Benton Township (part 1 of 2)

Benton Township

After Linn county had been divided originally into three townships, it remained so for a few years, when the settlements becoming more numererous, the original divisions were found too cumbersome. Among the tirst townships formed out of the three was that of Benton. It covered part of Sullivan count}^ when tirst formed, but in 1845 when the seven municipalities which formed Linn county were defined, Benton's north boundary was the south line of Sullivan county; west, the line was Locust Creek; south, Locust Creek township; and east. Baker township. At that time Benton was nine miles east and west and six and a-half miles north and south. It was taken from Locust Creek township and was settled in 1836. Who really was the first settler in the township is hard to say. Captain John W. Minnis, who found himself in Sullivan county when the county was organized, settled in the winter of 1886-37, and many believe him to have been the tirst settler. William F. Gibson, originally from South Carolina, but direct from Tennessee, came to the township November 27, 1837, and settled in the northwest quarter, section thirty-two, township sixty, range twenty; and while there were quite a number of settlers around when he came, they did not seem to be permanent, but would sell their claim and strike out anew.

Curtailed

Benton township was finally curtailed of its fair dimensions, a portion of her territory being given to Grantsville and another portion to Enterprise townships. This leaves but a small portion of her original boundary, which yet gives her an average of five miles in breadth by six and a-half long, or thirty-one and a-half square miles with an area of 20,160 acres of ri'ch soil, both prairie and woodland, and watered by numerous branches which empty into Locust Creek. The country is mostly prairie, but the timber belt skirts all the streams. Thus while it is adapted to stock-raising it is also equally the home of the cereals, and as a fruit growing country it is unsurpassed. In fact, it is one of the best and largest fruit growing townships in the county, and apples, especially of Ben Davis variety, are raised in immense quantities. Coal can be mined in this township on Locust Creek, on what is known as Van Welkin's Claim, and on Lowe's Branch on the southeast quarter of section thirty-one, township sixty, of range twenty. Coal has been often dug for blacksmith's use. It is an excellent quality of bituminous coal, burns clear and bright, and reducing the entire mass to ashes, leaving no clinkers. The Van Webber vein has been worked considerably, but wood is too plentiful to make coal mining in that vicinity much of an object as yet. Coal, however, underlies a large portion of the township and can be found from a depth of seventy to one hundred feet. Some day it will prove a source of great wealth to its owners. The geological survey shows that Linn county is in the center of the seven counties which show vast coal deposits - the widest veins being in the northern part. There is also plenty of good building stone in the township, and a first class article of brick clay is found in abundance. The best quarries found yet are at Prather's ford on Lucust Creek, and on J. T. Mofiett's place on the southeast quarter of section thirty-one, township sixty, of range twenty, but as there has been thus far little call for it these quarries have been about the only ones worked. There are other quarries of stone the equal of the abDve at other points, but as the demand being limited it is not sought for.

Lowe's Branch, Swain's Branch and Priest's Branch were named after persons of the same name, the former from a man who was drowned in it during a heav^^ freshet. There is also a stream called Plum Branch. This took its name from the immense quantities of wild plums which grew along its banks and were gathered by bushels by the settlers. Crab apples and hazel nuts were also plentiful. But these wild fruits of the forest are now gone and in their places are found the apple, the peach, pears and cherries. Grapes thrive here and it is destined to become the home of many vineyards, and the sparkling wine will become ere long an article of extensive commerce. It is believed that ere long stock-raising, fruit cul- ture, and o;rape orrowing will be the predominant work of the farmers of this township, and while they will probably always raise every variety of cereals and vegetables for home consumption, with the exception of corn and hay, none will prove to overshadow the above as the leading products of the township.

M-Ho They Were And When They Came

It is hardly to be supposed that a township rich in all the attributes of agricultural and mineral wealth, would remain unsettled long, and it was not. Benton township found many settlers in 1836, but somehow the record was not kept. Those old pioneers could make history, but they had no thought of the future outside of their own personal progress, and while making history failed almost entirely in keeping a record of events. Again, ver}' many instances are remembered of a purely local or family character, which to those who were participants was worthy of their remembrance, but it is not history, and therefore not of interest to the general reader. These have been left out because matter of greater moment has been found to fill these pages. The early arrivals were soon followed by others. John W. Minnes, as before stated, came ^*n 1836. Then there was A. M. Yenable, elected to the county office of assessor at the election of 1838, who came about the same time, and with him came Benjamin Lewis, John and William Daily. Lewis settled on the northwest quarter of section twenty-nine, township sixty, of range twenty. A. M. Venable built his log hut on the same section. They both came from Virginia. Isaac Taylor, who came in 1838, settled on the southwest quarter of section twenty-one, township sixty, range twenty. David Jenkins came in 1837. He bought out John Daily in 1838, and the latter and his brother bought out Ben. Lewis and Yenable. Pete Swain came in 1837 and staked his claim on the northeast quarter of section seventeen, township sixty, range twenty. This was the j)ioneer from which Swain Branch took its name.

John Ogle settled on the northwest quarter of section twenty-eight, township sixty, range twenty, and came from East Tennessee. Robert Warren came in 1842 and lived on the northwest quarter of section twentynine, township sixty range twenty ; afterward purchased and still owned by Joseph Schrock. This latter gentleman did not come to Benton township until 1848. William G. Gooch, a Kentuckian, came from Pike county and settled in the township in 1841, and Mrs. William Alexander in 1843.

William Southerland, also a prominent citizen, settled on the northwest quarter of section thirty-four, township sixty, ran^^e twenty, just west of Purdin. T. J. Moffatt made his home on section six, township fifty-nine, range twenty, and arrived there on Christmas Day, 1839; C. B. Purdin, on same section, township, and ran^e, coming-in 1837. Thomas 8. Gooch came at tlie same time his brother William came, and they have a large number of descendants. Joseph McCormack came in 1839, and settled on section twenty-nine, township sixty, range twenty. Daniel Vrooman was another earlj' settler, but, while coming as early as 1837, left after a short residence. Frank E. Stone came in 1840 and settled on section seven, township sixty, range twenty. D. C. Pierce and Benjamin Pierce came from Tennessee; James Gil more from Virginia, Henry Brown from Boone county; and Jethro, Dodson and others.

Mr. James Brown's widow is still living, and gives many interesting items in her early experience, among which was one about her husband shooting a fine large buck, only severely wounding him. He took off his suspenders and tied the buck with them, as he supposed they would be strong enough, but the buck recovered, broke his bands and took them along, and Mr. Brown, instead of being one fine deer ahead, was out his suspenders. Mrs. Brown said she often went coon hunting with her husband, as she did not like to stay by herself. There is something curious in the fact that many of the old settlers, in digging wells, found at the depth of from fifteen to forty feet well preserved timbers. By what convulsion of nature was this section turned apparently upside down is hard to conjecture.

There was quite a rush to this township for a year and it improved quite rapidly. Keytesville was their principal trading point, and- their blacksmithing and repairing were all done there, besides being their post-ofiice. It wasn't much fun to take a trip and so the settlers did not go very often, and when one was obliged to go he did the trading and the errands for the neighbors miles around. No roads, no bridges; in fact the roads were anj'- where the settlers could find any. At last Keytesville dropped out. Henry Brown and Thomas Barbee started a store on Kentucky Rupell's place, and a mill by the Botts' brothers did the work for the settlements around. There was quite a high bluff between the Gibson settlement and the mill on Locust Creek, and it is said the settlers used to climb that blufi" to go to mill for something like three years before they found out that there was an opening that saved them hours of hard work carrying their grists to and from the mill over that blufli'.

In a conversation with Mrs. Nancy Minnis, wife of John W. Minnis, the first sheriff of Linn county, she says they came from Tennessee; that Jere Hooker came in 1837; also Morgan Pierce and William Bingham; that Barton school-house, afterward called Crab Orchard, was located on section twelve, township fifty-nine, range twenty-one, and was built in 1838, and that her daughter Adeline taught in it in the summer of 1839. The first store was the one spoken of above on Kentucky Rupell's place, and did a good business. The first physician was a Dr. Talilee, who remained in the township but a few months, when he was followed by Dr. Jacob Holland, who practiced some two years, and then removed to Sullivan county. Then Dr. Nathaniel Dryden took his practice, but he lived in Locust Creek township. He came from Kentucky, and dying several years ago, was buried in the Rupell graveyard. The Rev. Jesse Goins, before spoken of in this work, was supposed to have been the first preacher. Rev. William F. Gibson and Thomas Barbee were known to have preached several times, although the latter was a store-keeper, so-called at the time. Rev. Constantine Dryden and Rev. Forsythes, both Methodists, also preached at an early day, and are often spoken of as the first in the township. Mrs. Minnis is now living with her granddaughter, Mrs. J. T. Frather. Mr. Frather is an old settler, has a fine farm, fruit, and some blooded stock, and holds a leading position as a citizen in town and county. Judge Schrock, George W. Taylor, William O. Browning, and others in the township are giving their attention to blooded stock, and it is expected that Benton township will lead all others in that line. The farmers are pretty ambitious, and propose to beat their neighbors, if possible.

School-Houses

The first school taught in the Gibson settlement was by a Mr. Rupell, and was not far from William F. Gibson's residence. There were nearly twenty pupils in attendance, and the tuition was two dollars and fifty cents for three months. A log school-house was built on Mr. Gibson's land, and the neighbors came together and put it up. In fact, building schoolhouses or attending a "raising" were matters that called forth a unity of spirit and of action that showed the true character of the pioneers of early days. Men would go miles to assist a neighbor, and no thought was given aa to pay. H the neighbor wanted help in return, he got it, and so squared all accounts. All that was asked was, we help you now, at any time you find a neighbor needing your assistance, go and help him, and you cancel our debt, and thus was formed a settlement that became a veritable band of brothers. -

The Gooch school-house was first built in 184:7, on the northwest corner of section thirty-one, township sixty, range twenty. This building did duty for about ten years, when the present school-house was built, at a cost of about $225, This has been one of the most successful schools in the township. It has an attendance of twenty-one pupils, on an average. Charles Johnson was the last teacher, and received thirty dollars per month. J. W. Harvey and A. J. Schrock, directors, and F. Haucks, clerk.

township sixty, range twenty, was put up in 1868, and the Mundell schoolhouse in 1870. The former cost $250, and the latter nearly $400. The Jenkins school started many years ago, in a log hut, and but a few months' school. Now there is an average of seven months schooling each year. John Kille was the last teacher; but who taught the young idea how to shoot, in the forties, and in the old log hut, is not known. The Mundell school had thirty-five pupils at the last session, and William Gavel was the teacher. The school-house of old was burned down a few years before, and on its ruins was built the present building, one of the best in the township. J. A. Mundell, B. F. Stone and David Stone are the present directors; Mr. Mundell is president, and B. F. Stone, clerk.

In 1843, a log school-house was built on the northwest quarter of section thirty-two, township sixty, range twenty, and in 1850, a frame house was put up, costing $450; Joseph B. Fields was the first teacher. Another was erected in 1840, on southeast quarter of section six, township fiftynine, range twenty, but a school had been taught in an old log hut by Richard Long sometime before the neighbors built this house. It was as early as 1838 or 1839, and is supposed to have been the first school taught in the township. The Hooker school-house, near Jeremiah Hooker's place, was one of the first put up, and was the work of the neighbors in the settlement.

The Pierce school-house is located on section thirty-six, township sixty, range twenty one, and was erected in 1869, at a cost of $350. The teacher receives thirty dollars per month, and the session is five mouths. T. J. Moffett, Peter Capity, and D. C. Pierce are the trustees. The last teacher was Emmet B. Fields.

Brown's school-house, or Hickory College, a name given it by the Rev. H. P. Thorp, stands on the northwest quarter of section seven, township fifty-nine, range twenty. P. Pound, William Purdin and James Moftett, trustees. Its first teacher was the Rev. Thorp, mentioned above, and the building was erected in 1870; but many years before, a school was kept in that district.

The Bailey school-house was situated on the southeast quarter of section eight, township fifty-nine, range twenty, and was erected in 1856. Some twenty pupils attend this school, the teacher receiving thirty-five dollars per month. The trustees are B. G. Johnson, Henry Brown, and John T. Young; A. M. Hunter, clerk. Spelling matches have, for a number of years past, been prominent in school circles in the township.

The first weaving that was done was by Mrs. Robert Warren; Mrs. Gibson also wove cloth, and many others, if not all. The original settlers' wives were experts with the spinning-wheel and the shuttle; linsey, jeans and rag-carpets were the goods made, and they were the fashion of that day and generation, and it wouldn't hurt now if it was revived.

Among The Gkaveyards

Jenkins' graveyard is located on the northeast quarter of section twenty, township sixty, range twenty, and contains a little less than a quarter of an acre of ground. The first intenneiit was in the year 1841, and the body was that of Elvin F. Jenkins.

The Jenkin's school-house bnrying-grounds are on tlie southeast quarter of section seventeen, township sixty, range twenty, and were laid out by John Eden in 1S70, and contain about one acre of ground. Susan Eden was the first to leave her body, within its limits, while her spirit took its flight to a brighter and happier land. The town of Browing having, as yet, no cemetery uses this, and also the graveyard adjoining Wesley Chapel.

The Mofiett graveyard was a part of the northwest quarter of section seven, township fifry-nine, range twenty, and veas laid out in 1852. Mr* William Mofiett was buried there in April, 1852 - the first burial.

The Gooch graveyard was laid out in 1851 by Thornas S. and William G. Gooch on the southeast quarter of section twenty-nine, township sixty ,. range twenty, George Milton Gooch, son of Thomas S. Gooch, was interred there in 1852, and afterward the body of John F. Gooch reposed in the same grounds. There are now some twenty graves within the enclosure.

Pierce's graveyard was among the first laid out, if not the first in Benton township. It contains an acre of ground, and was laid out in the year 1840 by James M. Pierce and his father. It is located on section one, township fifty-nine, range twenty. The first body committed to its keeping w^as Mrs. Tersey Pierce, the same year it was made.

The Prather graveyard, one-half acre, was on the southeast quarter of section twelve, township sixty, range twenty-one, and was laid out by Thomas Prather, The first burial was the body of Miss Mary E. Prather, who died in 1857.

A small graveyard was laid out on section thirty-one, on the northeast quarter, township sixty, range twenty, in the year 1841. There was no particular name given it. The first burials were James Gilmes and hi& wile, and since trlien others have been interred within its sacred precincts.

Marriages, Births, And Deaths

The first marriage known in Benton township was that of Schuyler Powell to Miss Emily Mullins, in the fall of 1837, and the neighbors generally turned out to witness the interesting ceremony. The bride was arrayed in the latest fashion, but the writer is obliged to confess that her hair was not banged nor plastered down to her eyes, giving her a sort of half idiotic expression, but on the contrary was combed neatly back, showing a handsome forehead, as well as a look and action of a perfectly sane person. She was not arrayed in costly apparel, such as silks and satins, and we are also compelled to record the fact that she had no hoop skirts. Still the wedding was a grand success, and the groom just as happy as he could be. The couple went to housekeeping with a pot or two, a gourd, bucket, a rifle and ax, prepared to coin wealth by the sweat of their brows, satisfied that with health their future was as bright and promising as their hearts could wish. The next important event was the marriage of Mr. M. Smith to Miss Adeline Minnis, daughter of Captain Minnis, the first sheriff of the county. This wedding took place in 1838, and at the home of Captain M., on the southeast quarter of section thirty-two, township sixty, range twenty. Both of these wedding services were performed by William F. Gibson, justice of the peace.

Joseph Knifong and Miss Thurlow, in 1840, were the next, but this couple found themselves in Sullivan county when it was organized. About the same time Jeremiah Smith and Miss Sevier were married by Rev. Goins. It was a runaway match.

Mr. Hanly and Miss Mary Slocum were married also by Mr. Gibson, in 1843, some two and one half miles from his residence. These were the first early marriages.

Among the first births was George Taylor, son of Isaac and Elizabeth Taylor, on section twenty-one, township sixty, range twenty. Elvina, daughter of Robert Warren, was born in 1841, on a farm about two miles south of Browning ; and Ellen J. Hawley, daughter of James and Mary Hawley, was also one of the early natives of Benton township. She first saw light on section twenty-eight, township sixty, range twenty. And this child also was one of the first whose so al was wafted to the God who gave it. She died in 1845, and was buried in the Gibson family graveyard. William H. Moore, sou of Amos and Ruth Moore, was born on the southeast quarter of section twenty-eight, township sixty, range twenty, in 1840, and Elvira Jenkins in 1841. She was the daughter of David and Magdalena Jenkins. It is said that the daughter of William F. Gibson was the first death in the township, who was buried in the family lot above mentioned. Mr. Newton Albert died as early as 1838 or 1839, on the northeast quarter of section thirty-one, township sixty, range twenty, and was buried in the Wesley chapel graveyard. Another early death was the daughter of John Daily, who died at the age of two years, in 1840. Mr. Lot Lantz went to Linneus for the cofiin. Squire Goins's wife, Mr. Brooks's wife, and the old man Knifong, all died in 1841.

It is said that Mrs. Minnis, wife of John W., was quite a doctor, and prescribed for a good many cases in that early day and with much success. There was also a Dr. Cooper in the township for a short time, besides the physicians spoken of previously. And there can also be added to the list of preachers the name of the Rev. Mr. Aldridge, who held regular service at Mount Nebo church, two and one-half miles west of Browning, and known also as Hooker's school-house. It was one of the oldest established organizations in the township. It has no church of its own, and the members meet at the Mundell school-house.

Itidms Of Interest

The largest yield of wheat reported in Benton township was in 1876, when James Brown sowed three-fourths of a bushel of wheat on threefourths of an acre of ground, and the yield was twenty-three bushels.

The first merchant in Benton township was Jacob Langstield, who opened a general store on section four, township fifty-nine, range twenty. This was about 1831>.

The first brick house in the township was erected in 1846, by Henry T. Brown, on the southeast quarter, section twelve, township fifty-nine, range twenty-one. The brick were made of Benton township clay. Mr. Brown also put up the first horse mill in the township, somewhere about 1840. There is also a relic, the antlers of a buck which.has ten full grown prongs and one short one. This would go to show a buck of immense size, a father of the forest. This trophy is in the hands of Mrs. James Brown, now a widow. There are also on section thirty-four, township sixty, range twenty, and on the northwest quarter, what are known as the " Twins." They are two pin oak trees, joined together about five feet from the ground by an arm fully a foot and a half long which seems to grow into both trees. The most curious article found in the township and which has, and will ever be, a source of wonder, was from appearance a regular bombshell. It was eggshaped, about nine inches in diameter at the large and five inches at the small end. It was iron, the shell being about one inch in thickness and filled with a dark substance much resembling powder, and which, on drying, actually flashed, although but slightly. The shell was easily broken - seemingly being rusted clear through. Now, when it is known that this shell was found twenty-six feet below the surface, being found in digging a well, curiosity is fully excited. Take this incident with the fact that well preserved walnut and oak timber have been found forty feet below the surface, through solid earth, and there is certainly food for thought and conjecture. This shell was found by James and Allen Gillespie on their farm, which lies just over and on both sides the Sullivan county line, and is on the east half of the northeast quarter of section thirty-one, townslwp sixtyone, range twenty.

A rather unfortunate occurrence, especiallj' for the Indian, happened in in 1840. An Indian out hunting was enveloped in a deer skin, with antlers, standing out as a decoy for some deer. William Daily, familiarly called Uncle Billy, was also out early that morning to secure some venison steak for breakfast. It was not long before he spied the antlers, and judging from their position where the head should be, let drive. The result was a bounding up, a groan, and then all was qniet. Uncle Billy was a good deal surprised at the form as it sprang up and then fell. On examining his prize it proved to be a dead Indian. Uncle Billy had shot to kill, and the evidence that lie had succeeded was right before him. He didn't love Indians anyway, and his neighbors say he never grieved over the affair. He kept the skin.

Wolf Hunting

Wolf hunting was a pastime indulged in by most of the early settlers, though at times when a good many wolves got together, the hunt was the other way. This was the experience of a young man who went to look for a horse and found some fifteen wolves, and it took some tall running to get under cover before they reached him. He concluded to hunt the horse the next day during daylight. Another case was where some renowned hunters got the worst of it. They were Henry Brown, William Gibson, William Butler, and others. They secured one of those coyotes and tied it. Butler concluded to carry it on the horse in front of him after tying its jaws. He did not have it long before it got loose and caught him by the nose in the struggle, and the way they got it loose from that nose was to hastily cut its throat. Getting lost in the woods, and following the wrong track, was a common occurrence. Then at the end of a long tramp lasting one or two days the sight of a cabin produced a feeling of great happiness. When compelled to be out all night the hunter found it safest to roost in the forks of a tree. Still those hunting days were considered the merriest of the year. One of the liveliest wolf hunts was had by Uncle Frank Stone and others. It gave them a long chase by Alexander's and Isaac Taylor's farms, and then south by Daniel Hoot's and William Gooch's. It was finally caught, being broken down, and finding another they gave chase and captured it also. Root's smoke house did duty as a prison for the first one while they hunted the second. Uncle Frank was a great hunter and a fine horseman.

In the fall of 1839 a hunting party of Iowa Indians badly scared the daughter of John Holland and the wife of Robert W. Holland. The Indians meant no harm, but as all the rest of the family of John Holland were away but one daughter, she ran to her brother's house, and Robert's wife equally scared took her child and the two and another sister started for a neighbors. In their fright they got lost and were found by the Indians, who instead of hurting them, built a fire, got them comfortable and gave them some venison, and then mounted them on ponies and took them to their homes. It was a big scare which was never forgotten by the victims, and a very happy termination which also found a dwelling in their memories.

History Of .Linn County

it was given to the church by William F. Gibson, in 1854. The first church was built by the contribution of the neighbors, in labor, material, etc., of about $300, and when completed was worth about $1,000, that being its cost. A class was established some years before the church was erected, and preaching had at the houses of the settlers. The early members of this church were Joseph Shrock and wife, Thomas Morris and wife, William Alexander and wife, Daniel Root, David Alexander, Matthew Troder and wife, and others whose names were not remembered. The Rev. John W. Ellis was in charge when the church was built.

Various Items. '

There was a joke started on Irvin Ogan when he was elected to the leg-^ islature, that on arriving at Jefferson City, he knocked at the gate of the penitentiary for admittance, and swore, on the keeper's refusal to let him

Another election story was told about that time on A. W. Flournoy, who was runfiing for the lower house. Flournoy was in favor of establishing a normal school, and his opponent took advantage of the hostility of the people to the Mormons, brought on by the Mormon War a short time previous, and this opponent stated this normal school was a Mormon school, the name being changed to deceive. As there was no telegraph in those days, Mr. Flournoy did not find out his opponent's tactics until too late, and although in a large majority he was defeated. There were quite a number of these election stories, but the above being vouched for are given.

Militia training was in vogue in those days, and when camp meetings were started they became immensely popular with the people, and they came from miles around, bringing their provisions and picnicing during the time the meetings were held.

One of the incidents of the late war was the attack on old man Thomas Gooch's place and a demand for him to come out, but fearing violence he escaped out of the back door and made for the brush. He escaped unharmed, although several shots were fired at him, one ball passing through his clothes. The same party broke into the house of Hiram Jenkins, and stole a few things but hurt no one.

One of the exciting topics in Benton township was the subscription to the Burlington & Southwestern Railroad, known at first as the North Missouri Central Railroad. The legality of that subscription has been and is yet denied. It was proven that but twenty-three votes were cast subscribing the $20,000, and only seventeen in favor. Quite an indignatioa meet- inf^ was held and strong resolutions passed refusing to pay principal or interest, and to fight the matter in and through the courts. Benton township, however, voted to pay fifty cents on the dollar, and the local holders of the bonds accepted and a few thousand dollars were redeemed, but those held by the railroad company refused to compromise. The history of the case will be found under the article of railroads in another chapter.

In a hunting, expedition, March 23, 1872, Zachariah Morris accidentally shot Robert Arnold, son of Mark Arnold. He left a wife and two children.

A Mrs. Enoch Cornett, in cutting down a tree, accidentally got in the way and the tree falling on her she was killed. This happened October 13, 1874.

In April, 1876, the house and its contents of John Gooch were destroyed by fire. The family were away from home. A donation was raised for the family. -

Mr. Fat Darr, on his way to Nebraska, accidentally had two of his children killed by the discharge of a gun. He returned to Benton township. One of the children was a girl of twelve years, and the other an infant. Mrs. Darr was also wounded, the infant being killed in her arms.

The assessed valuation of Benton township, real and personal, for lS81, was $233,935. The passage of what was called the new township organization law, in 1872, resulted in making Silas Hale the first trustee, W. T. Prather, first clerk, and Milton Stone, assessor. The meeting of the township board was at Gooch's school-house.

The first school-house was in the forks of Locust Creek, and it is said that Jesse Goins, Thomas Prather and Jerry Hooker were, at different times, teachers. There are six school districts in the township.

The present township ofdcers, under the law of 1880-81, are: trustee, Jefi'erson Kennedy; clerk and assessor, W. T. Prather; constable, Hiram Haynes, and justices of the peace, William Browning and F. M. Elliott.

Browning

Browning is one of the most flourishing towns in Linn county, and is situated on the northern border of the county, about one-third of the town being over the line in Sullivan county. The principal part, if not all of the business of tlie town and the post-office, is located in Linn county. It is and is likely to be, one of the best shipping stations and important business points on the line of the Burlington & Southwestern Railroad, or rather, the name of the road having been changed in January, 1882, the Chicago, Burlington c^ Kansas City Railroad. The town was named after Mrs. Browning, of Burlington, Iowa, by Justin Clark, of the Burlington & Southwestern Railroad Company, and is in honor of the wife of a brother of Orville H. Browning.

The land upon which Browning stands was formerly owned by Lot Lantz for some years one of the county judges and a prominent citizen. Mr. B. F. Northcott, then prominently connected with the above railroad company, was the founder in connection with a few other gentlemen. The town was surveyed in the fall of 1872, and laid out in October and November of that year. There is a beautiful and rich agricultural country surrounding Browning, and both timber and prairie land lies contiguous, lumber, etc., being one great item of shipment. C. G. Bigger, then county surveyor, laid oft the town.

In February, 1873, it boasted of having one general store, one blacksmith shop, one saloon, and a post-office. Dr. Robinson, and F. E. Stone entertained travelers. They, however, did not keep hotel, but did it to accommodate those who came there until a hotel was built.

The post-office was established the last of the year, and George B. "Williams, of Linneus, was appointed postmaster. He failed to remove to Browning, and John Edwards attended to the duties of the office. He has proved acce])table to the people and a change has not been desired.

The first school in Browning was taught in the spring or summer of 1874, by W. T. Wogan. He did not have many pupils, as the town was small.

The first child born was believed to have been the son of William and Rebecca Armstrong, in the spring of 1873, and as it lived but a short time, its death was the first recorded.

Dr. William Witter, who came from Milan, was the first physician, after the town was laid out, but he only remained a short time and tlien returned.

Dr. William R. Robinson, who lived jnst outside of the corporation, is an old settler, coming there years ago. He has practiced in Browning and vicinity for many years. He is now giving np much of his practice, on account of old age, except among special friends and relatives.

Dr. Patterson, who also lives just outside of the town limits, does quite a large practice, and owns a drug store. He came just before Dr. Witter.

Before a church was erected religious services were held in the building now occupied by J. T. Fleming & Son, as a store, by the Rev. J. H. Cox. He was, also, the first minister, and belonged to the Methodist denomination.

The largest number of people ever gathered at Browning were at the fourth of July celebrations of 1873 and 1877. There were two thousand five hundred persons at the first, and over three thousand at the latter date. An accident, by shooting, occurred at the latter celebration; a Mr, Anderson being shot and seriously wounded.

It is the largest stock shipping point in the county, excepting Brookfield. Within the past year there has been received at Browning for shipment, in logs and lumber, two hundred and sixty-eight thousand feet.

A fine iron bridge spans tiie branch of Locust Creek that comes uy to the town; it is built on the line between Linn and Sullivan counties, and connects the town on the Sullivan county side with the real town of Browning, in Linn county. This bridge cost $1,700.

Hoop-poles is another important industry, and no less than eight car loads, each car having twenty-eight thousand tierce and sixty thousand barrel hoops, were shipped last year. The markets being Chicago, Minneapolis, and St. Louis.

Incorporated

Browning was incorporated February 6, 1878, and her boundaries were defined as follows: fifty acres oft' of the east end of lot two, and ten acres oft" of the north side of the east half of lot one, of the west half of sec- tion eiglit, and twelve acres off of the west end, and three and twentyfive hundredths of the northwest corner of lot one of the east half of section eight, all in township sixt^', range twenty.

The town has grown rapidly since its incorporation, and especially the last two years has seen wonderful improvements. There is no town in Linn county that have a more wideawake set of business men than Browning, and the spirit of improvement pervades all classes of her citizens. They have built a good, substantial calaboose; have good sidewalks, for which a heavy fine is assessed if driven or ridden on. They have passed a heavy license tax, and if a saloon is ever started, $500, being the charges, must be paid for a six months' license. A wine and beer saloon is taxed forty-five dollars, and a billiard table twenty dollars per year. All these places are required to close at ten p. m., and are not allowed to open until four a. m.

Mr. S. H. Eads had the honor of being the first to violate a town ordinance, having discharged fire-arms within the town limits. He paid a fine of one dollar and costs.

Two burglaries were committed the past year, one breaking into the safe of B. D. Boiling, and securing six hundred and three dollars and fifty cents, on the night of September 15, 1881, and the other on the night ot December 6, 1881, entering the store of Y. J. Biswell & Brother, and getting a few hundred dollars only. They had a large amount of money in their safe only a few days before, over three thousand dollars, but one of the firm had been to Liuneus and took it witfc him, depositing it in the bank at that place.

A man by the name of Sterling was shot and seriously wounded by another named Norvell. The latter was tried, convicted, and sent to the penitentiary.

The first newspaper published in the town was called the Mo7iiior, issued weekly, and was a neat and well edited sheet. When it suspended is not recorded. The next venture in the field of literature was the Browning Reporter^ A. Robinson, editor and proprietor. This is still published, being a five-column folio, issued on Thursday of each week, and is a good local paper. If it is well supported it will do more to build up the town than any other business connected with it, or located within its borders.

Methodist Episcopal Chdkch

The erection of -the Methodist Episcopal church of Browning was in 1874. It is a frame building, neatly and comfortably finished, and cost about nine hundred dollars. It has a fine-toned bell. It was dedicated in

February, 1880, by the Rev. John F. Mesuer, and the principal contributor was the Hev. William E,. Robinson. The society was first organized a& early as 1850, by the Rev. Moses Trader, who, with Stephen Cotter- and wife, and others, were the first members. The church was removed from the country after the town was laid out and the present edifice erected. Quit a number of changes were made in the pastorate from 1850 to 1882. Among those who officiated were the Revs. Moses Trader, John James, J. C. Slater, William Carr, John F. New, John McKnight, R. E. Sidebottora^ John Amack, George Walker, Lucian Shumate, J. H. Cox, James Allen, N. Cordray, Alfred Chester, John C. McNeiley and Henry Crampton.

The present membership numbers sixty, which shows the church is in a flourishing condition. Preaching is held semi-monthly, and prayer meetings twice a week, Sunday and Thursday afternoons. It is a unity church, believes in the teachings of John Wesley, and suj)ports its pastor liberally. Its future is bright and promising.

Christian Church

This church was first organized in the year 1858, by a few old settlers who were anxious to form an organization. The original members cannot all be given, but the following names are known to have become members and helped to give it a start: Thomas S. Gooch, William Bringham, Leonard Shoemaker, and Miles Chenoweth. The church moved along with varying success until the year 1874, when it was decided to move from Enterprise, where it was located, to Browning, and there erect a suitable church building. This was done at the cost of eight hundred dollars. It was the first Christian Church in the township. It has a membership of eighty, and Rev. William M. Downing is the pastor. Being congregational in form, it is governed by overseers and elders, and the Bible is its guide. The first church in Benton township was a Baptist, located on section twenty-eight, township sixty, range twenty, on the farm of David Ogle.

The order has greatly flourished and now numbers forty-two members. They have built a neat hall, and furnished it in a handsome manner. The building is a frame one and cost seven hundred dollars. Its present officers are G. Anderson, N. G.; James Creason, Y. G.; J. S. Duncan, secretary, and D. W. Biswell, treasurer.

The order is now scarcely two years old and has a present membership of thirty-four, with every prospect of a steady and solid increase as the town of Browning shall grow and prosper. The order at present has no hall of its own, but meet in the I. O. O. F. hall. It has lost but one member by death. Mr. Y. J. Biswell, who died April 7, 1881; and thirty days thereafter two thousand dollars was paid to his family. There has been no suspension of members. They expect to build a hall for themselves in the near future. The order can be said to be in good shape, with a bright outlook for future improvement and success. Its present officers are as follows, all of M'^hom show a commendable pride in the success of their order: P. M. W., J. M. Shafer; M. W., D. W. Biswell; F., W. T. Stephenson; 0.,G. R.Woodward;* recorder, J. W. O'Xeal; I. W., J. W. Lindsey; receiver, T. M. Brinkley; financial secretary, J. Iluse; O. W., C. N. Smock.

Browning has not yet become a city of the fourth class, but as it is young in years and uncommonly vigorous for its age, many moons will not have passed ere she too will be knocking at the door for admission among her sister cities, and with her vim and enterprise will soon become the peer of any in Linn county. Her motto is progress, and business energy and enterprise the pillar of her success. Her officers March 1, 1882, were F. E. Stone, chairman of the board; D. B. Boiling, clerk; B. F. Carter, T. M. Brinkley, J. X. O'Neal, and George R. Woodward, trustees; Peter McDowell, marshal.

Purdin is a small station on the Chicago, Burlington & Kansas City Railroad, located about five miles north of Linneus, the county seat. It was first surveyed by C. G. Briggs, county surveyor, in 1873, and it was laid out on land owned by Peter and Elizabeth Bond, and Charles and Ly- dia Piirdin, these lands being on sections seven and eight, township fiftynine, range twent3^ The hope of making a town then seemed somewhat blasted. For eight years it remained the same, and to this day it is not large enough to excite the jealousy of either Linneus or Browning. Fnrdin station was laid out in 1878, and surveyed in 1881. It is a railroad depot, and of considerable convenience to the farmers living near, and as such was established in 1881, in the month of October. There are now sixty-two and one-half acres laid out for a town, fifty acres of which are owned by the White Breast Coal and Mining Company. They are anxious to make a town, and offer liberal inducements.

The shipments from this point are not heavy, but since October, 1881, some five months, one car load of hogs, four of cattle, and nine of wood-stufi have been shipped. This is not bad when it is considered that Purdin has not yet been recognized as a town. J. M. Renfro & Bro. are in the hoop-pole business, Frederick Libber is railroad agent, John T. Toung is agent for the mining company, and a Mr. Ready has started a saw mill. This closes the history of Benton township and her capital cities.

was born in Russell county, Virginia, May 5, 1814. In 1842 he moved from Tennessee to Missouri, an^ settled on section twenty-nine, township sixty, range twent}', in Linn county, and died there on the twenty-ninth of April, 1865. He was a member of the Southern Methodist Church, having joined in 1853. Mr. Alexander was twice married. His first wife was Miss Elizabeth Gose, by whom he had two sons. He was again married in November, 1847, to Miss Mary J. Seaman, who came with her mother and brother to this State in 1843. She was born in Powell Yalley, Berkley county, Virginia, and is of Welsh-Irish descent. Mr. Alexander was also of Irish ancestry. By his last union, Mr. A. had six children, named as follows: Maggie J., John R., Jonah S., Isaac T., William G., and Mary F. There was also another that died in infancy, and was never christened. Mrs. Alexander is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. She still resides on the old homestead, and some of her children live with her; the others are married, and more of them reside near their mother.

John Seaman Alexander

It is not in an invidious sense that we apply to Mr. Alexander the term " one of the natives." From the fact that there are but few men actively engaged in business west of the Mississippi Kiver who have not followed the " star of empire " from the older settled country further east, it is a matter of interest to note these exceptions. Mr. Alexander was born in. Linn county, Missouri, January 25, 1852, the place of his nativity, more definitely speaking, being three and a half miles south of the present site of Browning. His father, a Tennesseean, and mother a native of Virginia, were among the first pioneers of northern Missouri, they having emigrated west in 1840; the father died at the old homestead in the spring of 1865, while the mother still lives at the old home. Like all good boys, young Alexander served his parents until his majority, and at the age of twentyone started in life on his own account. First he tookemployment as afarm hand; then accepted a position as clerjc in a store; then taught school. In February, 1876, he engaged in the lumber business in partnership with B. D. Boiling, in Browning, and after a few months accepted a position as clerk in the business house of Biswell & Bro., where he continued three years. He then embarked in business on his own account, in which he still continues. "Was married to Miss Dora Patterson, daughter of Dr. Lewis Patterson March 7, 1880. Has two children.

George W. Bailey

Prominent among the rising young men of Linn county is Mr. George W. Bailey, son of J. G. and Mary Bailey. George was born near Xew Boston, Linn county, Missouri, May 9, 1855, on the farm which his father settled on in 1847, and where the old gentleman yet resides, a well-to-do and highly respected farmer. George W., from his childhood, was noted as being an attentive and careful student, and of late years has devoted considerable time to the study of law and politics. August 15, 1879, he founded the Brookfield Advertiser^ which paper he continued the publication of until June 21. 1881, when he accepted the position of general agent and traveling correspondent for the Commercial Advertiser, of Detroit, Michigan, a position which he holds at the present writing.

Beverly D. Bolling

Mr. Boiling was born at Perryville, Boyle county, Kentucky, on the eighteenth day of April, 1852, and is the son of James P. Boiling. His mother's name prior to her marriage was Lucinda Kenley. There were only two children, himself and a younger sister. When he was born his father was engaged in farming and stock-raising. His grandparents on the paternal side were from Petersburg, Virginia, his father being the youngest child, with whom they lived until he left Kentucky, and removed to Missouri. He first moved to Johnson county and commenced merchandizing at a place called " Prairie Home," where he lived about two years. He moved in 1860 to Nodaway county, where he remained, engaged in the milling business, till the latter part of 1861, when he left for the war, and joined the Thirtj-lifth Eegiment, Company B, Missouri Infantry Yolonteers. He remained in the service until he died from an illness contracted therein, on the twenty fourth day of February, 1864, at Cairo, Illinois.

'Not long after his father joined the array, Mr. B. went with his mother and sister to Sullivan county, where he remained about a year; and from there proceeded to Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College, Louisville,. Kentucky. He there took a commercial course, and afterward obtained a position in the United States Custom House as steamboat admeasuring and recording clerk, which he held two years and three months. But the confinement and close application the duties of the office rendered necessary began to tell upon his health. He became much reduced in flesh, and thinking it better to make a change of climate, he came west and settled near Enterprise, in Linn county, where he remained two or three years, and then in the spring of 1873, moved to Texas. After rambling over the State he settled in the northern part, taking a position as commissary for three months with a grading company on the Trans-continental Railway.

He then took another trip over some parts of the State and located in Madison county, where he was appointed deputy clerk of the District Court^ a position which he held for three years, and improved the leisure momentsafforded him in the study of the law. He was admitted to practice in No-- vember, 1874, by Judge James Burnett, of that district. He practiced about one year. Whether or not Mr. B. found it as unprofitable a business as some young men in the State of Missouri, we are not prepared to say; but after the lapse of a year, he bade farewell to Texas and the law, moved to Browning, and opened a lumber yard, keeping also a stock of farm machinery, implements, etc. Beginning with the town and having but little capital, his business, small at first, has gradually grown, till now he and his brother-in-law, Mr, F. A.^ Fleming, whom he took into partnership about two years ago, handle annually about one hundred car loads of lumber, and several of farm machinery.

On the twenty-fifth day of February, 1877, he was married to Miss Sarah O. Fleming, daughter of Judge J. T. Fleming. He and his wife are members of the Christain Church at Browning. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. Lodge No. 187, at Browning; also of the I. O. O. F., Browning Lodge No. 173.

Mr. Biswell was born in Randolph county, this State, March 7, 1844. He is the son of John Biswell, whose father, Major Biswell, served in the "War of 1812. His mother's name is Rebecca. Both parents are from the

State of Keutncky. His father came to Missouri in 1823, and settled on a farm in Randolph county, where he lived nntil the time of his deaths occurred in 1859. His mother is still living.

Mr. Biswell lived at the old homestead till 1863, when he moved to Macon City. After his father's death in 1859, he and his other brothers, among M'hom was Y. J. Biswell, two years his senior, managed the farm until lii& removal to Macon City. In this city and county together Mr. Biswell wa& engaged at ditferent times in several avocations for a period of eight or ten years. From Macon, in the year 1873, he removed to Browning and went iilto the mercantile business with his brother, above spoken of, in which pursuit he has ever since continued. The facilities afforded by the common schools of his boyhood days were but meager; and not having an opportunity of securing educational advantages elsewhere Mr. B. owes his early training rather to the hard knocks of experience than the doctrines instilled by wise preceptors into the minds of ingenuous youths.

On January 29th, 1873, he was married to Miss Emma F. Harshey, at Macon City. They have had four children, all of whom are living. He is a Mason, an Odd Fellow, and a member of the A. O. U. W. fraternity; also a Good Templar, but there is no lodge in the town at present. Since the death of his brother, in the spring of 1881, Mr. B. has had control of the house known as the store of Y. J. Bisw'ell & Bro. The business is carried on at the same old stand and under the accustomed sign, which has long since grown familiar to the eyes of the numberless persons who flock thither, to exchange the products of their farms for something with which to replenish the wants of the inner man, or shield them from the chilling blasts ot an inhospitable winter. Having stood the test of an active experience with the success already attained, and possessing youth, energy, and a determined purpose, we think we may safely say that nothing but prosperity can attend an enterprise of which Mr. B. has control.

Johx Brown

In passing down the Burlington & Sonthwestern Railroad, looking over toward the headwaters of Locust Creek, the traveler can but be impressed the scope of country which is one of great beauty and surpassing fertility. Nature has done much for this country, but the effect produced by art, such as used by the enterprising husbandman of the region, is most marked. Among the energetic farmers of this section is one know^n by the common and unassuming name of John Brown. He was born in the county, July 23, 1849, and is the son of Henry T. and Susan Brown, both of whom are still living, respected and honored, and the more so as these noble representatives of pioneer times become fewer and still fewer. Mr. Brown has confined himself for many years to the improvement of his farm, and there finds exercise and diversion enough, without seeking either in travel. Though now in the full tide of manhood, lie has but once been outside the boundaries of his native State. He was married to Miss Fannie llunnels, June 4, 1877. Have two children.

Captain Carter was a native of Yirginia, born September 10, 1810. When he was quite small, his parents moved to Kentucky, where they resided till Thomas was fifteen years old. They then moved to Delaware eounty, Ohio, where Thomas served live years as a millwright's apprentice, and became a scientific workman. His son John has a fine case of tools formerly owned by his father, some of which have been in use for fifty years, Mr. Carter was, perhaps, the first millwright who operated in this part of the State. He left Ohio in the spring of 1829, and moved to Livingston county, Missouri, where he remained four years and built several mills. In 1834, he moved to Linn county, and settled at the old Botts mill, and was living there during the flood of 1844, when the water rose so high he had to get his family out in a flat-boat. From there he moved to Miles's mill in 1848, which here built; and also built a bridge across Locust Creek, just below the mill. In 1851, he bought a farm three miles from the mill, and lived there till 1854, when he broke up housekeeping. He assisted in building and operating too many mills to make mention of all. The last milling enterprise in which he engaged was in partnership with his son Frank, they having bought out Beckett & Trumbo, in Benton township. Mr. Carter enlisted in the Union service in August, 1861, in Company F, Twenty-third Missouri Infantry, of which he was elected captain. He resigned, however, again becoming a private, and served two years and nine months. He was in the battle of Shiloh, and was in the thickest of the fight. After the war, he never engaged in active life to any great extent. He had been twice married. His first wife was Annie Conkling, to whom he was married in Ohio, September 18, 1833. After her death, he was again married to Mrs. Martha A. Moore, of Linn county. By his first union he had ten children, eight of whom still survive. In 1868, he was elected county treasurer, beating his opponent three or four hundred votes. On taking sick, he resigned this office; his son John was appointed to fill the vacancy. Captain Carter departed this life June 5, 1868, and was buried at Linneus. In religion, he was a Cumberland Presbyterian, and in politics he was formerly an old line Whig, but latterly a Republican. He was always a Free-soiler, and fully believed in both religious and political liberty.

lie was eiglit years old bis parents moved to Missouri, and settled in Benton township, this county, where Taylor P. grew up and was educated. Daring the civil war Mr. Christy entered the government service in company F, Second Missouri Provisional Cavalry, in which he served six months. After that he went to recruiting for the Twelfth Missouri Cavalry, United States Regulars, and went with that regiment to St. Louis in January, 1864. He was made commissary-sergeant, and went south viith his regiment, partici]">ating in the Memphis and (luntown fights. He was taken sick and soon afterwards leturned home. After eight montlis he rejoined the service and was assigned to duty in the Forty-second Missouri Infantry, and after quite a campaign in the South, returned to St. Louis, and was soon afterwards sent with the regiment west for the frontier service. He was as far out as the Black Hills, and had several brushes with the Indians. He returned in the spring of 1866, and in August following, was united in marriage with Miss Lucilla E. Elliott, daughter of Dr. James Elliott, of Clayton, Illinois. Have had four children, Agnes Belle and Julia Etta, living, Julian "W. and James Grant (twins), deceased.

Mr. Christy engaged in farming for two years after his marriage, and then began merchandizing. At present he is in the grocery and implement business at Browning, though his business experience has not been confined to this State. He spent some time in the far West, part of which time he was in the hotel business at Piedmont, Wyoming Territory, and subsequently in the fur and robe trade at Greeley, Colorado. After that he started a robe tannery at Kansas City, which he operated one year. He and his brother then went down to western Texas and hunted buffalo on the Staked Plain with the Comanche Indians. They returned to Kansas City, bringing seven hundred robes and a lot of furs, and again started up the robe tannery; a fire struck the concern, however, and burned them out of business, when the subject of this sketch returned to Linn county, and is still here in business,

Avilliam Cotter

This gentleman, who is a native of Tennessee, and son of Stephen W. and Elizabeth Cotter, was three years in the government service during the civil war. He was in the company commanded by Captain Rice Morris, of the Twenty-third Missouri, and he enlisted in August, 1861. Was in the battle of Shiloh, and was with Sherman at Atlanta aiid Jonesborougli. Mr. Cotter lived in his native State till he was about eight years old, and then moved to Osage count}', Missouri, where he lived two years, and thence to Linn county in 1844. The date of his birth was December IT, 1834. He has been engaged in farming all his life, except the three years he was in the war. He was married November 4, 1858, to Mary Oxley, a native of Indiana, and daughter of Eli II. and Mary Oxley, natives of Kentucky.

They have had eleven children, ten of whom still survive: Amanda E., Mary J., James E. (deceased), Lydia E,, Vina Melcena, Benjamin S., Sallie C, Minnie B., Annie S., William, and John M. Mr. Cotter is perhaps as young a looking man of his age as can be found anywhere.

was born in Glasgow, Howard county, Missouri, May 7, 1852. His father's name is B. F. Cfawley; his mother's, Louisa A. Crawley. Both parents were natives of Virginia. His mother came with her parents to Missouri, in 1833; she died when he was about three months old. His father is still living, and by profession is a school teacher. He is a graduate of Yale College, and was principal for a number of years of the public schools at Keytesville, Chariton county, and also the principal of the school at Roanoake. He is quite proficient in Latin as well as English literature. At present he occupies the position of clerk and recorder of Chariton county. On his mother's side Mr. Crawley is of French extraction, his grandmoth- name being Fountain, originally written De la Fountain - a name prominent among the early Hugenots of Carolina. She was the great granddaughter of the illustrious Patrick Henry and was raised by his oldest -daughter. Mr. Crawley's father was twice married. By the first marriage there was besides himself a sister who now lives in Chariton county. By his second marriage his father had two children, one of whom still lives. His second wife died in 1861. H. W. Crawley was raised by his grandfather, the Rev. William Perkins, who was the father of Doctors P. H. and E. F. Perkins, of Linneus, and who was well known for a number of years to the people of Linn county as a. prominent minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. When only a few months old he was taken in charge by his grandfather, who at that time, and for some years afterward, was engaged on the circuit, and consequently did not reside at any one point for a protracted period. After living one year at Glasgow he spent two years at Brunswick, Chariton county. He then moved to Parkville, Piatt county, and remained four years, and from there went to Plattsburg, Clincounty, and staid two years. The next point was Richmond, Ray county, where he remained two years, and from there went Carrollton, Carroll county, and spent two years. From Carrollton he moved to Linneus, Linn county, in the fall of 1865. In February, 1879, he moved from Linneus to Browning, where he has since resided, engaged in the business above spoken of. At nineteen he left the school-room for the active duties of life. He first clerked in the d^-ug store of Perkins & Bradley, at Linneus, where he remained about eight years, some changes taking place, however, during that time in the members of the firm. The principal portion of his instruction in pharmacy was acquired under the especial care and management of Dr. E. F. Perkins. In February, 1878, he was employed in the recorder's office, ^vllere he remained several months. In February, 1879, he and J. P. McQuown formed a partnership, and moved to Browning and opened a drug store under tlie firm name of J. P. JVIcQuovvn & Co., which they are still running. He is a member in good standing of the Scarlet Degree of the 1. O. O. F., Lodge No. 51, at Linneus, which he joined in 1873, Considering the success he has attained in so brief a period, and that he is located in a thriving busy town which is rapidly pushing ahead, we can but bespeak for him prosperity in the fflture.

Benjamin F. Carter

Mr. Benjamin F. Carter was born in Delaware, Delaware county, Ohio, March 18, 1837. He is the son and third child of Thomas Carter, who came to Missouri in 1840. Mr. Carter was enrolled in March, 1862, and served three years during the late war. He was in Colonel McFerran's regiment, First Cavalry Missouri Stale Militia, and tirst sergeant in the company. Though he was seriously ill during the time for about two months, he stuck to his post and did not quit the service. His company was principally engaged in several counties south of the Missouri River; was in a skirmish with General Jo Shelby in Saline county, and had quite a number of skirmishes with the noted Quantrell, in fact almost daily. In the fall of 1804: they had a good deal of skirmishing with General Price at different points; at Boonville, the Little and Big Blue, and Mine Creek, near Fort Scott, General Price having from twenty-five to thirty thousand men, and they, under the command of General Pleasanton, of the Potomac army, consisting of about twenty thousand. Mr. Carter was discharged at Warrensburg, Johnson county, Missouri.

Since his release from the war he has been, with the exception of a short period, in the milling business. He first went to Scottsville, Sullivan county, where, in partnership with Captain Hutchinson, he operated a saw and grist-mill for about five years. Afterward he ran a portable saw-mill in Linn and Sullivan counties up to 1878, when he removed to Browning and engaged in the furniture trade. In 1879 he and Mr. Madison Fourman built the mill at Browning which he is now running. Shortly afterward Mr. Fourman sold his interest to Mr. John Mairs, and Mr. Mairs leased his interest to Mr. Carter, who has ever since operated and controlled it alone. The mill is a four-run mill, new process, and is driven by an Atlas engine made at Indianapolis. The mill is running constantly, doing a good, paying business, and does custom work on Friday and Saturday of each week. It is well built, three stories and a half high, nicely painted and in good trim. In justice to Mr. Carter we must say it is the best mill in the county.

tha J. Jacobs, daughter of "Wesley Jacobs of Sullivan county. They have had five children, three boys and two girls, all living. In October, 1881, he and his wife, both together, joined the Christian Church at Browning. Mr. Carter is also a member of the city council and of the school board, and of the A. O. U. W. lodge at Browning.

James Shand Duncan

was born in El^in county, Scotland, April 10, 1837, and is the son of William and Barbara Duncan. Both parents are still living on their native soil, and are worthy representatives of a virtuous and hardy people, whose mental traits and physical characteristics have been so well described and made so familiar by Burns and Scott, the prince of poets and the peerless man of letters. Young Duncan was sent to .his grandfather at an early age, whose apprentice he became in the harness trade. After learning the trade he entered upon the career of a roving journeyman, which lasted for several years, in which time he visited the chief cities and towns of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, among which might be mentioned Edinburg, London, Belfast, Londonderry, Liverpool, and Birmingham. Sailed from Londonderry for America, and after a rough voyage of fifteen days, landed at New York City March 16th. After landing in America he indulged in his propensity for travel, and before settling down to business visited various places of interest in different parts of the country. Was married to Miss Sallie Johnson, daughter of A. 1. and Elizabeth Johnson of Sullivan county, Missouri, August 1, 1880. Has one child.

The subject of this sketch was a native of Bracken county, Kentucky,, born February 23, 1818. He was the son of Frederick and Peggy Fishback, and he continued to reside in Kentucky till 1854, when he moved to- Efhnofham countv, Illinois, and lived there eleven vears. From there he moved to Linn count}', Missouri, and has ever since resided there, with the exception of five years spent in Holt county. For the greater part of his life Mr. Fishback was engaged in the laudable vocation of farming. He was married November 28, 1839, to Lucinda Mullins, daughter of Henry and Mildred Mullins of Clark county, Kentucky. Mr, Fishback departed this life May 17, 1879, leaving a widow and three children living. He had one daughter deceased, named Lucy Margaret. Frederica Jane, Lucius E., and John M., are still living. Lucius is married and farming in Jackson township. John Milton Fisliback, who is till unmarried and resides with his widowed mother, was born in Effingham county, Illinois, September 13, 1860. He came with his parents to this State and county when about five years old, and here grew up and received his education. He is the business manager for his mother in the working of the farm. Both his parents adhered to the Baptist faith, but John belongs to no church as yet.

William F. Gibson

was born in South Carolina, June 7, 1810. His parents were Thomas N. and Knth Gibson, who moved out to Tennessee at an early day. On the way ont, AVilliam F,, then a small boy, knocked a tomahawk out of a "kid" Indian's hand and brained him with it. It seems, however, that they arrived safe in Tennessee. The father was a carpenter by trade, and William had the pleasure of seeing a root' he had put on, lifty years.afterwards, and it was still in good condition. He (the father) also operated a farm in connection with his trade, and his sons did the work thereon. He died when William was about thirteen yeai^ old, and his mother married again; after which he never lived at home, but bound himself out to a man with whom he worked till he was twenty-one years old. On September 3d, 1833, he was married to Miss Rachel, daughter of Thomas and liebecca Brookshire. They have twelve children, eight of whom still survive. His first wife died July 28, 1857, and he was again married October 3, 1860, to Eebecca C. Schrock, daughter of Robert L. Schrock, by which union he has three children. His coining to Linn county was as early as Ihe spring of 1835, and first settled below Linneus. In 1837 he moved to Benton township and has lived there ever since, engaged in farming. Soon after the county was organized he was appointed justice of the peace, and afterwards elected, making him thirteen years in that ofiice. He has been a member of the Methodist Church for over forty years, and was always an active working member, and most of the time has been a class-leader. He taught school a short time in this county. Before the war he was a Whig, but since has taken small interest in politics. He has a farm of 150 acres, all under fence, on which he has a good orchard.

is a son of William and Mary Gabel, and was born in Preston county, Yirginia (now West Virginia), where he continued to reside till he was ten years old. He then went to Fayette county, Pennsylvania, where he lived till 1868, when he came to Linn county, Missouri, and has ever since resided here, chiefly engaged in farming, though he sometimes works at the car])enter's trade. He was married in December, 1844, to Miss Mary Rumble, daughter of David and Catharine Rumble. Ten children have resulted from this union, nine of whom are still living. Their names are : Catharine (deceased), James Irvin, Martha Jane, Ida A., William B., John, Justice De Friend, Ilattie Melissa, Elizabeth Olive, and Alice May. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and Mr. Gable also belongs to the Odd Fellow's fraternity at Browning. Both he and wife are of Dutch descent, and are a thrifty, energetic couple. He raises quite a variety of products on his farm, including fruits and tobacco. Also raises considerable honey, having several stands of bees.

George W. Gibson

is a tiller of tlie soil, being a native-born Missourian, his birthplace being two miles southeast of Linneus, where he was born March 1, 1837. He has spent his whole life thus far in fanning, and in Linn county. In him is readily recognized a representative of the representative class of Missouri. The typical Missourian is a farmer and that, too, a farmer not wholly unambitious, but one content with his lot, who stays at home and thinks it the best place on earth. He has long since recognized the importance of combining stock-raising with the business of farming, and in raising stock his motto is, " the best is most profitable." He gives special attention to cattle, and now makes a specialty of the Short-Horn breed. Mr. Gibson was married to Miss Harriet A. Schrock, in Sullivan county, Missouri, October 24:, 1854:. He has six children, four of whom are living. Mr. Gibson is a member of the Browning Lodge, I. O. O. F., and both himself and wife are exemplary members of the Methodist Church.

James D. Jenkins

is a native of Ohio, and was born in Marion county, August 25, 1829. He is the son of David and Magdalena {Qiee Reinhart) Jenkins, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter, of Ohio. His father had been a merchant in Ohio and continued there till James was about nine years old, when he moved to Missouri, and, after a temporary sojourn in Howard county, moved to Linn county and settled in what is now Benton township. This was in 1838, and the family became a fixture in this county. ames lived with his parents till he was twenty-four years of age, and then on the first of September, 1853, he married Sarah T. Cassity. They have had five children, three of whom, two sons and one daughter, are deceased. Mr. Jenkins lived in the suburbs of Browning from 1856 till 1865, when he moved to the northwest part of section twenty-nine, township sixty, range twenty, in sight of the place his father had settled years before. Mr. Jenkins and wife are members of the Christian Church, but he does not belong to any secret order. His mother died December 3, 1864, and his father, March 13, 1371. He has a well improved farm with good residence and new barn, and other improvements to correspond.

William T. Kimber

was born in Prairieville (now Waukeeshaw), April 21, 1840. He is the son of George and Mary Kimber, the father being a native of England and still living, and the mother (deceased) a native of Wales. The family moved to Illinois in 1844, and William resided there most of the time till 1865, when he came, in fall of that year, to Missouri, and located in Benton township, and where he still resides. He owns a good farm of two hundred and forty acres, nearly all under fence, and one hundred acres in pasture. His place is fairly improved, and he has some good stock - horses, cattle and swine - around him. Also has a line peach orchard, and raises grapes and other fruit. Mr. Kimber was married in October, 1866, to Miss Susan Trader, daughter of Moses and Martha Trader, a lady who was born and raised in Linn count}'. Nine children have been born of this union, two of whom (unnamed infants) are deceased. Those living are: Mary Alice, Oscar Orestes, Martha Ann Ella, Edmund W., Frank P., Margaret Belle, and Libbie P. During the war, Mr. Kimber served in Company F, Twenty-sixth Michigan Infantry, and was out a little less than a year, having enlisted in August, 1864, and serving till June. Mr. Kimber has served as justice of the peace for Benton township, being once appointed and once elected. He belongs to the Methodist Church, and holds membership at Browning.

We wish to give here a brief history of a citizen who has spent the greater part of his life in Linn county, and who has been prominently identified with the commercial interests of the town in which he now lives, in various departments of business, from its origin to the present time. Mr. Kennedy was born March 19, 1836, in Anderson count}', Kentucky. He is the son and oldest child of John G. and Sophia Kennedy, both of whom are still living, blessed with good health and are old and highly esteemed residents of our county seat. His father was born in Madison county, Kentucky, on the twenty-fifth day of May, 1809. His mother's maiden name was Searcy. His parents had eleven children in all, three of whom are dead. A memorable coincidence exists in the dates of the birth of himself and a younger brother and sister. Himself, a brother, sixteen, and a sister twelve years younger, were all three born on the nineteenth day of March.

Mr. Kennedy lived with his father on his native farm till he was eleven years of age, when his father removed to Hancock county, Illinois. Here he lived with his father, assisting him upon the farm, for abont six years, at the end of which time his father removed from Illinois to Linn county, and settled on a farm on Bear Branch, in the Gier district, ten miles east of Linneus. Here he lived with his father on the farm for about two years, when he left him and went to Brunswick, in Chariton county, this Statei where he was for three years engaged in the Grand River City Mills. Pie then moved to Linneus, where he continued for some time in the milling business, and afterward learned the brick mason's trade, at which he worked till 1873.

In April, 1873, he moved to Browning, went to merchandizing, and kept a general stock of goods for about a year. After selling out in the mer-

In the following October, after his arrival in Browning, he was appointed postmaster, a position which he has ever since retained, and the duties of which he has efficiently discharged, to the great satisfaction of the entire community. For the past two or three years, he has also been engaged in the jewelry business, which he is pursuing with his accustomed energy and success.

Mr. Kennedy was married at Linneus on the sixth day of eTanuary, 1859, to Miss Mary Ann Auberry, daugliter of Joseph Auberry. They have had six children; three living, three dead.

He served in the war three years, enlisting on the ninth day of August 1862, in the Twenty-third Missouri Infantry Volunteers, Company I, under Captain Marion Cave; mustered out June 10, 1865, at Washington City. He was at the siege of Atlanta, under General Sherman, and with him in his march to the sea, and through the Carolinas. He was appointed lieutenant a short time before he was mustered out of the service.

John P. Mc Qijown

w^as born in Linn county, two miles south of where Browning is now situated^ on the ninth day of February, 1856. He is the only son of Robert M. and Sue A. McQuown. He had two sisters, both of whom are dead. His father was of Irish extraction, but a Yirginian by birth. He was a well known and highly esteemed citizen of the county, and was judge of the County Court many years ago. He died in 1861. His mother is of English origin, and a native of St. Charles, Missouri. She married a second time Mr. A. M. Clarkson, an old and prominent citizen of the county seat. J. P. McQnown was five years old when his father died. In February, 1879, he formed a partnership with H. W. Crawley, moved to Browning and opened a drug store, in which business he has^ever since been successfully engaged. His education was received mainly at the schools of Linneus, and at the normal school of Kirksville, where he spent four terms. He is a member of the Odd Fellow lodge at Browning, No. 373. When he and Mr. Crawley first opened their drug store in Browning they commenced on a capital of eight hundred dollars; but by close application to business they have increased their stock to a great deal more than double its original amount. In view of the fact that they have made such rapid progress in so short a time and that they are located in one of the most busy, go-ahead towns in this section of country, we feel assured that nothing but a course of prosperity awaits them in the near future.

John A. Mckenzie

proprietor of the Buowning House, Browning, Missouri, was born in Huron, county, Canada, December 12, 1S42. His fatlier, Alexander McKenzie, was born in Scotland. Margaret Browning, his mother, was a native of Nova Scotia, whence she emigrated to Canada in 185^ ; her maiden name was Frazier. Mr. McKenzie spent his youth and early manhood with his father in Canada working on a farm, where was laid the foundation of character and was developed the physical manhood which constitute his distinctive characteristics. In 1869 he removed to Linn county, Missouri, where he continued the same avocation under more genial skies. In 1880 he removed to the town of Pipestone, Pipestone county, Minnesota, and engaged in the hotel business, which he has constantly followed ever since. In January, 1882, he removed to his present place of business. Browning, Missouri. Mr. McKenzie was married to Rachel G. Hutchinson, in April, 1872. She is the daughter of E. C. Hutchinson, of Grantville, Illinois, and was born in Hancock, county, Illinois, removing to Missouri when yet a child. Mr. McKenzie and wife have had born to them four children, of which but one remains to cheer their home, the others having died while in infancy. -While under the management of the present proprietor the Browning House has been much improved, and that well-known hotel has, not only in its exterior appearance but in the internal arrangement as well as in the manner of being conducted, fully kept pace with the enterprising town, to which it is an ornament, and the rapidly improving country which surrounds it.

James Alonzo Maiks

born in Jackson county, West Virginia, June 27, 1855, son of Thomas and Louisa Mairs. Thomas Mairs was a native of the Emerald Isle, the paternal abode being near the historic city of Belfast, Ireland. Louisa Mairs was born in Virginia, her maiden name being Arnold. The subject of this sketch was born near the towm of Sandyville, Jackson county, West Virginia, where his home was till 1865, when, with his father, his mother having previously died, he removed to Milan, Sullivan county, Missouri. After residing in Milan about one year the family removed to the vicinity of Browning, where the father, Thomas Mairs, died in 1879. Thus far the early career of Mr. Mairs was commonplace and differed but little from that of the average farmer boy of the nineteenth century, but from this time it is our business to speak ot him as the ambitious boy at the best college of the State, then a diligent student at the metropolis of Kentuck}^, and finally a member of one of the most honored and useful of professions. After taking the degree of A. B. at Columbia Universit}'- in 1876, he attended for one year the medical department of the same institution. He then entered the medical college of Louisville, where he took the degree of M. D. in 1879. Few men have become eminently successful in any of the learned professions in so short a time; nevertheless, Dr. Mairs has great i-easons to congratulate himself on the success wliich he has achieved in four years, much of which is due to his kind sympathetic disposition as well as to his thorough education and natural adaptability to the profession. Dr. Mairs was married August 4, 1879, to Miss SalHe A. Richardson of Santa Rosa, Missouri. To them liave been born two children.

Thomas J. Moffett

was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, four miles west of Springfield,^ February 28, 1830; is the son of William and Ella Motfett, natives of Kentucky, whence they removed to Illinois at an early day; both parents died some years since. Mr. Moflfett emigrated to Missouri with his parents when ten years of age, first stopping on the farm belonging to General Sterling Price in Clinton county, and from there to their present place of residence on section six, township fifty-nine, range twenty, where he has since resided with the exception of two years, 1855-56, when he resided in Daviess county. Was for a number of years engaged in the milling business. Mr. Moffett received but a common school education, but he had- the name of being a hriglit scholar. For a number of years he tended crops in summer and taught school in the winter. Was married the first time May tt, 1854, to Juland Jones, who was a native of Kentucky. By this marriage they had five children. Married second time February 15, 1866, to Miss Elizabeth Hooker. There were eight children by this marriage, three of whom are dead. Both himself and present wife are members of the Mount Olive Baptist Church, the latter having lived a consistent Christian life ever since she joined church, which was in her fifteenth year. Mr. MofFett is one of the leading farmers of Linn county, he having a well-improved farm of three hundred and twenty acres.

Thomas B. Morkis

was born in Taylor county, Kentucky, June 14, 1852. His parents were of that fearless and enterprising stock which, crossing the Cumberland Mountains on the south or the Alleghanies on the east, came to people the "dark and bloody ground" ere the red-faced and bloody-handed denizen had quitted it for is home further west. While yet a youth the subject of this sketch removed with his parents to Buchanan county, Missouri, where he resided for a number of years. In 1860 he removed to Linn county, where he has since resided. Mr. Morris is a farmer, and has made this his exclusive business ever since arriving at the years of maturity. Has a very desirable, well improved farm and modern dwelling, located on the road leading from Linneus to Browning. He has been twice married. His first wife was Isabella Brown, to whom he was married August 19, 1875, and by whom there were born two children. June IT, 1880, he was again married, liis second wife being Lucinda Reeves. Mr. Morris is a conscientious man, of kind heart and bhinieless life. lie is a member of the Methodist Church.

Colonel Benjamin F. Northcott

Colonel Xorthcott was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, May 29, 1817, and is the son of the llev. Benjamin Northcott, who was born in Chowan county. North Carolina, January 16, 1770, and was for many years a prominent and active Methodist preacher of that State. The mother of the subject of this sketch, Martha Odell Northcott, was the daughter of a Methodist preacher, who removed from the State of Virginia and settled in Kentucky in an early day. She was the second, wife of the Rev. Benjamin Northcott, by whom she had five sons and seven daughters. By his first wife Benjamin had three daughters, making fifteen children in all. Many persons now in Linn county recollect Rev. Benjamin ]^orthcott, of Kentucky^ as a man of more than ordinary powers in the pulpit.

The subject of this sketch, Colonel Northcott, received a common school education in Kentucky, but subsequently his courses of study as a minister, and still later as a lawyer, gave him a good stock of knowledge as well as the mental discipline usually secured by a liberal education.

Colonel IN", removed to Menard county, Illinois, in ISiO, where he followed farming till the fall of 1850, when he, as a preacher in charge, went to Mount Sterling, Illinois, where he remained two years; thence to Barry, Illinois, for two years, where he preached; thence to Linn county, Missouri, in November, 1S54, where as presiding elder of the Hannibal district of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he traveled the northeast portion of the State mitil February, 1857. This district then extended from Hannibal west to Trenton. In 1857 he returned to Adams county, Illinois, where he traveled as a Methodist preacher until the summer of 1862, when in connection with Col. J. F. Jacquess, then president of Quincy College, he organized the Seventy-third Illinois Volunteers, of which he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel. They traveled, made recruiting speeches, authorized men to raise companies for their regiment, and when the time came for mustering in their regiment, over twenty full companies were ready and sixteen of them were present at Camp Butler, near Springfield, Illinois. Six of them were turned over to Colonel (now General) J. H. Moore, who was another preacher colonel.

Colonel N. served with the regiment in the fall campaign of 1862 in Kentucky and Tennessee, participating in the battles of Perryville and Murfreesboro, after which his health failed. He was attacked by a dropsical atfection of the feet and legs, accompanied by general debility, when he resigned his commission and returned to Linn county, Missouri, in April,

1863. He cultivated his farm till the close of the war, when he removed to Linneiis and engaged in the practice of law with Hon. W. H. Brownlee, as partner. Afterwards was in partnership in the law business with his son B. J. Northcott, who still resides and practices law in Linneus. He was one of the earliest advocates of the north and south railroad through Linn, Sullivan and Putnam counties, and in his capacity as managing director and president of the local company known as the North Missouri Central, he was perliaps, more than any other man, instrumental in securing its completion. It was to his exertions and influence tliat the company was indebted for securing the charter privileges of the St. Joseph & Iowa Eailroad Company and the consolidation with the Burlington & Southwestern. He was married, in 1840, in Botts county, Kentucky, to Miss Elizabeth Ann Christy, a sister of the Hon. A. D. Christy of Unionville, Missonri, who is still living and the mother of nine children, five of whom are still living: B. J. Northcott, lawyer, Linneus, Missouri; C, W. Northcott, teacher, Enterprise, Missouri; Mrs. D. W. Barclay, and Mrs. G. G. Alexander, of Enterprise; and Miss Nellie Northcott, teacher. Browning, Missom-i. The only office of a political character held by Colonel Northcott which will be mentioned here is, that he was a member of the Constitutional Convention of Illinois of 1848, from Menard county, to which he was elected as a Whig, when the county had a Democratic majority. Honorable William Engle was spoken of as the opposing candidate but declined in favor of Colonel N. and refused to make the race. However, he received some votes. Colonel N. also served one term as mayor of Linneus, to which he was elected without opposition. He served as curator of the Missouri State University for several years during an eventful period for that institution.

Columbia not being in accord with the party in power, the removal of the University was agitated, but the Colonel cast his influence into the scale in favor of its remaining at Columbia. At this time he served on a committee of the board of curators which located the School of Mines, which is a branch of the State University, at Rolla, Missouri. He has always been a zealous friend of popular education; as a school director, as well as by his individual efforts, has done his full share toward building up the schools and school-houses in Linn county where he has resided.

In politics he is a Republican, He is a Mason and Good Templar. He now resides at Browning, where he practices law and has an interest in a mercantile establishment. His early training as a pulpit orator has been of great assistance to him in the practice of the law, as there is no better school for advocacy teaching than the pulpit, and he is able to meet other lawyers before the apostolic twelve in the jury box with signal success. In fact Colonel Northcott is a speaker who is always listened to with pleasure by his acquaintances. Horticulture has always been a favorite pursuit with him.

David C. Pierce

The subject of this sketch belongs to the honest-hearted, hard-worked, and time-honored profession of farming. He is located in section thirtysix, township sixty, range twenty one. He was born January 10, 1840, in the immediate vicinity of where he now resides. Mr, Pierce is a pioneer, and comes of a family of pioneers. His father, James M. Pierce, who died December 25, 1858, was a native of Alabama, and moved to Kentucky at a very early period of the settlement of that State, His mother, who is still living, was born in South Carolina, and when young moved to Tennessee, Mr. Pierce, himself, has experienced as much of the trials and hardships of frontier life as most of men now living, and has passed through all the succeeding phases of farm operations, from the day of bull plows to that of reaping machines. He now has a farm of two hundred and ten acres, all of which is well fenced and one hundred acres improved. He was married to Miss Emily Ann Yan Bebber, December 5, 1867- Has six children, was born in Mason count}', Kentucky, June 19, ISi-l. He is a son of Poss and Mary Prather, and continued to live in his native State till 1880, when he came to Linn county, Missouri, Mr. Prather is not a married man, and has never been. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and also of the Masonic order, a member of the lodge at Maysville, Kentucky. He resides at this writing with his half brother, Mr. Thomas Prather.