Benton Township (part 1 of 2)

Description

Benton township lies in the northwest corner of the county, and is in area seven miles north and south and six miles east and west and contains within its borders 26,695 31, aeres of land. The township is heavily timbered, there not being over three or four sections of prairie land in the township out of the forty-two sections it contains, The magnificent forests area mine of wealth to the inhabitants, and they are aware of its value, Oak, hickory, walnut, elm, ete., are the principal varieties of timber, although alinost every kind that grows in this latitude can be found within its borders.

The surface of Benton township is very rolling and it is well watered by the Grand River in the southwest part ot the township. Sampson's Creek, which passes through the center aud branches off, watering the northwest ern and, with Little Sampson Creek, the northern portion of the township. On the east is Big Creek whieh, with Salmon Creck, oue of its forks, waters the entire eastern section of the townshipand empties into the Grand River in the southeast corner.

Loondaries And Name

Benton township is bounded on the north by Harrison county, on the east by Salem township, on the south by Marion, and on the west by Gentry county. The territory oceupies ail of township sixty-one of range twentynine, and also sections thirty-one, thirty-two, thirty-three, thirty-tour, thirtyfive and thirty-six of township sixty-two, range twen ty-nine, It is the fou rth township in size and the second in point of population, the census of 1830 giving it 1,875 in number. Tt was originally a part of Grindstone township, une of the three original townships organized when the county was formed in 1837, and remaineda part of that township. until September, 1839, when the present township of Benton became big Creek township as did also about three-fourths of Salem. The south line, however mbit he channel of the river to the mouth of Hog Creek: this leit all the portion

Up to the organization of Big Creek township, Benton had not been honored with an election within its precincts. The elections being held in Grindstone township further south. But when Big Creek was set off in September, an election was ordered to be held October 5, 1839. This election was held at the house of Alexander Liggett, for two justices of the peace, and the judges were Jonathan Liggett, Jul Githens and Alexander Liggett. H.W. Enyart was one of the judges elected at that time. Big Creek township covered considerable territory, reaching from the Grand River, as above stated, on the south, to the Iowa State line on the north, being about thirty-seven miles north and south, and nine miles east and west on its southern line, spreading somewhat as it reaches northward. The inhabitants were bad]y scattered and it was a year or two before those in the north part found out where they lived, or that any election had ever been held in that * neck of woods."

Now Benton

_ The County Court of Daviess county in the year 1840, had a large amount of patriotism, with a pressure of abont three thousand pounds to the square inch, and it fairly bubbled up and boiled over at the June term of the court of that year. They did not want Daviess to be known as a backwoods county by any such primitive names, as Clear Creek with its pellnecid waters, or Grindstone with its suggestive tendency of sharpening, or Big Creek or Honey Creek with their primitive mingling of largeness and sweetness, none of which gave any signs either of patriotism or of statesmanship. These last were facts of local origin, for one was a pretty big creek, and the other historic for many vears, and those years a decade, before this enlightened County Court took its seat. Honey Creek was a regwlar bee-hive, and many a wagon load of this toothsome article of the basy bee had been garnered along its flowery banks, Dut Daviess county was, hereatter, to be named by townships, in honor of the statesmen of the land, and so Big Creek, with its mammoth territory, wealth of timber rolling surface and clear running streams, was to be known as " Benton" township for all future time, and the name of Missouri's greatest senator will ever be a household word in Daviess county.

There is no township in the county whose people have exhibited more energy and thrift than those of Benton. They had to work to make houses for themselves and families, and while the soil in most parts is rich and fertile, it was a timbered country and it had to be cleared before crops could be raised. Benton township has steadily improved and her population has kept pace with that improvement. In no one thing is she behind her sister townships in all that goes to make an intelligent and prosperous peo- -

Benton township was first settled in 1832. In the spring of that year Benjamin Sampson tor the first time trod the soil and prove tu be the first white settler who made his home within its limits. He settled on the western side of the township a little over a mile from the Gentry eounty line, then Clinton county, on the southwest quarter of section seventeen, township sixty-one, of range twenty-nine. He built hitnself a loge eabin and cleared a place for apateh of corn. His neighbors were some miles distant and he plaved a lone hand against the forest which surrounded him. But Sampson did net bely his name, aml he overcome the trees of the torest as his namesake did the Philistines, but he used an ax. Tle exme from good old Tennessee, and his father before him fran Virginia, the mother of States and of statesmen,

On the 22d day of November, 1833, Mr. Sampson found a neighbor, and one, as the future proved, worthy to be called such, and a representative of the true pioneer. On the above date H. W. Enyart settled on section eight, on the southeast quarter, something over a mile from Mr. Sampson's resideace. A tent was oceupied until the palace of logs was erected. The eabin was built upon a plat of rising gronnil, forty-eight vears age, and today, on that same spot, Mrs. Mary Ann Enyart, the true and noble pioneer wife, still lives, in the seventy-third year of herage. The cabin was built on section nine, and the ocenpants came from Kentucky.

Then followed, the same winter, Benjamin and Jerry Barns and Jolin Me- Cully, and in the spring of 1834, Charles and Isaac Burns, brothers of the above named, arrived. They settled in the same neighborhood on sections eighteen and twenty. All were neighbors who were within five or six miles of each other. John Githens followed elosely, and, he too, eame in 1834; all these left the "dark and bloody gronnd." Kentneky, where they were reared, and bidding their "oll Kentneky home, good-bye," they started west to grow up with the country, A few others came in on the eastern part of the township, and for awhile inuuigration ceased.

Sad Death

A sad accident and death ocenrred in the fallof 1834; that is the helief, but the body was never found, William Easom came out to Missouri to look at the country with a view of settling should if suit him. He stopped ata cabin sonth of the river near Grindstone Creek, and was woing to visit the Burnses whom he knew. The rains had raised Grand River so that it was not supposed to be fordable and he was told so. Te replied, "1 am a good swimmer and if T cannot ford it T will swim over." He left the cabin with his rifle and suck, and that was the last seen of him. The Burnses expected him, and went south of the river te mike emyniries as to whether such a man had been seen. The settler's where he had stopped told of his leaving and his remarks about swimming over. The neighbors were aroused and search made. His rifle and sack were found by a log carefully rolled up together on the south side, and it was believed that he had coneluded to swim over and eome back for his traps. After covering them up he had attempted to swim the raging enrrent of Grand River near what is now known as Williams's Ford, and there met his fate in its turbid waters. A long search for the body proved fruitless and nothing further was ever seen or heard of William Easom.

H. W. Enyart tanght the first school in the township and possibly in the county. THe tanght at his house in the summer and winter of 1837, and had some ten pupils. The tuition fee was two dollars and a half a scholar for a term of three months, taken in the currency of the realm, which was of assorted stock and variegated in color, There was no discount on the assortment; a gold dollar wasn't any better than a deer skin, and a bushel or so of corn was just as good, if not a little better, for home consumption than silver dollars, and in tact was preferred. Some honey now and then, to sweeten the pathway of lite, was taken, and a deer skin was not refused, for legeins and moceasins were a necessity.

The first loom ever built in Benton township was also the work of H. W, Enyart, and his wife, Mary Ann, did the first weaving, and this was in the year 1834, and notas above dated, This lady also did the first carding and spinning in the township, aud in the year last above mentioned. Like all the pioneer women of the early times, she not only made her own clothes but those of lier husband and children,

The great mart of trade for these up country folks was Liberty, in Clay county, the first year or so, and then they changed to St. Joseph, which was the trading point for several years. Indians were plentiful and peaceful, and would, when the opportunity offered, steal by the armful. When they couldn't get their meal at Liberty, or run out, a burnt hole in a log and a stick with a big butt for a pestle, answered fora mill. The meat was entirely of wild game, but it was of a variety fit for the palate of an epicure, There were bear and venison steaks and hams, wild turkey, and fresh fish from the streams; these made lite durable and would not go bad even in the year 1881, In fact, the old pioneer lived on the fat of the land, and it seems to us of later years that its fatness has seriously diminished.

Items Of Events

The tirst physician was Dr, William Henderson, and he came in the year 1835, and the next was Dr. Yater. Both of these gentlemen came from Kentueky and both have long since passed to another world.

The Rev. George Wangh preached the first sermon at the house of TH. W. Enyart, in 1834. He belonged to the Methodist denomination, Isaac Burns was also a Methodist preacher and began'preaching at the lonses of the neighbors the spring he eame to the township, which was in 1835. His first service was held at the house of Willian Allen. Rey. J.T. V. Duberry was also one of the early preachers in the same chureh. ;

The first child born in Benton township: was in the spring of 1836, and was ason of Glenn Sampson. The seeond was Ann, a daughter of Benjamin Burns, born the summer following. There was but a month or two between their ages.

The first death in the township among the settlers was that of © Milly," a negro woman belonging to Mrs. Mary Enyart. She died and was buried in the fall of 1834, and her eottin was made from the wagon-box brought by the family when they came into the township. It was the only resource for beards then in the county,

In 1835, Mr. Enyart's cabin, and all its contents, except the loom, was burned. They saved nothing but the clothes they lad and the loom above mentioned.

The First Suhool-Iouse

The first school-honse built was put up in the summer of 1842. Tt was built of round logs and was sixteen by eighteen feet in size, with a dirt floor 'Clapboard roof held on by weight-poles, cracks finely cemented with mud, and smooth puncheon seats and desks. The honse was built by the neighbors, all jointly assisting, among the number being David and Isaac Groomer, John D. Williams, Jobn Githens, Joseph MeCrosky and others. The first teacher was John Githens and he "tanght the young ideas how to shoot" and touk his pay in wild game, chickens, ducks, coon and deer skins, corn, or cash, as the ease might be. He taught for the moderate sum of $3.50 per scholar for a term of three months, and had some twenty pupils in all. 'The school-house stood on the Dilley place in section twenty-eight and in the north halt. Where that sehool-honse stood now stands a mulberry tree, fully ten inches in diameter, a living monument to the memory of the first institution of learning within Benton township.

In the meantime Benton was rapidly settling. The Allens settled in 1834. James Brown and George Brown came in 1835. The former is dead and the latter removed to Texas. Elijah Frost eame about the same time and was a prominent citizen of the county for years. He removed to California in 1851, going overland soon after the gold excitement broke ont.

The first appearance of John D. Williams was in 1835. He came west to look atter the fate of William Easom, whose death is mentioned a few pages back. The wile of Easom.and a neighbor of Mr, Williams's, requested hit to look up, if possible, some further proof of her husband's fate. She had been notified of the facts heretofore given. Nothing further could be learned. Mr. Williams looked around considerably in this western country on that visit, and five years after, in the year 1840, John D. Williams became a resident of Benton township. Te purchased land on both sides of the Grand River, in section thirty, but lived on the east and south of the river. His son now occupies the old homestead.

No roads were laid out in those early years, but the roads were free to roam or drive wherever your destination might lead you. Trips of days, and often of weeks, were taken to procure the necessaries of life, or bring back loads tor some enterprising man on the way.

The first horse-mill was built by Benjamin Sampson, on the Sampson place and did duty for several years. The first water-mill was put up by Matthew Patton, on Big Creck, just north of the site of the old town of Pattonsburg, and trom whom the town took its name. lt stood for many years, and was of great benefit to the people of the surrounding country. The town of Pattonsburg was first known as such in 1845, though but one or two buildings were standing in the early winter of 1844 and 1845. A few years after this Mr. Patton removed to Oregon and took up his permanent residence.

The first rag earpet ever wove in Benton township was by the hands of Mrs. Hulda Powell. She wasa splendid type of the pioneer woman of the age that called forth ail the virtues and the fortitude of the wife and mother. All that was demanded of her she seemed eapable of performing. She was the wife of J. W. Powell. Mrs. Benjamin Sampson and Mrs. Mary Enyart both furnished their houses with the same article, the skill of their own hands.

The first marriage in Benton township was that of Charles Burns to Miss Sampson. The neighbors came to attend that wedding in force. They came from miles around, and they had to, for the cabins were miles apart. The bride wore a beautiful homespun dress of her own weaving, and the groom was eqnally at home ina wedding snit of homespun, wove by his mother and made by her nimble fingers. The church bells did not sound a merry peal. but the old eow yave her head an oceasional shake, which answered the same purpose. She had on her neck the only bell of the family, while Charlie Burns secured the belle of the neighborhood tor a helpmeet through life. They went to house-keeping in the usual primitive style. Stoves were searce in those days, and mahogany parlor, and walnut bedroom sets, finished in oil, were not then in vogue, All this saved money and a great deal of hard work, so the couple were happy in having a pot or two, a bag of corn meal and a trusty rifle. With this outtit and strong hearts and wil-

The township continued for years in steady progress. It continued to lead in wealth and population. Its citizens represented in a marked degree the progress of the county. John D. Williams served in the legislature two terms, and was prominent in all the public enterprises of the day. Benjamin Salmon, an able man, served one term, and others held important trusts.

Benton township was always fortunate in her choice of publie servants. The year Benjamin Salmon was in the legislature Harrison county was organized and its metes and bounds described. Mr. Salmon lived on section thirty-six of township sixty-two of range twenty-nine. It had been supposed the township line would be the dividing line of the county, but if so, Salmon would find himself not only in Harrison county, but outside of the township. Having charge of the bill, he proposed to remain inside of Daviess and still live in the borders of old Benton. To that end he had the Harrison county south line commence one mile north of township line No. 'sixty-two, and it was so fixed. Mr. Salmon's farm joins the Harrison county line, but he is in Daviess county, and Benton township is his home.

The Mexican War

This contest had but little effect upon Benton, as the township furnished but few recruits. The excitement hardly reached these quiet haunts of the paleface and the roving Indians. The county together furnished a number who went to the southern fields of carnage. Some returned, while a few sleep their last sleep on Mexican soil, and their memory forgotten save by those left desolate by their loss. The star of empire had gone a few miles south, and manifest destiny taken a few steps furward, but blood marked the pathway, and a nation mourns for her lost sons. Was it worth the sacrifice?

The Gold Fever

The gold fever raged pretty severely in Daviess county generally and Benton township seems to have had its share. Quite a number of the people left for the golden shore and dug and delved in that far off land to place their families and themselves beyond the reach of want. Some of the best citizens were allured to the El Dorado of the Pacifie coast, some to gain wealth and return, others to stop and make their home among its fertile tields, and others to pass the 'dark river" to the eternal home beyond. For several months the excitement was intense, every report from the land of gold was eagerly sought for and eagerly read. Property was sacrificed in many instances to get the " wherewith" to accomplish the long and dreary Journey to the land of the setting sun. Some even fell by the way, but nearly

Years had passed and those who had gone began to return, and withal Benton seemed to grow and prosper. No emigration to other lands seemed to check her prosperity, for if one left two came to take his place. Farms were being improved and others opened by new settlers, schools flonrished and churches grew apace. Cabins arose in shady groves and a clearing soon after appeared and this continned until the blight of civil war took possession of theland. Then, for awhile, progress ceased. | The passions of men became inflamed. Some nobly joined the army showing their manhood and their courage upon the field of strife, while others proclaimed alond their loyalty, and in darkness committed deeds of crime so damaging as to make hearts tremble for the salvation of man.

The Death Of Lockwood

One of the foulest crimes committed during those dark days of civil strife was the murder of David Lockwood. He was an old man, in the sixty-sixth year of his age, a Tennesseean by birth and a Missourian by adoption, having removed to this State in 1844. le located on section six, and had a neat, well improved farm. Being an old man he remained neutral in the strife around him, attending to his business and looking after his stock and farm. He lost considerable property at different times taken by roving parties calling themselves militia. On the morning of the 11th of October, 1864, he and his wife went to the barn to teed and look after the stock. While there some one called from the house and Mrs. Lockwood went back leaving her husband to finish feeding the stock. She found four men had taken possession of the house and had Mr Lockwood's shot-gun. One of the men asked in a loud and threatening voice for Mr. Lockwood - This so alarmed her that she told them he was not at home, but Mr. L. hearing the loud voices started at once for the house. He felt there would be trouble when he saw his gun in the hands of one of the men, but tried to go into the house, as he had a loaded revolver and thought he could defend himself and have a chance for his life, but they intercepted him and with a volley of eurses shot him down in his tracks; the man with the gun discharged its load of shot into his face and neck and he fell and expired almost immediately. The fiendish brutes then left this old man of nearly seventy years of age, and unarmed, weltering in his gore, and lis aged wife alone with the dead, taking his gun and other property they could carry off with them. Nine years after, three of the men, John Dyke, Williain Reynolds and John Prudence were indicted by the grand jury of Gentry county, for the willful murder of David Lockwood, but friends warned the wretches in time and they fled the country before being arrested. They have never returned. The widow still lives and was seventy-four years of age on the 29th day of October, 1881, and has a vivid remembrance of the terrible crime which made her a widow, and took him from her who had been her loved and loving companion tor forty years.

After the civil strife is ended we find little of general interest in the progress of Benton township. It is increasing in stock, and its yield of grain is larger. Township lines have been eliienged so often that a comparison of gain cannot be made, as one year her territory was enlarged and the next cut off.

Taxable Wealth

The valuation of real and personal property in 1870 was assessed at $153,945, the same assessment for the town of J? attonsburg gave it a valuation of $4,625. In 1877 its assessed valuation amounted to $283,947. A change was made in the boundaries of the different townships in 1870, and Benton was made six miles square, or the size of a congressional township, and remained that size until August, 1878.

Railroad Fever

In the mean time the railroad fever had taken a severe hold oi the people, and they wanted communication with the outside world so bad that they were willing to give $20,(.00 for the favor. Therefore, on the promise and pledge that the Omaha & Chillicothe Railroad should run through the center of the township, and Pattonsburg be made a station on said line of road, the citizens of Benton township voted, August 30, 1870, $20,000 in stock tosaid road. Hope ran high, and the people of Benton began to believe in a future of prosperity for their township. With cheap freighting facilities her immense forests of timber could be utilized and a mine of wealth worked in the interest of the people. The road reached there in 1871, but instead of carrying out the agreement, the road was finished to the banks of the Big Muddy, two miles sats of the town of Pattousburg and only about two miles within the corporate limits of the township, and there it came toa stop for about five years, and, in fact, for a year it ceased to run altogether. This did not in the least prevent the railroad company from demanding of the township the $20,0U0 subscription, but as the company had failed to carry out its contract or redeem its pledves, the people of Beuton declined to pay for what they had not received. The result was a suit, commenced by the company, and defended by the township. which resulted, after being carried up to the Supreme Court of the State, in a verdict for the township. They got a road where they did not want it, but they paid nothing.

There had been several changes in the township law, made by the legislature, and for a while they came so often that it was hard to keep track of the procession. The first list of township officers of record, was the election of July 2, 1872, when the following township officers were elected: Supervisor, Willen Earl; clerk, E. D. Powell; assessor, Charles M. Gray; col- lector, John A. Martin; constable, R. P. Fuller; justices of the peace, Henry Ward and James K. Heath. There were 223 registered votes in the township.

The supervisor law still held for the spring election of 1873, which came off in April, and the following ticket was successful: Supervisor, Henry Ramey; clerk, I. N. Young; assessor, C. M. Gray; collector, J. L. Martin; justices, Henry Ward and Henry Dilley; and constable, R. P. Fuller.

1875, - Henry Ramey, trustee; Willis Dilley, clerk; William M. Williams, assessor; R. R. Christie, collector; William Ward, constable; Henry Dilley and Henry Ward, justices.

Elm Flat

The railroad company ceased work on the banks of the Big Muddy on a low piece of ground thickly covered with elm trees and known as Elm Flat. This movement, of course, destroyed the town of Pattonsburg, for, notwithstanding the low situation, there the company built a station house and freight depot. It was a mean and despicable act, and it was so looked upon by the people, and so far as they were able was resented by them. The business of Pattonsburg was removed to the station, and New Pattonsburg took the place of the old town, and the postoftice took thename of Elm Flat, after the plat of Jand upon which the new town was built, The old town, with property to the value of tive thousand dollars, was destroyed, so that at the date of this writing but two or three houses remain to tell where the old town stood. The new town, however, still retained the name of Pattonsburg.

Another Election

In 1874 the name of Robert R. Clouster appears as collector for the township, but nothing further of the officers tor that year. The spring election of 1875 returns a full list for that year: Henry Ramey, trustee; Willis Dilley, clerk; E. B. Christie, collector; William Williams, assessor; William Ward, constable; and Henry Ward and Henry Dilley, justices of the peace.

The supervisor ]aw had been repealed and the county was again divided into county judicial districts, and trustees elected in the several townships in place of the supervisors.

The election for township officers in 1876 gave a majority to the following named persons: Trustee, Henry Ramey; clerk, I. S. Stewart; collector

No election was held for township ofticers in the spring of 1877, and the County Court, upon the petition of some seventy of its citizens, appointed William Earl and Henry Ward justices of the peace, to hold their offices

Boundary Extended

Notwithstanding the many changes that had taken place, and the belief that the rearrangement of township lines in 1870 would be final, Freedom township was completely wiped out within three months, and Grant township had its name changed to Jamesport. The next and last change comes to Benton township in 1878. The County Court on August 5th, 1878, ordered that sections thirty-one to thirty-two inclusive of township sixty-one of range twenty-nine, now a part of Marion township, be added to Benton, and henceforth Benton township shall include all of township No. 61 of range 29 and sections 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 86, township No. 62, of range 29, making the said township of Benton seven miles north and south, and six miles east and west. This may be the last change made, but Salem, Washington, and Lincoln are liable at any time to have the same luck befall them, and they are really entitled to the six sections which are on each of their southern borders. It would be a good idea for the County Court to make this change at once so that the map which will soon be printed may have correct township boundary lines.

For the past two or three years Benton has steadily grown in wealth and population, and the extension of the Wabash Railroad to Omaha has opened a good market for her immense tracts of timber. The treeless plains of Nebraska have had many of their houses and barns built from Benton township lumber and many hundreds of thousands of feet have been shipped to that State since the completion of the above named road. - e

The township law which was repealed in 1877 was again enacted in 1880 and 1881, and the following township officers were elected at the April election of 1881: Trustee, Henry Ramey; clerk and assessor, Charles E. Hill;

The town is situated on the bottom lands on the bank of Sampson Creek, ina place called " Elm Flats" from the number of elms growing upon it. The old town of Pattonsburg was located about one and a half miles north of the present location, and went by that name since 1845. Matthew Patton built the first water-mill in the township, just on the edge of town, on Big Creek, and from being called Patton's Mill, it became changed to Pattonsburg as the name of the settlement. The location of the town was upon a rolling eminence, with a very rich farming country around it.

The Chillicothe & Omaha Railroad was completed to Big Creek, and they established a depot on section twenty-seven, about one and one-quarter miles north of the south line of the township. This was done to destroy the old town and for the railroad company to speculate upon its losses. The business men, of course, were compelled to move, and the rest followed, and old Pattonsburg is a thing of the past. The name of the post-office is Elm Flat, but the people bronght the name of the town with them when they moved, and it will never be known by any other name. The town commenced to grow quite rapidly. The location was against it because it is low and flat, and many of the business men kept their families at the old town until the new could be put in shape to live in. There are but few towns of its size in the State that does the amount of business. In lumber, staves and heading, it has a very heavy trade, and the factories are turning out large numbers of these articles.

Watson's flouring mill has four run of stone, two for flour exclusively and two for custom grinding. The shipment of flour by rail tor the month of September amounted to a little over $1,600, this, besides the home or local trade, which combined, reaches some $30,000 annually. Mr. Watson is also the owner of a saw-mill, and he shipped, as his books show, over 245,000 feet of lumber last year.

The stave and heading factories ship to four States besides Missouri. They oceupy two acres of ground for their works. The gun-stock factory is also shipping to all points and do a large trade with Chicago. These industries have been growing for years, and are still growing at a rapid rate. More machinery is being added, and the facilities to meet the increased orders will soon be completed.

The town grew steadily but not rapidly. The old town had moved over by 1876, and the country people around began to concentrate their trade at the new town. This gave it a substantial backing, as the next and neares trading points were McFalls, seven miles northwest, and Jameson nine miles southeast. The talk of having the town incorporated took shape in 1877.

It had grown to a place of about 250 inhabitants, its business was increasing, and the next move was for an incorporated village. The town was incorporated under the name of Elm Flat, but notwithstanding that, it is still and only known as Pattonsbnrg.

Incorporation

Elm Flat was first incorporated August 7, 1877, but upon a reéxamination of its metes and bounds an error was found in the description, and it was again brought before the County Court for correction. The court made void the first article of incorporation, and then passed a new order September 10, 1877, and the article of incorporation, as amended, reads as follows: - -

"Now at this day comes W. G. Weldon and thirty-three other inhabitants of the town of Elm Flat, Daviess county, Missouri, and present their petition to incorporate the town of Elm Flat, which petition is in words and figures following; viz., To the Honorable County Court of Daviess county: The undersigned, your petitioners, and being two-thirds of the taxable inhabitants of the village of Elm Flat, in Daviess county, Missouri, would most respectfully petition your honorable body to declare the village herein named incorporated, by virtue of the power vested in you by the act of the legislature, approved February 8, 1871, and that a police be established for their local self-government, and that the metes and boundaries of said village' are as follows; to-wit, Commencing at the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section number twenty-six, township sixty-one, range twenty-nine; thence south on the section line between sections twentysix, twenty-seven and thirty-four and thirty-five, to the southwest corner of the northwest quarter of section thirty-five, township sixty-one and range twenty-nine; thence east to the southeast corner of the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter of section thirty-five, township sixtyone, range twenty-nine; thence north to Big Creek; thence up the said Big Creek to where the south line of the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter of section twenty-six, township sixty-one, range twenty-nine, crosses said creek, thence west on said line to the place of beginning, including the north half of the northwest quarter of section thirty-five, and all west ot Big Creek of the south half of the southwest quarter of section twenty-six, allin township sixty-one, range twenty-nine. For which your petitioners will ever pray. [Signed:]

"Which petition is received and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that two-thirds of the taxable inhabitants of said town of Elm Flat have signed said petitition and that the prayer of said petitioners is reasonable, it is therefore ordered by the court that said town of Elm Flat be and is hereby incorporated, under the name and style of Elm Flat, and the metes and bounds of said town of Elm Flat be and they are hereby fixed, as set forth in the above petition; and all the territory within the above described bounds be, and is hereby declared to be, and belong to said town and the inhabitants of said town of Elm Flat are hereby invested with all the rights and privileges guaranteed to such towns incorporated under chapter forty-one under the general statutes of the State of Missouri; and it is further ordered by the court that W. G. Weldon, John W. Casebolt, F. E. Venable, Thomas J. Mattingly and E. B. Christie of said town of Elm Flat be and they are hereby appointed the board of trustees in and for said town to hold their offices until their successors are elected and qualified."

The first mayor was J. W. Casebolt, for two years. He was followed by James W. Rogers, and the latter succeeded by E. B. Christie. Charles E. Hill was elected recorder and attorney and still holds the office. The spring election of 1881 returned the following officers for the present year, or until their successors are 'qualified: Mayor, E. B. Christie; recorder and attorney, Charles E. Hill; trustees, Elijah Ellis, George W. King, Cyrus Hunt and S. D. Stevens; marshal, Harrison W. Deskins.

The most correct knowledge of the business of Pattonsburg may be gathered from its receipts and shipments by railroad, which are here given.

Railroad Statistics

Through the courtesy of E. A. Yost, agent of the Wabash Railroad Company, we obtain the following statement of the shipments, receipts and earnings of the Wabash Road, at this place, for the year ending June 30, 1881:

The first house was built by Thomas Fields. The first postmaster still retains the office, and is E. D. Powell. The population of the town by the census of 1880, is 899, and at this time will reach five hundred.

Baptist Church

The Missionary Baptist Church of Pattonsburg was organized February 2, 1881, and the original members were William G. Weldon, Louis Noble, E. H. Tillery, H. B. Tillery, F. R. Bullock, J. H. Weldon, N. G. Dillon, Rebecca Noble, Mary Shanks, D. E. Dillon, M. J. Weldon, Luey M. Christie, Elizabeth Hardin, and Melvina Robbins. Another member has joined since and they have now in course of erection, and nearly completed a handsome frame structure thirty-six by fifty feet at a cost of $1,500.

The Free Will Baptist Church was the first organized church in the township, and was located on Benjamin Salmon's place, in the northeast corner, in the year 1840.

The first Christian Church was organized in 1842, and became a prosperous organization until the war of 1861, when it became broken up, its membership being scattered.

Oak Ridge Christian Church

This church was organized in 1867, and they succeeded in building a very pretty frame chureh edifice in 1871, at a cost of $1,000. Its original roll of membership numbered twenty-eight. The officers of the church were, Meredith Morris, Henry Ward and Pleasant Daniels, elders; and George A. Wilkins, and Matthew Stapleton, deacons. The members were John Gagan and wife, Peter Stapleton and wife, Thomas Daniels and wife, Levi Hedges and wife, Matthew Stapleton and wife, Henry Ward and wife, Meredith Morris and wife, Pleasant Daniel and wife, George A. Wilkins and wife, E W. Alley and wife, Agnes Wilkins, Jemima C. Wilkins, Susannah Stapleton, Eliz- abeth Ramey, Mahala J. Ramey, Elizabeth Webb, Marion Morgan, and Sarah Daniel. There has been quite a number of changes in the ministry, and among the number who have officiated are the names of Revs. J. H. Coffey, Andrew Sweeney, Beecher Myrick, J. Oxford, and J. F. Jordan. The church has grown until it numbers seventy-five as its present membership, and is. ina flourishing condition.

The church of the United Brethren is located near the center of section fifteen. The congregation is not very large, but united and prosperous.

Methodist Episcopal Church

The first church of this denomination in Benton township was the Hopewell Class, in 1856, the circuit preacher being the Rev. R. R. Witten, now aresident of Pattonsburg and the present pastor of the flourishing church of that place. The services were held at the school-house, and there were but nine members the first year. The same gentleman occasionally held service at the old town of Pattonsburg. The church at that time had no property. There is now a Pattonsburg circuit, besides several others in the county. The former is under the charge of the Rev. Mr. Witten, above spoken of. In the three organized classes of the Pattonsburg circuit there are now ninety members. In the Heatts class, in the north part of Benton township,. they have fifty members and ahandsome church edifice, costing about $1,000. In the Hopewell, on the east side of the township, they have twenty-five members, but as yet no church of theirown. The Pattonsburg church numbers sixty-five members, and have a church in course of erection, which,. when completed, will have cost something over $1,200. This latter class, though new, is in a flourishing condition. The parsonage is a very pretty frame cottage of four rooms, costing about $450.

Benton township feels proud of her schools, eight in number, because the buildings are creditable and the attendance large, being fifth in the county in the number of children and in the days taught. The school at Pattonsburg is in a flourishing condition, and the house is becoming too small to meet the wants of this growing town.

Pattonsburg Lodge, A. F. & A. M., was established in 1854 in the old town, its hall was burned in 1877, and the members removed to the new town the same year. The officers for the present year are William M. Williams, W. M.; Jesse Groomer, 8. W.; J. M. Poage, J. W.; David Groomer,

Wilbur Lodge, I. 0. O. F.

This lodge was instituted February 23, 1881, by C. A. Conrad, the district deputy, with twelve charter members, It now numbers forty-two with the following list of officers: J. B. Cross, N. G.; Daniel Gintis, V. G.; S. D. Stevens, recorder; J. M. Watson, per. secretary; and Elijah Ellis, treasurer. The order holds weekly meetings on each Wednesday night.

Pattonsburg Business Directory

The improvements this year, of note, is the fine residence of Mr. Weldon, the large store of E. Christie, 25x60 feet, two stories. and the baptist and Methodist churches. There are qnite a number of smaller buildings under way or already completed. The Putéonsburg Call is the first paper published in the town, and was started September 1, 1881.

Orystal Springs

One of the institutions of Benton township, and we might say of the county, are the famous Crystal Springs. They are situated on the farm of John Gagan, about five miles northwest of Pattonsburg, on Crystal Springs Branch, a small creek which empties into Sampson Creek, not far distant. There is a beautiful grove of forest trees near the springs, which are three in number, and chemical analysis has shown them to possess wonderful curative properties. The last few years they have become famous, and camping parties, numbering thousands, during the summer months, drink of their healing waters. There is yet but one hotel at the springs, but if another large one was bnilt it would probably be filled for three months.

The bed of the creek is mostly dry during the summer months. It has a rocky bottom of limestone formation of a blue cast and very hard. Blue soap stone and soft slate, scaly and easily crumbled, is found near the surface from one to two teet, while at the depth of about three feet a rich clay loam is found. Below this a sott, dark slate stone, very iree, and still further down, slate-stone, hard, aud then succeeded by a species of lime-stone, hard and brittle. 'The ,bath-house is asmall building near one of the main springs. The citizens around these springs have kuown of their great medicinal qualities tor years, but they have only been known to the general public for a few years past. In that time, however, they have become famous. Messrs. Wright & Merrill, chemists, of St. Louis, give the following analysis of the waters of these celebrated springs.

reaction alkaline, specifie gravity 1.0021, carbonic acid abundant, earbonate of lime, carbonate of magnesia, carbonate of oxide of iron, sulphate of lime, chloride of sodium, chloride of potassium, silica, organie niatters.

These are the ingredients of the best mineral healing waters to be found, and these springs in their great medical properties, have few equals, if any, in the country, They will yet become a great summer resort. ;

Biographical Sketches William C. Atkinson

Is a native of Rockingham county North Carolina, born April 25, 1809. His parents, William and Mary Atkinson, nee Clark, were both born in Maryland; his tither forty miles east of Baltimore and his mother in Annapolis. His grandfather, Royal Clark, was the founder of Clarksville, Maryland. The parents of our sabject moved to North Carolina and both died in Ruekingham county, his mother in 1835 and his father in 1S43. His half brother, Thomas Atkinson, was one ot the first settlers in Daviess county and died near Gallatin in 1837,

At the age of twenty-two years William ©. Atkinson lett his Kentueky home to do for himself, and January 10, 1832, was united in marriage to Miss Mary F. Shores, a native of North Carolina, born October 27, 1811. By this union sixteen children were born; namely, Melinda, wife of Seth Macy; Martha, wite of W. 8, Boyce; Bianea, wite ot William F. Boyce; Mary J., wile of R. Shores; John H., in Nebraska: Elzena. wife of S. Atkinson; Naney A., wife of John Heath; Emily A., wile of H, N, Elam; and Willian Mouroe Atkinson, died January 22, 1864, while a member of the Twelfth Missouri Cavalry; the others died in infaney. Mrs. Atkinson died March 23, 1861. He married, October 2, 1861, Miss Snean Decring, anative of Bedford eounty, Virginia, born April 24, 1821. Her father, Jolin Deering, and his wite and family, moved tu Missouri in 1826 and settled in Callaway county. Ler mother died Felrnary 8.1838. Her dather is still a resident of Daviess connty in the cighty-fitth year of his ave. by the second marriage one daughter was born; namely, Sarah M., Febraary 918683.

In 1834 Mr. Atkinson and family lett North Carolina and moved to Henry county, Tennessee, and atter living there three years they came to Missonri and located in Daviess county, After remaining three years they settled in Harrison county and lived there till 1865 and then permanently took up their abode upon their beautiful farm in Benton township, Daviess county. Here he owns one lindred and fifty-seven acres in the home farm besides Iands in Gentry county. The first two years of his lite spent in Missouri he had to depend upon his gun for the sapport of himself and family. He made a contract with Jacob Stollings, the hotel-keeper in Gallatin, to furnish him wild turkeys for the use of his hotel during the winter and before the fullowing Mareh he had delivered to him one hundred and eighty wild turkeys. besides a lot of venison and tish. - In all. since living in Missouri, be has killed three hundred and thirty-six deer, sixty-two wild cats, one panther and alarge nomber of wolves. Tle was a great bee-tree hunter and at one time sold in Trenton seventy-seven gallons of wild honey at twenty-five cents per gallon, and in one fall found fifty-two bee-trees. When the first court was held in Gallatin le was employed to earry live coals into the room to keep the court warm. He was a member of the second jury and they met on the open prairie near where the court-house square now is. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church and although having passed through all the rough scenes of a pioneer life, still they are people of retined tastes and noted for their kind and genial manners and quiet peaceful lives and hospitable and social qualities. He is known as the great sugar man, having made and sold $1,600 worth of maple sugar.

Jasper N. Bailey

Was born in Carter county, Kentueky, June 8, 1838; a son of Jesse and Margaret Bailey, vee Webb. His father, by profession, was a teacher, and died in the year 1848; and his mother died December 16, 1876. When he was two years of age his parents left Kentucky and came to Lawrence county, Ohio. After being there six years they came to Daviess county, Missouri. When about seventeen years of age he lett home to see the world tor himself and went to New Mexico and remained one year, then returned to Missouri and remained till 1857 when he took his mother to California. They started to drive through with ox-teams, but after getting into Kansas his mother was taken sick and the trip abandoned. He next staked a claim in Brown county, Kansas, and remained two years, then, 1859, spent one year in Colorado, atter which he returned to Missouri, and October 10, 1863, enlisted asa member of Company G, First Missouri State Cavalry Militia and served till the close of the war.

On Vebruary 12th, 1863, he was married to Miss Martha Miller, a native of Breckinridge county, Kentucky, and born July 3, 1847. Her parents, Michael and Martha Miller came to Missouri and located in DeKalb county; her father died in 1869, and her mother in 1879. They have had seven children five of whom are living; namely, Elmer, born June 21, 1866; Ida, born June 27, 1868; Tipton, born September 26, 1870; Nellie, born July 24,1875; Lucey, born January 8, 1879; Frankie, born August 17, 1873, died January 31, 1877; and Virgil, born April 16, 1877, died July 13, 1879.

In 1874 Mr. Bailey and family went to California, located at Chico and engaged in farming during one summer; thence removed across the mountains to Oregon, and located in Coos county for about two years; thence to Umpqua Valley one year and then by the way of California to Daviess county, Missouri, where he has ever since resided. He is now serving the township as justice of the peace and has filled many minor offices. He owns a fine home of forty acres in Benton township, but is mainly engaged in stock dealing.

H. Gb. Best

Was born in Howard connty, Missouri, July 7, 1818; son of Hiunphrey and Catherine Best, vee Enyvart. His father was a native of Maryland, and his mother of North Carolina. Jn 1816 his parents located in Howard county, Missouri, and afterwards lived in Carroll, © lay and Daviess counties. His father died in Grundy county, January 1, 1849. The subject of our sketch was reared on a farm and received most of his edueation in C lav county, At the age of eighteen he hegan working for himself, and Mareh 26, 1845, permanently loeated in Beatin township, and has since been a resident of this county, and an extensive Jand-owner and dealer in stock. Tle was married, September 16, 1838, to Miss Rebecea MeCummon, who was born in Kentueky, Febrnary 11, 1s2u. Twelve children have been born to them, eight of whom are still living; viz., Humphrey, in Colorado; Silas, in De- Kalb county; David, Lewis and Alexander, all in Colorado in the stock business; Charity, wile of A. F. Enyart, of Colorado; Ethlen, wife of J. B. Owen, of DeKalb county; W.C. Breckinridge, at home; Hannah died when twenty years of age; the other three died when voung. My. Best is one of the old pioneers of this county and when he started here the place was but a wilderness and he was poor, but new le owns over tive hundred aeres of fine land, well stocked. Tle bears a fine reputation in lis neighbortivod for his uprightness and strict business integrity.

John W. Casebolt

Was born in Fayette county, Ohio, December 29, 1819; a sen of John and Prena Casebolt, nee Harrison, TLis father was a native of Greenbrier county, Virginia; and his mother of Kentucky; she was a first cousin to General Harrison. Tis parents came to Ohio ata very early day and were pioneers in Ross and Fayette counties. His father died when the subject of our sketch was but an infant, and his mother died in 1868. At the age of fourteen years, John W. Casebolt left his native State and went to Fountain county, Indiana, and there learned the trade of blacksmith, and remained unti] 1842. In the spring of that year he eame to Missouri and located in Daviess county, and in February, 1843, went to Harrison connty, near Bethany, and remained there alont twenty-eight vears. While there he was an honored member of the C lounty Court by election and appointment, for nearly seven vears; he also tilled all the township offices, and during the Civil War was lientenant of the Enrolled Militia, and afterwards received the appointment of major for the Harrison County Battalion. In Isv3 he nioved to Daviess county and permanently located at Pattonsburg. Since coming here he has filled many important offices, being appointed the first mayor and filling all the township offices, he is now justice of the peace. He married, September 10, 1843, Miss Sophronia Bender, who was born in Fayette county, Ohio, January 9, 1826. There have been fourteen children born to them, eight of whom are still living; viz. Mary E., wife of F. M. Jackson, in Lincoln county, Kansas; Noah, living at Alto Vista; Prena Jane, at home; Susan E., wife of David Swope; Benjamin lives at Alto Vista; Charles, Amanda A., F. M., and Alice May, living at home; a son, John, died when twenty-three years of age; and the others died when quite young.

Mr. Casebolt is a man of energy and will, and is now the owner of a fine town property in Pattonsburg, where he lives a useful and an honored citizen. He has passed through the rise and development of this county from its wilderness state up to its present prosperity. Mr. and Mrs. Casebolt have been members of the Christian Church for over twenty years.

E. B. Christie

Was born in Shelby county, Kentucky, March 10,1851; son of J. B.and Letha Christie, vee Bohannon, beth natives of Kentucky. His parents came to Missouri in 1853 and lived in Daviess county till 1862, then removed to Harrison county, where they still reside. Young Christie was a diligent student and at the age of eighteen qualified himself for teaching which ealling he followed very snecesstully in Daviess and Harrison counties. He was the first teacher in Pattonsburg of which he is now mayor.

On Angust 20th, 1876, he married Miss Mary E. Best, a native of Nodaway county, born February 25, 1858. Her father was killed in 1862 in Nodaway county by persons claiming to be Union soldiers, and her mother died in 1860, Two children have been the fruits of this union; namely, Ernest E., born December 20, 1878; and Eva May, born June 15, 1881.

After his marriage he engaged in the mercantile business and erected the first stone building in Elim Flat, continuing in this business till Febrnary 1, 1881. He is now engaged in ereeting a large business house in the town of Pattonsburg. Another member of the family is a brother-in-law, Silas R. Best, who was born February 1, 1860. Mr. Christie is a prominent and leading member of the 1. O. O. F.

Is a native of Pike county, Kentucky, born June 5, 1854. His parents, W. Tl. and Lonisa Deskin, wee Atkins, were natives of Kentucky and are now both dead. J:annary 26, 1863, his father was commissioned lieutenant of cavalry to rank trom October 4, 1862, by Governor Jolin Letcher of Virginia; served till the close of the war, and participated in many memorable battles; was taken prisoner at Alexandria and while in prison contracted a disease

Young Deskin, when but thirteen years of ave, began supporting himself, working on the farm in summer and attending school in the winter; from that age he clothed and boarded himself and bought his own books. February 13, 1861, he came to Daviess county, Missouri, and worked at tanning and attended school till he received a good business education. He then learned the barber's trade, which occupation he followed for five years. He has so conducted himself and won the confidence of the people that in the spring of 1851 he was appointed city marshal, which position he is at present filling with credit.

Was born in Benton township, Daviess county, Missouri, January 27, 1845. His father, William Dillon, was born in Ohio, but removed to Tilinois when quite young and in the year 1838 caine to Missouri, and located about six miles north of Pattonsburg: thus he stands entitled to the honor of being one of the first pioneers of Daviess county. His mother, Lydia Dillon, nee Poe, was born in Tennessee, but married William Dillon in Illinois, and shortly afterwards the young couple came to Missouri and located in this county and selected for themselves out of the then wilderness a tract of land which they have converted into a beautiful home and where they reared their family, the subject of this sketch being the eldest of the only two now living. His brother, Seth, who is a minister of the Missionary Baptist Church in Gentry county, being the other son. The mother died April 28, 1880, on the old homestead where she had lived for over forty years, and the father is still living and making his home with his children. The subject of our sketch was educated at Grand River College and there qualitied himself for the profession of teaching and subsequently tanght in this and Harrison county.

On February 28th, 1868, le was united in marriage to Miss Sarali E. Satter, anative of Illinois. Her parents came to Missouri when she was quite young and they are now living in Harrison county. The father of Mrs, Dillon, James E. Satter, is a well known minister in the Free Will Baptist Church and is now laboring in Harrison county. Mr. and Mrs. Dillon have become the parents of six children, three of whom are still living; viz. Walter, born July 24. 1873; Jesse, born March 14, 1875: and Bessie, born in February, 1877. The family are all members of the Baptist Church,

In the year 1873 Mr, Dillon and tamily went to Butler county, Kansas, and remained two years, but grasshoppers, drouth, and eyelones caused him to return and now he is permanently Incated in business in Pattonsbarg. Ie first started in business in Hampton, Harrison county, and remained three years. Ile owns a nice little farm, besides his town residence and business house, which he keeps well filled with a well selected stock of goods, and by his straight forward manner of dealing is winning many customers and

William Earl

Was born in Monroe county, New York, April 13, 1816. His parents, John and Frances Earl, were natives of New Jersey. They located near Rochester, New York, and Mr. Earl engaged in the mercantile business. When young Earl was five years of age lis father died and four years later his mother also died. At this early age he started to earn his own living. He first worked near Buffalo, New York, next in different parts of Ohio; and after making a little money attended school at Carthage and by hard study acquired a fair education in the common school branches. He then began steamboating on the Ohio River, first, shipping as a deck sweeper and from that through all the intermediate duties till he secured the position of mate, and after this came to Missouri and located in Ray county, but bought land in Daviess county, In 1853 he married Miss Paulina Linnville, of Gentry county, and settled upon his land in Daviess county and began improving it. He now owns 380 acres of fine, well improved land. Five children have blessed their marriage; namely, Mary J., a teacher in Gallatin; George D., in business in Gentry county; F. B. and Lee Ann, both at home; John H, died January 10, 1875, at the age of nineteen years. Mr. Earl has filled many positions of honor and trust, such as county judge and justice of the peace.

Mr. Earl has done much for the development of his part of Daviess county, having labored hard to secure bridges in the western part of the county, aud after twenty years has seeured a bridge on Sampson Creek. He is publie spirited and whenever an enterprise is started in the interest of his county it finds a warm and efticient advocate in him. He is also one of the most prominent members of the A. F. & A. M. order in this part of the State.

Was born in MeLean county, Llinois, November 5, 1853. His father, Elijah Ellis, was a native of Virginia, and his mother, Gracie Canada Ellis, a native of I]linois. Tis parents came to Missouri in 1859 and loeated in Daviess county, where they still live. The subject of our sketch received only a common school education, and at twenty years of age went to Texas where he remained abont eight months and then came back to Missouri and farmed one year. In the fall of 1873 he began the drag business in Cotteysburg remaining one year, then removed to Thaw tor a short time and eeueael to Coffeysburg where he remained till Angust, 1875, then permanently loeated in Pattonsburg. ITlere he has succeeded well and built up a fine busi- ness. He has been the architect of his own tortune, for with but a limited education and no finanees he has within a few years conquered and beeome well read in medicine and surgery and has gained considerable property, owning a residence and business house, and doing an extensive and Inerative a Ie still continues his studies and is continually adding to to his fine library.

He was married, February 14, 1876, to Miss Sarah Belle Coffey, born in Indiana, November 5, 1855. Her parents moved to Missouri and still live in this county. He is a leading member of the I. O. 0. P. and also a member of the city council. He is spoken of asa liberal, public spirited man and one well worthy of the high esteem in which he is held by his many friends. ,

William P, Erwin

Was born in Wayne county, Indiana, October 30,1829. His parents, John and Elizabeth Piatt Erwin, were natives of Delaware and of Seotch-English descent. They moved to Indiana in 1828. Young Erwin was brought up on a farm and received his education at the excellent schools in the neighborhood where he lived and received a good English education, In August, 1851, he married Miss liza Cabberly, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, born in 1827. After marriage he was engaged in farminy in Indiana till 1879, then moved to Missouri and lueated in Daviess county. Here he owns a fine farm of one hundred and forty acres. One child, Edwin P. Erwin, born December 28, 1852, has blessed their union.

Mr. Erwin has been a life-long Republican and glories in the name. He had no means when he was married but now is possessed of a fine home and is a highly esteemed and respected citizen. He devotes much of his time in the interests of cducation and says the best investment he makes is when he pays his school tax.

John Gagan

Ts anative of County Kings, Ireland, born June 24,1819. His parents, John and Catherine Gagan, emigrated to America and landed in Baltimore county, Maryland, in the year 1835. John lived there till fifteen years of age then went to Pennsylvania and worked as a stone-cutter and contractor till 1846. On November Ist of that year, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah D. Williams, a native of Greenup county, Kentucky, born February 17,1826. She was a daughter of Lewis and Roxie Williams. Her father was born in Kentucky, and her mother in Virginia; the former died in 1544 and the latter in 1868. After their marriage they lived in Kentucky for three years then moved to Daviess county and located upon the farm they now oecupy. Six children have been born to them; namely, Mary, Ellen, Cornelins F'., John, Adelaide, Benjamin F. and Rosa A. Mr. Gagan, by his industry and thrift, has suceceded well and is now the owner of three hundred acres of fine land all improved and well stocked. His home farm of two hundred acres is a very valuable one; upon it are lovated the famous Crystal Springs. There are quite a number of these springs and they are said to possess many curative properties, and during the summer season they are visited by many invalids. He has enlarged lis residence and made arrangements to accommodate the many who make his place a summer resort. Mr. Gagan had but little opportunity of attending school in his younger days, but by diligent application to good books combined with a natural talent he has become a well informed man. He lias a very fine orchard and vineyard and is acknowledged the champion wine-maker in the county.

Charles E, Hill

Is a native of Wisconsin, and was born on the 21st of December, 1854. His father, Alonzo Hill, isa native of Vermont, and his mother, Caroline Hill, nee Rhimes, was born in the State of New York.

Mr. [ill came to Daviess county and has Jong made his home in Pattonsburg, and isone who by his uprightness and integrity, perseverance and industry, has won for himself' an honorable place among his tellow-citizens, and that, too, almost by his own unaided exertions. He does not court popularity but wins it by honest toil and deserving merit, and as an evidence of the esteem in which he is held by the people of his township, may be mentioned the fact that he at present holds the offices of township clerk and assessor, and city clerk and attorney of Pattonsburg. Heis oneof the rising young men of Benton township.

Mrs. Jane Lockwood

Jane Wilson was born in Cabell county, Virginia, October 29, 1807. Her father, Robert Wilson, was a native of Virginia and a grandson of Robert Dinwiddie, one of the provincial governors of that State, and was reared and educated by the governor and became quite a prominent man; he died in Lee coanty, Iowa, in 1542. Wer mother's maiden name was Mary Russell, and she was a native of North Carolina and a descendant of a very noted family; she died in Vermillion county, [linois, in 1862.

Ths subject of our sketch was married November 17, 1895, to David Lockwood, of Lawrence county, Kentueky, who was born Jane 3, 1799. Tlis parents were originally from Pennsylvania, bnt moved to Kentneky; his mother died in 1832 and his father in 1552. This couple lived in Kentneky till 1828, then in Warren county, Indiana, till 1844, when they located in Daviess county. Thirteen children were born to them, six of whom are

William died on his way to California in 1850; Elizabeth died January 22, 1862; ILenry was killed at the battle of Pea Ridge; the other four died in infancy. The record of the sad death of Mr. Lockwood, during the Civil War, will be found in fall in the chapter of incidents of Benton township in this volume.

Three of Mrs. Lockwood's sons were members of the Confederate service during the war. They were all members of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Lockwood has seen many trials and endured many hardships in her life time. But being a lady of strong physieal and mental powers and having an wnbounded faith in an all-wise Providenee, she has battled with the storins of life bravely and now, in the seventy-fourth vear of her age, is a woman remarkably well preserved.

Thomas J. Mattingly is a native of Richmond, Madison county, Kentucky, born September 30, 1828; son of Ignatius and Mary Daft Mattingly, both natives of St. Marys county, Maryland, and early settlers of Kentueky. His father died in 1832 and his mother in 1867. At the age of eighteen years he went to Lawrence county, Indiana, and there began the study of medicine and lived in various parts of the State till 1852, when he came to Missouri and located at Plattsburg. He was engaged in the land office department till 1861, and then began the practice of medicine at Pattonsburg. He began the study of his profession without any assistance, but by perseverance and care succeeded, having graduated at Louisville, Kentucky; he has an extensive practice and is one of the best and most favorably known physicians in this part of the country. Tle has been married three times, first to Miss Catherine Woodward, of Lawrence county, Indiana; she only lived six months after marriage. The second marriage was in 1556, to Mrs, E, Embry; by this second marriage six children were horn: Noble, now living in Texas; Nannie, wife of E. D. Powell; Ida, Francis E., Edward and Florence; his second wife died May 9, 1576. December 4, 1875, he married Mrs. Josie B. Stearns, of Chillicothe, Missouri. Dr. Mattingly has a good town residence and business house in Pattonsburg, and here Mrs. M. is engaged in the millinery business.

James M'Million

Ts a native of Greenbrier county, West Virginia, born May 7, 1835. His parents, George L. and Elizabeth Hanna MeMillion, were born in Virginia, but came to Missouri in 1845, and located near where the subject of this sketch now lives; the father died in 1848, and mother in 1878. From the time James was ten years of age, except for four years spent in the army, he has made Benton township his home. Till twenty-three years of age he remained with his mother and his only sister (now Mrs. Daniel Morris) and eared for them. On April Ist, 1858, he married Miss Naney E. Ellis, who was born in Daviess county, October 22, 1842. They became the parents of three children; named as follows: George R., born November 26, 1859; Mary E., born October 17, 1866; Lou Emma J., born December 6, 1868. Mrs. MeMillion died March 22, 1869. January 10, 1870, Mr. MeMillion married Miss Margaret E. Meadows, who was born in Monroe county, Virginia, August 5, 1846; she was a daughter of Philip and Sallie Meadows. Her mother died January 7, 1876, and her father is still living. Five children have been the result of this union; named, Lewis A., born April 29, 1871; Sarah F., born September 9, 1873; Naney N., born January 10, 1876; Lilly M., born June 17, 1878; and James J. II., born September 20, 1880, and died July 25, 1881.

Mr. MeMillion enlisted September 22, 1861, and served with Child's battalion six months and then, as a member of the First Confederate Missouri Cavalry, served till the close of the war. He is spoken of as having been an efficient and valiant soldier at Franklin, Tennessee, where he was severely wounded. He is a self-inade man and one who together with his family, are highly esteemed. Ile is a leading member of the I. O. O. F., and the family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal Charch.

W. T. Miller

Was born in Hawkins county, Tennessee, December 4, 1828. His parents, Obadiah and Susan A, Miller, were early settlers of Missouri; his mother died May 5, L876, and his father, May 25, 1878. When twenty-one years of age he hegan by renting a small piece of land, was industrious and saving, and in 1853 was able to buy forty acres of raw land. He has kept steadily increasing his possessions until he now owns over four hundred acres of highly improved land. On June 23d, 1853, he was married to Miss Charity W. Nanee, a native of Bedford county, Virginia, born September 1, 1832. She was the danghter of Allen B. and Polly Nance, who were natives of Virginia, but very early settlers of Daviess county. Her mother is dead, but her father is still a resident of this county. Ten children have blessed this union, nine of whom are still living: Ethelbert W., born April 26, 1855; Charles M., born April §,1858; Archibald W., born April 15, 1862; Davis L., born July 2, 1864; Connelly J., born October 4, 1866; Gustavus T., born September 20, 18638; Luey L., born June 12, 1871; Bob EL. born December 29, 1874; Josie L., born August 20, 1877; and Mary ©., born April 23, 1860, died in infaney.

Mr. Miller is one of those men who have worked up from nothing toa competency, and who has become a useful and honored citizen, universally esteemed by all whe know him. He has filled, with great satisfaction, many of the township otlices. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.

Mrs. Nancy Meadows

Nancy Gwinn is a native of Monroe county, Virginia, born October 17, 1809. Her parents, Joseph and Mary Gwinn, were both natives of Virginia. Her father died April 3, 1862, and her mother, June 23, 1872. November 27, 1832, she was married to Jolin Meadows, a native of Monroe county, Virginia, born May 24, 1809. Soon after marriage, this couple started ont empty handed, but determined to win for themselves a home, and after working nine years in Virginia, they secured « team and started for Missouri, and on November 12th, 1541, after a long and tedious travel, they landed and located on the present homestead in Daviess county, Mr. Meadows died March 10, 1880; he was a strict nember of the Presbyterian Chareh; was president of the Farmer's Bank, of Gallatin, for many years; and was a man widely and favorably known, and one in whom the people had great confidence; his loss was deeply mourned by his family and a large cirele ot friends. He lett a fine estate worth about $30,000 and some 650 acres of choice Jand.

Eight children were born to them; viz., Mary E., Sylvester S., Joseph T., Martha b., Hudson C., James A., Susan P., and Miriam J. Mrs. Meadows resides upon the old homestead, which is one of the finest in Benton township. Sheis a member of the Presbyterian Church and a lady universally beloved and respected by all who know her.

Mrs. Mary A. Newcomb

Mary Ann Ross was born in Bedford county, Virginia, January 13, 1812. She deserves a prominent place among the pioneer women of Daviess county, for early in November, 1539, she and her husband landed and located upon the farm now oceupied by them in Benton township. February 1, 1837, she was married to Philip R. Ellis, a native of Monroe county, Virginia, born Angust 23, 1815. After marriage they lived in Monrve county, Virginia, until 1839, then with one team and just enough to bring ther through, they came to Missouri and settled as above mentioned, when this was but a wilderness. They were poor, but hopeful and willing to work, and struggle lovingly together to prepare a home for their family. Although they had but little, still their wants were few, and they lived happily and comfortably together. They had four children; viz., John N., born November 28, 1837; Nancy E., born October 22, 1842; Owen, born December 21, 1844; and Marion, born December 28, 1850; Jolm N. and Naney are both dead. Mr, Ellis died September 28, 1852. He was & man highly esteemed by all. March 9, 1878, she was married to John K. Newcomb. Shortly after una riage, Mr. Neweomb was injured while working ina well, and only lived three weeks after. He was class-leader in the Methodist Episeopal Chureh, and a useful and honest citizen. Mrs. Ellis Newcomb is a member of the

Methodist Chureh and is a very intelligent and contented old lady, and everyone speaks well of and las a kind word for * Aunt Mary." She owns afarm of eighty acres, well improved.

Obadiail Persinger

Was born in Botetourt county, Virginia, January 8, 1815. His parents, John and Rachel Persinger, were both natives of Virginia, of German descent. They came to Howard county, Missouri, in the year 1821, and settled at Old Franklin. After residing there two vears they moved to Clay county, where they lived ten years, then moved to Clinton county and remained for four vears. On February 23d, 1837, Mr. Obadiah Persinger married Miss Rebecca Elliott, a native of Anderson county, Kentucky, born May 14,1816. Her parents, John and Ruth Elliott, were born in Kentucky and came to Missonri in 1832, and settled in Clinton county. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Persinger settled in Buchanan county, and were among its earliest settlers. hey lived there four years, then moved to Gentry county, and in the fall of 1859 permanently located on what is now their beautiful farm in Benton township. Ten children have been born to them, nine of whom are still living aud grown to manhood and womanhood; viz., Elizabeth, Rachel, John, Susan, Joseph, Martha, Thomas, Rebecea, James W.; and Lewis E., who died when tive months old. When this couple started in life together they had nothing, but moved into a small log eabin without Hoor, door or chimney, but they were young and had strong hands and were determined to win for themselves and family a home, and nobly have they labored and sueceeded. Mr. Persinger has been a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years.

Was born in Ray county, Missouri, September 14, 1858; son of W. P. and Julia A. Shaw, nee Waterman. ITis father was born in Tennessee, and now lives near the famous Sweet Springs in Saline county, Missouri, and is well known in Siline and adjoining counties. IIis mother was a native of the State of New York, and died December 14, 1875. The subject of this sketch left home when fourteen years of age and began the battle of life alone; he secured railroad employment, and by his natural ability and uprightness soon won the esteem of his employers, and was rapidly promoted from one position to another, and from the time he was fifteen years of age until January 1, 1581, has held many responsible positions on various western roads, all of which he filled with honor. Tle established himself in his present business, as contractor and dealer in lumber, January 1, 1881, and has already won an enviable record as a business man. He was married June 15,1881, to Miss Maggie FP. Reynolds, who was born in January, 1859; she was a danghter ot W.C. Reynolds, of Daviess county. The subject of this sketch began to earn his own living with only three dollars and twenty-five cents, and little schooling, but now owns a fine home and is largely interested

David M, Smith

Was bern in Van Buren county, Iowa, October 10, 1840; son of John J.and Sarah Smith. His father is a native of Virginia, and his mother of Tennessee. I]lis parents were married in Tennessee and moved to Kentueky, then to Illinois, and in the spring of 1840, to Jefferson county, Lowa. His mother died Mareh 17, 1871; his father is still aresident of Wapello county, Towa, Our subject was reared and edueated in Jefferson county, Towa, and there, May 2, 1861, married Miss Elizabeth Howard, a native of Pennsylvania, born April 15, 1841, Her parents came trom Pennsylvania in 1869 and settled in Lee county, Juwa. Her mother is dead; her father is stilla resident of Towa. Mr. Smith engaged in farming in Iowa until 1876, and then removed to Daviess county. Nine children have blessed their union, six of whom are living; viz. William L., born December 24, 1561; David, born December 26, 1863; Jolin G., born July 18, 1865; Isaae W., born August 7, 1867: Henry, born June 7, 1869; Samuel, born November 24,1871; Asa M., born April 15, 1874; Margaret E.. born December 11, 1876; James T., born September 11, 1880; David, Samuel and James are dead. Mr. Smith, since coming to Missouri, has seenred a lome of 100 acres of land improved and stucked, He is an earnest adyocate of good schools, and politically is a staunch Democrat.

George M. Utz

Isa native of Boone county, Kentucky, born December 25, 1827; son of Jonathan and Catherine Utz, wee Yager. They were natives of Virginia, but early settlers in Kentueky; bis mother died in 1835, and his father, October 15, 1876. George M. Utz was reared ona farm and received but a few days schooling at the subseription schools of bis native place, and having to go barefouted a distance of tour or five miles through the woods and across streams. When about eighteen years of age he enlisted as volunteer for five vears, or during the Mexican War. December 20, 1549, he married Miss Mary A. Stamper. a native of Kentueky, and born April 7 1827. After marriage he moved to Greenup county, Kentneky, and lived four years. He then visited Kansas and other places in the West, looking fora home, finally decided on Daviess comnty, and on October 4, 1854, he with his family and and one team, Jett Kentneky, and after traveling all the way by land, on the 20th of the same mouth took possession of the land that is now their beautiful and well cultivated tarm. ILlere he now owns over 400 aeres, well improved and stocked.

Mr. Utz carries the palm az having raised more small grain than any other farmer in the township during the year 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Utz are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

F. E. Venable is a native of Prince Edward county, Virginia, born May 12, 1829; son of Samuel and Elizabeth, Venable, wee Wright, both natives of Virginia. When our subject was three years of age his parents moved to Missouri and located in Chariton county, where they lived for three years, and from there went to Livingston county, which was their home for six years, when they removed to Gallatin, this county. At an early age in lite his father studied medicine but never practiced till he located in Livingston county; prior to that time he labored as a ministerin the Methodist Episeopal Church. The father died in Callaway county, May 11,1857, and the mother died in Daviess county, May 1, 1870. On September 2d, 1851, Dr, Venable marricd Miss Elizabeth J. Willson, of Ray county, born September 27, 1829. She was a daughter of Hon. James H. Willson, of Louisiana; ber mother's ancestors were from Kentucky, Eight children were the fruits of this union; namely, Henry, born August 7, 1852; Horace, born March 5, 1854; Naney Helen, born Febrnary 5, 1856; Sallie May, born July 29, 1857; Sophronia Amy, born July 18, 1860; Charles E., born April 5, 1862; Lizzie W., born September 15, 1866; and Hugh W., born May 9, 1870. Mrs. Venable died March 18, 1872. Dr. Venable married Mrs. Sarah A. Frisby, his present wife, on April 17th, 1878. Dr. Venable has been a successful practitioner for many years. He at one time was in business in lowa, and there accumulated a vast amount of property but adverse circumstances in the milling business caused him to lose heavily, but now he is again on solid footing.

Menry Ward

Was born in McLean county, Llineis, October 15, 1834. ILis parents, Stewart and Annie Ward, came from Pennsylvania to Illinois in 1832, and during those early days had many narrow escapes from the Indians. Tlis father came to Missouri, to look at the country, in 1841, and was taken sick and died, July 9, of that year. His mother died March 31, 1844. Young Ward was reared and edueated in Illinois and lived there till 1865, then eame to Missonri and located in Daviess county. He was married February 18, 1857, to Miss Eleanor J. Wilkins, a native of MeLean county, Illinois, born February 7, 1887. She was a daughter of James and Agnes Wilkins, wha

'came to Missouri in 1840, and settled in Daviess county and were wnung its first settlers. Iler father was drowned in Sampson Creek, May 28, 1848, and her mother died August 29, 1877. After coming to Missouri Mr, Ward, followed furming till April, 1881, then entered the mereantile business in Pattonsburg. He has filled many positions of trust in the township, such as revenne collector and treasurer of township, and as justice of the peace, from 1872 to 1851. and is also notary public. He isa thorough going business man and by hard study has well qualitied himself to fill with eredit the many positions he has filled. He las had and still holds, the eonfie dence of the people and is one whom they not only consult, but in whom they place implicit trnst. THe owns a fine farm of 120 aeres. Politically he is a staunch Republican, and voted first for J. C. Freemont, and every president since.

William Ward

Was born in Clinton county, Missouri, Deeember 5, 1844. Heisason ot Rev. A. J. Ward, a minister in the Baptist Church and now laboring in this and adjoining counties. His father was a native of Kentucky, and his mother whose maiden name was Nancy Sharp, was a native of Tennessee; she died when he was about ten years of age. At about the age of seventeen years he enlisted as a member of Company C, Eleventh Missouri Cavalry, and served about three years and was with the regiment in its many seonts and marehes and always able and ready for duty; was never wounded, taken prisoner, nor in the hospital; and all of this service was rendered in defense of his country while vet a minor, At the close of the war le engaged in farming till February, 1881, when he began his present drug business. He was married March 5, 1870, to Miss Delilah Williams. She was born in December, 1853, in Daviess county; ler father, William Williams, was born in Kentneky, and her mother, Amanda Williams, wee Webb, was a native of Ohio; they are still residents of this county. Mr. Ward has always had to depend upon bis own resources and as a result now owns sixty acres of land, a town residence, and an interest in the drug store. Te has served his township as constable for two years, and being a fine business man and of an upright character, he stands highly esteemed by his many acquaintances,

Thomas Walker

Is a native of Stokes county, North Carolina, born December 9, 1814. His parents, Owen and Snsannah Walker, were also natives of North Carolina, but moved to Monroe county, Indiana, and lived there about two years, and there, in 1846, the father died. The mother and family then moved to McLean county, Illinois, and lived there two years, then in the fall of 1849 they moved to Missouri and located in Daviess county, and here the mother died in 1856. On January 19th, 1835, My. Walker was united in marriage to Miss Cynthia Evans, born in Stokes county, North Carolina. Two children were born to them: Mary A., now wife of Marion Graves, of Indiana; and Eli, now living in Gentry county, Missouri. Mrs. Walker died and Mr. W. was married, the second time, in August, 1856, to Mrs. Jane Low, nee Rice. She was born in Indiana, butcame with her parents to Harrison county, Missouri, at a very early day, By this marriage, they had three children; namely, Henry, born June 19, 1858; Martha and Mary, born November 21, 1861; Martha is now the wife of William Iloward, and Mary is residing with her parents. Mr. Walker owns a tine farm of 120 acres, well improved and stocked. Te has served as school director although he never had an opportunity of attending school a day in his life.

Mrs. Walker, by her husband Mr. Low, had three children; viz., William, born November 5, 1844; Tudson, born February 5, 1847; and Columbus, born Mureh 21, 1850. Mr. Low died in California in 1852. Mr. Walker went to California in 1850 and spent five years there.

Joun Watson

Was born in Lancashire, England, September 22, 1828. He was reared and edueated in England and learned the engineer's trade. In 1865 he came to America and settled at Nebraska City, Nebraska, remained three years, then moved to Pern, same State, where for two years he was engaged in the saw-mill business. From there he went to TIamburg, Iowa, and entered the agricultural, implement, and flouring business, and was there burned out, In 1876 he located in Pattonsburg, and began anew the milling business, now being the owner of a flonring-mill and also asaw-mill, and is doing a large business.

Mr. Watson was married May 8, 1849. to Miss Ann Webster, of Laneashire, England. Six children have been born to them; viz., Rebecea, John, William, George, James, and Ann. Mr. Watson is recognized by all as one of the best business men in his vicinity and one who has done much for the development of his tewn and county. Little need be said of him for his good works speak louder than language on history's page.

Was born in Hart county, Kentucky, November 29, 1835; son of Jonathan and Sarah Weldon, ave Burch, They were both natives of Pittsylvania county, Virginia, and were reared there, but moved to Hart county, Kentucky, and were there married and lived from 1830 till 1856, then moved to Missonri and located in Harrison county. Iis father died on April 20th, 1880, but his mother is still a resident of Daviess county. Young Weldon was an apt and industrious student and atter graduating at Camden Seminary, Kentucky, he began school teaching and after coming to Missouri' was engaved for ninety-six months teaching in Tlarrison and Daviess counties, and was considered one of our leading and must suecesstu) educators. During the war he was a member of the Missouri State Militia, and in 1864 beeame orderly sergeant of Company E, Porty-third Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and served till the close of the war. He was captured by Price's forces on October 15th, 1864, aud kept a prisoner for three monthe, then exchanged. After the close of the war he engaged in the mercantile business and farming in (reutry and Daviess counties, and has made a success of both. He has acquired some very tine property and established an enviable reputation as an aecommodating and thorough business man and to-day takes the Jead among the active aud public spirited men in this community.

He was united in marriage on December 25th. 185s. to Miss Mary J. Har din, a native of Indiana, born September 23, 1829. Her father, Rev. Jolin Hardin, is still a resident of Daviess connty and has been in the ministry of the Baptist Church for many yeurs.

Mr. and Mrs. Weldon have had six children, four sonsand two daughters; viz., Emma J., born Mav 26, 1860; Janes IT, born January 7, 162; Claude J., born April 23, 1866; Charles T1., born January 25, 1870: Sarah E., born June 25, 1872; and Walter G., born April 20, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Weldon are members of the Missionary Baptist Chuareh, of which church the ancestry of both have been voted for their devotion and consisteney.

Willtam M. Willtams

Was born in Greenup connty, Kentucky, Febrnary 2, 1884. His parents, Jolin D. and Eleanor Williams, vee MeCosky, were aniony the first setders of Kentucky. They came to Missonri in JS41, wid, on April 20th, of that year, camped on Grand River in this eounty ear where Willian M. Williams now lives. Jlis father was a member of the legislature for two terms trom this county. He sold goods in Old Pattonsbury tor quite naumber of years and had an extensive aeqnaintanee over northwest Missouri. He died January 31, 1872; his wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch, died in 1854. In 1858S young Williams sturted fur the far West and spent one winter in Texas, then in the spring of 1859, in company with two other men, procured an outfit and started for Pike's Peak and when in the Osage Nation they lost their teams and had to dispose of their wagons and provisions, and falling in with men driving cattle to California he engaged with them and drove through, being seven months on the trip. He engaged in mining till 1862, then went to Carrio Mines, in British Columbia, remained but a short time till his means were exhausted. ([t was during the time of high prices there, when flour and beans were one dolar per pound, and other things in proportion.) He then returned to California and remained till 1863, when he spent one year in Nevada at Hot Springs and returned to Tuolumne county, California, Alter living there one year and a hall' he ob- tained a pack-horse and started across the mountains to Montana and made the lonely trip of 1,400 miles, there falling in with a company returning to the States, and they made the trip in Mackinaw boats trom the canun on the head waters of the Yellow Stone to Omaha. He was from home about eight years and traveled 14,000 miles and mostly on foot. After returning home he worked on the farm with his father till April 24, 1869, when he married Miss Engenia L. Shultz, who was born in Virginia, July 28, 1841, Her parents, Michael and Sarah Shultz, vee Wright, came to Missouri in 1842 and are still living with this family. They have six children; named respectively, Albert J., born Mareh 5, 1870; William D., born December 25, 1874; Sidney S., born January 6, 1877; Hattie E., born May 23, 1879; Engenia A., born September 9, 1872, died November 2, 1872; and one daughter died in infancy. His home of 320 acres, called Clover Dale, is one of the most beautiful homes in northwest Missonri. He is one of the leading and public spirited men of Daviess county, and is an honored and highly respected citizen.

Rey. Robert R. Witten

Is one of the pioneers of the Methodist Church in Missouri. He was born October 8, 1831, in MeMinn county, Tennessee, and is a son of Rev. James Witten, who was born in Tazewell county, Virginia, January 5, 1795.