Center Township

Norton Blake

farmer and stock raiser, section 5, postoffice St. Joseph, was born March 14, 18 18, in Livingston County, New York. His parents were natives of Connecticut, and moved to New York State about 1800. Norton spent his boyhood days on a farm and received a common school education. When thirteen years of age he moved with his parents to Sandusky County, Ohio, resided there two years, and then emigrated to DeKalb County, Indiana, where he remained thirty years engaged in agricultural pursuits. During the late war he assisted in organizing the Thirtieth and Forty-fourth Regiments, and Company H of the Eightyeighth Indiana Infantry; also Company M of the Second Indiana Cavalry; his brother became captain of this company. Norton was appointed wagon master of the commissary department, but his health failing he was compelled to resign this position. His only son, Judson, became a member of the Second Indiana Cavalry, and had his right shoulder shattered while fighting against John Morgan in Tennessee. He came home and remained a few months, when he re-enlisted in the lEighth Illinois Cavalry and served until the close of the war, serving with General Sheridan. In 1863, our subject took a trip west, and visited St. Joseph, Atchison, Topeka and other places. During 1864 he worked at the carpenter trade in Chicago, and held the position of foreman of the West Side Street Car Company. Emigrated to Andrew County, Missouri, in 1865, and from there to St. Joseph in 1867. He remained there three years and then moved to his present location. He owns a fine 'farm of 165 acres, which is very highly improved. The outbuildings are well arranged and everything around his place denotes neatness and a successful farmer. He has about fifteen hundred fruit trees and a small vineyard. He has been twice married. First, March 9, 1843, to Miss H. A. Holmes, a native of Seneca County, Ohio, born May 21, 1826; she died in November, 1863, leaving three children: Judson, born March 22, 1844; Lucy E., born April 27, 1846; G. J., born August 4, 1850, now Mrs. William Bealey. Was again married, December 18, 1866, to Miss Mary Thompson, a resident of St. Joseph, born March 21, 1839, ^^ County Tire, Ireland. They have had one child, Sarah I., now Mrs. Robert I. Young. Mrs. B. is a member of the Westminster Church of St. Joseph. Mr. B. is a member of the Masonic fraternity and ihekjiigs to King Hill Lx^dge.

Judge Thomas A. Brown

^as born in Knox County, Tennessee, January 28, 1812. In 1836, he moved to Missouri, and settled a few miles south of St. Joseph, where he purchased a farm, wh'ch he improved and on which he resided seven years. During that period he was elected Judge of the County Court of Buchanan County. In 1843, Tie moved to Nodaway County, where he also purcliased land and engaged in farming. He here continued to reside till 1862, when he returned to St. Joseph, and purchased the valuable farm which he still owns and on which he continues to reside, four south of the city. During the long period of Judge Brown's residence in Nodaway County, he represented the same six years in the .State Legislature. Methodical and exact in all business transactions, he has ever commanded the respect of his constituents. Though, to a considerable extent, a self-made man, the Judge is well informed, and, taking great delight in reading, is well up with the times in matters of general interest. As present (1881) Judge of the County Court of Buchanan County, he enjoys a well merited popularity. April 21, 1833, he married in his original home in Tennessee, Margaret D. Blakely. They have eight children living - Sarah Jane, Phelix C, Elizabeth S.. Joseph A., Gideon L., Thomas J., Cynthia A. and John C. Brown. Mrs. Brown died in Nodaway County, September 16, 1862. Ten years after this the Judge was married to Miss May Deacon, farmer and stock raiser, section i8, postoffice St. Joseph, was born May 28, 1829, in Russell County, Kentucky, and was there reared, spending his boyhood days on a farm. He received a fair education, and came West in the fall of 185 1, settling in this county near DeKalb. He has since resided in the county, and moved to the place he now occupies in 1865. His landed estate consists of 249 acres of well improved land, and also owns 330 acres in Doniphan County, Kansas. During the late war he served for two years in the Enrolled Missouri Militia. He has filled the positions of school director and road overseer several terms. Mr. C. was married February 6, 1858, to Miss Nancy A.. Dittemore, a native of Indiana. They are raising four orphan children. Mr. and Mrs. C. are active members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in which he holds the position of elder, and is one of its most liberal contributors. He also belongs to the Masonic fraternity.

Major Wm. C. Connett

was born in Mason County, Kentucky, June 3, 1797- He removed from the place of his birth to Hardin County, Kentucky, where he remained for several years and then enlisted in the war of 1812. He for a time kept a hotel at May's Lick and then engaged in farming in Fayette County. He engaged extensively in the manufacture of hemp in Lexington,. Kentucky, operating a large factory which was destroyed by fire and absorbed all his available means, but with the energy characteristic of the man he set out for the west to retrieve his losses, and on the nth of March, 1839, he came to Buchanan County and settled on the farm which for twenty-six years was his home. He engaged in the raising of hemp and the raaimfacture of rope and was the first in the Platte Purchase tO' engage in this industry and one great inducement in doing it was that the product of summer's labor could be utilized by labor of winter, thusproving him a good political economist. This business proved very remunerative and was the basis of the large estate he left at his death which occurred December 30, 1864. He was a man of large frame, a strong mind, a powerful will, untiring energy and industry, as an evidence of which he had acquired as a farmer in a legitimate attention tO' that branch of industry a large estate. He was a man whose standard, of morality was very high and in the daily affairs of life attended strictly to his own affairs, giving to every man his due as punctually as he exacted from others. His theories were few and practical. He waseminently a utilitarian and was slow to believe in innovations on good old law and customs. In every sense of the word he was a patriot and a lover of his country. He had great respect for the laws of the land.

and could see no fault in the form of our government, but deplored the ignorance among the many for not learning the working of its beautiful machinery devised in profound wisdom. Although his educational advantages were limited he was a man of general information, of vast experience and instructive in his conversation. He never obtruded his opinion and ever expressed himself in decorous language with modest dignity. He was a just minded man and a most useful citizen. He was married June 7, 1817, to Miss Matilda Thornberry, a native of Fauquier County, Virginia. She was of Scotch descent. Their children were - Squire S., Malvina A., who married Judge E. P. Duncan, Isabelle, wife of Columbus Roundtree, Elzerie married Samuel Wildbahn, and Miranda became the wife of Walker G. Reid. After Mr. Connett's death his three sons. Squire S., William C. and Horace T. formed a partnership under the firm name of S. S. Connett & Bro's. They have purchased the interest of the other heirs to their father's estate and have added to the estate left by their father from year to year and are an exception among the leading farmers, stock raisers and business men of Buchanan county as well as one of its largest tax payers. In connection with their farming interests they have continued the packing business, which was first established by their father in 185 1, and the reputation he attained in the curing of hams and bacon has not suffered in the hands of his sons. Their knowledge of the business and the demand for their product has led them to increase their facilities, and at this time they are erecting a most commodious buildirig for their business, size 165x84, three stories high, with all modern improvements, with a capacity of 1,200 hogs per day. Squire S. Connett was born in May's Lick, Kentucky, May 10, 18 19, and in his youth learned the hemp manufacturing trade. Came to Buchanan County in 1839 and spun the first thread of hemp and manufactured the first rope in the Platte Purchase. He married Miss Cilina A. Leonard in February, 1857. She was born in Platte County, Missouri. Wm. C. Connett was born in Kentucky, December 14, 1830, and came to Buchanan County in 1839. He married Perilla L. Leonard, October

13, 1855. Their family consists of seven children : Carroll S., Leanna M., Solomon L., Squire S., Cora L., Ada E. and Wm. C. Horace T. Connett was born in Fayette County, Kentucky, November 10, 1832, and came with the family to Buchanan County in 1839. He married May E. Leonard April 12, 1861. She was born in Buchanan County. Mrs. C. died October 22, 1873, leaving four children : CelinaE., Charles H., John A. and Wesley L.

Eli Crumbly

ing a common school education. When sixteen years of age he commenced to learn the tailor's trade, at which he worked four or five years, and then entered a general merchandise store. Remained in this business three years, then went to work at his trade, continuing it until he emigrated West, in the spring of 1843. He came overland, and arrived in this county on the 26th of June, settling where he resides July 9. He commenced improving his farm, and also continued the tailoring business for some eight years. Since that time he has given his attention wholly to farming. His home farm contains 320 acres, and he also owns ninety acres besides. His farm is well stocked. Mr. C. has filled the office of justice of the peace for thirty years. August 20, 1839, he was married to Miss Rosman Davis. She was born in 1820, in Virginia, but was principally reared in North Carolina. They have had six children, three of whom are living : Francis R., now Mrs. Robert Ritche, William D. and Samuel E. Himself and wife are active members of the Baptist Church.

Col. James Dysart

was born in Rock Castle County, Kentucky, December 22, 1817. He is the eldest of a family of three children, two sons and a daughter, the latter the wife of William Carson, of Buchanan County. The younger brother, Andrew Dysart, now (1881) resides in Saline County. The family, ot Scotch-Irish extraction, were originally from Virginia. James Dysart, of that State, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch served in the rebel army in the war of the Revolution. His son. Col. Johnson Dysart, was an officer of the war of 1812. He emigrated, from Virginia to Kentucky, settling in Rock Castle County, where his son, the subject of this sketch, was afterwards born, as above stated. James Dysart received the benefits of such education as the schools of that section of country then afforded. His father dying young, he was early intrusted with the management of affairs, devoting his time to farming and kindred pursuits. In early manhood he was elected colonel of a regiment of State militia. In 1853 he emigrated West with his family and slaves and stopping in Buchanan County, Missouri, settled on the farm of several hundred acres which he still owns, and on which he still (1881) continues to reside, about seven miles southeast of St. Joseph. In politics he was originally a Whig, and continued to act with that party up to the period of its dissolution, since which time he has voted the Democratic ticket. During the late civil war, he enlisted in the division of the Confederate army commanded by General Price, and did service in the battles of Lexington and Pea Ridge. He has been twice married ; first, in Kentucky in 1844, to Miss Louisa Harris, a native of Virginia. She died in Missouri in 1861, leaving six children, Sarah (now

Mrs. C. S. Raffington, Helen (now Mrs. John Fogg), Virginia (now Mrs. W. L. Thompson), Elizabeth (now Mrs. Joseph Fogg), Anne, and Louisa. In 1864 Colonel Dysart married Miss Kate Martin, a native of Kentucky: They have eight children, Maud, Gertrude, Dora, Emma, Julia, Daisy, Samuel C, and James. The colonel has been for forty years an elder in the old school Presbyterian Church. He is also an active member of the Grange. His present wife is a member of the Christian Church.

Anthony Halter

farmer and stock raiser, section 11, postoffice St. Joseph, was born May 10, 1826, in the Province of Algiers, France. His parents were of Franco-Prussian origin, and came to the United States in 183 1, landing at the City of New York. They went to Ohio, and settled in Stark County. There Anthony was principally raised. His father owned a large tract of land, and stood among the leading citizens of that county. Our subject spent his boyhood days on the farm, and received the benefits of a common school education. He also followed the brickmaking business to some extent. He emigrated West in the spring of 1857, and arrived in St. Joseph on the 20th of April, engaging in brickmaking, which he continued until the breaking out of the war. He then enlisted in the Enrolled Missouri Militia, and served about nine months. He has filled the position of school director several terms. He moved to the place where he now resides, in i860, and owns 151 acres here, and 169 acres two and one-half miles east. His farms are well improved, and he has a handsome residence, which he has built with his own hands. Mr. H. was married August 19, 1856, to Miss Caroline Hafner, a native of Switzerland, born April 24, 1837. They have had a family of twelve children, nine of whom are living : Anthony S., Catherine, John W., Lewis H., Mary S., Joseph A., Mary M., Joseph R. and Mary *T. Himself and family are members of the German Catholic Church.

C. W. Harris

farmer and stock raiser, section 16, postofifice St. Joseph, was born February 16, 1828, at Oxfordshire, England, and was brought to the United States by his parents in 1833. They settled in Madison County, Ohio, and there Caleb was raised and received his education. He spent his youthful days here until the year 1845, when he went to Genesee County, Michigan, and remained there two years. Then went to Ohio, where he entered a store in the fall of 1847, and followed that business eighteen months. After this he turned his attention to farming and continued it until the fall of 1855, when he came to Holt County, Mis- souri. Remained there one year, married Miss Martha E. Chesney, a native of Holt County, Missouri, and moved to Kansas in 1856. In April, 1856, his wife died, leaving one child, John C. Two years afterwards he went to the Rocky Mountains and engaged in the mining business. Followed mining from the spring of 1840 until the fall of 1861, but failed to be very successful. Upon returning to Holt County, Missouri, he engaged in farming and steamboating until 1864. Then went into a general merchandise store as clerk, and in 1868 entered into partnership with his employer, and took a stock of goods and removed to Atchison County, Missouri. There he remained three years. Then went to the Rocky Mountains again for his health, and came from there here in the fall of 1871, and settled on the place where he now resides. Lived alone until 1878, when he was again married to Miss Jane Weir, a native of Platte County. He now owns a fine farm of 162 acres, most of which is under cultivation and well stocked. Mr. and Mrs. H. have had two children, one, Julia A., living, and one dead. Himself and wife belong to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Perry Harrington

farmer and stock raiser, section 5, postoffice St. Joseph, was born February 28, 1838, in Columbus County, Ohio, and was brought to Buchanan County by his parents in 1844, and has since made this his home. He received the benefits of a common school education. During the late war he enlisted in Company H, 35th Missouri Infantry, in September, 1862,. and served three years, taking part in the battle of Helena, Arkansas, and many other minor engagements. Since the war he has given his attention to farming, and now owns 230 acres of land, no of which are under cultivation. He was married August 17, i860, to Miss A. D. Ruddy, a native of Tennessee. They have had four children, Eldora, Fanny, Henry E., and George W. Mr. H. is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and belongs to King Hill Lodge, No. 376.

Martin Hersh

farmer and stock raiser, section 36, postoffice Willow Brook, was born February 26, 18 17, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and was reared at his birthplace and received the benefits of an education. He learned the painter and also the carpenter trades, and when about twenty-one years of age started West and traveled through Ohio to Wabash, Indiana. Thence through Illinois and Missouri, arriving in this County in July, 1839. He located on Platte River and commenced clearing a claim, and settled on his present farm in 1840. He owns 344 acres in his own . name, his wife has eighty acres, and his son George owns 160.

This land is well improved, and all has been gained through his own efforts. He has filled the position of road overseer and school director several terms. During the late war he served for six months in the Enrolled Missouri Militia. He was married in August, 1845, to Miss Mary J. Raney, a native of Indiana, born December 17, 1827. They liave had three children, Henry, George, and Catherine (now Mrs. Alex Bell). In character, as well as in purse, Mr. H. is one of the solid men of the county.

William James

farmer and stock raiser, section 7, postoffice St. Joseph, was born December 24, 1813, in North Carolina, about thirty miles north of Wilmington. He was there reared, and spent his boyhood days on the farm, receiving his education in the schools of that vicinity. He emigrated West, in the spring of 1846, with a family of thirteen. They took a steamer at Louisville, Kentucky, and came to Liberty Landing, Missouri, and from there to this county, arriving in May. After buying claims, they commenced the work of converting a wilderness into a civilized community, in which they succeeded. This little group of thirteen have now increased to nearly one hundred souls. He owns a fine farm, consisting of 211 acres, 125 of which are under cultivation,*the balance being timber and pasture. He has filled the position of road overseer for ten years. Mr. J. was married in December, 1843, to Miss Mary J. Register^ a native of North Carolina. They have had eleven children, six of whom are living : Rebecca E., now Mrs. J. C- Crow ; William D. ; Sarah jj.., now Mrs. John Brown ;. Alfred F., Cordelia E. and Harry E. Himseif .and family are members of the Presbyterian Church.

Solomon Long

farmer and stock raiser, section 30, postoffice St. Joseph, was born January 20, 1820, in White County, Tennessee, and spent his boyhood days on a farm. He also worked for two years at the blacksmith trade. He received a common school education. He took the Western fever in Ihe spring of 1840 and moved to Missouri, first settling in Platte County. He located where he now resides in the spring of 1841, and since that time, iie'Jias assisted in building up the county. To do this he has endured his share of the hardships common to pioneers. During the late war, he served four months in the Pawpaw Militia. He owns a fine farm of 240 acres, 160 of which are under cultivation. He has a good orchard. Was married in February, 1844, to Miss Carrie Boucher, a native of Kentucky. They have had a family of twelve children, nine of whom are living : -Ragine, now Mrs. N. Riley ; Louisa, now Mrs. Geo. W. Long Isabella, farmer and stock raiser, section 35, postoffice Willow Brook, is one of" the early settlers of the township.. Was born in Belmont County, Ohio, December 12, 1822, and resided there and in Harrison County till he was eighteen years of age, when he came to Missouri with a Dr. Townsend, who settled in Crawford Township, and for whom he sold goods about a year. Then he returned to Ohio, and at the expiration of another year, in company with his father, again visited Missouri, settling in Crawford Township. At the beginning of the Mexican war he was employed in the government service, freighting stores to a line of fortsthen being established across the mountains to Oregon. April 22, 1849,, he married Miss Sarah Underwood, daughter of William Underwood, a. resident of Bloortiington Township. In. 1850, he visited Oregon and. California, returning via Panama and New Orleans in 1852 to Buchanan^ County, Missouri, where he had a good farm. During the civil war he served in the. Union army tivo years as lieutenant in a company of Buchanan County militia. Was elected coun.ty assessor in 1866 and again in 1868. Mr. M. has a family of eight children' living: James^. Mary H., Emily J., John W., Franklin O., Alexander S.,. Lizzie E., and Arthur. In politics he is a Republican,, and during the war was amem-- ber of the Union League and of the G. A. R.

Onan Miller

farmer and stock raiser, section 35, postoffice Willow Brook, was bom December 22, 1817, in Orange County, Indiana, and was reared there on. a farm and attended school. He learned the carpenter trade in hisyouth and has followed it considerably through life. He moved to- Illinois in the fall of 1836, resided there three years and returned to- Indiana, remaining until the spring of 1842, when he emigrated WesL and settled in Buchanan County, Missouri. He was rather young, and traveled around the country for some years assisting in clearing up farms and improving the county. During the late war he enlisted in the- Enrolled Mission Militia! and served for six months. Mr. M. has filled his present office of school director several terms,, and that of roadoverseer for a number of years. He was married in December, 1845^ to Miss Margaret Mathers, a native of Belmont County, Ohio. They have four children living: Mary E.., now Mrs. Andrew Isaacson; Sarah. F., now Mrs. Joseph Culbertson ;, John F., and Rosy M. Lost one. Hislanded estate consists of 134 acres of well improved land. Mr.. Miiler is a member of the Presbyterian Church, farmer and stock raiser, section 10, postoffice St. Joseph, was born- December 3, 1823, in Green County, Kentucky, aind lived there until sixteen years of age. He was brought up on a farm, received a common school education, and came West with his parents, in the spring of 1838, by the overland route, and arrived in this county on the 8th of June. The country then was very thinly settled, and the Indian wigwams were the only evidence left of the race that once inhabited this vicinity. Discouragements beset the new comers on every hand, and it was no uncommon occurrence for whole families to be sick at once. During the late war Mr. M. served two months in the Enrolled Missouri Militia. He has filled the position of school director and road supervisor several terms. His landed estate consists of 310 acres, 243 of which he cultivates. His farm is well improved. He assisted in building the first court house in Sparta, and has also lent a hand -in erecting other county buildings, besides the First Baptist Church of St. Joseph. He was married to Miss Julia A. White, a native Madison County, Kentucky. She was born February 2, 1829. They have one child, Martha J., now Mrs. H. C. Register, of St. Joseph. Mr. and Mrs. M. are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.

Samuel Montgomery

farmer and stock raiser, section 15, postoffice St. Joseph, was born March 2, 1828, in Green County, Kentucky, and came to Buchanan County, Missouri, in 1838, with his parents. The county was then a vast wilderness, and the hardships and privations which they endured were enough to intimidate the hearts of the most courageous. The senior Montgomery settled on Contrary Creek, and Samuel assisted ia clearing up a farm. Soon after becoming of age, he commenced farming, on his own account, and has made agricultural pursuits his occupation through life. During the late war he enlisted in the Enrolled Missouri Militia, serving for twelve weeks. He has filled the offices of school trustee and road supervisor for several terms and is widely and favorably known for his honesty, integrity and attention to business. Mr. M. owns a farm of 240 acres, well improved. He was married in 1849 to Miss Nancy J. Parker, a native of Surry County, North Carolina, born in 1834. They have had thirteen children, twelve of whom are living, Zachariah, Thomas E., John L., Emily A. (now Mrs. George Gunn)', Irena, George, Cynthia, Samuel, Marion, Ulysses G., Nancy, and Walter. Two of the daughters at home are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.

James Raney

vpostmaster, Willow Brook, also farmer and stock raiser, section 36, was iborn November 27, 1829, in Lawrence County, Indiana, and was reared there until twelve years of age, spending his youthful days on a farm, and attending the school of that vicinity. He came West with his parents, in the fall of 1841, his father buying the claim on which James now resides. This he commenced improving, although it contained but twelve qr fifteen acres. This was then considered a large farm. During the late war he enlisted in Company H, Eleventh Kansas Infantry t(afterwards made cavalry). He served three years and twenty days, .and held the position of sergeant for two years. He took part in the battles of Cane Hill, Prairie Grove, VanBuren, and many others, and assisted .in driving Price from Missouri in 1864. His landed estate consists of 160 acres of well improved land, upon which is a peach of about 2,500 trees. Mr. R. has filled the office of school ^director several terms. He received the appointment of postmaster in April, 1881. October 10, 1850, he was married to Miss Margaret Means, a native of this state, born December 26, 1833. They are members of the United Brethren Church, in which he holds the position of class leader.

Dudley Roach

farmer and stock raiser, section 17, postoffice St. Joseph. Is a native of Estill County, Kentucky, and was born November 18, 1833. He moved with his parents to Platte County, Missouri, when about ten years of age, and lived there for ten years, receiving his education in the schools of that vicinity. He has principally made agricultural.pursuits his occupation through life. In 1854 he moved to the place he now occupies and afterwards went to Platte County, Missouri, returning in 1859. He enlisted in the Enrolled Missouri Militia during the war. Mr. R. has filled the offices of school director, trustee and road overseer several terms. He owns a farm of 502 acres well improved. He was married June 9th, 1855, to Miss Susan Finell, a native of Estill County, Keniucky. She was born July 17, 1838, and died on the nth of February, 1 880. She left a family of six children : Katherine, now Mrs. Thomas W. Walker ; Mary E., now Mrs. John Arthur ; Johnnie, Simpson, Henry and Fountain. Mr. R. is an active member of the M. E. Church, in which he holds the position of steward. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and belongs to the King Hill Lodge 376, and also to the Chapter at Taos.

Jonathan Roberts

farmer and stock raiser, section 27, postoffice St. Joseph, was born April ig, 1826, in Surry County, North Carolina, and was reared at his birth- place, on a farm, there attending school, and finished his education at Emery Henry College in "Virginia. His father raised and manufactured tobacco, and Jonathan assisted in peddling it during the winter season. Emigrated West in 1852, and settled in this county. Shortly afterward he moved to Kansas, resided there one season, then returned to this county and settled on his present farm in 1854. It consists of 160 acres of well improved land. During the late war he served for six months in the famous Pawpaw militia. He has filled the office of school director for several terms. Mr. R. was married, in 1854, to Mi's. Elizabeth Tabor, who had one child by her former marriage, Julia Tabor, now Mrs. Dr. C. R. Woodson, of Agency. Mrs. Roberts died in September, 1871. By this union they had eleven children, of whom three are living: Alice B., Sarah D., now Mrs. George McCauley, and John W. Mr. R. is a member of the M. E. Church South. Is also a member of King Hill Lodge. His daughter Alice keeps house for her father and brother.

Mrs. Elizabeth Smith

farmer and stock raiser, section 12, postoffice St. Joseph, was born July S, 1829, in what is now Boyle County, Kentucky, where she was reared until eleven years of age. She was deprived of the care of a mother when quite young, and accompanied her father west in 1840. They settled in Jackson County, Missouri, where her father died in 1842. She came to St. Joseph about 1846, and here became acquainted with and married Henry Smith, on the nth of April, 1849, a native of Garrett County, Kentucky, and was born November 12, 1819. He was among the early pioneers, and took an active part in building up and improving the county. He served in the Mexican war, and held the postion of captain. During the late war he served for three years, and participated in many of the hard-fought battles, and held the position of captain. He died January i, 1876, leaving a large circle of friends to mourn his loss. The attendance at his funeral was one of the largest ever witnessed in the county. He was a member of the Masonic order, also of the Grangers, and was buried with the honors of these orders. He left three children - Posy N., born April 21, 1850; Ann E., born January 30, 1852, now Mrs. J. W. Fogg ; and Price, born March 28, 1866. The eldest son. Posy N. Smith, is one of the rising young men of this county, and was educated at Central College. Is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and also belongs to the Methodist Church.

Alexander Smiley

farmer and stock raiser, section 26, postoffice Willow Brook, was born June 20, 1816, in Belmont County, Ohio, and is of Scottish-Irish nation- ality. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania and nnoved to Ohio about the year 1800 and were among the early settlers there. Alexander was reared at his birth place and received a common school education. His father was a carpenter by trade and Alex, worked at the same trade while he remained in Ohio. He came west in the spring of 1852, by water from Wheeling to St. Louis, thence up the river to St.. Joseph, arriving on the 9th of April. He settled where he now resides and since that time has . given his attention to agricultural pursuits. He owns 200 acres of land well improved. He has filled the position of school director for fourteen years, but has never been an office-seeker- During the late war he was a strong Union man and held the position of President of the Union League of this vicinity. Mr. Sv was married April 20, 185 1, to Miss Sarah J. McConnell, a native of Belmont County, Ohio, born August 17, 1832. They have had a family of seven children : Mary A. M., Nancy B., now Mrs. W. H. Young, James A.,. Sarah E., Joseph A., Ida J. and Luretta. Himself and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church in which he bas hteld the position of elder for twenty-three years.

John H. Utz

farmer and stock raiser, section 19, postoffice St. Joseph,, was born Sepitember 30, 1840, in Page County, Virginia, and was there raised, spending his boyhood days on a farm, receiving a com-mon; school education. Came West with his parents in the fall of 1856; and landed at St.. Joseph November 7, and has been identified with the interests of this county since. During the late war he enlisted in the Confederate army in the fall of 186.1, and served for twelve months, taking f>art in the battles of Lexington and Pea Ridge. He returned home and afterward re-enlisted,.- and was captured and held as prisoner until the close of the war. Owns, a farm of 57 acres, on which is a good residence. He has assessed the township three times, and holds the positions of school director and road supervisor. Mr. Utz was married, February 20, 1863,, to Miss Sarah E. Duncan, a native of Alabama. They have had a family of eight children: William H., Silas B., Robert E. L., John A., Jane K., Amanda M., Anna S. and Sarah D. They are members of the M. E. Church South, in which he holds the position of steward. Is also a member of the Masonic fraternity.

James Weir

farmer and stock raiser, section 16, postoffice St. Joseph, was born April 20, 1819, in Belleville, Illinois, and was taken when quite young to a farm near Springfield, Illinois, where he was principally raised and

Teceived his education. He there became personally acquainted with Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A. Douglas, Governor Yates, General Logan and other noted men of that State. He emigrated West in the fall of 1841 and landed in this county September 10. Being a young man, he traveled around over the country and mustered regularly at Sparta. He finally married and settled down, commencing farming. He owns a fine farm of eighty acres, which is well watered and contains a good orchard. He has never been an office seeker, but has always given his attention to his legitimate business. He was married March 25, 184S, to Miss Julia A. Barges, a native of Kentucky, born in 1821. She died May 24, 1880, leaving four childreii, Jane B. (now Mrs. C. W. Harris), John S., Elizabeth, and James G. They lost one. Mr. W. has been a member of the Ciamberland Presbyterian Church since 1844, and held the position of elder until his age prevented his attending to the office any longer. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. The eldest son, John S., was born September 18, 1848, in this county, and has been raised here as a farmer, and is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. He resides with his father.

Thomas Young

farmer and stock raiser, section 4, postoffice St. Joseph, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, on the 6th of December, 18 17, and until fourteen years of age spent his time on a farm, attending the school of his neighborhood. For a short time he was employed as clerk in a wholesale liquor establishment, aud afterwards removed to Belfast. In 1832, -when but fourteen years old, he emigrated to America, landing at Baltimore in September. He went at once to Wheeling, West Virginia, and found employment with R. H. Sweeney & Co., in the iron and glass manufacturing business, for ten years. In 1842, he went to New Orleans, and, contrary to his intention upon starting out, came to Missouri, arriving in St. Louis in the fall of 1842. Returned to Wheeling, and afterwards settled in this county in that same year. In the spring of 1840, he had preempted one hundred and sixty-seven acres of land, where he has since made his home. Two or three years after coming, he was justice of the peace, and filled that office for twenty-two years. He has been school director over thirty years. During the late war he was a strong Union man, and had two sons in the service. They enlisted in Co. A, Twenty-fifth Missouri Militia, serving on the mounted militia. His eldest son remained four years, taking part in all the battles of the Mississippi campaign, and was with Sherman in his march to the sea. Mr. Y. owns a farm of two hundred and eleven acres, well stocked. July 27, 1837, he was married to Miss Jane Greer, a native of Ireland. They have eight children : James G., John H., Robert I.,

Harry H., Margaret I., now Mrs. Robert Hensley ; Eliza Ann, now Mrs. Henry Knight ; Mary, now Mrs. Cure, and Kittie, wife of Captain J. E. Dickinson, of Kansas. For two years previous to the war Mr. Y. served as assessor of the county, and since the war, for a like period, acted as county coroner. He has been twice nominated for county judge by acclamation, but private affairs prevented his accepting the honors.

George W. Young

farmer and stock raiser, section 6, postoflfice St. Joseph, was born December 4, 1829, in Shelby County, Kentucky, and was there reared, spending his youth on a farm. Received his' education at Dr. Waller's Military College, from which he graduated and received a diploma. In 1856, he entered the service of the Government, and engaged in driving stock from Old Mexico through to Boonville, Missouri. In 1857, ^^ commenced steamboating on the Mississippi River, and followed this business for iive years. During the late war he espoused the Confederate cause. Returned to Marion County, Kentucky, and raised a company at St. Mary's College, and was elected its captain. This was known as Company K, Sixth Kentucky Cavalry. They joined General Morgan, and nearly half of the company was killed at the battle of Pennington,. Kentucky. TheyT:hen joined General Lee, in the entrenchments around Richmond, and remained there until the 27th of January, 1864, when they started with Morgan on his raid through Ohio, and were captured in Columbiana County, Ohio, and taken to the Columbus prison. From there Mr. Young, with a few others, made his escape to Canada, and thence by water to Wilmington, North Carolina, where he again joined the army. Took part in the Cynthiana raid, then returned to Virginia, and was with General Morgan when he was killed. He came to this county after the war, and settled on the farm he now occupies, his landed estate consisting of 359 acres of well improved land, and it constitutes one of the finest farms hereabouts. There is an excellent spring upon the place. Was married May 10, 1872, to Miss Cynthia Brown, a native of Nodaway County. They have had five children, two of whom are living - Maggie and Wallace. Mrs. Y. is an active member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Fred Banker

farmer and stock dealer, section 22, postoffice Hall, is a native of New- York, and was born in Dutchess County, July 8, 183 1. Was there educated in an academy and received a fair education. Followed farming during life. March 20, 1857, he started to Leavenworth, Kansas, and from there came to Buchanan County, Missouri, where he has since resided. His landed estate consists of 309 acres, his home farm containing 120 acres. He acted as justice of the peace a part of one term. Was married. May 14, 1868, to Miss Nancy L. Starmer. She was born in Tennessee, February 27, 1842, and died December 29, 1879. They had four children: Mary H., born November 6, 1870; Frederick W.,born August 16, 1873; John K., born November 13, 1874; Bettie A., born June 24, 1877.

John F. Barnes

farmer, section 34, postoffice DeKalb, was born in Jackson County, Missouri, January 11, 1840, and when five years of age came to Buchanan County, Missouri, where he has since resided. With the exception of ten years when he was engaged in milling, Mr. B. followed farming. In February, 1865, he enlisted in the Federal service in Company A, Fifty-first Missouri, and served till the close of the war. His farm contains sixty acres. He has been justice of the peace for about five years. He was married August 23, i860, to Miss Rebecca Keith, who was born in Bartholomew County, Indiana, January 31, 1842. She died March 28, 1875. They had eight children, five of whom are living : James H., born November 3, 1862; Sarah E., born October 19, 1864; Lydia J., born November 27, 1866 ; Aaron E., born November 14, 1869, and Mary A., born April 5, 1872. Mr. Barnes was again married January 14, 1877, to Mrs. Elizabeth F. Finch, whose maiden name was Meers. She was born in Green County, Ky., July 29, 1833. She was first married February 10, 1847, to Jeremiah Finch. He was born in Halifax, Virginia, and died February 10, 1866. They had ten children, of whom six are living: Eliza J., born July 22, 1850 ; John A., born December 2, 1852 ; Jesse, born December 20, 1854 ; Thomas L., born August 4, 1856 ; Jeremiah, born June 22, 1858, and Martha A,, born November 18, 1864.

Hiram L. Brewster

merchant and postmaster, residence section 29, postoffice Hall, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, February 10, 1844, and was raised in Medina County. He was educated in the common schools and the High school at Spencer. In 1859 ^^ went to St. Joseph County, Michigan, where he was employed as clerk in the postoffice and bank till the spring of 1861, when he enlisted in Company <j, Twenty-fifth Michigan Infantry ; was mustered in as a private and a part of the time was clerk in the medical headquarters of Louisville. He participated in all the battles in which his company were engaged, serving for three years. He returned to Michigan, remaining in Detroit one year, employed as bookkeeper in a commission house, after which he came to his present location. Here he has been engaged in farming and teaching. He began in his present business in 1877; has acted as postmaster since 1873. His landed estate consists of 280 acres. - farmer, section 21, postoffice Hall, is a native of Iowa, and was born September 2, 1838. He was brought to Buchanan County, Missouri, when but a year old, and has made farming his occupation through life. His landed estate consists of 121 acres of fine farming land. Was married August 3, 1^56, to Miss Sallie Singleton. She is a native of Indiana, and was born November 2, 1838. They have had eleven children, seven of whom are living: John S., George W., Marvin G., Charles, Elizabeth, William H., and Hettie J.

W. A. T. Brown

farmer and stock dealer, section 26, postoffice St. Joseph, was born in Campbell County, Tennessee, February 21, 1828, and when about nine years of age his parents moved to Missouri and located in Platte County, where they remained till 1852. Then he went to Nodaway County and remained till 1862, when he came to Buchanan County. While in Nodaway County he lost considerable on account of the war ; he served under Clabe Jackson about six months, and was also in the Pawpaw militia about nine months. Previous to this he had served six months in the Mexican war. His farin contains over 113 acres. He was married October 8, 1852, to Miss Mary J. Moore', a native of Tennessee. She was born March i, 1834. She died leaving four children, G. L., born November 18, i8';6; Carrie L., born August 5, 1854; William L., born December 21, 1858, and Alice L., born October i, 1864. Lost one, Mr. B. is a Mason and member of Wellington Lodg-e, No. 22, farmer and carpenter, section 25, postoffice St. Joseph, was born in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, September 14, 1837, and when fifteen years of age he began to learn the carpenters trade serving as an apprentice about three years. After this he traveled working at his trade over the states of Ohio and Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnessota, Nebraska, Missouri and Colorado, finally in the fall of 1862, locating in Buchanan County, Missouri. Since he became a citizen of this county he has in connection with his trade been engaged in agricultural pursuits ; his farm contains fifty-seven acres and is well improved. He was in the State Militia nearly three years. Mr. Capp was married August 7., 1867, to Miss Martha Moser. She was born in Knox County, Tennessee, November 7, 1841. They have five children living : Abigail E., bom September 7, 1865 - Wm. H., born August 14, 1867 ; Michael A., born September 14, 1871 ; Anna B., born November 7, 1876,; James M., born August 14, 1879. Two are deceased.

Henry Dittemore

farmer, section 35, postoffice DeKalb, was born in Greene County, Tennessee, January 25, 1813, and when two years of age his parents moved to Indiana. In 1840, he came to Buchanan County, Missouri, and has followed farming during life ; now has about 460 acres of land, which is fairly improved. In April, 1 837, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Yeakley. She is a native of Indiana. They had thirteen children, ten are now living: William T., Nancy A., Samuel P., Mary, Adam, Belle, Alexander, Josephine, Alice and George. His second marriage occurred in September, 1866, to Miss Jane Roberts, of Illinois. Their family consists of Henry, Ida, Frederick, Mary J. and Charley.

James C. T. Dittemore

farmer and stock dealer, section 36, postoffice St. Joseph, was born in Owen County, Indiana, February 23, 1833, and when fifteen years of age he, with his parents, came to Buchanan County, Missouri, where he has since resided, except from about 1854 till 1865, which time he spent in Kansas. His landed estate consists of 320 acres of good land. He was married October 15, 1852, to Miss Nancy A. Sandy. She was born in Owen County, Indiana, December 29, 1832. They have had three children, Roccilania, born August 29, 1853; William H., born August 11, 1856, died April, 1869, and Adam P., born July 12, 1859.

James E. Dittemore

were citizens of Buchanan County, Missouri, was increased in population by one who in due time was given the name used as the subject of this sketch. He has closely adhered to agricultural pursuits and now has a finely improved farm of eighty acres, all of which are the savings of his own labor. June 14, 1868, he was married to Miss Mary E. Lux.. Five children are the fruit of this union : Henry M., born April 29,, 1869; Enos, born August 9, 1871, died August 18, 1872 ; Sarah G., born May I, 1876 ; Charley, born September 18, 1877, died March 6, 1879 T Pearly, born February 8, 1881. Mrs. L. was born October 12, 1853, and is a native of Indiana.

John Grace

farmer, section 35,postoffice DeKalb, was born October 27, 1821, and isa native of Fayette County, Indiana. When but a child his parents moved to Rush County, where he grew up to manhood. He has made farming his vocation during life. In 1844 he emigrated to Missouri and located in Buchanan County, and with the exception of two years, residled in same county till the fall of 1855. During these two years he was-. engaged in mining in California. In the fall of 1854 he moved to Doniphan County, Kansas, and remained there till 1861, when he returned tO' Buchanan County. His landed interest consists of 356 acres. He was married September 17, 1843, to Miss Rachael N. Dunning. She was; born in Granger County, Tennessee, October 23, 1820, and was principally raised in Indiana. She, with her parents, moved to Buchanan^ County, Missouri, in 1839, ^i^d located on a farm. They have had six: children, two now living: William M., born October 27, 1853, andl Minerva R., born November 21, 1859 ! Mary A., Sarah C, Paris H., and and infant are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. G. are members of the Christians Church. Mrs. G. was baptized in that faith before eighteen years of age.

Nelson Hawley

section 12, postoffice St. Joseph, was born in Vigo County, Indiana, May 3, 1830, and when seven years of age his parents, Stephen and Deborah (Rector), moved to Louisa County, Iowa. In 1839 Nelson came to Buchanan County, Missouri, where he has since resided excepting two years when he was in Doniphan County, Kansas. He has follojwed farming from boyhood, and has 182 acres of land in this county and 120. in Kansas. His home farm contains no acres. He was married September IS, 1853, to Miss Samantha Moore. She is a native of Indiana and was born April 13, 1836. They have had eight children seven of whom are living:, Sarah J., born August 11, 1854; James M., born July II, 1856; Stephen T., born November 13, 1858; John L., born December 25, 1862 ; Florence, born May 6, 1864 ; Louis N., born October 7, 1867 ; and Aldora, born September 14, 1869.

Charles Hayward

farmer, section 27, postoffice DeKalb, was born November 19, 1826, and is a native of England. In 1846, he crossed the water to Canada, where he remained two yeafs, and came to the United States, spending about {ipur years in Cleveland, Ohio, and three years in Toledo. He then removed to St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri, and, in i860, nioved upon his present location. From boyhood till the time he went to Toledo, he was engaged in the brewery business. From that time till he moved to his present location, he was employed by different railroad companies. When he came to America he had but $2.50. He now has a farm of one hundred and ten acres. In the spring of 1862, he enlisted in the state militia, serving for three months, then entered the Federal service in Company A., Fifty-first Missouri, and remained in service till the close of the war. November 26, 1859, Mr. H. was married to Miss Isabella Quiggen. She is also a native of England, and was born August 15, 1831. They have had five children, but one is now living, Charles J., born April 2, 1868. Mr. H. is an Odd Fellow, and a member of DeKalb Lodge No. 191.

Jacob Heinz

farmer, section 21, postoffice Hall, is a native of Germany, and was born February 17, 1836. In 1854, he came to America, landing at New York, and locating in Platte County, Missouri. In the spring of 1855, he moved to Buchanan County, and 1858 to Clay County, returning to this county in 1861. Since then he has resided here, and followed farming during life, now owning a farm of 300 acres. Was obliged to borrow money to defray his expenses when starting to America. Was in the state militia for four ye'ars. He was married October 8, 1864, to Miss Mary Marolf, who was born in Switzerland, May 12, 1832. They have had four children, three of whom are living - Mary, born December 4, 1866; Lewis, born August 4, 1868; and August, born February 11, 1871.

Charles Henman

farmer, section 31, postoffice Hall, was born April 30, 1829, and is a native> of England. Was raised on a farm and received his education in his native country. When twenty years of age he learned the shoemakers trade and in a short time, as a workman, he stood second to none. Following his trade in his native country till 1854, he came to America, landing at New York, and thence to Canada where he remained till 1858, working at his trade. Was engaged in merchandising at different points in Canada until 1858, when- he went to St. Johns, Mich- igan. There he was employed in the boot and shoe trade till 1864, at which time he came to St. Joseph ; in 1865 he moved to his present location. His landed estate consists of 300 acres, all of which is the savings of his own labor. Was married September 20, 1855, to Miss Mary A. Kelly, of Ireland. They have four children : William, Michael, Mary and Charles. Is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

John Jones

farmer, section i, postoffice St. Joseph, was born in Athens County, Ohio, April 17, 1838, and when but a child his parents moved to Buchanan County, Missouri, where he has since resided. He has been engaged in agricultural pursuits during life, excepting three years when he was engaged in the mercantile trade as one of the firm of McKinnis & Jones, of St. Joseph. His landed estate includes 100 acres of timber land and a one-half interest in 140 acres of fine farming land. He was appointed justice of the peace in June, 1881. Was in the state militia six months. Mr. J. was married September 8, 1870, to Miss Mary E, Pascoe. She was born in Platte County, Missouri, December 24, 1849. They have three children: Alice, born November 24, 1871; Lottie B., born March 20, 1874; Maggie, born November 18, 1876.

Samuel Kirkpatrick

farmer, section 25, postoffice St. Joseph, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, October 16, 18 14. His father being a blacksmith, he also worked more or less at that trade till eighteen years of age, when he learned the bricklayers trade. In 1837 he moved to Washington County, Ohio, where he remained till the spring of 1850, and then emigrated to Missouri, first locating in Jackson County. There he remained till the spring of 1853, when he came to St. Joseph. In the fall of 1854 he moved to Doniphan County, Kansas, but in 1858 located near Easton, Buchanan County. In 1861 he returned to Doniphan County, Kansas, and in 1881 again came to Buchanan County, where he now resides. Since 1857 he has been engaged in farming. His farm contains sixty acres. He was married August 5, 1838, to Miss Sarah M. Weir. She was born in Westchester, Virginia, January 5, 1822. They had ten children, five of whom are living : Alonzo, born September 25, 1839; Wellington, born February 28, 1842; Mary A., born July 14, 1848; Henrietta, born August 8, 1855, and John W., born October 6, i860. One son died in the hospital while in the Federal service.

Source changes here: from History of Buchanan County and the City of St. Joseph and Representative Citizens : 1826 to 1904, by Rutt, Christian Ludwig, published 1904; 306 words in this source stream.

And Representative Citizens

were located the first seat of justice and court house. Among the early settlers were Richard Hill, Jesse Reames, Zachariah Waller, Elijah W. Smith, Thomas More, Lucas Dawson and John Martin, who located in 1837. Robert Duncan, William Hunter, Andrew J. Hunter, John Ritchie, James Donovan, John, Samuel and Joseph Hill came in 1839; William C. Connett, Kentucky, 1839; ^Villiam Farris, Indiana, 1840; Samuel McCauley, Pennsylvania, 1840; H. G. Gordon, James Woodward, Evan Jordan, Ransom Ridge, Robert W. Donnell, James Woodward, Martin Hirsch, Samuel and Elbert Gann, John Copeland, 1842.

Center township is bounded by Wayne, Washington, Agency and Crawford, and has a population of alx)ut 1,200. The voting precinct and post office, called Adams, is about eight miles southeast of St. Joseph.

Sparta, which was the name of the first county seat, exists on the map only, the ground being now a part of the McCauley farm. Sparta had a brief existence of six years. It was platted in 1840 ancL its streets were named Hazel, Prune, Olive, Vine, Market, Chestnut, Cedar, Cherry, Walnut, Main and Harrison. There was the log court house, a tavern, kept Ijy Robert Duncan, several general stores, a saloon and wagon and blacksmith shops. It was only a small town when at the height of its prosperity. During the struggle between Sparta and St. Joseph over the county seat, a newspaper called The Rooster, was published at Sparta. When the county seat was moved to St. Joseph, Sparta faded out of existence.

Bee Creek is a point about nine miles southeast of St. Joseph, where the Santa Fe and Chicago Great Western railroads join, both using the same track from St. Joseph to this point.

Great Western about 12 miles from St. Joseph. A general store and postoffice existed there for some time prior to the coming of the railroad.