Agency Township

Agency Township

Where the town of Agency now stands there was formerly a ford, -extensively used in the days of the early settlement of the country, called Agency Ford. The name originated from the fact that the Platte River was forded at this point, in going from the Indian Agency, established west of the Platte, to Liberty, Clay County, Missouri, in those days, the nearest point of trade.

Business Firms

Mr. Smith erected a business block, which was destroyed by fire. Afterward a two-story brick block was built, including two large business houses.

Schools, Churches, Etc

There are in the Township of Agency several district schools, among which are the Agency, the McGauhey, the Moore and Greenard school houses.

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized in the town in 1862, by J. J. Gilmore, James M. Campbell and B. P. Holland. This building is used by all denominations.

The country surrounding Agency is essentially a timbered region, not more than two hundred acres of the township being prairie. Of late, however, much of this timber has disappeared from the ridges extending between the northern boundary of the township and Platte River. The prevailing character of the ridge timber is oak of different varieties. The bottom affords an abundance of fine walnut as well as other kinds of valuable timber.

The principal stream of the township is Pigeon Creek, flowing in an easterly direction into Platte River. In certain localities along the banks of Platte River, good limestone suitable for building purposes is found, and also an abundance of sand and gravel.

The present harrtlet and post office of Halleck, in Crawford Township, was formerly called Birming. The name changed during the civil war to its present style, in honor of General Halleck.

The site of the village was originally known as Fansher's Cross Roads. In 1848-49 a saloon was kept here, in which was sold whisky of so villainous a character, that some soldiers of the Mexican war, who

A soldier, John McGuire, galloping through the village and yelling " Hurrah for Taos!" fixed the nickname by which it has ever since been known. McGuire died in California.

John Conan brought the first stock of goods and opened the first regular store, in 1849. A few months after he sold to Hiram Rodgers, who continued the business for several years.

Schools And Churches

One school house in district No. 3, 22x36, with addition of 20x22 feet, built in 1867. Number of pupils enrolled, 128; average daily attendance, 49. Directors, D. W. Clowser, P. W. Nolan and Janies Ferrel.

On the Atchison branch of the C.,R. I. & P. R. R., five miles southeast of DeKalb, is the most important business point in Crawford township.

William Fowler, of St. Joseph, pre-empted the quarter section of land on which Wallace now stands. He sold the land to John Judy and Thomas Feland, who composed the town company.

Asher & Gibson succeeded him. They continued the business two years, when they sold to Johnson & Bashford, who now conduct the establishment.

Chesnut & Beaver opened a general stock of goods in 1874, in a building erected by G. W. Rector, a pioneer of this section, who died in 1879. Rector's farm adjoined the town site.

History Of Buchanan Couni'Y

Chesnut & Beaver were succeeded by Beaver & Rogers. Curtis & Jenkins succeeded Beaver & Rogers in 1877, and continued to do business till 1878, when the present firm of Chesnut & Murphy was established in the same stand.

In 1877, Leny Garten sold goods a few months in the town, and, in the spring of 1880, O. P. H. Lucas, the present postmaster of the place, opened a family grocery.

The Wallace Hotel, a small, two-story frame building, ample, however, to meet the demands of the place, was built in 1873, by T. C. Feland, and occupied by G. C. McLain. In 1876, it was sold to Zack Finney, and occupied as a hotel by Mrs. Mary McGinnis till 1880, when it was re-occupied by G. C. McLain.

The first railroad agent at this point was Jefferson Plank, appointed July, 1872, and was succeded by Calvin Hamm in 1876. F. G. Brouch is the present agent.

C. P. Walbridge opened a dry goods store in the town in 1881. John Surface, the undertaker of the place, has been there since 1877. The town is supplied with two saloons. Population, 167.

Schools, Timber, Etc

The principal water courses of the township are Bee Creek, with its tributaries, and William's and Jordan's branches, besides numerous springs of pure cold water.

The staple yield of the township in ante bellum days was hemp, vast quantities of which were then raised and shipped. Corn, wheat and other small grain grow and produce well. Fruits of all kinds pr,oper to this latitude are excellent. Horses, mules, cattle and hogs are extensively raised.

About the year 1846 or '47, Eli Arnold, a native of Ohio, erected on the site of the present village of Arnoldsville, about four miles west of the Platte River, a large frame building, which he equipped as a grist mill, and for a time operated it by horse power. Finding this means too costly to be profitable, he procured from Cincinnati an engine and boiler, and substituted steam for horse power. The difficulty of procuring the necessary water however, proved an obstacle to the complete success of the enterprise, and, after remaining idle for some time, the machinery was, after the war, sold to W. B. Smith, and moved to Agency. The old burrs are still in Cooley's water mill below Agency. The old mill building still remains, a gloomy reminder of the early and mistaken enterprise of a pioneer, who has long since passed to the land of shadows, where grists are not ground and where mistakes never occur.

The first building erected after the old mill, of which we have spoken, on the site of Arnoldsville, was a blacksmith shop, operated by Thomas Wilkerson. About the time that Arnold buiit his mill he erected a storehouse, which he afterward rented to different parties.

Dr. Belmont, established near the present site of the town, was among the early physicians. The present and only physician is Dr. J. C- Smith, a son of the founder of Agency.

The first school building erected in Arnoldsville was a brick house. In consequence of its dilapidated condition, it was torn down in 1867, and a two-story frame put up, the lower story of which accommodates the Arnoldsville district school.

The surrounding country, and especially that along the line of the Platte, is more or less hilly and broken, but heavily timbered and very productive.

Easton, in Marion ToWnship, is one of the largest towns in the county outside of St. Joseph, and is a good business point. It is on the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad, twelve miles east of St. Joseph.

In 1848, Mr. E. Don McCrary purchased four hundred acres of land where now stands the town of Easton. In 1854, Mr. McCrary opened a store on his farm, and the same season laid off the town. The second store was established in 1855, by Kernes & Lumback. The latter disposed of his interest to Kernes, George Berry, Isaac Gibson and C. Benight, and the business was carried on by this firm till the breaking out of the war.

Frazer

Frazer, in Tremont Township, is located on the St. Louis, Kansas City & Northern Railway, fifteen miles from St. Joseph. It has a postoffice and one store.

Eveline

commonly called Hall's Station, is on the Kansas City, St. Joseph and Council Bluffs Railroad, about half way between St. Joseph and Atchison, Kansas, in Wayne Township. It contains a depot, store, saloon and several residences.

Lake Station

Saxton is located on the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad, six miles east of St. Joseph', in Washington Township. It contains a depot. The ground upon which it is situated was donated by Mr. A. M. Saxton, of St. Joseph. At this station there is. one store - general merchandise.

In the township there are several frame school houses, and the church known as the "Oak Grove" Church and the "Walnut Grove" Church, the former being under the control of the Presbyterians, and the latter a Union Church.

M. E. Church South

DeKalb ; Sparta, half interest in a frame building, house of worship; Walnut Grove, fourth interest in a frame building, house of worship; Agency, fourth interest in a frame building, house of worship.

Presbyterian Churches

Agency Lodge, No. 10, A. F. and A. M. This lodge was chartered June 2, 1866, by authority of the Grand Lodge of Missouri. John D. Vincil, Grand Master. The following officers were installed when the lodge was organized : W. B. Smith, W. M.; Isaac Lower, S. W.; J. W. Richie, J. W.; M. W. Ferris, Secretary; E. M. Yates, Treasurer. Membership at organization, about thirteen. May 25, 1870, lodge hall, records and everything was destroyed by fire. Have a membership of twentyeight now, and in a prosperous condition. The highest number at any time, was about eighty ; membership reduced by brothers moving away. Have rented hall 22x40 feet, with complete outfit.

Agency Lodge, No. 241, 1. O. O. F., also holds its session in this hall. It was instituted May 20, 1878, by order of C. H. Mansur, presiding officer of the Grand Lodge of Missouri. James M. Powell, N. G.; Wra. B. Smith, V. G. ; E. M. Yates, Secretary.

R. R. Boone

proprietor of flouring mill, section 30, postoffice Agency, was born in Harrison County, Indiana, November 5, 1816, and, in 1819, moved to Meade County, Kentucky, with his parents. In 1837, he removed to Missouri, but his time was divided between Missouri and Kentucky until the spring of 1844. His early educational advantages were limited, but by self application he has acquired a liberal share of scholastic information. In 1844, he was married to Sarah E. France, a native of Kentucky, born August 25, 1825, The result of this marriage was seven children : Frances E., John F., Sarah E., Hiram C, Susan B., Mollie M. and Victoria. The latter died November 12, 1879. During the late war Mr. Boone sustained serious loss ; he took no active part in the events of that period, and while he never refused aid to any sufferer who besought hospitality, he never knowingly harbored a man an enemy to the government. He is now the owner of 490 acres of land, including a residence and valuable property in Agency, besides his well known mill. Mr. Boone never held any office ; never joined any secret order and in his religious sentiments is very liberal. Bold in the expression of his heterodox views, no man stands higher for blunt, unswerving honesty of speech and deed than R. R. Boone, the miller.

proprietor of Water Flouring Mill, section 33, postoffice Agency. Was born in Mendon, Adams County, Illinois, May 9, 1842, and, in 1846, was taken by his parents to Livingston County, Missouri. They afterwards settled in both Grundy and Mercer Counties, and, in i860, the subject of this sketch emigrated to Decatur County, Iowa. In 1861, he became a resident of Madison County. After making that his home until 1864, he came to Andrew County, Missouri, and, in 1866, to Platte County, finally reaching Buchanan County in May, 1868. This has since been his abode, and he is the owner of twenty-three acres of land, upon which is an excellent mill. In 1863, he was married to Miss Annie Danner, a native of Iowa. They have had six children : Hal. Gordon, born July 4, 1864, died July 7, 1880; Anna Belle, born July 23, 1873, died August I, 1875 ; Flora A., born July 23, 1876, died November 8, 1880; Varanus

C, born September 9, 1867; Jacob M., born September 28, 1870; and Elizabeth, born January 28, 1878. Mr. Cooley is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is a Granger. In view of th'e extraordinary low stage of water, in the summer of 1881, he has been induced to add steam power to his mill, thus enabling him to operate the same uninterruptedly at all seasons.

John B. Corbitt

farmer, section 17, postoffi.ce Agency, was born January ij,. 1839, i" West Virginia, and with his parents moved to Iowa in 1852. He remained -there fourteen years, engaging in farming and in teaching school. In the fall of 1865 he came to Missouri, and has lived in this State ever since. He has 120 acres of land in Agency Township, sixty acres of which are highly improved. He was married December i, 1&72, to Mrs. Emma Womach. She was born March 27, 1845. They have three children, James R., born March 13, 1874; Lenora, born March 12, 1876, and Calla, born June 25, 1878. Mrs. C. has one son by a former marriage, Francis M. Womach, born January 30,, i860. Mr.. Corbitt belongs to the I. O. O. F. His wife is a member af the Christian Church.

George W. Dowell

physician and surgeon. Agency, was born in Kentucky, May 27, 1832^ and emigrated to Buchanan County, Missouri, October 9, 1854. Resided in Kansas from 1856 to 1861, when he returned to Buchanan County. Was raised on a farm until the age of sixteen, when he commenced clerking, which he continued until he began the study of medicine, under W. W. Board. Was graduated in St. Louis Medical College in the spring of 1859. Prior to completing his course, he attended one course at Yandell School in Kentucky. Was married May i, 1856, to^ Miss. Elizabeth C. Gilmore. They have had six children - Mary A., born March 24, 1858, died August 24, 1859; Robert F., born December lo, 1859; Virginia E., born February 15, 1862; Adaline, born March 15., 1864; Benjamin D., born March 27, 1866; and Dora Bell,, born. February 27, 1875. Robert F. was graduated at the St. Louis Medical College,, in the spring of 1881. Dr. George W. Dowell owns 515 acres of land, and a fine residence in Agency. During the war he lost heavily. He is a Mason, a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, ajid has been school director and elder in the church. The Doctor has practiced for twenty-seven years, riding day and night, when called upon, always attending the poor free of charge.

Lewis L. Evans

farmer, section 4, postoffice Garrettsburg, was born in Garrett County, Kentucky, May 16, 1845. In 1850, his parents emigrated to Clinton County, Missouri, where he remained until 1880, at which time he removed to Buchanan County. Was married to Miss Rebecca Modrell, October 18, 1877. She was born April 29, 1856, in Missouri. They have two children: Lizzie L;, born August 20, 1878, died July 28, 1880; Virgil, born September 15, 1880. Mr. E. owns 119 acres of land in 'sections 4 and 5, all under fence and in a good state of cultivation. He has been road supervisor for four years.

James J. Gilmore

farmer, section 30, postoffice Agency, was born April 9, 18 18, in Tennessee. His parents emigrated to Rush Creek, Clay County, Missouri, when he was an infant, and, in connection with others, were obliged to build a fort for protection against the Indians. James remained there until 1837, when he moved with his parents to Agency Ford, Buchanan County, where his mother died in the spring of 1850, aged fifty-two years. His father died in the fall of 1858, at the age of sixty-five. Mr. Gilmore was married April 10, 1839, to Miss Sophia N. Miller, a native of Kentucky. She was born November 12, 1820. They had eight chiU dren, Mary Jane, Robert M., James A., H. S., Eliza, Jennie, Margaret, and Jefferson D., all married except Jefferson D. Mr. G. owns ninety acres of land under cultivation. His wife and son-in-law, D. A. Yates, were drowned November 11, 1879, in Pigeon Creek. Mr. G. has been school director for several years, and was deputy collector and sheriff of the county. He is a Master Mason, holding membership in Agency Lodge, No. 10, and a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, ii^ which he is an elder.

C. A. Given

farmer and market gardener, section 18, postoffice Agency. The subject of this sketch was born in Monroe County, Missouri, January 6, 1846, When a small boy his parents moved to Randolph County, Missouri,, and at the age of twenty-one he moved to Buchanan County, where he has resided ever since. He was married to Miss Ellen Blecker in 186&. She was a native of Virginia. They have had three children - one son died in infancy, C. Maud, and Charles. Mr. Given is an enterprising, and energetic citizen and a member of the Masonic fraternity. His, sympathies have always prompted him, to^ heb the. needy as far as able.

George W. Henley

blacksmith, Agency, was born in Washington County, Tennessee, August 10, 1828. His parents emigrated to Indiana, where his father died in 1850 at the age of sixty-two. Mr. Henley located in Buchanan County in 1839, ^"^ has been a blacksmith all through life. Was married, August 29, 1854, to Lucy Christopher, a native of Kentucky. She was born July 4, 1824. They have had two children: Harriet C, born Novembet 11, 1855, died April 4, 1869, and James W., born June 4, 1869. Mr. Henley was in the Confederate army, in Captain J. Landis' First Missouri Battery, under General Price. He participated in a number of engagements and was badly wounded seven times. Served during the war. In 1858, during the Mormon war, he was in Salt Lake, and all points between there and home, serving as army blacksmith. He owns two lots and a house in Agency, where he has an excellent business.

Hamilton King

"blacksmith and wagon maker, Agency, is a native of North Carolina, and was born December 16, 1846. He emigrated to Leavenworth, Kansas, October 8, 1867, remaining only two months, when he went to Platte County, Missouri, settling near Weston, six months after which he moved to Arnoldsville, Buchanan County, where he commenced business, and ran a shop for seven months. In the spring of 1869, he permantly located at Agency, starting a blacksmith, wagon making and general repair shop. This enterprise, which he still conducts, has proved profitable. He married Julia A. Davis, a native of North Carolina, born in 1856. They have been blessed with four children : Willie, born April 6, 1870; Edward, born November 7, 1871 ; Frankie, born March 30, 1874 ; and Mitus, born January 9, 1877. Mr. King owns a residence and two lots, besides his extensive shop, in Agency. He is a Master Mason, and is doing a flourishing business, working, on an average, five hands, as he is the only wagon maker in town.

Wesley Little

farmer, section 18, postoffice Agency, was born in Ross County, Ohio, March 3, 1835, and in 1856 moved to Illinois, living there two and onehalf years, at the end of which period, he emigrated to Atchison County, Missouri, where he resided until 1862, when he enlisted in the Union army for three years in the Twenty-ninth Missouri regiment in General Blair's brigade under General Sherman. He participated in all the great battles in which his command was engaged and afterwards returned home. He was married June 22, 187 1, to Elizabeth Sampson, a native of Ohio, who was born October 15, 1845. They have two children - Alonzo R. and Lewis A., twins, born March 30, 1872. Mr. L. has 120 acres of land, all well improved, and under fence. Himself and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

merchant. Agency, was born February 4, 1844, in Andrew County, Missouri, and moved to Texas in November, 1878, remaining until January 20, 1880. He there followed cattle raising and herding, at which he prospered. He was married August 30, 1866, to Miss Mary J. Davis. They have had four children, Lettie A., twins, (died in infancy), and Vena A. He has three lots and residence in Agency. Was raised a farmer, but his education was limited. He is a Mason, and in all in life has been successful. During the late war was under arrest, parolled and stole his way over to Atchison on a wood-boat. He then left for Montana, Oregon, Idaho and Utah. He is doing business under the firm name of McCrary & Yates. They .carry a full line -of dry goods, notions, hats, caps, clothing, etc., comprising a first-class general store. Their room is twenty-five by ninety feet, and the business of the concern averages about fifteen thousand per year.

Thomas J. Meers

farmer, section 8, postoffice Agency, was born September 2, 1840, in Buchanan County, and moved to DeKalb County, April 3, 1870. He returned to his former home April 3, 1875. Was married to M atilda Roberts, April 21, 1858. She was born in Missouri, May 15, 1842. They have had thirteen children: Mary F., born March 2, i860; John J., born April i, 1861, died March 13, 1870; William T., born December 20, 1862, died September 26, 1864; Isam V., born April 14, 1864, died July 12, 1865; Richard M., born September 28, 1865; Mattie B., born November 7, 1867; Leora R., born August 6, 1870; infant son died in infancy; Maggie L., born August 13, 1873; Thomas J., born November 10, 1875, died October 16, 1876; Luella, born September 16, 1877; Robert E., born January 29, 1879; and Matilda E.,born January 5, 1881. He has an undivided fourth of 100 acres of land, on which his mother is living. He served in the state militia for two years, and for one year was in the Fifty-first Missouri Volunteer Regiment, under Colonel Moore, in the Union army. Is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has been a school director.

Robert M. Moore

farmer, section 17, postoffice Agency, was born December S, 1842, in Buchanan County, Missouri. He was married February 17, 1865, to Elizabeth Reynolds, a native of Missouri, born January 5, 1846. They have had four children - one son died in infancy : Robert L., born August 22, 1871 ; Hettie E., born July 4, 1874; and Melvin M., born August 20, 1877. Mr. M. served six months in the Pawpaw Militia,, after which he went out on the plains. He has been engaged in farming principally all his life. He has eighty acres of land, mostly under fence and in a good state of cultivation. There is on this place a fine young orchard. Mr. Moore is a member of the Grange.

Benjamin Moore

farmer, section 20, postoffice Agency, was born in West Virginia, October 19, 1818. At the age of twenty-four, he left his native state, and located in Buchanan County, Missouri, where he has resided ever since. January 12, 1842, he was married to Lucinda C. Gibson. She was born in West Tennessee. They have had six children : Robert M . G., born December 5, 1842 ; Margaret A., born July 26, 1844, died September 14, 1845 ; Martha J.., born April 3, 1846 ; Eliza C, born April 4, 1848 ; William R., born October 10, 1849, died October 4, 1850 ; and Susan H. V.r born September 30, 1858. When he came to Buchanan County there were only two houses in St. Joseph - those of Joseph Robidoux and Fred. Smith. He had to go fourteen miles to a tread mill. He has followed farming all his life. When he landed in Missouri he had nothing but a small horse and eighty dollars in money. By hard work he has accumulated 225 acres of land ; has owned more, but has given a portion to his children. Nearly all his land is well improved. He has on his farm a good orchard. He has been justice of the peace four and one-half years, school director and administrator in several instances. He was also postmaster for many years. He is a member of the M. E. Church South. During the war he suffered heavily from the depredations of the soldiers. His sympathies were with the South. Robert M. G. Moore,, son of the subject of this sketch, was a member of the militia. Afterwards, to avoid the draft, he went out on the plains, and remained there until after the war closed. Mr. Moore has long been known for his liberality, never refusing to lend a helping hand to the poor and needy.

Col. James J. Reynolds

farmer, sections 29 and 32, postoffice Agency, was born in Jackson County, Tennessee, September 17, 18 13. In 18 18 his parents emigrated to Missouri, locating in Clay County. At that time Buchanan County was Indian territory, with Clay as border county. In March, 1838, he moved to Buchanan County, locating near Sparta, where he engaged in farming. He was married to Miss Eliza S. Gibson April 21, 1842. She was born May 21, 1825, in McMinn County, Tennessee. They have had fourteen children, James M., born March 11, 1844; Mary J., born Feb- ruary 23, 1846; George W., born November 3, 1847, died in 1853 ; Martha A., born November 26, 1849; Louisa E., born November 3, 185 1 ; Elizabeth F., born May 14, 1853 ; William L., born December 28, 1854 ; Robert G., born September 15, 1856, died in 1857; John B., born June 22, 1858 ; Thomas J., born July 25, i860, died in 1861 ; Sterling P.. born December 13, i86r ; Lee J., born June 13, 1864, died in 1865 ; Joseph J., born September 5, 1866 ; Stephen D., born July 3, 1869. He owns 364 acres of land, all under fence and well improved, except forty acres. James M. was in the Confederate service under Colonel Gates in General Price's army. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. He was revenue collector of Buchanan County and Justice of the Peace for four years ; also colonel of the Eighty-seventh Missouri Regiment of Militia long_ before the war. They lived in Kansas from 1856 to i860; he was a member of the constitutional convention and has been school director. Mr. R. is a well preserved old gentleman who, by his untiring industry, has prospered in life and been one of the most successful farmers of Buchanan County. His very countenance and that of his wife bespeak happiness, contentment and plenty.

farmer, section 18, postoffice Agency, was born October 18, 1838, in Alabama. His parents emigrated to St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1850 and lived there a few months, when they went to Arkansas, and Mississippi, South Missouri, and thence to St. Joseph, residing there two years. They then emigrated to Texas, but again returned to Missouri. When a young man Mr. Smedley was a carpenter. He was married to Miss Lucinda Lynch, March 12, 1863. She was born in February, 1840, in Kentucky. They have had nine children : Ira W., born December 13, 1863 ; Ruth, born June 4, 1866, died June 13, 1866; Nora and Mabel, born May i, 1871, died in about nine months ; Oscar, born May i, 1873 ; Charles, born June 21, 1875 ; Minnie, born January 21, 1877 - infant, died in infancy ; Bessie, born February 3, 1880 ; and Ruth, born July 10, 1868. Mr. Smedley has endured many hardships, and sustained some loss by the late war. He enlisted in the Fifth Missouri Regiment under Colonel Cornell, in General Stein's command, and was in the service eight months, participating in several engagements ; was taken .prisoner and kept as such at St. Louis about three months. Was then sworn and turned loose under bond and permitted to return home. He went to Montana and returned with Colonel James Bridger in 1865, after which he freighted for Willis & Claggett one season. Mr. Smedley was in Mexico during 1862, and walked home. He is a member of the Christian Church. Has 100 acres of land, all under fence and under good state of cultivation.

farmer, section 29, postoffice Agency, was born in Kentucky, January 6, 1837. Followed farming up to 186^, at which time he emigrated to Kansas, remaining there nine years. Then moved to Buchanan County. Was married in 1861, to Miss Mary Rivers, born July 2, 1845, in Kentucky. They have had six children - ^ James H., born September 28, 1863, died January 18, 1864; Robert B., born November 12, 1864; Eunie A., born April 8, 1867 ; Elizabeth J., born February 22, 1868 ; George D., born November 22, 1869; and Annie E., born May 22, 1873. Mrs. Sympson died January 18, 1874. He was again married January 8, 1878, to Susan A. Young, a native of Missouri. They have had two children - Charles 0., born October 4, 1878, and an infant, now deceased. Mr. S. is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church": teamster and hotel keeper. Agency, was born in Carter County, Kentucky, June 27, 1839. He left Kentucky in 1852, and located in Platte County, Missouri, where he resided up to 1861, then changing his residence to Buchanan County. April 4, 1861, he was married to Susan Oxshire, a native of Buchanan County. She was born September 24, 1840. They had two children, Mary E. and Maggie J. - both married. He has four lots in Agency, two of which are improved. Mr Thompson belonged to the Pawpaw Militia, but was not out of the state. His wife, Mrs. Oxshire, was first married to A. J. Carrington, and they had two children: Thomas, born October 11, 1857; and Robert, born May 6, i860, died December 25, 1862. Mr. A. J. Carrington died May 27, i860.

George W. Wells

merchant. Agency, was born September 10, 1851, in Marion County, Tennessee. His parents moved to Kansas when he was a small boy, locating eight miles from Lawrence, on Willow Springs, after which they moved to Atchison, and thence to Buchanan County, Mo. Mr. Wells followed farming until after the war, when he engaged in business at Rushville, remaining there until 1876, then moving to Agency. Was married, September 18, 1875, to Miss Myra Floyd, a native of Missouri.^ She was born June 9, 1856. They have two children: Ella, born April 25, 1877; Lela, born December 30, 1879. Is a member of the L O. O. F. and a Good Templar, and also belongs to the Christian Church. Mr. W. has been school director, clerk in the church and deputy postmaster. He has always extended the hand of charity when he deemed applicants worthy. Is now doing business under the firm name of Wells & Smith.

They have a business room 22x60 feet, well filled with dry goods, notions, boots, shoes, hats, caps, etc, and doing a general business of about $23,000 per year.

J. R. Woodruff

farmer, section 17, postoffice Agency, was born in West Virginia, March 10, 1832, and with his parents moved to Washington County, Pennsylvania^ when he was quite small. Received a good education, and in 1852, moved to Knox County, Ohio. Drove cattle to Philadelphia and New York from Illinois. In 1856, he went to Warren County, Iowa,, and emigrated to St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1857. In 1858, he married Mary C. Jesse, born in Tennessee, August 20, 1841. They have had five children - Ella, born February 20, 1864; W. M., born May 2, 1867; Ranson, born June 30, 1871 ; Orville, born August 6, 1859, died in June, 1862; and lona, born in May, 1861, died in September, 1861. Owns forty acres of land, under good cultivation. Takes great interest in educational matters, and has been school director for years in District No. 3. His daughter is but sixteen years of age, and has taught school three years. He is a Master Mason and a member of Agency Lodge, No. 10.

C. Ransom Woodson

physician and surgeon. Agency, was born in Knox County, "Kentucky, May 17, 1848, and with his parents emigrated to Missouri in 1855. Then located for one year in Lafayette County, then permanently settling in Buchanan County. Was raised a farmer and had good school advantages. He first studied medicine under Dr. James A. Day, of Halleck, Missouri, and was graduated March 6, 1 871, in St. Louis Medical College. He had practiced eleven months before completing his course. Dr. W. has been actively and successfully engaged in practice ever since. Is a member of Northwestern District Medical Society at St. Joseph, having filled the chair as President. Is a skillful and successful surgeon, and especially so in ophthalmic cases, but is unostentatious and charitable, having always practiced for the poor, widows and orphans gratis. Is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the Christian Church. He has 587^ acres of land acquired by his own industry, all of which has been made since he located in Agency and established himself in the practice of medicine. Over 500 acres of this land are under fence with good improvements, and he also has a good house and barn in Agency. Was married February 26, 1873, to Miss Julia Taber, a native of Missouri, born September 21, 1853. They have one child - P. Gervais, born November 18, 1874.

merchant and miller, Agency, was born October 7, 1838, in Buchanan County, Missouri, and has resided in this county all his life. He was raised a farmer and received but limited educational advantages. He was married November 5, 1873, to Miss Victoria Boone, daughter of R. R. Boone. They have had three children, Jewell, Effie, and Victoria. Jewell died in 1875. Mrs. Yates died November 12, 1879. The subject of this sketch was again married February 23, 1881, to Jessie L. Boone, who was born in Meade County, Kentucky. Mr. Yates owns forty acres of land in section 7, Jackson Township, his residence, store, house, and one-half interest in stock of goods and steam grist-mill in Agency. He is a Master Mason, an Odd Fellow and a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He has never sought political honors, preferring the quiet of private business to the turmoil of politics. He was among the first white children born in the county, and the first born in Jackson Township.

Source changes here: from History of Buchanan County and the City of St. Joseph and Representative Citizens : 1826 to 1904, by Rutt, Christian Ludwig, published 1904; 230 words in this source stream.

Agency Township

The population of this township is about 1,000. It is bounded by Washington, Center, Jackson and Tremont, the latter being divided by the Platte River. James and Robert Gilmore, Samuel Poteet and William McDowell settled there in 1837; James J. Reynolds, 1838; Jacob Reese, North Carolina, 1838; Benjamin Moore, Virginia, 1838; Littleberry Estes and Bright Martin, 1838; John Lamb, Robert Gilmore and Richard Fulton, 1839.

In the early days there Avas a road from Clay County to the Blacksnake Hills which crossed the Platte River where the town of Agency now stands. The river was shallow here and could be forded by teams. The agency of the Sac and Fox Indians was located on the west side of the Platte, about where the town now stands, and the point became known as "Agency Ford." In 1839, Robert Gilmore established a ferry, which was afterwards operated by William B. Smith, and continued until the county Iniilt a wagon bridge, in 1868.

The town of Agency was platted in 1865 by William B. Smith, and the building of the railroad from St. Joseph to Lexington, now a part of the Santa Fe system, gave an impetus to business. Agency is now incorporated, and is in a flourishing condition, the population being about 400. There is a bank, two mills, a modern hotel, six general stores, a newspaper (The Record), school, church, etc.