota, Zenia, the wife of Mr. John Stowell, and Leeta, also living in North Dakota. Those deceased were Zeff. Ella, who was married to Mr. Chant Kennicutt, Artie, who was the wife of Mr. John Amons, and three others who died in infancy.

Our subject's paternal grandfather, David Franklin McElwain, of Irish lineage, moved from Ohio, his native state, first to Illinois and later to Vernon county, Missouri, where he died on December 25, 1900, at the age of seventy-six years. His maternal grand¬ father Robinson enlisted as a soldier in the Civil War, but was stricken with a prevalent malignant disease and died before participating in any battle. He was of Scotch-English ancestry, the first representative of the family in this country, settling in North Carolina. William J. grew up on his father's farm and acquired his education in the district schools. When nineteen years old he left the farm, and entered upon an apprenticeship in the Dempsey Candy Works at Nevada, and worked there one year. He then spent three years with Mr. A. C. Dempsey, and after that was one year with the Nevada Candy Company. Mr. McElwain next purchased a half interest with Mr. S. Dempsey in the same line of business which was conducted several months under the firm name of Dempsey & McElwain. On the dissolution of this partnership, Mr. McElwain associated himself with Mr. C. Braden under the firm name of McElwain & Braden. This firm continued till February, 1908, when he bought his partner's in¬ terest in the business and then, selling a half interest to Mr. J. W. Noyes, joined with him in organizing the McElwain Candy Com¬ pany. Besides a manufacturing department, which is under Mr. McElwain 's personal supervision, there is also a high-class retail department, which supplies a large and constantly growing trade. Mr. McElwain has made a careful and conscientious study of his line of work, and with his years of experience has established a high reputation for the purity and wholesomeness of his products. He has given his attention closely to his business, so that he has found little time for outside affairs. He is interested in fra¬ ternal orders, and belongs to the M. B. of A., and the Knights of the Maccabees of the World.

Thomas L. McGuinn,* a native Missourian, comes of genuine Irish lineage, his father being a son of the late William McGuinn, who passed his life in Ireland, where he enjoyed local promi¬ nence. Our subject's parents, James and Esther (Dunne) Mc¬ Guinn, were both born in Ireland, whence they emigrated in their early lives, settling first in the state of Ohio and removing thence in 1886, to Bates county, Missouri. They settled on a farm and continued there some years, and then moved with their family to a farm in Center township, Vernon county, where the father still resides and where the mother died in 1896, in her sixty-third year. Of a family of seven children born to them, five, named respectively, Elizabeth, Hannah, Irene, Thomas L. and William, are living. The names of the two deceased are Ellen and James, the latter meeting a violent death at the hands of a robber, October 29, 1894, when he was thirty-four years of age.

Thomas L., who was born in Bates county, September 11. 1869, grew up on his father's farm, acquiring his education in the public schools, and helping in the farm work. Farm life has always had strong attractions for him, and, though called to give his attention to other matters, he has always retained his interest in farming operations.

In the spring of 1907 Mr. McGuinn was elected tax collector of Center township for the term of 1907-8, and gave such general satisfaction in managing the affairs of his office that the people again elected him, in March, 1909, for the term of 1909-10. Mr. McGuinn is an active member of the Modern "Woodmen of America.

James F. McKay, an enterprising business man of Milo, Ver¬ non county, was born February 22, 1884, and is the youngest child of James and Josephine (Bartlett) McKay. He grew to manhood on his father's farm, acquiring his education in the common schools of his native place and lived at home till he started in business for himself. In 1906, associated with his father and elder brother, under the firm name of J. M. McKav and Sons, he began buying, baling, shipping and selling hay at Milo, and continued in that relation three years.

The firm was then dissolved, and in 1909 he and his brother associated themselves under the firm name of McKay Brothers, and established what has grown into an extensive and profitable business, dealing in hay, grain, lumber and building material, the capital investment having been increased from $5,000 to $10,000.

Mr. McKay is a careful, methodical business man, of sound judgment, progressive in his ideas and methods and just and upright in his dealings, and stands high in the estimation of the community and with his business associates.

Outside of his regular business relations, he is connected with other enterprises, being vice-president and a member of the board of directors of the Dale Saddlery Company, and a director of the Bank of Milo. Fie is also actively identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. On August 12, 1904, Mr. McKay married Miss Mayme Jones. Two children have been born to them of whom, C. R. McKay, born January 1, 1906, is living.

Hon. James McKill, deceased, was born in New York state in 1830, and when still young accompanied the family to Ohio, and thence, in 1846, to Morgan county, Missouri. His father, James McKill, finally settled where his son afterwards died, and where he himself departed this life (in Vernon county) in January, 1859 ; his wife, formerly Miss Rhoda Barker, survived until June, 1876. Robert McKill, the only child besides James, died about thirteen years before his father, in the same month. James was only about sixteen vears old at the time of his location in this county, having come here shortly after moving to Morgan county. A pioneer citizen of the locality, he naturally became a man of prominence, and aided in many ways in the upbuilding of his adopted home. His occupation was that of a farmer, but his ability and intellectual worth often caused him to be called into official prominence, and among other positions in which he served was that of representative in the state legis¬ lature. April 13, 1854, Mr. McKill was married to Miss Belle Linn, an estimable ladv, originally from Kentucky, who located here in 1849. Tin jee living children blessed this union, Monroe, Ella and Arthur. Mrs. McKill was the daughter of John and Nancy (DePoyster) Linn, both natives of North Carolina, who subsequently moved to Kentucky and later to this county, where the father died February 6, 1873, and the mother during the year 1879. They reared to maturity six children: Monroe, Elizabeth, who married James Mayfield; William, H. W.. John and Belle (Mrs. McKill). During the Civil War Mr. McKill entered the Eighth Missouri regiment as captain in 1861. and followed the fortunes of the Confederacy for a long time, finally being taken prisoner at Helena in 1863, after which he was con¬ fined in prison most of the time for twenty-one months at John¬ son's Island. Mr. McKill's death occurred June 26, 1885.

N. M. McMasters* is in the true sense of the term a self-made man who has achieved success by following steadily and dili¬ gently in the line of a well chosen calling. A native of Ireland, he was born in County of Antrim, February 9, 1838, to James and Jane (Gordan) McMaster. When thirty years of age, in

1868, he came to this country and for a time lived in Illinois. But after a few years, with a view to finding a place more to his liking for a permanent home, he went to California and found employment in the railroad business, but only for a short time, and in February, 1878, he returned and, finding what he wanted in Vernon county, Missouri, bought for $9 per acre a tract of 120 acres in section eleven, Dry wood township, where he has since made his home. Mr. McMaster has since added eiWitv acres to his original purchase, and with the elaborate improve¬ ments he has made in the way of buildings, etc., has today one of the finest and most desirable farms in the township. What he has, he has acquired by his own efforts. He is esteemed as an upright man, a good neighbor, who knows what to do and who does, looks after his own affairs with diligence, and withal a public-spirited citizen interested in the welfare and betterment of the community in which he lives. Mr. McMaster keeps him¬ self posted and in touch with the trend of current local affairs and is justly recorded one of the level-headed, substantial and influential men of the community. He is a stockholder in the Bank of Milo, and in politics adheres to the principles of the Republican party.

Robert W. McNeil, a pioneer, as it were, among a race of pioneers, for many years an active business man and a well-known citizen of Vernon county, was a man whose name and fame was co-extensive with southwest Missouri. He came originally from the Empire State, having been born at Argyle, Washington county, N. Y., July 8, 1816, of Scotch ancestry. His paternal great-grandfather, Archibald McNeil, emigrated from that coun¬ try (Scotland) to America about the year 1745; Archibald had among other sons one named John, and the latter in turn became the father of David McNeil, who was born in New York. Upon reaching manhood David was married to Miss Nancy Hamilton, who bore him a family of children, Robert being one of these. The father was a life-long resident of his native state, and a person of excellent prominence as an agriculturist, an occupation to which he devoted himself with success during a long career. Young Robert was brought up in New York until eighteen years of age. obtaining a mercantile experience that was destined to prove of inestimable value in later years. His schooling was such as could be secured in the common schools. In 1834 he left New York to remove to Ohio, and there he was engaged in business for some nine years, or until his removal to Missouri in 1843, a location being chosen in this portion of the state. For upwards of ten years he was engaged in farming and stock-raising in the vicinity of Harmony Mission, Bates county; his next business enterprise being the purchase of the mill and mercantile establishment at Balltown, owned by Cecil D. Ball, an influential and prosperous resident of that place. This occurred in 1852, and from that time on for many years Mr. McNeil conducted his interests here, war troubles finally causing him to close out his store. Mention is made elsewhere of the loss to which he was subjected through the unprincipled conduct of men on either side. In every enterprise with which Mr. McNeil was connected his own individual interests were made to subserve the interests of the county. With each step of the progress of his people and his section he was closely identified, and though it may be said that he did only his duty in this, it must be remembered that it is much to do one's duty in this day. Personally a refined, polished gentleman of the old school, lie was a welcome member of the social circle. He was twice married. November 14, 1837, Miss Harriet L. Hosmer, of Newhurg, 0., became his wife; she died March 4, 1855, leaving eight children: John S'., Mary W., Mrs. Isaac Sickles, Nancy J., Mrs. Wilkins, Robert M., Harriet, wife of Thomas Sickles ; William D.; Andrew F. ; Kate A., Mrs. J. E. Harding. On April 19, 1863, Mr. McNeil married Mrs. Eliza R. Ball, nee Stearns, both by birth and bringing up a Massachusetts lady. She was first married in September, 1842, to Cecil D. Ball, above referred to, a man whose ability, sagacity and enterprise were unequaled. Mr. Ball was born in Massachusetts in 1810, but was reared in Vermont, learning the trade of shoemaker. He came west to Harmony Mission, Bates county, Missouri, in 1837, but afterwards was in business in St. Louis for two years, moving thence to Balltown in 1839: He imparted a new impulse to the business move¬ ments of that section of country, entering actively and exten¬ sively into various branches of commercial trade. His dealh, which was sincerely mourned, occurred November 20, 1860. The death of Col. R. W. McNeil occurred December 16, 1900.

Samuel McQueen is a thrifty farmer and highly respected citizen of Washington township. Vernon county, Missouri. He was born in Warren county, New York, June 8, 1837, to James and Nancy (Richardson) McQueen. The father, who was a typical Scotishman, was born September 14, 1812, and moved with his family to Wisconsin, in 1851, and died there September 20, 1875; the mother passed away August 22, 1885.

Samuel grew up in the family home and spent his early man¬ hood farming. On October 21, 1861, in response to President Lincoln's call for volunteers, he enlisted as a private in Company A, Third Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry, and in March, 1862, went with his regiment to St. Louis and thence to Leaven¬ worth. where his company was detached and stationed at Balltown in Vernon County, whence as headquarters, it was engaged in fighting the border ruffians. At the expiration of his three years' term of enlistment, he re-enlisted at Balltown in Company K, and served till the close of the war, and was honorably dis¬ charged in November, 1865. Among the many engagements in which Mr. McQueen participated with his regiment were, those of Platt City, Montevallo, Cabin Creek, Taberville, Cranby, Sui Mills. Marias Des Cygnes, Lexington, Blue River, Little Blue River, Westport, Marysville, Little Osage, Coon Creek and Mine Creek, Missouri; Devil's Back Bone, Dripping Springs, Crooked Creek, Van Buren, Waldron. Cane Hill, Dallas and Prairiegrove, Arkansas, Baxter Springs and Honey Springs, Indian Territory, and the numerous conflicts while pursuing the Confederate Army under General Stirling Price from the Mississippi to the Arkansas river in 1864. Returning to Wisconsin after the close of the war, Mr. McQueen lived there till the spring of 1906, when he moved with his family to Vernon county and settled on a quarter section of land in section 26, Washington township, where he now makes his home.

On June 2, 1882, Mr. McQueen married Miss Lorinda Benzie, at Glenndale, Wis., and they have a family of four children, viz. : Mat McQueen, born March 18, 1883 ; Dwight, born August 18. 1884, Ray, born September 6, 1891 ; and Lida, born July 30, 1894, all of whom have the advantages of a liberal education. Mrs. McQueen was born in Waukasha county, Wisconsin; her mother lived to be 99 years and six months old.

Abraham Meadows. Aiiiong the early settlers of Missouri, away back in the beginning of the present century, was Jeremiah Meadows, the father of the subject of this sketch. A Virginian by birth, he left that state about the time mentioned and became located in what is now Boone county, Missouri. His wife, for¬ merly Miss Sarah E. Wilson, was also a native of the Old Do¬ minion, and she became the mother of nine children, of whom Abraham was the eldest. He was born in Cole county, May 22, 1833. In 1867 Mr. Meadows located in this county, and here his home has continued to be. In 1853 he was united in mar¬ riage with Miss Josephine H. Jones, originally from Tennessee, and to them nine children have been given: Delilah, Avife of William H. Mayfield; Mary L., Ida B., Henry J., James M., Will¬ iam L., Josephine H., Emmaphine H. and Mvrtie Lena, twins.

Dr. Wesley Melick, a leading citizen of Metz township, Vernon county, Missouri, is a native of Columbia count}7, Pennsylvania. He was born November 13, 1831, and was the fourth child of a family of five children born to Samuel and Sarah (Brown) Melick, both of whom died in Pennsvlvania.

After leaving the public schools of his native place, Wesley attended Dickenson Seminary, at Williamsport, and Dickenson College, at Carlisle, and in 1857 was graduated from the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania. In the winter of that year Dr. Melick settled in Deerfield township, Vernon county, and practiced his profession till 1862, when he was commissioned as assistant surgeon of the Sixth Regiment Kansas Volunteers, Cavalrv, and entered the United States Army. He served with his regiment till the close of the Civil War, and on his return home settled on a 1.000-acre tract of wild land in sections 23, 24, 25 and 26, Metz township, which he cleared and improved, and where he has since made his home. At the same time Dr. Melick carried on his medical practice in the country round about, and continued it in connection with his farming operations till 1901, when he practically retired from active work.

She is the elder and only surviving child of Dr. Leonard and Mrs. Mary B. (Choate) Dodge, their other child, Sarah A. A., who was married to Mr. Joseph H. Warden, having passed away November 13, 1876, at the age of thirty-four years.

Of nine children born to Dr. and Mrs. Melick, three died in childhood, and the survivors are, Anna B., who was born August 29, 1860, and is married to Charles P. Lovell, of Lake township, Vernon county; Victor H. Melick, who was born June 18, 1867, and lives in Williams, Ariz. ; Dr. Prince A. Melick, of Williams, Ariz., who was born October 15, 1869; Laila, born May 24, 1874, and now the wife of Mr. W. P. Armstrong, of Joplin, Mo. ; Effie P. Melick, born February 23, 1878, and Beulah A. Melick, born September 22, 1881, both of whom live with their parents. The Melick homestead is a model country home. The elegant, home¬ like and commodious family residence is furnished with everv needed convenience, and situated in the midst of spacious and well kept grounds, whose rich lawns are beautiful Avith a variety of ornamental shrubs and carefully trimmed evergreen and other trees, and, coupled with the enchanting scenes of its environment, constitutes one of the beauty spots of Vernon county.

Though retired from active work, Dr. Melick continues the oversight of his large farm, being whole and hearty and well preserved for a man of eighty years. Both he and Mrs. Melick are honored members of the Presbyterian Church.

Mrs. Melick 's family were among the earliest pioneers of southwestern Missouri. Her father, Leonard Dodge, was born at Underhill, Vermont, in 1805, to Rev. Nathaniel B., Sr., and Sallie (Gale) Dodge, natives of that state. The family moved, in 1821, to Bates county, Missouri, where the Rev. Nathaniel took charge of Harmony Mission, of which he was superintendent till 1835, when he was placed in charge of an Indian Mission at Neosho, Kan. After one year there, he settled with his family on a farm in Osage township, Vernon county, Missouri, and lived there, con¬ tinuing preaching till his decease, September 3, 1848, at the age of sixty-eight years. His widow passed away December 21, 1866, at the age of eighty-two years. Of their family of eight children who grew to maturity, Dr. Leonard Dodge, Mrs. Melick 's father, was the eldest. He studied medicine under the direction of Dr. B. N. Belcher, who was the physician connected with Harmony Mission, and began his medical practice in Bates county, and

His wife, Mrs. Melick's mother, whom he married in 1835, was born at Underhill, Vermont, in 1804; she came to Bates county, in 1833, as a teacher in Harmony Mission, and after her marriage settled with her husband in Metz township where she passed away May 12, 1866. Both Hr. and Mrs. Hodge were worthy members of the Presbyterian Church.

John H. Miers, deceased, was born on the present site, of Milwaukee, AVis., October 15, 1823, the eldest of three children who blessed the union of his parents, John and Margaret Miers, both of foreign nativity. The former came originally from Switzerland, while the mother's birthplace was in France. John H. continued to live in AVisconsin until eight years of age, when he accompanied his father to St. Charles county, Missouri, where he was reared on a farm until 1854. Previous to this time, in 1849, he took a trip to California, remaining there engaged in working in the mines until the spring of 1853, when he returned home, after obtaining satisfactory success while on the far-off coast of the Pacific. His journey to California was made over¬ land and consumed five months, but the return trip was by water to New Orleans. After residing in St. Charles county some time after this, Mr. Miers came to Vernon county, where he con¬ tinued to make his home. In 1854 Mr. Miers married Miss Susan Vierling, a native of Europe. Seven children are in their family : Maggie, Mrs. Perry Camron; James AA7., Alexander, John L., Benjamin F., George P. and Belle.

James Weaver Miller, senior member of the firm of Miller & Hopkins, druggists, at Nevada, Mo., belongs to her younger class of wide-awake business men. He was born in Howard township, Bates county, Missouri, March 30, 1884. AVhen he was three years old, in 1887, his father and mother, Mr. and Airs. Aliles Aliller, were killed in a cyclone, and he was reared by an aunt, growing up on a farm. AVhen nineteen years of age, in 1903, he took up his residence in Nevada, where he found employment in the drug store of Mr. AY. T. Ballagh and also attended school.

partnership under the name of Miller & Hopkins, and purchased the store and business of George C. Baldwin, and the firm has since carried on a successful drug trade, their store being known as thoroughly modern and up-to-date. Mr. Miller is a regis¬ tered pharmacist and a thoroughly qualified business man, pos¬ sessing all the qualities required for a successful business career. Mr. Miller has a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, and is active in fraternal and benevolent organizations, being identified with the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

William J. Miller, who has been a resident of Vernon county, Missouri, more than a quarter of a century, is a native of Osage township, Green county, Illinois. He is the eldest of seven sur¬ viving children born to Frank and Elizabeth (Finley) Miller, both natives of Green county, Illinois.

William J. grew to manhood on his father's farm in Green count}r, and there acquired his education in the public schools. In 1872 he was united in marriage with Miss Susan Mason, who was born in Jersey county, Illinois, in 1857. After his marriage he engaged in farming on his own account, working leased land till 1882, when the family moved to Vernon county, Missouri. After a few months' residence in Nevada, Mr. Miller, in the spring of 1883, moved with his family to Balltown, in Osage township, and for nineteen years employed himself at various occupations. In 1902 Mr. Miller became sexton of the cemetery and also leased from the cemetery company, for the period of his natural life, thirty acres of land, which he cultivates in connection with his duties as sexton. Mr. Miller is a hard-working man who has made his way in the world by persevering and persistent effort, and by his straightforward, manly life maintains the con¬ fidence and esteem of all who know him.

In September, 1892, Mrs. Miller departed this life, leaving surviving, besides her husband, five children, viz., Maggie, who is married to Mr. Falkner, of Kentwood, La. ; Ollie J., the wife of Mr. H. J. Combes, of Girard, Kan. ; Edward E., who resides at home ; Thomas J., a resident of Osage township, and Bessie May, who lives in Girard, Kan.

Harrison Mitchell, now retired from active business, has been for many years a prominent factor in the civil affairs of Nevada, where he has lived since 1878. He is a native of Warren county, Indiana, and was born March 17, 1844, and is the third child of a family of eleven children, nine of whom are now living - 1911 - born to Henry L. and Caroline (Osborn) Mitchell, who were mar¬ ried in Ohio, their native state, and moved from there to Indiana, and thence, in 1858, to Callaway -county, Missouri, remaining there until 1860, then going to Benton county, Missouri, where they spent their active lives. The father was a farmer by occu¬ pation, and was prominent in military affairs during the days of border troubles and for a time was in charge of an Indian tradingpost in Colorado. Both he and his wife passed their decliningdays in Nevada, where he died in 1896 at the age of seventy-five years and where she passed away in her eighty-fifth year, in 1906.

Our subject grew up on his father's farm and acquired his education in the district schools. When seventeen years old he enlisted in the Union cause, in response to President Lincoln's call for three months' men, and at the end of that time re¬ enlisted for three years, in Company K, Eighth regiment, Mis¬ souri Volunteer Cavalry, and was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant. At the expiration of his three-year term of service Lieutenant Mitchell organized Company E, Fourteenth regiment, Missouri veteran volunteer cavalry, and served as its captain till the end of the war. He served on the frontier-Indians' Santa Fe trail, at Fort Lyon, Colorado, and in 1865 was dis¬ charged at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Returning to Benton county, he was soon thereafter elected sheriff, then re-elected and served a second term, after which he served two years as exofficio collector. On retiring from this office he engaged in farming for a time, and in 1874 went to Sedalia, Mo., and spent a year as proprietor of the Elgin house, after which he con¬ ducted a hotel at Appleton, Mo., for a year.

In 1878 Mr. Mitchell removed to Nevada, Vernon county, and, purchasing a prominent corner, erected the Hotel Mitchell, which he conducted as a first-class hostelry for nearly thirty

Mr. Mitchell organized the first company of National Guards of Nevada - the old Fifth regiment - which was merged into the Second, and commanded Company H a number of years. At the opening of the Spanish- American War his regiment was ordered to the front and was the first southern regiment on the ground. Captain Mitchell was promoted to the rank of major , and served with his regiment to the close of the war with Spain, during which time he was promoted to lieutenant colonel of the regiment and had command of the Second regiment at the close of the war and mustered out the organization on March, 1899, at Albany, Ga. He continued in command of the regiment and upon the return home reorganized it and was commissioned colonel, taking part in all military gatherings and encampments till August 6, 1906, when he resigned, receiving from his com¬ rades on that occasion a beautiful and elaborate loving cup as a token of their kindly feeling and loving regard.

Colonel Mitchell is a man of generous impulses, kind-hearted, loyal and true to the highest ideals of manly virtue, and is justly counted among the foremost of the public-spirited citizens of the city, in whose welfare he has devoted the best years of his life.

In politics he has always been a Republican and fraternally is connected with the Masonic order, being a Knight Templar, also with the Knights of Pythias and Grand Army of the Republic, having served as junior vice-commander of the state encampment, and is a member of the Loyal Legion of the State of Missouri.

Robert Willis Mitchell, well known as a wide awake journalist of Nevada, Mo., is a native Missourian, and was born in Clarke county, January 18, 1858, the elder of two children born to William C. and Nannie P. (Curd) Mitchell.

The father, also a native of Missouri, was a farmer by occupa¬ tion, and died when our subject was a young lad. The mother still survives and is living in New Mexico.

Robert W. grew to manhood in Montgomery and Ralls coun¬ ties and acquired a good education which has been of inestimable value to him in subsequent years. He was a student at Mont¬ gomery College for a time. Also studied in Westminster College, at Fulton, Mo., ancl secured mental training and a theoretical knowledge that soon afterwards was enhanced and strengthened by an invaluable practical experience. Mr. Mitchell began his journalistic career when he was but nineteen years of age, as editor and publisher of a college paper, showing marked ability and enterprise. Following this he was connected with the "Chamois Leader," and a little later became interested in the publication of the "Ralls County Guide." Removing to Nevada in 1883, he associated himself with Mr. R. B. Speed as one of the editors and proprietors of the "Southwest Mail," and became a prominent factor in the life and history of that journal whose influence as a news gatherer and moulder of public opinions was widely felt not only locally, but also througout a wTide range of territory in the state and southwest. In the sketch of Mr. Speed, appearing elsewhere in this work, further mention is made of that paper and its growth and influence. In 1896 Mr. Mitchell assumed the duties of his present position as editor of the "Even¬ ing Post," at Nevada, whose popularity and power under his able management is a matter of common report.

On December 8, 1881, Mr. Mitchell wTas united in marriage with Miss Maggie Wellman, a native of Ralls county, Missouri, and they have two children named, respectively, Curd and Virginia Mitchell.

George H. Mobley was born in Hickman county, Kentucky, September 5, 1845, and was the son of H. P. Mobley, a native of Chariton county, Missouri, born in 1811. His wife was formerly Miss Mary Jackson, a Kentuckian by birth, born in 1815, and their marriage occurred in Hickman county, that state, where also their children were all born save the youngest daughter. The father gave his attention to agricultural pursuits in the Blue Grass State up to 1856, when he moved to Vernon county, Missouri, purchasing and entering at that time some 1,400 acres of land. The children in his family were Lucy E., Sarah E., Mary N., Amanda J., George H., Annie L., Julia S., Nancy A. and Ida J. George, the only son, was principally brought up in this county. October 29, 1867, he was married to Miss Susan Logan, daughter of Israel Logan and Susan, nee Belcher, the former of Montgomerv and the latter of Bates county, Missouri. Mrs. Mobley was born in this county, September 23, 1848. After this event Mr. Mobley resided in Nevada for several years, serv¬ ing part of the time most acceptably as deputy sheriff under L. J. Shaw, and following that he was engaged in the grocery business twelve years, during the greater part of which period he resided on a farm north of town, now a part of the asylum tract. After disposing of this place he returned to the old home¬ stead in Clear Creek township, where he was occupied in con¬ ducting a most excellent farm of 775 acres, especially adapted for the raising of stock and bees, having superior Avater facili¬ ties, etc.

Martin L. Modrel was among the earliest pioneer settlers of southwest Missouri. Born at Harmony Mission, Bates county, Missouri, October 8, 1827, he was the son of William and Philena Modrel, nee Dodge, the former of Tennessee, and the latter of Vermont nativity. William Modrel up to the time of his death was a man of prominence and influence in this section. Mrs. Modrel was a daughter of Nathaniel B. Dodge, Sr., a Congre¬ gational minister, who came from Barry, Vt., in 1820, and founded Harmony Mission, being superintendent of the Mission family and leading them on their long journey from Vermont, which lasted seven or eight months. As previously mentioned he was at the head of the Mission until it was disbanded and disorganized owing to the removal of the Indians, though his zeal and love for them followed them to their reservation on the Neosho river, where he remained three or four years. Subsequently he returned and settled on the farm later occupied by Mr. Modrel, where his death occurred September 3, 1848; his remains now rest in the old cemetery near Balltown. Before coming to Missouri, he had fought in the War of 1812, at the battle of Bennington; his father had fought valiantly for independence. Mr. and Mrs. Modrel had two children besides Martin ; Mary E., born June 27, 1829, married Marcus P. Woodruff, and died in 1855; Sarah, born February 21, 1831, became Mrs. Hiram P. Wells, and resided in this county until her death in 1865. Martin L. came with his father 's family to Vernon county when four years old and received his educational instruction at pioneer subscription schools and from his father, a man well qualified to teach and impart knowl¬ edge. At the age of 22 he went overland to California (in 1850), reaching there after four months of hazardous and perilous ad- ventures. For twelve months he was unsuccessfully engaged in prospecting in the mines, then took charge of a cattle ranch, and afterwards, until 1859, was occupied in blacksmithing, then returning to Missouri full of life and vigor after so many years of hardy mountain experience. When the war broke out he was among the first to enlist in the Confederate Army, joining Com¬ pany F, Hunter's Regiment, remaining with it until 1862, when he organized a company and served as its lieutenant until the close of the war. He took active part in the battles of Carthage, Wilson's Creek, Drywood, Lexington, Pea Ridge, Helena, Prairie Grove, and numerous others. February 10, 1870, Mr. Modrel was married to Miss Eliza L. C. Sterling, daughter of Robert A. Sterling, of Osage township.

Harry C. Moore, who is recognized as one of the leaders in th^ commercial and business circles of Nevada, Mo., was born near Paris, in Monroe county, June 9, 1849. He is the youngest of a family of three children born to Judge William and Nancy (Dun¬ can) Moore. The father moved from Virginia, his native state, to Missouri at an early day. Lie was a prosperous farmer in Monroe county, holding many offices of trust, and passed away there in 1856. His wife was a native of Nelson county, Kentucky, Judge William Moore was married four times and left three sets of children.

Harry C. passed his boyhood in Missouri and Kentucky, acquir¬ ing his education in the public schools of Paris and at the St. Paul college, a military school at Palmyra. Before attaining his majority he gained a considerable knowledge of mercantile business, having spent five years in the large house of Messrs. W. H. Johnson & Company at Quincy, Illinois. He came to Nevada, then a struggling village of three hundred inhabitants, in 1870, when he established, in a modest way, the general mer¬ chandising house which, under his careful and efficient manage¬ ment, has grown and extended with the growth and development of the city, until it now ranks among* the largest and most com¬ plete drygoods houses in the Southwest. Not only to his own business has Mr. Moore devoted himself with untiring zeal, but also in the development of his adopted city, has he been an im¬ portant factor, his pride in her growth equaling in intensity that felt in his own private affairs ; always a builder, he erected many substantial business buildings and residences. Most prominent was the Moore's Opera House, which was destroyed by fire twice. Mr. Moore was one of the originators and later owner of Lake Springs Park, which he developed from a small beginning into a place of surpassing beauty, widely known as one of the most delightful pleasure resorts in the State. Largely through his per¬ sistent work, State Insane Asylum No. 3 was located at Nevada, an institution which has greatly enhanced the material prosperity of the city, and not only was he one of its original board of managers, but also served as an appointee under every administra¬ tion since the chair of state was occupied by Governor Marmaduke. Nevada, known as the Gem City, owes her prosperity and high standing to the enterprise and progressive spirit that actuate her business men, among whom none is more deserving of credit than Harry C. Moore.

In January 1871, Mr. Moore was united in marriage with Miss Mollie McKay, of Chicago, a Southern lady. To them has been born one child, Glessner, who is married to Mr. George S. Few and lives in Nevada.

Mr. Moore stands high in many orders. He is a Mason and a member of O'Sullivan Commandery No. 16, Knights Templar of Nevada, a Shriner, Elk and member of the Knights of Pythias. In politics a Democrat : upon all cpiestions broad and liberal in his views.

James H. Moore, deceased, was born in Jefferson county, Virginia, October 30, 1819. James Moore, his father, was a native of Pennsylvania, but after moving to Virginia he married Miss Barbara Skyles, of the same state as himself, and they subse¬ quently reared a family of children, six in number. In 1835 he came to Missouri, settling in Callaway county first, but later in St. Charles county, from Avhence they moved to this (Vernon) county in 1835. Here the father died, May 4, 1857, leaving seven children living: Mary Ann, Evaline, John, James H., Hezekiah, Sarah J. and Joseph. Mrs. Moore died in Virginia. James H. passed his early life upon a farm in Callaway county, subse¬ quently being located in St. Charles county. His residence in Vernon dates from the year 1853. In 1849 he went overland to California, worked in the mines with good success, and in Au¬ gust, 1853, returned to the states, finally entering the land where lie lived. April 5, 1855, Mr. Moore was married to Miss Esther Ann Caton, whose father, Noah Caton, was a native of South Carolina. Mrs. Moore was the first white child born south of the Marmaton river in Yernon county, her natal day being June 9, 1839.

Eugene Rodolph Morerod, M. D. In various places within the present volume the name that heads this brief biography has been referred to, and very properly, too, for without flattery it may truthfully be said that no man in the county is more deserving of mention, or has done more to merit just recognition than he. Dr. Morerod was born at Vevay, Switzerland county, Inch, May 18, 1825. Rodolph Morerod, his father, was a native of Canton De Yaux, Switzerland, a boatman and cabinet maker by trade. He was reared in that country and in 1817 emigrated to the United States, settling near Yevay, Ind., where he remained single until his marriage in 1824. Subsequently with his family he lived there until the year 1826, when, on May 12, his death occurred, caused by the discharge of a cannon at a wedding celebration of a com¬ rade, who belonged to the same military company. His wife, who was a cousin of his. Miss Harriet Louisa Morerod, of Swiss parent¬ age, though born in the United States, was a daughter of Jean Daniel Morerod, one of the early Swiss pioneers, who at Yevay first introduced the culture of the grape west of the Alleghanies. He was a man noted for his liberality and hospitality. At his death Mr. Morerod left besides his widow an only child, Eugene R., at that time but one year old. Deprived of the care and guidance of a father, the education and development of this boy devolved upon his mother, who was a woman of many noble traits and force of character, and well did she discharge the duties placed upon her. He was also a pupil of Mrs. Julia L. Dumont (authoress of "Life Sketches from Common Paths" - a work of wide repute at the time of its first introduction), and subsequently studied Latin in the law office of the father of Rev, Dr. Eggleston, who was a prominent lawyer. Spending the early portion of his life on a farm among orchards and vineyards, Eugene thus passed his time until the age of seventeen, when he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Joseph McCutcheon, a celebrated physician of tiiat day , and a graduate from the best schools of Dublin and Edinburgh. After a four years' course of preparatory study he took one course of lectures at the Ohio Medical College, of Cincinnati, 0., but in May following further intentions in this direction were interrupted by the call for troops to participate in the war with Mexico. Enlisting in Co. D, 3d Indiana, under Capt. Scott Carter, he was soon made hospital steward, in the medical department, but took part in the battle of Buena Vista, after which he received an honorable discharge and returned home. Resuming the study of medicine, he was soon in attend¬ ance upon another course of lectures, and in March, 1848, was graduated, his first field of practice being in his native town. After remaining there some two years he removed to Louisiana, going thence in January, 1853, to Madrid Bend, Tenn., where at the outbreak of the war he had built up a large and lucrative practice. Entering into active military service, he enlisted a com¬ pany for the Confederate service and was commissioned second lieutenant of Co. G. 1st regiment, 1st division, Missouri State Guard. He Avas with Gen. Jeff. Thompson, and in September following they crossed the river into Tennessee and enlisted in the C. S. A., being assigned to different regiments until finally formed into the 33d Tennessee infantry. At the reorganization of the army in 1862 the Doctor was unanimously elected first lieu¬ tenant of his company by his comrades. At Shiloh he received a severe wound and also a slight one at Murfreesboro, where he was made captain: was subsequently wounded on the Stoneman raid at Macon, Ga. He served in various capacities, as quarter¬ master commissary, as aid to the provost marshal in the field, train surgeon, and the close of the Avar found him as surgeon in charge of Avayside small-pox hospital at La Grange, Ga. He Avas soon made hospital steAvard of the 3d regiment of Indiana, and not only performed the duties of that position, but frequently that of surgeon and assistant surgeon in addition. Finally the war closed and then the Doctor returned to Obion countv, Tenn.. the scene of his long labors, and there again took up his profes¬ sional duties as physician and surgeon. April 26, 1866, Miss Elizabeth M. Russell became his Avife, her birth liaAung occurred in Cincinnati, 0., but Avhose parents moA'ecl from there to Switzer- - land county, when she Avas quite young. In the spring of 1867 they left Tennessee, and after spending some free or six months in his nati\Te toAAm came to Missouri on the 21st of September, 1867, locating in Ne\Tada, Vernon county, where for seAreral years he was engaged in practicing. Later on he was also occupied in the real estate business, but upon closing out his interests in that calling settled upon a farm near Schell City, where he actively en¬ gaged in attending to the duties of this occupation. In everything which tended to the advancement of the county he took an active and unselfish interest, and particularly in the direction of the development of coal deposits in the county; no man in the county did as much to awaken this interest as Dr. Morerod. In educational matters he was long an acknowledged leader, his energies having been to this end. Prominently identified with horticultural matters, he was none the less helpful in many other directions, and while he took great interest in these various enterprises not half the credit due was accorded him. To the Doctor and his worthy wife four children were given : Antoinette D., Samuel R., Amie AV. and Eugene R.

James Henry Morris, who departed this life November 12, 1905, was born in Simpson county, Kentucky, June 12. 1830. He was the next to the eldest of a family of seven children born to Andrew and Lavina (Foley) Morris, natives of Kentucky, the father being of Scotch lineage. Their other surviving children are: Almira J., the wife of Mr. John Snow, of Lawrence county, Missouri; Thomas J., George AY., Polly Ann; Alexander and John Marshall Morris, deceased.

James Henry grew to manhood in his native state and first worked with his father at the carpenter's trade. He settled at Mt. Vernon in Lawrence county, Missouri, in 1851, and two years later moved to Nevada, Vernon county. He served two years and ten months in the Confederate Army, as a member of Col. D. C. Hunter's regiment, after which he returned to Nevada and lived there till his decease.

On November 25, 1854, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah L. Baugh, of Nevada, a daughter of Benjamin and Marie (Boone) Baugh; the former moved from Virginia, his native State, to Kentucky, and in the fall of 1853 settled in Nevada. He was a son of Joseph Baugh, a farmer, who was soldier in the AYar of 1812 and also in the Black Hawk AYar, and whose wife's maiden name was Alary Gentry.

mins, of Nevada: William R., who died in the Confederate Army; Sarah L., widow of onr subject, who was born January 20, 1840, and Patsy, the wife of Mr. Angus L. Journey, of Nevada. On coming to Vernon county, Mrs. Morris' father (Benjamin Baugh) entered from the Government much of the land on which East Nevada was built at a later date, and he gave to the city the site of the Central High School Building. He was a public-spirited man and had great faith in the future of the city.

Mrs. Morris has a vivid recollection of the perilous times dur¬ ing the Civil War, when Nevada was pillaged and burned by the Northern troops, and of the attendant heart-rending scenes. But notwithstanding these sad memories, she has always had a strong attachment for the place where she has lived since she was a child of thirteen years. Of nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Morris, those surviving are : Franklin B., who lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Mary A., who has taught in Nevada schools seventeen years and is now - 1911 - principal of Franklin School; Edith A., of Nevada; Don, who is married to Mr. L. H. Hogan, of El¬ dorado Springs, and Thomas H., of Nevada. Those deceased are : Martha A., Sterling P., Mary L. and Alberta, who was married to Mr. Thomas F. Griffin, of Lakeland, Florida.

Mr. Morris (Uncle Henry Morris, as he was familiarly called) had a very wide acquaintance throughout Vernon county and was known as one of the largest stock dealers in this section. He was a large-hearted, broad-minded man and under all cir¬ cumstances was cheerful and optimistic. He knew what adversity meant, and he knew what it was to abound; but whatever the condition, he had learned therewith to be content, and so he was always cheerful, and for everyone had a kindly look, a friendly hand and a hopeful word.

He was a man of high ideals, who loved the true and the good and who despised a sham. Open-hearted, pure-minded and sympathetic, he delighted in doing for others, and by his kindly deeds and helpful, manly words, challenged the love and esteem of all who came within the range of his influence. His home life was ideal. A wise, indulgent father, a loyal, chivalrous husband, his influence with those bound to him by love's strong ties was such that his memory is cherished in fondest remem¬ brance and held as the choicest legacy that could have come to them.

As a friend he was loyal and true, and in all his relations with his fellow men he sought to carry out the teachings of his Master, as laid down in the golden rule, and how well he suc¬ ceeded was aptly shown in the universal expressions of sorrow from all who had known him long and well when they realized that he had been called to the higher life and they should see his benign face and hear his kindly greeting never again.

Mr. Morris was for many years a worthy member of Centenary Methodist Episcopal Church of Nevada. Through all the suffer¬ ings of his last illness he bore his pains with that same fortitude and patience that characterized him throughout his life, and passed peacefully away early Sunday evening, November 12, 1905, and his body was gently laid to rest by loving hands, in Deepwood Cemetery, to wait the resurrection morn.

Charles W. Morrison was born in Morgan county, Illinois, February 16, 1860, the eldest of a family of four boys and one girl born to John W. and Mary (Peak) Morrison, both natives of Illinois. The father moved to Vernon county, Missouri, in 1869, and settled on a farm in Coal township, where he was known as a thorough farmer and esteemed as a man of upright, sterling character, a good neighbor and a worthy citizen. He died at the family home in 1906, his death being preceded by that of his wife, who passed away in 1903.

Our subject acquired a common school education and remained with his parents till he was thirty years old. On leaving the old homestead he moved onto a quarter section of land which he bought in Section Thirty-two, Moundville township, where he has since made his home, devoting himself to systematic farming operations. Mr. Morrison raises vast quantities of hay, but also gives much attention to breeding and raising fine cattle and owns a number of fine horses, of which animal he is a great admirer and good judge. He has spared no pains in bringing his farm to a high state of perfection, improving it with a good class of buildings, including a substantial farm house, convenient barn and other farm buildings and equipping it with all the appliances required in carrying on an up-to-date model farm, and has the honor of being the first farmer in his township to own an automo¬ bile. Mrs. Morrison has made quite a record in raising fine poultry especially Barred Plymouth Pock chickens and bronzed turkeys,

A Republican in political opinion, he cast his first ballot for James G. Blaine, for the Presidency, and takes a commendable interest in the local affairs of his party, being a member of the township board and an enthusiastic good road man, having done as much, if not more, than any man in his township towards build¬ ing and maintaining good roads.

On February 16, 1896, Mr. Morrison was united in marriage with Miss Rosa Richmond, whose parents, Charles and Ellen Jane (nee Soul) Richmond were natives of New York.

James Morrison, one of the model farmers of Vernon county, Missouri, is a native of Scotland and was born March 3, 1848, to Alexander and Elizabeth (Aiken) Morrison, both natives of that country and of Scotch lineage. He came to this country in 1871. stopping first in Chicago shortly after the great fire that de¬ stroyed that city, and went thence to Dwight, in Livingston county, Illinois. After working two years as a farm laborer, he leased a farm there and worked it six years with good success. In January, 1882, Mr. Morrison moved to Vernon county, Mis¬ souri, and settled permanently on a tract of one hundred and sixteen acres in Section two, Drywood township, which he pur¬ chased for fifteen hundred dollars, the former owner being obliged to sell for lack of means with which to pay for it. To this he has since added other tracts and now owns some 260 acres of the choicest land in the county. The farm is situated a mile north of Milo, a place that has sprung up in a few years and the site of which at the time of Mr. Morrison's settlement was a barren expanse of wild prairie with few inhabitants in sight. At the time of Mr. Morrison's coming a small house of two rooms, built by the former owner, was on the place, and this he still occupies, having improved and remodeled it into a handsome and convenient farm house. It is beautifully located on the main road that divides Center and Drywood townships, and with the substantial barns and other out buildings for sheltering horses and stock and storing hay, grain, machinery, farm implements, etc., is in marked contrast with the dreary and desolate appearance of the country when its enterprising proprietor settled there. Everything about the place is, ordered with a view to utility and convenience.

The farm yards around the barn are enclosed by board fences, so that the stock can roam at will in all kinds of weather, while near-by pumps furnish an abundant supply of pure water. In all his farming operations Mr. Morrison is thoroughly systematic and up-to-date and his place is known as one of the beauty spots of the country. In connection with his general farming he makes a specialty of breeding and feeding for the markets of Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas high grade stock, and in his fields may be seen, besides other choice animals, a fine herd of seventy-five or more black Gallaway cattle, which, to look upon, is to admire.

In politics, Mr. Morrison adheres to the principles of the Re¬ publican party, but takes no active part more than to perform his duties as a good citizen, finding in his legitimate business ample opportunity 'for the gratification of his highest ambitions. In June, 1874, he married Miss Jessie Simpson, a native of Scot¬ land, in Livingston county, Illinois. Of two children born to them, Elizabeth, the elder, is married to Mr. W. T. Dale, of Badger township, and Cora, the younger, is married to Mr. Harry E. Roberts and lives in Drywoocl township.

Mr. Morrison is, withal, a man of generous impulses, kind hearted and sympathetic, and takes an interest in whatever re¬ lates to the welfare of the community. He donated to the town¬ ship an acre of land as a site for a school house, and contributes liberally for the support of schools and worthy benevolences, and has served twelve years on the local school board.

John 0. Morrison, who was a prominent and honored citizen of Vernon county from 1891 to the time of his decease, in No¬ vember 16, 1908, was born and reared on a farm near Glasgow, Barron county, Kentucky, thirty miles from the Mamouth Cave, on May 26, 1836. He was the fourth child of a family of three boys and eight girls born to Joseph and Martha (Faulkner) Mor¬ rison, natives of Culpepper, Virginia. The father was born in 1800, was reared in Kentucky and died there in 1860 ; the mother was born in 1806 and passed away in 1862. Her father moved

John 0. acquired a common school education and lived at home, helping in the support of his father's family till 1867, when he went to Camden county, Missouri, and associated with a Mr. Crouch, under the firm name of Crouch & Morrison, carried on a mercantile business at Linn Creek till 1872. He next formed a copartnership with a Mr. Moulder at Richland, Missouri, which was continued till 1886, when Mr. Moulder sold his interest to Capt. Benjamin D. Dodson, with whom he conducted the busi¬ ness some two years when the copartnership was dissolved and both partners retired. Mr. Morrison afterwards helped to or¬ ganize the Pulaski County Bank, in which he was a leading stock¬ holder a number of years and of which he was elected and served as President. He took an active part in civfc and political af¬ fairs, and besides serving as a member of the city council of Richland, was, on November 6, 1889, elected on the Democratic ticket, to the State Legislature from Pulaski county. In 1891 Mr. Morrison settled on a farm in Walker township, Vernon county, and removed into Nevada in the fall of 1902. He was universally respected and esteemed and was honored with an election to the State Legislature in November, 1906, and in 1908 was again elected just prior to his decease.

Mr. Morrison stood high in fraternal orders, being a mem¬ ber of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, A. F. & A. M. and Knights Templar. In religious faith and fellowship he, with his devoted wife, was affiliated with the Christian denomination.

On July 2, 1873, he was united in marriage with Miss Joe Ann, daughter of the late Benjamin D. and Joe Ann (Sprout) Dodson. The father moved from eastern Tennessee, his native State, when young, with his parents, to Alabama, and thence to Camden county, Missouri, where he grew up and lived many years. He afterwards settled in Nevada and died there in March, 1902. His parents came originally from Virginia. Mrs. Mor¬ rison's paternal grandmother, Mary K. Haden, was born in Vir¬ ginia in 1810 and when five years old was taken by her parents to Kentucky where her father died about 1839. Her mother then moved to Springfield, Missouri, and died there leaving a family of four children. She, Mary K., tvas married to John. Sprout in Kentucky in 1831. Mrs. Morrison's maternal grand- mother was married in 1840 to John De Bruin, who died in 1857. She was a pioneer of southern Missouri and later came to Vernon county, where she passed away at the age of eighty-one years.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Morrison was blessed with three children, viz. : Roberta, born July 3, 1891 ; John 0., born January 3, 1893, and George B., born May 25, 1897, all of whom reside with their devoted mother in her 'beautiful and hospitable home in Nevada.

Robert Bruce Moore is the seventh, in the order of birth, of a family of four sons and four daughters born to Joseph I. and Mary (White) Moore, natives of Virginia and Missouri, respectively. The father was a successful farmer in Washington township, Vernon county, Missouri, and died at his home in 1875 at the age of sixty-one years. The mother now - 1911 - resides in Oklahoma.

Robert Bruce was born on the family homestead February 6, 1867, and grew up there acquiring his education in the public schools. After reaching manhood he was variously employed for a time in Nevada and under an appointment served on its police force. In 1900 he was made chief of police and re-elected in 1902, and filled that position four years efficiently and to the satis¬ faction of all parties concerned. Mr. Moore, a Democrat in his political principles, has been an active worker in the local affairs of his party and in 1905 ivas elected sheriff of Vernon county and at the expiration of his term re-elected by a largely increased majority over his first election. At the end of his second term of splendid service Mr. Moore, in February, 1908, turned his attention to mercantile affairs, and was the prime mover in organizing the Moore-Bobett Clothing Company, of which he became president. The company purchased the store and busi¬ ness formerly owned and conducted by Mr. W. E. Clark, and under wise management it has come to be known as one of the prosperous and leading mercantile establishments of its kind in this thriving city.

Mr. Moore is a man who takes an interest in affairs, and is especially active in fraternal organizations, being identified with the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Henry P. Mosher, who has resided in Vernon county, Mis¬ souri, forty years, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, March 15, 1845, the fourth child of a family of seven children born to Henry and Susan (DeLong) Mosher, the former a native of New York, born June 20, 1811, and the latter, also a native of New York, born April 21, 1812. Of the Mosher family it has been said they were "reared in the ranks of Democracy and rocked in the cradle of Methodism." The father was a local preacher and for more than forty years a class leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He moved to St. Louis, Mo., in 1846, and spent three years as a manufacturer of brick, conducting a brick yard. Re¬ turning to Tuscarawas county, Ohio, he turned his attention to farming and stock raising, giving particular attention to raising sheep. He owned 200 acres of land, and continued his farming operations till his decease, which occurred in 1894. His wife passed away in 1880.

Henry P. acquired a good common school education and lived with his parents until he attained his majority. On October 14, 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Susan Forney, a daughter of Mr. Joseph Forney, of Tuscarawas county, Ohio.

In 1871 Mr. Mosher settled with his family in Vernon county, on a quarter section of land which he bought in section 19, Coal township, and there established the family home, where he has since lived. He has devoted himself to general farming with gratifying success, giving special attention to breeding and raising cattle, horses and hogs, and ranks among the practical and systematic farmers of his township.

Both Mr. Mosher and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is identified with the Ancient Order of United "Workmen. In politics he adheres to Demo¬ cratic principles as advocated by William Jennings Bryan.

Mr. and Mrs. Mosher have had three children born to them, whose names and dates of birth are : Laura, born September 21, 1870; Henry Howard, born January 8, 1874, and Charles Irvin, who was born October 23, 1875.

Charles M. Moss,* who is a native of Vernon county, Missouri, was born April 5, 1879, and is the youngest of five children born to Mareellus J. and Jennie M. (Mauppin) Moss, the former born in Claiborn county, Tennessee, December 28, 1826, and the latter in Augusta county, Virginia, June 6, 1840. A more complete sketch of the Moss family may be found in the biography of Mr. Josephus R. Moss, published elsewhere in the work. The mother was a daughter of Dabney and Rebecca (Turk) Mauppin, the former a native of Maryland, where several generations of the Mauppin family had lived, and the latter a native of Virginia. They had a family of three children, viz. : Hester, who married Mr. McGuffin, and who owned the Capitol Hotel at Tallahassee, Fla., and is now deceased ; Thomas Mauppin, who lives in Au¬ gusta county, Virginia, and Jennie M., our subject's mother, who was the second wife of Mareellus J. Moss, and who died June 13, 1901. Mareellus J. and Jennie M. were married November 5, 1867, and, besides our subject, had four children, named re¬ spectively, William D., now of Phoenix, Ariz. ; McGuffin, Thomas S. and Ernest K. Moss, all of Haskell, Okla. The father died September 19, 19 - .

Charles M. lived at home till he attained his majority. But from his early boyhood has been engaged in buying and selling and trading live stock. He now owns 480 acres of fine land in Vernon county, and feeds for the market from 150 to 250 head of cattle annually, and is regarded one of the largest, if not the largest shipper of live stock in the county.

He is a man of unusual activity, thoroughly practical and systematic in all his affairs, and, aside from his farming opera¬ tions, in company with Mr. F. L. Ewing, conducts two grain elevators, one at Rockville and the other at Harwood, and a third one at Walker with Mr. Higlev.

He is a Democrat in political opinion, but has never sought or cared for political office, finding in his regular business ample opportunity for the satisfaction of his ambition.

On June 20, 1903, Mr. Moss was united in marriage with Miss Martha Olivia Ewing, who was born in Vernon county, July 30, 1878, and they have one child, Finnis M. Moss, who was born August 29, 1905. Mrs. Moss is a daughter of Mr. F. Y. Ewing, whose biography appears in another part of this work.

Josephus R. Moss* Avas born in Lee county, Virginia, October 13, 1859, and is one of five survivors of a family of seven chil¬ dren (two of whom died in infancy) born to Marcellus and Elizabeth (Gibson) Moss, the former born in Claiborn county, Tennessee, December 28, 1826. They were married in Kentucky and had seven children, of whom the four survivors besides our subject are: James J., John K., Rufus M. Moss, and Mrs. C. N. Morgan.

The mother died April 1, 1865, and on November 5, 1867, the father married Jennie Mauppin, by whom he had five children, viz. : William D., McGuffin, Thomas S., Ernest K., and Charles M. Moss, whose biography appears elsewhere in the work. The father, when a child, went from Tennessee to Kentuckv with his parents and there grew to manhood. After his marriage he went to Virginia and followed merchandizing, which had been his occupation in Kentucky, and on July 1, 1869, moved to La¬ fayette county, Missouri. Two years later, October 12, 1871, he settled in Vernon county and bought, in Blue Mound township, 120 acres of land, to which he later added another tract of 160 acres. Here he established the family home and passed the re¬ mainder of his life, his death occurring September 19, 19 - .

Our subject's paternal grandfather, Martin Moss, was a native of South Carolina. He married a Miss Reufro, whose father came from France with Marquis De LaFayette in Revolutionary days. He procured from Daniel Boone a tract of land at the place known as Cumberland Ford, on the Cumberland river, Kentucky, now owned by Mr. J. J. Gibson, an uncle of our subject.

Josephus R. first came to Vernon county in 1870, but soon returned home and made his permanent settlement here in 1871. After working on the farm for a time he turned his attention to the study of law, becoming a student and clerk in the law office of Mr. Granville Hoss, at Nevada. Completing his preliminary studies, he passed his examination and was admitted to the bar in 1890, and for sixteen years devoted himself exclusively to his profession in V ernon county, but since May 1, 1906, by reason of impaired health, he has given a part of his time to farming and buying and shipping live stock. During the period he was actively engaged in his profession Mr. Moss was elected prose¬ cuting attorney for Vernon county and served one term, but at

On June 10, 1895, Mr. Moss was united in marriage with Miss Blanche Russell, a native of Lamont county, Texas, born December 5, 1865, the eldest child of John J. and America (Ryan) Russell, the former born in Cole county, Missouri, October 27. 1833, and the latter a native of Kentucky, born May 5, 1842. They were married in Texas, December 22, 1864, and, besides Mrs. Moss, had three children, named respectively, Edgar Ryan, Earnest H. and Undril S. Russell.

The father was graduated from both the St. Louis Medical College and the Missouri Medical College, and served in the Confederate Army as surgeon in General Cabell's Brigade. He settled in Texas after leaving the army, and now, 1911, lives with his wife in Moniteau county, Missouri.

Of four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Moss, Mary Blanche was born July 19, 1896; Joe Russell, February 26, 1898; Mec- Ryan, July 3, 1900, and John Marcellus was born May 21, 1903.

Beside from his other interests Mr. Moss owns an interest in a drug store at Aatoka, Okla. He is a member of Nevada Lodge, No. 903, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in religious faith is a Presbyterian. Mrs. Moss is affiliated with the Christian Church.

Samuel B. Myers is one of the successful farmers of Wash¬ ington township, Vernon county, Missouri. He conies of remote Scotch lineage, though his direct ancestors were Pennsylvania Dutch. His paternal grandfather served in the Engineer Corps in the War of 1812 and was wounded in battle at River Raisen. His maternal great grandfather served under the British flag in the Revolutionary War. Our subject's parents, Samuel and Margaret (Hodge) Myers were natives of Ohio and Indiana, respectively and were married December 10, 1883, at Terre Plaute. Indiana, whither the father moved from Illinois. Thence the family moved to Fairbanks, Indiana, and there the father, who was a tanner by trade, served several years as justice of the peace. In 1870 the family settled in Vernon county, Missouri, and the father was engaged in farming and milling there until his decease. He was a man of influence in the community, had been a soldier in the Black Hawk War, was a member of the Independ-

Samuel B. was born in Sullivan county, Indiana, October 10, 1848, and lived there till his fifteenth year, and received his education in the district schools. In 1864 he enlisted in Company D, Forty-third regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, at Indianapolis, and served till his honorable discharge, January 26, 1865. His regiment was under command of Colonel McClain and was in provost work from Nashville to Fort Monroe. On his discharge from the army, Mr. Myers returned to Fairbanks and remained there till 1868, when he moved to Missouri and took charge of his father's farm, in section thirty-three, Wash¬ ington township, Vernon county, and lived there till his father's decease. Prior to this, in 1873, he bought eighty acres of land in section twenty-two and has added to his holdings from time to time until he now owns 420 acres, well improved and under a good state of cultivation, where he carries on general farming, giving special attention to raising hay and breeding high-grade horses and cattle. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and has attended many annual encampments of that body.

Mr. Myers, on January 17, 1876, married Miss Martha C. Reynolds, at Fairbanks, Indiana. Two children have been born to them, of whom one, Louis Hodge, born August 20, 1879, sur¬ vives, and is a farmer of Washington township. He married Sadie Bell Tyer, a native of Bates county, Missouri. Her parents were natives of Jackson county, Missouri. Her father was a Confederate soldier and served in General Shelby's regiment.

John Nanson was born in England, November 17, 1836, being the eldest son and second child born of the union of his parents, Joseph and Mary Bell Nanson, also natives of that country. In 1860, Mr. Nanson married Miss Eliza Armstrong, of Indiana, who died in January, 1870, leaving three children: Joseph, William and Ann. March 17, 1873, Mrs. Lydia M. Boyd, nee Farris, of Cooper county, Missouri, became his wife. Mrs. Nanson 's father, Sampson M. Farris, a Kentuckian by birth, settled in this state in 1856. During the war he was made the victim of one of the most brutal murders in the annals of the entire Civil War. His wife, a native of New Madrid, Mo., was formerly Miss Modest

Westbrook. She died in 1880, leaving* eight children: Thomas, Lydia, who first married Reuben Boyd in 1856, and after his death in 1863, Mr. Nanson; Jane, wife of John Grant; Richard, Daniel B., Rebecca, wife of A. J. Cotner; William, deceased, and David. Mrs. Nanson by her former marriage had two children: Mollie, Mrs. David Lambert, and Ida, wife of E. F. Hall.

Oliver W. Neff, a native Missourian, was born in Saline county December 11, 1871, and is the eldest of a family of four children born to John F. and Lucinda (Johnson) Neff, the former a native of Benton county and the latter in Saline county, Mis¬ souri. They settled on a farm in Dover township, Vernon county, in 1881, and later mover to Bellamy, where the father was engaged in mercantile business till 1888. Later he was connected with the Rural Free Delivery service and now resides in Nevada. The other children are : Lutie, who is married to Mr. W: G. Keithly, of Montana; Jesse F., who lives in Sedalia, Mo., and Lloyd D., of Nevada. Oliver W. spent his early boyhood on his father's farm and acquired his education in the district schools. At an early age he entered the office of the Vernon County ''Re¬ publican" as a printer's devil, receiving a salary of one dollar per week, and from that humble beginning learned the printer's trade and worked his way up till he became foreman and finally joint owner of the paper with W. F. Crigler. Neff & Crigler first leased the plant from the then owner, Mr. J. M. McAnulty, for one year, and at the expiration of the lease, purchased the plant outright, later changing the name of the paper from "Vernon County Republican," to "The Lleralcl," which it now bears. "The Herald" has the distinction of being the only Republican newspaper in Vernon county and without question is the strongest organ of the party it represents in its section of the state. This newspaper was established in 1888 by Messrs. Swan and Herrick, who sold it in 1890 to Mr. J. M. McAnulty, from whom Neff & Crigler purchased it in 1898.

The paper, as conducted by the firm of Neff & Crigler and under their energetic and able management, has come to be recog¬ nized as a potent factor in the community, both in upbuilding and maintaining the principles of its party and as a news-gatherer and distributor. Mr. Neff is a clear and forceful writer, and his campaign articles have gained for him a more than local distinction, so that during recent campaigns his services have been sought by various newspapers. He takes a commendable interest in the councils of his party and has served as chairman of the Congressional Committee.

In 1906 Mr. Neff was appointed postmaster at Nevada, and was again appointed in 1910. He takes an active interest in civic and social affairs and is actively identified with fraternal and benevolent organizations, being a member of the Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America.

On May 16, 1894, Mr. Neff married Miss May B., daughter of James E. and Elizabeth (Chastain) James, of Nevada, and they have three children, named respectively, Ralph 0., Neta L. and John E.

Isaac F. S. Nelson. The life history of the subject of this sketch is not unfamiliar to most of the readers of the present vol¬ ume, for besides having been born in this county the greater part of his career has been passed here, where he has become sub¬ stantially known and respected, both as a citizen and business man. His birth occurred August 19, 1850, the second child now living of his parents' family of four children, the others being Oscar M., now deceased, who at one time served as sheriff of this county; John II., also deceased, and Julia R., wife of Frank P. Anderson. The father, Albert Fountain Nelson, who was born in Stokes county, North Carolina, September 14, 1815, was a man of more than ordinary ability and prominence, and is de¬ serving of special mention in this connection. After growing up in his native state he married December 1, 1836, Miss Susan P. Stone, of the same county as himself, her birth having occurred April 4, 1818. Following this some time, Mr. Nelson became prominently associated with the political movements of North Carolina, and among other positions which he filled Avas that of legislator from his district. In 1841 he moved Avith his young Avife to Vernon county, Missouri, choosing a location near BalltoAAm, where he lived a respected life until his death January 29, 1852. He Avas known 0ATer a AATide scope of country here¬ abouts, and once held the office of county judge. At the time of his death he Avas a member of the Masonic fraternity. Isaac F. S. Nelson naturally Avas reared as a farmer's boy, but in 1872 he engaged in the livery business and continued it three years.

Accepting an offer in St. Louis as treasurer of the Union Depot Street Railway line lie went to that city, but two years later relinquished that position and returned to Nevada, where he engaged in the grocery trade. Mr. Nelson's wife was formerly Miss Alice Pottorf, of Andrian county, Missouri, whom he mar¬ ried in October, 1871.

John C. Newland is a native of Ralls county, Missouri, and was born August 14, 1852, to Jacob and Lucy A. (Roads) Newland, the father born in Shelby county, Kentucky, in 1813, and the' mother in Rockingham county, Virginia, in 1817, and had a family of five children, those besides John C., who was their third child, being a daughter, now the wife of W. F. Neal, of Palmer, Texas; Walter W., also of Palmer, Texas; Ryland R., of Big Springs, Texas, and Jacob J., now deceased. The father moved from Ralls to Lafayette county in 1868 and nine years later, in 1877, settled in Vernon county, where he died June 7, 1883. The mother passed away in 1872.

Our subject's grandfather, John Newland, who was of Scotch- Irish lineage, married Nancy Gerrard, who was of Holland ances¬ try. He was elected the first clerk of Shelby county, Kentucky, when the county was organized. He died in Kentucky and in 1829 his widow, with her three sons, Jacob, John and William, went to Ralls county, Missouri, and entered government land.

John C. grew up in his father's home and lived there till his father's decease. He is one of the prosperous farmers and extensive stock raisers of Clear Creek township, where he owns 420 acres of land finely cultivated and handsomely improved with good buildings and equipped with all the appliances of an up-todate model farm.

He is a Democrat in politics and has served many years as township trustee. The family is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

On September 12. 1878, Mr. Newland was united in marriage with Miss Aline E. Ransdell, who was born November 9, 1853, the daughter of E. W. and Sarah J. (Vanarsdall) Ransdell, men¬ tioned elsewhere herein. Mr. and Mrs. Newland have had seven children, viz.: William R., who was born June 1, 1879; Annie Belle, who was born December 27, 1881 and died in January, 1882; Mrs. Florence F. Charles, who was horn February 28, 1883 ; Mrs. Myrtle May Gammon, born March 27, 1886; E. Clifton Newland, born December 12, 1888 ; Walter T. Newland, born April 24, 1892, and Nannie E., who was born July 24, 1895.

Jobe Newport is a prosperous farmer of Deerfield township Vernon county, Missouri. A native of England, he was born in 1831, and is a son of Isaac and Mary (Singler) Newport. He learned the stone mason's trade in England, serving an apprentice¬ ship of four years, and on coming to this country in 1861 settled at Portland, Connecticut, and there followed his trade for two years, thence to Ste. Genevieve, near St. Louis, on the Mississippi

In 1885 Mr. Newport removed to Vernon county, and settled on 120 acres in Section thirteen, Deerfield township, and estab¬ lished the family homestead of two rooms in which the family lived twelve vears. He then bought 100 acres more in Deerfield township, and later on bought forty acres more in Center town¬ ship, making in all 260 acres of land, and built a modern house of six rooms. The land is under a good state of cultivation, is

Mr. Newport is a man of high standing in the community and has the respect of all who know him. He is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Modern Brotherhood of America, and is a member of the Woodmen of the World. In his political principles and sentiments he is independent.

was a man greatly beloved by all who knew him. He was born -January 16, 1826, in Germany, whence he immigrated to this country in 1833, landing at New Orleans, and going thence up the Mississippi river to St. Louis, near which city he was employed in farm work. Later he turned his attention to other lines of work, owning a portable saw mill and was among the pioneer saw-mill men of Vernon county, coming there in 1854, his custom being to locate a mill in whatever part of the country he found most desirable, on account of the abundance of fine timber and other advantages. He established a mill on the Marmaton river in 1867. Mr. Nipp followed this line of work till the early 80 ?s, and after discontinuing it, he was was more or less engaged in the lumber trade for some years. Coming to Vernon county thus early, his life was wrought into its very history, and being a man of splendid business abilities, shrewd, thrifty and honest, withal, he accumulated considerable property and lived in the enjoyment of an ample competence, living his life in his own way, and granting to others that independence of thought and action which he claimed for himself. He was a kind-hearted, generous-souled man, cheerful in temperament, sociable and compan¬ ionable, loyal to his friends and just and fair in all his dealings with his fellowmen, and his passing away was mourned as a personal loss by a host of friends who had known him long and well.

In 1844 Mr. Nipp was united in marriage with Miss Eliza¬ beth Shelter, who died February 19, 1894, at the age of sixty-five years. Of a family of ten children born to them, six passed away in childhood and the four surviving are : Henry and Frank Nipp, and Margaret, widow of Mr. Charles Bannehauff, deceased, all of whom reside in Nevada, and Lewis Nipp, who lives at Venta, Oklahoma.

Andy J. Nyhart is one of the substantial farmers of Vernon county, Missouri, who has risen to his place of influence by his. own efforts. He was born in Wilkes-barre, Luzerne county, Penn¬ sylvania, April 5,1844, and is a son of Adam and Catherine (Smith) Nyhart, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father, who was born in 1798, was married three times, and our subject was the second child born to the second marriage.

M2 History Of Vernon County

Adam Nyhart, a wagon maker by trade and also a farmer and stock raiser, moved to Iowa in 1855, and settled with his family in Des Moines county, and became a prominent and influential citizen. He was a man of fine abilities and accumulated a hand¬ some competence, being worth some thirty thousand dollars at the time of his decease, which occurred in 1904. He was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and in political opin¬ ions was a rock-ribbed Democrat of the Andrew Jackson type.

After leaving home he worked a number of years "rafting" on the Mississippi river, after which he spent a short time in Wyoming and Colorado and in 1874 went to Kansas, where he lived some years. In 1894 Mr. Nyhart settled in Vernon county, at first buying a quarter section of land in Section sixteen, Coal township, and later acquiring an additional tract of forty acres in Coal township. Mr. Nyhart began his career as a poor boy with no capital other than his native abilities, backed by a deter¬ mined purpose to succeed. In his farming he has given his attention largely to raising corn and small grains, with most satisfactory results and is counted among the leading men in his community. He is thoroughly systematic and up-to-date in his operations and his farm, which is well stocked and handsomely improved and equipped, ranks with the best in the section. He has never sought or cared for political office, but in his political belief is a Democrat of the William J. Bryan type.

On March 4, 1879, Mr. Nyhart was united in marriage in Burl¬ ington, Iowa, with Miss Stella Nyhart, who died September 5, 1875. His second marriage was with Miss Ida M. Allee, of Atchi¬ son county, Kansas, December 1, 1886, who passed away in 1898, and in 1904 he married Miss Mary E. Durusetta, of Deerfield, Missouri. Thirteen children have been born to Mr. Nyhart, of whom the six surviving are named respectively, Jennie, Emma, Nellie, Cora, Marie and Pearl.

Daniel O'Bryan is an energetic, progressive, wide-awake and successful lawyer of the Vernon county, Missouri, bar. A native of Poplar Bluff, Mo., he was born August 10, 1878, and is an only child of J. L. and Elizabeth O'Bryan, the former a native of Mississippi and the latter of Canada, whence she went to Mis¬ sissippi. From there they moved to Louisiana and thence, after the Civil War, went to Missouri. The father was for a time agent of the Southern Express Company at Poplar Bluff, Mo., and later became general manager and bookkeeper for a lumber firm there. Both father and mother are deceased.

Daniel was reared at Nevada and acquired his preliminary education in the public schools there and at Westminster Col¬ lege at Fulton, Mo. Later he studied law in the office, and under the preceptorship, of Mr. Macliir T. January and in 1903 passed his examination and was admitted to the bar and began the practice of his profession, in which he has attained gratifying suc¬ cess. Mr. O'Bryan has served two terms as city attorney of Nevada, and in 1909 was appointed tax attorney. He has also, since 1908, filled the office of secretary of the Farmer's Mutual Insurance Company.

David L. Palmer was born in eastern Tennessee December 1, 1858, the second child of a family of six children born to Wil¬ liam and Sabina (Loughmiller) Palmer, the former born in Vir¬ ginia, March 9, 1832, and the latter in Tennessee, Januuarv 2, 1835. They were married in Tennessee February 28, 185b. Of their other children, Samuel AT. Palmer was born December 7, 1856; William L. was born June 23, 1861; Laura A. was born June 3, 1866, and L. D., who was born September 6. 1872, both died in infancy. The mother passed away December 1, 1872, and on September 18, 1873, the father married Kate Goose. One child was born to this marriage, named Wallace, who died July 23, 1874, at the age of seven weeks and two days. The father. William Palmer, moved from Tennessee to Kentucky in 1866, whence he went to Missouri, but returned the same fall and remained in Kentucky ten years. Going to Texas in 1876 he lived there till about 1887, whence he settled two miles from Deerfield in Deer¬ field township, A7ernon county, Missouri, and there made his home till his decease.

David L. left his father's home when nineteen years old to take charge of the farm of Maj. John Caperton in Jefferson county, Kentucky, and remained there sixteen years. Coming to A7ernon county in 1893 he settled on a farm of 240 acres in Deer- field township which he had secured two years before. He culti¬ vated this farm till 1901, when he sold it and lived in Nevada some six months. He then bought 360 acres in section twenty-six, Blue Mound township and lived there till March, 1908, when he leased the farm and moved into Schell City. In his farming operations Mr. Palmer gives particular attention to buying, feeding and selling live stock, averaging from 75 to 125 head each winter. He takes an active part in local affairs and has served on the boards of Deerfield and Blue Mound townships and at present - 1911 - is chairman of the board in Bacon. He is identified with the "Woodmen of the World; is a member of the Royal Neighbors and the Woodmen Circle. In religious fellowship is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Democrat.

On January 3, 1882, Mr. Palmer was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Myers, who was born in Louisville, Ky., March 3, 1862, to Henry and Catharine (Overmeyer) Myers, both natives of Hanover, Germany.

Mrs. Palmer was born near Edinburgh, Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, November 6, 1873, to James H. and Eliza A. (Wil¬ liams) Robinson, both born near Edinburgh, Pennsylvania, the former April 21, 1831. and the latter, March 26, 1838. They were married October 3, 1856, and had seven children. Of these, Thomas W., who was born Januarv 30, 1859, died February 1, 1900; Francis A. was born April 21, 1860; John E., born January 14, 1863, died October 22, 1900; Ulysses G., born September 12, 1864; died March 12, 1892; David E., born August 3, 1867, died March 26, 1901 ; Clark P. was born August 16, 1869, and Ella Gertrude is now Mrs. Palmer. The first representative of this Robinson family in this country, of whom there is authentic record, was Henry Robinson, who was born in Ireland March 1, 1768. He settled in Alleghany county, Pennsylvania, in June, 1793, and was the father of five sons and two daughters, named respectively; John, who was born December 13, 1795; Andrew, born April 27, 1797; James, date of birth unknown; Henry, born March 12, 1801 ; Elizabeth, who was born March 6, 1803, and mar¬ ried John Morehouse; Sarah, who was born August 19, 1806, and married John Cox, and Samuel Robinson, who was born Septem¬ ber 14, 1809.

Henry Robinson died March 26, 1854. His wife, Mary, died April 23, 1841, aged seventy-three years. Their eldest son, John Robinson, married Catherine Ward, November 11, 1819, and they had a family of ten children; James H. Robinson, Mrs. Pal¬ mer's father, being their sixth child. The mother, Catherine, died October 10, 1845,* and the father, John Robinson, passed away October 26, 1872. James Henderson Robinson, Mrs. Palmer's father, died January 28, 1905. and his widow now resides in Schell City, Vernon county. Mrs. Palmer's maternal grandfather, Thomas Williams (who was a descendant of Rodger Williams, of early Pennsylvania fame), was born in Mercer county, Pennsyl¬ vania, February 12, 1807, and on April 21, 1831, married Susanna Book who was born in the same county November 17, 1807. Their four children were : Ferdinand, born May 28, 1832, and who died August 5, 1843; Sarah A., born September 16, 1834; Eliza Ann, Mrs. Palmer's mother, and Margaret J., who was born April 4, 1840 and died March 14, 1842; the father, Thomas, died August 5, 1843, and the mother, Susanna, passed away in February, 1883. Maj. Edward Wright, of Revolutionary fame, was the grandfather of Thomas Williams, Mrs. Palmer's maternal grand¬ father.

By her first marriage, Mrs. Palmer had two children, named respectively : Boyd Sailor, who was born November 8, 1903, and died in infancy, and Irma L. Sailor, who was born January 3, 1905, and now lives with her mother.

William Landon Palmer, of Deerfield township, Vernon county, Missouri, was born in Hawkins county, eastern Tennessee, June 23, 1861, and is the third child, one of four survivors of a family of seven children born to William and Sabina (Loughmiller) Pal¬ mer, natives of Virginia and Tennessee. His grandfather, Samuel

Palmer, was born in Virginia, accumulated considerable property prior to the Civil War, which was confiscated by the govern¬ ment, leaving him very poor; he then moved to Shelby county, Kentucky, thence to Grayson county, Texas, and later to Vernon county, Missouri, where he lived with his son until his decease in 1892, at the age of ninety-two years.

Our subject's father was born in Virginia March 9, 1837; was a farmer by occupation. He moved from his native state to Tennessee and in 1861 enlisted and served in the Confederate

He moved from Tennessee to Shelby county, Kentucky, and in 1866 went overland to Ralls county, Missouri, but did not unload his wagons on account of the unsettled conditions, going back to Shelby county, Kentucky, then to Jefferson county, same state ; from there he went to Tarrant couiitv, Texas, in 1877, and in 1887 he moved to Vernon county, Missouri, and settled on a tract of 250 acres in section five, Deerfield township, where he lived until his death, which occurred March 12, 1897.

Originally a Presbyterian, he afterwarrds united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a successful farmer, had a good education and was universally esteemed as a man of sterling character and an upright citizen.