Centralia Township (part 1 of 2)

Position And Description

This IS the latest formed and the smallest township in area in Boone county, yet it is by no means the most insignificant in every particular, containing, as it does, the second town and some of the best territory in the county. The northern part of the township is com- posed chiefly of prairie : the southern part of timber. Silvers' Fork of the Perche rises in this township, in the south ceutral part, flowing westwardly, and Young's Creek skirts the eastern border. There are some very fine farms in the township, notably those of J. D. Garrard,^ W. J. Booth, J. M. Angell, S. Bryson and W. E. McBride. The township contains but 30 entire sections of land, in Congressional township 51, range 11 west. The eastern row of sections, viz., 1, 12, 13, 24, 25 and 36, being in Audrain county.

Early Settlements

The first settlements in what is now Centralia township, were made by " Eudy " (Eudolph) March, Wm. Sexton, Peter Stice and Thomas Sexton, who moved in from Howard county and settled in the southwestern part of the township, along a small branch of Silvers' Fork, about the year 1822. All of them were originally from Madison county, Kentucky. In the spring of 1825, Daniel Hunter purchased he farm of Eudy March (sec. 31 - 51 - 11), where G. H. Chance now lives, and removed thereto with his family. This was the extreme northern settlement in the county at that time. Mr. Hunter put up the first horse mill in 1836.

Probably the first male child born in the township was Blueford Stice, son of Peter and Elizabeth Stice, whose birth is set down as occurring in 1824. Jane Sexton, daughter of Wm. and Edith Sexton, was born in 1827, being the first female child born within the present boundaries of the township. The first death remembered was that of Thos. Sexton, who was buried at Eed Top Church.

It is said that no regular physican located in this township until about the time Centralia town was founded. Dr. A. F. Sneed was probably the first located physician. The name of the first minister to hold religious services cannot now be ascertained, but the first religious organization formed of which there is definite knowledge, was that of Union Church in 1854. (See history.) The date of the first school, the name of the teacher, etc., have not been learned.

The information concerning the early settlement of Centralia has been obtained from Mrs. Mary Pool, now the oldest living inhabitant of the township. Her first husband was Daniel Hunter, who settled

1 It was on the farm of Mr. G-arrard where the battle of Centralia was fought. A gunbarrel, ramrod and some bayonets plowed up in the field in the spring of 1882, and supposed to have belonged to the Federals, were presented to the writer by Mr G., and are now in possession of the Missouri Historical tSociety at St. Louis.

The first school in the township was taught by Kice Jones, in a private house, in the year 1842. The first school house was built in 1845 by Lewis Roberts, and stood about two and a half miles south of Centralia. It was a log house, and cost about |100.

Organization

Until in 1874, the territory now comprising Centralia township Avas embraced in Bourbon township. Upon the laying out of Centralia, that town was made a voting precinct, and so continued for many years. Ineffectual eff'orts were made to form a new township from time to time, some of the people wishing to defer the matter until it was settled whether or not "Rollins County" would be formed, in order that it might be settled what territory should comprise the township.

In the matter of the division of Bourbon municipal township, in Boone county, and the establishment of Centralia municipal township: Now, on this day, a large number of the legal voters resident within Bourbon township came by their attorneys and filed their petition, praying the court to divide Bourbon township and establish Centralia municipal township ; and upon a full hearing of the case, the application and the proofs, the court doth order and adjudge - A municipal township, to be known as Centralia towjiship, is hereby created and established with the metes and bounds as follows, to wit: Beginning at the southwest corner of section 31, in township 51, range 11 ; running thence north on the range line to the north boundary of Bourbon township ; thence along the north boundary aforesaid to the northeast corner of section 2, township 51, range 11 ; thence south with the division line between Boone and Audrain counties to the southeast corner of section 35, township 51, range 11 ; thence west to the place of beginning. (Record " S," page 475 Co. Ct. Eecs.)

Since that period the people of the township have gone smoothly along in their ways, secure in their autonomy and proud of the privilege of self-government.

Miscellaneous

The war history of Centralia township may be summarized : The majority of the people w^ere Confederates ; a number, however, sided with the Union and fought for it. The Confederates recruited pretty extensively ; the Union troops made numerous raids after them. The Federal militia " made it hot" for the secessionists, and both sides fed off and, in some instances, maltreated the citizens. The remarkable Centralia massacre, and the bloody affair between Todd's

There are some excellent schools in the townshij^, and as a rule the people are intelligent and educated. Quite a number of families from Illinois and other Northern States have come in since the Avar, and aided very materially in the development of the country.

Was organized in 1854, and James Bruton was the first elder. Among the early members were James Jennings, Jesse Roberts, James Williams and C. C. Bush.

The first building used by the congregation as a place of worship was an old log school house. They erected a large frame in 1868, in which they have regular monthly meetings. They have a Sunday school, and their membership is large, and both church and Sabbath school is in fine working order.

The Town Of Centralia

The town of Centralia was laid out in Februarjs 1857, by a company of which Hon. J. S. llollins, Col. M. G. Singleton, Thos. Januaiy, and others were members. It was designed as a railroad station, and only founded upon the certainty of the completion of the North Missouri Railroad to the locality. The town was named by the proprietors from its central position on the old North Missouri line of railway" from St. Louis to Ottuniwa, Iowa. The plat was recorded in May, 1857, by Col, Middleton G. Singleton, and showed that the town was located on the south half of the north half of the southwest quarter and the south half of the southwest quarter of section 10, and the north half of the northwest quarter of section 15, township 51, range 11.

The first public sale of lots was in May, 1857. Prices ranged from twenty, to one hundred dollars per lot. No immediate improvements were made, however, and for months things went on as they were wont to go. The grass grew, the flowers bloomed, and the rank vegetation was untrod where now is the busy, bustling town. Not until the following winter was the first house in the place erected - a large, two-story frame, 20x60 feet, built by Tinsley, Elston & Co., and occupied by them as a dry goods and grocery store. It stood on lot 1, block 23. At the time of the completion of this building the railroad had not been completed to that point, and the stock of goods was hauled from Mexico. The next building was the Eldorado Hotel, a single-storj structure of four rooms, still standing with this inscription, much faded and nearly obliterated, on its front: " Eldorado Hotel, by J. J. Collier." As an inducement to build this structure, Col. Singleton gave Mr. Collier two lots, and " Uncle Jo," for a long time thereafter was known far and near as the "mine host" of the Collier House, as many of its patrons named the hostelry. Other houses gradually went up, and in 1859 there were twenty-five dwelling houses, two stores and a saloon. The North Missouri Railroad was now finished to the place and Centi'alia became, not an experiment, but an established fact, owing its existence to the existence of the railroad. An additional store house and another saloon went up. The former was managed by R. S. and G. W. Tinsley ; the latter was " run " by W. D. Collier. In the meantime the first store had been closed out and M. V. Singleton became the purchaser of the building, which was afterward occupied by T. S. Sneed and M. G. Singleton with a stock of general merchandise. The latter afterward sold his interest.

In the spring of 1860 the first fire occurred. Both stores and the saloon, with the larger portion of the contents were destroyed. The principal losers were Dr. A. F. Sneed and W. A. Clark, who had bought out Sneed & Singleton a short time previously, and R. S. & G. W. Tinsley, and W. D. Collier. Another hotel, the " Boone House," went up in 1860 and was run by V. A. Bedford. It was afterwards kept by T. S. Sneed, and this was the building burned in 1864 by the German militia from St. Charles.

The second building was put up in the winter of 1858-9, by Wm. H. Wade, a blacksmith. In April, 1859, T. S. Sneed built a dwelling and moved to town. He is still a resident and the oldest in the place. Next L. C. Singleton built a dwelling and moved in with his family. This house was afterward a hotel, the " Boone House." In January, 1860, Dr. A. F. Sneed came to town and became the first practicing physician. He is still a resident and has furnished much information incorporated in this chapter. These were all of the families in Centralia remembered in 1860.

The Firsts

The first house built in Centralia was by Tinsley, Elston & Co., a firm composed of R. S. Tinsley, A. M. Elston, M. V. Singleton, and Bruce Ball. It was a store building and occupied as such.

The first birth was that of a male child of Dr. A. F. and Lavinia Sneed, which was born January 7, 1860. It died 24 hours after birth. Its death was the first in the place.

The first school house was built in 1860. It was a small frame and cost about $250. It stood on block 23. Miss Minnie Conger taught the first school therein, the same year. She had about twenty scholars and received $20 per month for her services. The name of the first minister who ofiiciated and the date when the first religious services wer6 held are not remembered.

For three years after the railroad station was established there was no depot. In 1861 the first one, a small affair, was built by Thos. S. Sneed. Not long afterward, probably in 1862, the railroad company built another and larger one. This was destroyed by Bill Anderson and his guerillas the time of his raid, and then the present one was built. Thos. S. Sneed was the first agent. T. W. Gantt was the agent at the time of the raid, but was not in town. His assistant, William Rowland, a very popular 3^oung man, was killed by the guerillas the day of the massacre. The particulars will be found on another page.

The railroad was completed to the town in the spring of 1858, and Centralia was for a time nothing but a flag station. There were only three or four houses in the place for a year or two. In 1858 the postoffice was established, and Richard S. Tinsley was the first postmaster. The first practicing physician was Dr. A. F. Sneed, originally from Frankfort, Ky., now a resident and active practitioner of the place.

Destructive Fire In Centkalia

About 2 o'clock p. m. on Friday, May 11, 1860, the store room of Sneed & Clark, in Centralia, on the North Missouri Railroad, in Boone County, was discovered to be on fire. The fire was in an upper back room, and, from the great scarcity of water in the town, progressed with almost unchecked rapidity until the entire building and all adjoining were consumed. Therefore, the store-room and warehouse of Sneed & Clark ; the store-room and warehouse of Tinsley & Elston, and the grocery of William Collier were destroyed. These constituted all the business houses in the place. A considerable amount of the merchandise of Sneed & Clark and Tinsley and Elston was saved, but much of it lost - how much has not been learned. The storeroom and warehouse of Sneed & Clark were owned by Singleton & Ball, and were insured in the Boone County Home Mutual for $1,200. That company also had $2,500 on the goods of Sneed & Clark, and $1,400 on the goods of Tinsley & Elston' s predecessors, R. S. c^ G. W. Tinsley. T. & E, had $6,600 in the Home Insurance Company, New York, J. S. Dorsey, Columbia, agent. No insurance on the grocery. The post-office was kept by Tinsley & Elston, and was also burned, with all its contents, including all the copies of the /Statesman of the previous week for the east and west.

Bonnet Chase On The Pkairie

In August, 1860, an amusing incident came off at Centralia, which it is proper should be recorded for the benefit of present and future generations. A correspondent of one of the county papers gave the following account at the time : -

A citizen of Boone, accompanied by his wife, came to Centralia for the purpose of making purchases at one of the stores in that place. Among other articles, a large straw bonnet struck the fancy of our hero ; and, although scoop-shaped and of the balloon order, and therefore rather out of time, buy it he would and buy it he did. Leaving the store for home, bonnet in hand, he encountered a lively prairie wind (for Centralia is in the midst of a prairie), which snatched the bonnet from his grasp and blew it rapidly from him. He started in pursuit, leaping over boxes, piles of lumber and the railroad track. But the bonnet flew upon the wings of the wind, while our hero only flew upon a pair of short legs and heavy brogans. On they went across the prairie, the bonnet careering over the parched grass, our hero making it crack under his feet. Up, over, down - first in mid-air and then on the ground - rapidly sailed the bonnet, while its pursuer bounded like a two-legged antelope, or a boy after a butterfly. At four o'clock in the evening the bonnet and pursuer passed Skull Lick in Audrain eountj^, two or three miles from Centralia, the bonnet ahead and our hero still after it, with his tongue out.

Avar Times

Up to the breaking out of the civil war, the progress of the place was very slow ; afterwards, still slower. When the war began there were about a dozen houses, and not more than two or three structures of any sort went up until after the incident under the Appomattox apple tree. The neighborhood was Southern in sentiment and the majority of the people were disposed to act on the aggressive against the Federals almost from the start.

Col. M. G. Singleton had a battalion in the Missouri State Guards, in which his brother-in-law, Capt. F. B. Fullenwider, had a conipan}'. These gentlemen were from uear Centralia, and many of their men were from the vicinity. Capt. G. W. Bryson, also of the neighborhood, had a company of Confederates. A few men from what is now Centralia township took service under the United States.

Early in the war a compan}^ of Federals, belonging to the Fourteenth Illinois infantry, was stationed at Centralia a short time, and about the same time a company of the Third Iowa infantry came in and spread their tents on the north side of the railroad. Then after awhile came Birge's sharpshooters. These troops made incursions into the country to stop recruiting for Price's army, and there was one skirmish over on Young's Creek, in Monroe county.

From time to time other troops passed through or stopped oft' foi a brief period. Some of the citizens were arrested and taken to St. Louis, and released upon taking the oath. One or two of these were residents of the hamlet at the time of Anderson's fearful raid and more fearful massacre, and were lietween hawk and buzzard. Mr. Thos. S. Sneed was one. The guerillas plundered him and abused him unreasonably. They robbed his store, and then the next day Draper's 9th Missouri militia came in, cursed him for a "d- - d secesh,'" and burned it ! Mr. Sneed was also proprietor of a ver}^ good hotel. He fed hundreds of Federal soldiers free gratis, but at last objected to feeding the St. Charles German Home Guards, who had l)een put on the trains as guards after the Centralia massacre. These train guards would jump from the cars as soon as they stopped for dinner, which they did regularly, and rush to the tables, crowding out the passengers, who would be compelled to leave without eating. A few days after Anderson's raid, Sneed refused to longer keep open house for the St. Charles Germans, and in open day they burned up his hotel. Hon. J. S. Rollins i)ut out the fire after it started and tried to save the building, but the Teutons soon rekindled the flame and then stood by with presented muskets, daring him to try to subdue the flames again. The officer in command observed the whole proceeding, placidly smoking his pipe in the meanwhile. Sneed secreted himself on the same train on which were the house-burning German Federals, and went to St. Louis, where he remained till the war was over. He now resides in Centralia.

sacre and battle of Ceiitralia, an elaborate account of which is given in this histor3^ Much of the information there detailed was obtained from Dr. A. F. Sneed, Thos. S. Sneed, Dr. F. J. Bruton, W. R. Mc- Bride, and others who lived in the place at that time.

September 7, 1864, or a few days before the battle of Oentralia, Capt. G. W. Bryson and his company, composed mostly of newlyrecruited Confederates, captuied a train on the North Missouri at the water tank, a mile east of Centralia. On this train were forty good horses e?i route for St. Louis - tine, fat and frisky - the very articles the Confederates were greatly in need of. A few soldiers were also on board. These were taken prisoners and carried away, despite the remonstrances of a few timorous Southern sympathizers, who feared that the Federals would in some way hold them responsible for the affair, and visit them with condign punishment for the taking away of the prisoners whom they imagined were being carried off to be shot. Capt. Bryson was offered hundreds of dollars if he would release the prisoners, but he laughed at the frightened citizens, declared he did not intend to hurt the prisoners, and rode away. In a day or so the prisoners were released and sent to Sturgeon, not a hair of their, heads having been harmed.

When The Cruel War Was Over

animation, as it were. Some new store buildings went up and a number of new citizens moved in. A new hotel, the "Phoenix," was established by T. S. Sneed on the ruins of his former house, the old " Boone Hotel," now the present site of the " Globe." People were attracted to the place from time to time, some by the beauty of its location, some by other circumstances. The place was well known. Bill Anderson had given it considerable free advertising, but this had given people to attribute to it a character which it never possessed. Because a guerilla massacre had occurred in the town, some people argued that the citizens must be guerillas themselves. The grave wherein seventy-nine dead Federal soldiers were buried was pointed out to every passenger, and at last a monument, erected at public expense, indicated more plainly the " bivouac of the dead."

The town improved slowly but surely during 1866, and at the close of the year evidenced no small degree of prosperity. At last the people grew tired of living " at random," or at hap-hazard, and decided

Incorporation

At the March term, 1867, of the county court, the town was mcorporated, the metes and bounds being declared to include " all the territory embraced in the following tracts of ground : The north half of the northwest quarter of section 15 ; the south half of the southwest quarter of section 10 ; the south half of the north half of the southwest quarter of section 10, in township 51, range 11, containing 200 acres, more or less." This was the first incorporation, and under it the following town trustees were appointed until their successors should be duly elected and qualified : Juo. H. Fields, James H. Stephens, Wm. L. Conevey, E. D. Hawkins and Thos. S. Sneed.

In 1868 the business portion of the town was again attacked and destroyed by fire. Several stores, together with the greater portion of the goods they contained, were destroyed. The loss was about $25,000, with but very little insurance. For nearly a year thereafter there were but few improvements. The town was being built of wood, and the danger from fires was very great, and these circumstances deterred many men from putting up new buildings and otherwise adding to the prosperity of the place. However, in 1869, building was again resumed, and the town improved slowly until in 1872, when it was in a more thriving and generally prosperous condition than it had ever been before. The tide of prosperity was destined, however, to another check. On the night of the 22d of March, 1872, the cry of " fire ! " again roused the people from their beds and rang throughout the town. Another serious conflagration visited the young city. Five stores and Sneed' s Phoenix Hotel were burned to the o-round. The total loss by this fire was about |30,000 ; very little insurance. The business men of Centralia now seemed as indiflerent to fire as salamanders. They lost no time in bewailing their misfortunes or repining at the calamities that had befallen them, but set pluckily to work to retrieve the lost ground and restore their damaged fortunes. This was the fourth time the town had been destroyed, but it was the same as if it had been the first or the four-hundredth, or if it had never been destroyed at all. Some of them among those who were the worst scorched by the flames, began to rebuild on former sites before the ashes had grown cold. The town grew apace, and two years later had a population of nearly 500.

Building Of The C. & A. Hailkoad

The buildino- of the Chicago and Alton railroad, which marks a new era in the progress of Centralia, may be said to date from the final survey made through the northern part of the county in the winter and spring of 1878. JohnM. Kobards, H. C. Threlkeld and P. S. Hocker may be ranked foremost among the public-spirited citizens who did most in favor of so beneficial an enterprise, but the entire citizenship lent enthusiastic support, and many of them gave material aid in the construction of this great trinik railway. The citizens of Centralia donated of their means and paid in cash $900. The following gave each fifty dollars: W. E. McBride, W. J. Booth, P. S. Hocker, H. C. Threlkeld, Jno. M. Robards and Geo. D. Ferris ; while W. C. Nichols donated in property and right of way, seventy-five dollars. The first train came to Centralia on the C. & A. in August, 187 - , and though it was no new sight to the Centralians, the Wabash having been so lono- in operation, yet the additional importance which the new road gave the town, filled them with joy, and it is said some of " the boys" filled with something else in celebration of that event. The road o-ranted an excursion to Chicago in September following, in which many citizens of Centralia participated. The company have built both a passenger and a freight depot in the northern part of town, throuo-h which the road runs, and Centralia now has two of the most important roads in the West in full operation.

Town Officers

The present town officers are P. S. Hocker, mayor ; J. E. Stewart, H. C. Threlkeld, F. Shryock, James W. Bay, trustees ; J. L. Paxton, clerk; A. F. Sneed, treasurer; Alber Easter, marshal. Centralia, since the completion of the C. & A., has grown till she had a population, by the census of 1880, of 703 ; and her rapid growth since the last census has been such that the present population is about 1,000.

Centralia Public Schooi

The erection of the first school building in the town, as well as the name of the first teacher, are elsewhere mentioned. The cost of the first building was $250, and its size 18 x 20 feet. The school district (No. 1, township 51, range 11) was organized in 1860. The second school-house was erected on block 27, donated for that purpose hy M. G. Singleton, and cost $1,050. It was a one-story frame, 20 x 36 feet. At this time about forty pupils were in attendance, and Thomas Gantt,' T. S. Sneed aiid John Fields were trustees. The present building, a two-story brick, size 27x51 feet, with lobby 16x20 feet, was erected in 1880. Two acres on the east side of town were donated by Jas. S. Rollins, on which the building was erected, at a cost of $4,500 for house and furniture. Trustees were J. E. Stewart, P. S. Hocker and George M. Lease. In 1880, the number of school children in the district was 164, and the value of taxable wealth was $99,000. In 1881, the number of school children was 317, and value of taxable property $117,000. Number of children in 1882, 363, and taxable wealth $154,000. Prof. J. C. Hall, county commissioner, was principal in 1881, assisted by L. J. Hall and Miss M. Swenny and Miss M. Holmes. Hall was elected principal again for 1882, with L. J. Hall and wife and Miss Fannie Booth as assistants.

The first newspaper publication of any sort in Centralia was estaJalished October 16, 1868. It was called the Southern Home Circle, and was issued monthly by Adam Eodemyre. In June, 1870, the material of the office was moved to Sturgeon and consolidated with that of the Sturgeon Independent, a Democratic paper, W. Z. Connevey and A. Eodemyre, publishers. In March, 1871, Mr. Rodemyre bought out Mr. Connevey and removed the material back to Centralia, where, on March 18, 1871, was issued the first number of Our Fireside Guard, a six-column paper, published by A. Rodemyre and J. H. Stephens. The Guard was a weekly paper, neutral in politics. In 1872 Mr. Rodemyre became sole proprietor, and enlarged the paper to a seven-column sheet. In June, 1874, the material of the office was removed to San Bernardino, California, by Mr. Rodemyre, where it was used by him and his partner, John Isaacs, in the publication of a daily and weekly newspaper called the Times.

Some time in June, 1876, Mr. W. J. Davis established a paper in Centralia which was called the Sentinel. It was a five-column paper, Democratic in politics. In the following November Mr. Rodemyre returned from California, purchased the Sentinel, and re-established the Guard, January 7, 1877, which paper is still in existence, the only one in the place. It is a folio, containing seven columns to the page, and is neutral or independent in politics. Subscription price, $2 per year.

The Guard is well known throughout Central Missouri, although making no pretensions to a general circulation. Its editor, Mr. Rodeniyre, is certainly a genius with remarkable versatility of talent. He is not only a good writer, but a first-rate artist and caricaturist. His paper seldom appears without some pointed, humorous cartoon, and in the past it has been thus profusely illustrated. The cuts are all designed and engraved by Mr. Rodemyre. The paper is printed on a power press, the sole invention and, with the exception of the cylinder, the sole work of Mr. R. This press is a marvel of ingenious mechanical construction, and, though made of various materials and by curious contrivances, is a first-rate press, and does rapid and excellent work.

Killing Of Joseph J. Collier

The only homicide in time of peace in Centralia came oft' in October, 1872, resulting in the death of J. J. Collier, an old citizen of the place, and formerly the landlord of the Eldorado Hotel. Though a man of many excellent qualities, Mr. Collier was addicted to drink, and when under the influence of liquor was inclined to be rough and quarrelsome. On the occasion referred to he was in the store of Whaley, Robards & Threlkeld, somewhat intoxicated. In a half sportive mood, but rather roughly, he slapped a young fellow named Smith, a painter, and handled him a little violently. Another young man named James McDowell, who was standing by, said to Collier: "If you would do that to me, you would have me to lick." Collier turned, and with some expressions of contempt and anger, caught McDowell by the neck and shook him with extreme violence. A scuftle ensued, during which McDowell whipped out a knife and stabbed Collier so severely that he died in a short time. McDowell was arrested and released on preliminary examination. He was never indicted. Collier's death occurred October 28, 1872.

Secret Orders Free Masons

The Centralia Lodge, No. 59, of the A. F. and A. M., was organized in 1866, the dispensation bearing date of August 8, of that year. The first officers were S. J. Bush, W. M. ; D. B. Roberts, S. W. ; R. P. Roberts, J. W. ; J. G. Bruton, S. D. ; F. M. Roberts, J. D. ; W. K. Sturgeon, secretary ; C. C. Bush, treasurer ; M. V. Baker, tyler. They received their charter October 19, 1867. In March, 1877, they had the misfortune to lose their lodge room and furniture by fire, though they were fortunate enough to save the records and charter.

Ancient Order Of United Workmen Centralia Lodge No. 2679, K. Of H.

This lodge of Knights of Honor was nistituted by R. H. Robbins, the date of dispensation being February 14, 1882. The charter members were W. M. Robinson, W. H. Baldridge, J. W. Simco, Edgar Chamberlain, J. W. McCallister, Peter Picket, Geo. H. Crouson, W. H. Simco, J. H. Brown, C. E. Chance, W. N. White, James K. Northciitt, D. H. Glore, Wm. Patten, R. H. Wilhite, J. W. Hocker, cutt, F. R. ; W. H. Baldridge, S. ; W, Siraco, G. ; R. Wilhite, G. ; J. W. Hooker, R. The present officers are the same as those first chosen, except that D. H. Davis is chaplain in place of Chamberlain, resigned. J, H. Head is, up to this time, the only grand lodge officer, and the present membership numbers seventy-five.

Good Templars

The lodge of Good Templars at Centralia was organized January 12, 1874. The charter mertibers were Miss Mattie Atkins, Isaiah Harper, Geo. T. Ray, T. S. Larkin, D. D. Conger, W. H. Kincaid, JT, B. Cave, Ed. Chamberlain, Geo. L. Truitt, Thos. West, Miss Eva Chamberlain, T, J. Bennett, Samuel Bennett, Miss Lizzie Phelps, Miss Lillie Lofland, Wm. Conger, Sr., and A. J. Bush. The first officers were the following: T. S. Sneed, W. C, ; Julia West, W. Y. ; J. B. Lofland, W. Sec. ; Miss Lizzie Sneed, Asst. Sec. - Wm. Conger, W. Chap. ; T. J. Roberts, W. G. L. D. ; Isham Bonlware, W. M. ; Miss Lillie Brown, D. M. ; Leslie Farris, O. G. ; Mrs. T. S. Sneed, R. H. S. ; Mrs. Eliza Truitt, L. H. S.

The Centralia M. E. church. South, was organized in 1868, with the following original members ; Robert Cook, R. F. EdAvards and wife, Mary Edwards ; Newton Russell and wife, Celia Russell ; A. Cook, Druzilla Cook, Elbert Givens and wife, Sarah Givens. The first church house erected Avas the same they are now using, and was built in 1870-71, and is a frame structure which cost about $1,500. It was dedicated in September, 1871* by Dr. John D. Vincil. The pastors that have presided over this flock are the Reverends DeMoss, Rich, Sutton, Metcalf, Graves, Rooker, Salvage, Root and Robert White, the latter being the present minister in charge. The present membership numbers sixty-five, and the church is reported in fine working condition.

Methodist Episcopal Church

This congregation has, as yet, no place of worship of their own, but use the church belonging to the M. E. church South. The church was organized by A. J. Dill, in 1871, the original members

Freeland, J. Gillies, H. B. Seely, J. W. Anderson, N. Shumate and T. J. Enyeart, who is the present pastor serving his first year. The present membership numbers forty-seven. Up to the spring of 1882 this denomination have never had a dollar invested in church property in Boone county. They now own a parsonage at Centralia, built in the spring, which cost $600. Though the success of this denomination has not as yet been great in this county, they think their prospects for the future better than they have been in the past.

Baptist Church

The Centralia Baptist church was organized April 17th, 1871, with the following as original members : T. S, Sneed, Susan S. Sneed, A. F. Sneed, L. H. Sneed, Lizzie Sneed, Maggie Sneed, Amanda Pogue (or Poage), Patsy Keen, Sarah Martin, M. E. Holmes, Ed. Silver, Nancy Silver, J. Chapel, Annie Chapel, Mollie Snow, M. K. Lofland (or Loughland), M. Conger, A. M. Conger, Elinder Silver. The organization at Centralia have heretofore had no church of their own, but have worshipped in the churches of other denominations. They are now (1882) building a church house, an elegant frame structure which will soon be completed, and will cost about $2,500. The present membership is sixty-three in number, and E. D. Isbell is the pastor in charge.

Christian Church

The Christian church was organized in Centralia under the auspices of Eld. James A. Berry, the 17th of October, 1867, with the following members, viz. : James M. West, Elizabeth West, George W. Kimbrough, Katurah Kimbrough, F. J. Bruton, Nettie Bruton, P. S. Hocker, Emma Hocker, J. H. Forbis, Mary Forbis, J. J. Collier, Hannah Collier, Francis Collier, Rebecca G. Jackson, Emily F. Baker, James Phelps, Judah Phelps, Margaret-Hull, Susan Carpenter, Emma Givens, Ellen Holmes. Pledging themselves to one another to take the Bible and the Bible alone as their guide and rule of faith and practice, giving themselves to the Lord and each other, asking God's richest blessings upon them in all time to come, the congregation met in the school-house and worshipped there at intervals until the fall of 1871. The congregation had its trials and difficulties to maintain itself. But in the year 1869 S. W. Early and James D. Wyatt and their families moved into Centralia and immediately united with the little church, whicii imparted new life and zeal into the organization. In June, 1869, by the aid of Eld. John D. White, who long since has gone to his reward, the congregation was re-organized by appointing F. M. Eoberts and James D. Wyatt, Elders, and S. W. Early and Jesse Prewett, deacons. The above officers were, on the first Monday in September following, properly ordained by Eld. D. M. Grandfield. .In the year 1871 they built a nice frame church, 38x50, located about the center of the town, on three lots, 40 each by 120, making the grounds a square. These- lots were generously donated to the church by the Hon. Jas. S. Rollins. The church house is a plain building, yet nicely finished both inside and out ; the grounds are enclosed and an abundance of shrubbery and nice shade trees have been planted in the grounds, and with its bluegrass lawns, is an inviting place. The building and fixtures cost about $2,500, and, it is stated, is now entirely free from incumbrance. The organization has lost many of its original members by death and removals, and in the past dissensions and discord were the unfortunate fate of it, sown in their midst by designing and disreputable preachers, but by the prudent and untiring vigilance of the officers, these troubles were overcome, and the church now numbers 130 of as influential citizens as are in Boone county, thoroughly united and in perfect harmony, and under the management of its eldership and G. A. Hoff*man, their present pastor, sways an immense moral influence in that community. They have, if not the best, one of .the best Sunday schools in the State, Prof. J. C. Hall, superintendent. This church has been ministered to by some very eminent men - such as Eld. T. P. Haley, formerly of St. Louis; Eld. Benj. Franklin, of Cincinnati; L. B. Wilks, T. M. Allen, William Eidgway, J. H. Hardin, F. W. Allen, O. A. Carr, D. M. Grandfield and others. Eld. James Berry was the only regular pastor they had from 1867 up to 1875. D. M. Grandfield has labored with them in several very successful protracted meetings in the years past. James D. Wyatt, S. W. Early J. G. Bruton and J. H. Forbis are the present eldership, J. D. Wyatt having held the same position, except for a short interval, since 1869. Dr. Jas. Wallace, John T. Mitchell, W. H. White, James H. Silver and John A. Chance are the present board of deacons. From the zeal and faithfulness of a few men and women the church has grown from twenty-one members, all women except seven, to be a large and influential congregation, now one of the best working congregations in the county. But few of the members appear to be wealthy, yet a more liberal church is hard to find. They are paying their pastor $400 for half of his time, and give largely of their means to the various auxil-

James M. Angell

James M. Angell is the son of Robert Angell, a native of Kentucky. He was born in Boone county, Missouri, February 11, 1833. His father came to Missouri in 1825, and settled in this county. His wife's maiden name was Martha Perkins. They had thirteen children. James M. was educated at the old-time log school house, his first teacher being John M. McGhee. He settled in Centralia township in 1867, where he purchased 700 acres of rich prairie land. He is now largely engaged in farming and stock raising. He was elected a justice of the peace in 1878, which office he still' holds. Has served as director of his district school since 1867, and was one of the building committee in erecting their new school house. Was married, September 10, 1857, to Miss Hannah, daughter of Absalom Fountain. They have two sons and three daughters. Their names are Martha, Lucy E., Mary E., Redford M., and John M. Bedford and Martha are dead. He has devoted much time and care to the education of his children. His daughter, Lucy E., is the wife of Frederick S. Sappington, of Boone county. Mr. Angell has tried one hundred and twenty-five cases, none of which have ever been reversed b}^ the circuit court. Has married about thirty couples, and acknowledged over forty deeds. In the discharge of official duty, no magistrate perhaps in the county has given better satisfaction. Mr. and Mrs. Angell are both members of the Methodist church South.

Anthony & Bro

George and Lewis Anthony are the sons of Thomas J. Anthony and were born in Morgan county, Missouri, George in 1850, Lewis in 1852. They were brought up on the fcirm, but each of the brothers has a good business education. Lewis was a farmer and stock trader until 1876, when he went into the grocery trade at Centralia where he continued with his brother until they went into the livery business. Their mother's maiden name was Cassandra Sutton. There were fourteen children, seven of each sex. Thomas Anthony and his wife were

James W. Bay

James W. Bay, at present telegraph operator and ticket and express agent at Centralia, Missouri, wasborn in Cumberhmd, Guernsey county, Ohio, August 13th, 1848. His father, Maj. James T. Bay, was an officer in the United States army. The grandfiither, on mother's side, was of German origin ; his name was Andrew Kells. On the paternal side, the family is of Scotch-Irish extraction. The maternal grandfather served in the war of 1812. Young Bay was educated at the common schools of Ohio, leaving his native State for Missouri, in 1860. From 1862 to 1865 he was in the United States service as military telegraph reporter. Since then has been constantly in the business. For four months after the war, was in the service of the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad company ; then in the service of the Missouri Pacific, from 1866 to 1875 ; then one year with the Iron Mountain I^oad ; then to Ferguson Junction, and from there to Centralia, in the fall of 1876, at which post he has remained ever since. Mr. Bay married Miss Mary R. Bell, daughter of G. L. Bell, a member of the Tennessee family of that name, Mrs. Bay being a granddaughter of John Bell, who was a candidate for president in 1860. They have two children. Mr. Bay is a member of A. F. and A. M., also of the A. O. U. W. He is a steady, energetic business man, prompt and zealous in the discharge of duty, and thoroughly conversant with the business intrusted to his care.

Thomas Harris Barnes

Thomas Harris Barnes is the son of Thomas H. Barnes, of Madison county, Kentucky, where he was born January 8, i860. His mother was Ann- Wingfield, a native of Virginia. The father of Thomas died when his son was but three years old. He had served his native county in the capacity of county court clerk. He was a member of the Christian church. Mrs. Harris removed to Missouri with her family of six children in the fall of 1866, settling three miles west of Centralia, where she remained until her death. Thomas H. prepared himself for teaching in the public schools. He followed his profession until 1882, when he formed a partnership with R. H. Wilhite in the boot and shoe trade. They have a good business, with flattering prospects for the future. Mr. Harris is a member of the Good Templar lodge at Centralia.

Durrett H. Barnes

John Barnes, the father of Durrett, was a citizen of this county while it was yet the abode of wild Indians. The only means of safety was the rude forts constructed by the early pioneers, in which they' took refuge when the Indians were on the war-path. John Barnes came to Howard county in 1808 with his father, Shadrach Barnes. They forted for several 3^ears near Old Franklin. John was one of a family of twelve children, eight sons and four daughters, all of whom lived to have families. Durrett Barnes was born in Boone county, September 13, 1822. His opportunities for obtaining an education were very limited. His first teacher was Overton Harris, who taught in a little log cabin with puncheon floor. The boys attended this school clad in the simplest style that could be imagined, their entire wardrobes consisting of ,but a single garment made from the lint of flax, grown on the farm and manufactured at home by industrious mothers and daughters who knew nothing of the luxuries and vanities of civilization, and cared less. The subject of this sketch was married to Miss Caroline E., daughter of Philip Lyle, a native of New York. They had eight children, six sons and two daughters. Their names are Ellen F., Thomas T., Philip, Filmore, Dora A., Eobert D., William H., and John. There are but five of the number living. During the war, Mr. Barnes entered the Confederate service under Colonel Joe Porter, and was taken prisoner and kept at Alton, Illinois, until 1864, when he was released and allowed to return home. His first wife having died, he was married the second time to Laviuia Kanatzar, nee Roberts, in 1869. He is now living on a farm of 240 acres in Centralia township.

Peter J. Barron

was born in the city of St. Louis, Missouri, September 12, 1847, where he continued to reside till he was 18 years old. His parents were Thomas and Lucy (nee Smith) Barron, and the}^ lived for several years in St. Louis, where Peter obtained his education in the public schools. At 12 years old, he went to clerking in a store, remaining for six years in that employment. He then went to Baxter Springs, Kansas, and engaged in the grocery business for two years. After this he located at Crawford sville, same State, and went into the general merchandise business, and was at the same time authorized by government to trade with the Indians. In 1876, he returned to St. Louis and engaged for two years in the grocery business, at the expiration of wliich he came to Columbia and went into business in tlie firm of White, Barron and Co., the history of which firm is given in the sketch of W. N. White. Mr. Barron is a thorough-going business man. He belongs to the Knights of Honor and Knights of Pythias, and is a gentleman highly esteemed in both social and business circles. He was married in 1874, to Miss Susie Gooch, of Shelby county, Missouri, daughter of William Gooch, a prominent citizen of that county. Mr. and Mrs. Barron have four children, named John, Paul, Charles and Annie,

Dr. Francis Jackson Bruton was born in Montgomery county, Kentucky, February 8th, 1830. Was educated at the common schools and at Prospect Hill college. His father, James Bruton, was a farmer and stock raiser. They came t(5 Boone county in 1853. The country about Centralia was then very sparsely settled. The subject of this sketch remembers having killed wild deer upon what now constitutes a portion of the town of Centralia. Dr. Bruton farmed until 1866, when he moved to Centralia. In 1871 he graduated at the St. Louis Medical College, having previously read medicine for two years. He was married, July 14th, 1852, to Miss Henrietta Fenwyck, of Bath county, Kentucky. They have four children. Has one dauo'hter now the wife of Robert B. Sino-leton, of St. Louis. Has one son, Frank E., in business at Sturgeon. During the civil war, Dr. Bruton remained at home. Took no part in the strife, but was arrested by Merrill's Horse and kept several days on account of his sympathy for the South. He was drafted about the close of the war, but did no service. Was on the ground after the Centralia fight and helped to dispose of the dead, as will be seen by reading the account of the massacre which appears in this volume. Dr. Bruton is a Mason. He and his wife are both members of the Christian church.

Christopher C. Bush

Christopher C. Bush is a native of Kentucky, where he was born, October 25th, 1823. He is the son of T. V. Bush, a farmer, and was reared and educated in the same line of business. His father lived to the age of seventy-three, and is entitled to the distinction of having invented the first corn planter ever patented in the United States. The subject of this sketch came to Missouri in the spring of 1855, and settled in Boone county, where he has continuously resided ever since.

He has always followed farming. Married Miss Sarah A., daughter of Nelson Bush. Four sons and six daughters were born of this marriage. The first wife dying, Mr. Bush was again married, the second wife beino-Miss Perlina, daughter of James C. Jennino;s. He has been a member of the Christian church ever since he was thirteen years old.

John A. Chance

John A. Chance was born in Missouri, but went with his parents to Illinois when a child. This was in 1847. He came back to Missouri in 1865 and engaged in farming until 1881 when he purchased a controlling interest in the hardware store of Tho^nas Sexton, Centralia. His brother, C. E. Chance, is now his partner in business, the firm being Chance Brothers. He was married in 1873 to Miss Addie, daughter of Solomon Sexton. They have two children. Mr Chance is an ofiicial member of the Christian church. The firm of Chance Brothers is well established and justly popular with the people of Centralia and vicinity.

Garrison H. Chance

Garrison H. Chance was born in Delaware, March 20, 1823. He is the soil of Thomas Chance, a native of New Jersey. He is of Welsh orio-in on the father's side. His maternal ancestors were English. In 1827 Thomas Chance emigrated to Ohio, where he remained six years. In 1833 he removed to Illinois. In 1840 the subject of this sketch came to Boone county, Missouri, where he married Miss Martha A., daughter of John Koberts. There were six sons and two daughters by this marriage. The first wife dying, he married Miss Lurinda, daughter of Inyard Winscot. They have three sons by this marriage. Mr. Chance has a large farm well improved. He raises a variety of produce. Has a fine orchard and apiary. He is a member of the Christian church, and contributes liberally to the support of the gospel. Though hardly sixty years of age, he has twelve grandchildren.

William Wallace Conger was born in Oswego county, New York, January 7, 1840. His father was a miller and he was brought up to the same business. Attended school at Phoenix, his native town. In 1858 he came with his father to Audrain county, Missouri, and settled on a farm where he remained for eight years. In 1873 he came to Centralia and entered the firm of Conger Brothers, proprietors of the Centralia mills, of which firm he is still a member. In 1861 he acted as scout for Federal troops, being with the 3d Iowa regiment. March 25, 1862, enlisted in Captain H. N. Cook's company. Guitar's regiment, in which he served for three years and one month. Was third sergeant of his company and followed the fortunes of his regiment in all the raids, marches and battles in which it was engaged. Was at Moore's Mills, Kirksville, Brown's Springs, and other skirmishes of less note. Was never wounded or captured. Mr. Conger was married March 17, 1864, to Miss Angeline M. Hunt, of Monroe county. They have eight living children. Their names are William E., Henry M., Clarence H., Harriet N., Bessie, Alice L., Ann Barbara, Clyde W., and one dead - Addie. Mr. and Mrs. Conger are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Conger is also a Mason.

James R. Bryson

The Bryson family are of Irish origin, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch having emigrated to this country from Ireland in an early day on account of religious persecution. He was the father of Andrew, a native of Kentucky, who was the father of Solomon, also born and raised in Kentuckv. James R., son of Solomon Bryson, was born in Madison county, Kentucky, May 30th, 1826, and came with his parents to Howard county, Missouri in 1829. They remained in Howard county for ten years, when they removed to a farm near Centralia, where the elder Bryson died soon after the war. James was one of eight children, four of each sex. He was educated at an old log school house, where the benches were constructed from the trunks of trees split in the middle, each half forming a bench, and each bench proving a seat of torture to the children doomed to sit with their feet dangling in space, with no rest for the arms or back. The primitive school house is never forgotten by those who experienced the tortures inflicted upon mind and body within its dark, rude walls. Mr. Bryson married Miss Nancy, daughter of Isaac Stone. They have had eight children, seven of whom are now living. During the civil war Mr. Bryson took sides with the South. He joined the Confederate army in 1862 and served until the close of the war. He was in several battles, but escaped without injury. Two of his brothers were captured and killed by Federal soldiers. Another brother was wounded at Wilson Creek. Mr. Bryson was quartermaster during most of the war. He has always voted the Democratic ticket. He owns about 600 acres of fine land well improved. It was

Samuel W. Early

Mr. Early is a native of West Virginia, born in Monroe county, September 26th, 1835. He is a son of Andrew C. and Elizabeth (Nickell) Early, who were both natives of the " Old Dominion." In the year 1842 his parents removed to Callaway county. Mo., where he grew to manhood, being engaged on his father's farm the greater portion of his time, "and attending the subscription schools of his neighborhood when opportunity offered. In 1855 Mr. Early removed to Audrain county, where he followed fixrming until 1863, when he located in Mexico, and afterward engaged in merchandising. By the great fire of March, 1872, Mr. Early was damaged to the extent of several thousands of dollars. He has since been engaged in the insurance and real estate business. During the last two years he has sold over 300, 000 acres of land. (?) Mr. Early was the leading merchant of the place when he was in business, although he started in trade with a very small capital. August 26th, 1857, Mr. Earl}'^ married Miss Ruth E. Leach, a daughter of Wm. Leach, Esq., of Audrain county, one of the early settlers of that county. They have had born to them twelve children, nine of whom are living, viz. : Josephine E., Annie P., Charles H., Ella, Sallie A., Florence, Henrietta, William W. and Francis M. Mr. Early has been a member of the Christian church since 1855, and an elder for ten j^ears. He has been a member of the Masonic order for about twenty-five years. He has been one of the town trustees for about seven years, and a justice of the peace for ten years. During the period that he was a justice of the peace he had but three of his decisions reversed by higher courts.

Fisher Elliott

The subject of this sketch is the son of Hiram Elliott, of Boyle county, Kentucky, where he was born December 30th, 1846. He was the youngest of five children. He was principally raised in Boone county, Missouri. He married Miss Fannie Bryson, daughter of Solomon Bryson. They have two sons and two daughters. Mr. Elliott is now living on a small farm, which he owns, one-half mile from Centralia. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist church.

When he moved to the neighborhood the prairie grass was growing as high as a man's head where the town now stands. He was born in Henry county, Kentucky, June 6th, 1833. He is the son and grandson of the Forbises, pioneers of Kentucky. James was one of eight chiklreu. He was brought up on the farm. Served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade in Louisville. After completing his trade he went to Mississippi where he remained for al)out three years. He came to Missouri in 1857, settling first in Callaway county, removing next to Monroe county, where he was married, June 6th, 1860, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Wilson Enochs. One daughter and four sons were born of this marriage. Mrs. Forbis dying, he married Miss Mary, daughter of Thomas Welch, of Monroe county. They have one daughter (Eliza) by this marriage. Mr. Forbis settled present place, one and one-fourth miles southwest of Centralia, in 1865. He is an official member of the Christian church.

William H. Garrett

William H. Garrett was born July 14th, 1855. He is the son of James Garrett, a hardware merchant of Mexico, Missouri. His grandfather, Richard Garrett, a native of Kentucky, is now a citizen of Schuyler county, Missouri. William H. was the eldest of seven children. He was educated in Mexico, where he was apprenticed to the hardware business. Was married to Miss Eosa, daughter of T. S. Sneed. Mrs. Garrett was the first living child born in Centralia. They have one child, Nina. Mr. Garrett is an exemplary member of the Christian church. He moved to Centralia in 1881, . previously selling out his business at Vandalia, Missouri. He purchased an interest in the hardware store ot Mr. E. Thurston, and, July 11th, 1882, they bought the furniture store of J. M. Hawkins. The firm of Garrett & Thurston is a reliable, prosperous house. Both men are practical workmen in their line of business.

Turner S. Gordon

Turner S. Gordon, proprietor of the Centralia brick kiln, was born in Boone county, Missouri, April 26th, 1848. He is the son of William J. Gordon, for many years one of the proprietors of an extensive wagon, plow and repair shop at Columbia, Missouri, which did a large business in the manufacture of agricultural implements and general repairing. The blacksmithing was under the supervision of Mr. Gordon, while the woodwork was made the specialty of his partner, Mr. Anderson. They used slave labor principally, and when the negroes were set free by the war, Mr. Gordon left the shop and engaged in the livery business, which he followed up to his death, in 1872. George W. Gordon, grandfather of Turner, came to Boone county about fifty-two years ago. He was of Scotch-Irish origin . The subject of this sketch was educated at the Missouri State University. In 1868 he married Miss Leona, daughter of Gen. Bolton. Her parents having died when she was a smtill child, she was brought up in the home of her uncle. Gen. Thomas L. Price, of Jefferson City. She was educated at the Moravian Female College, in Pennsylvania. They have two sons living and one dead. In 1877 Mr. Gordon embarked in the brick-making business, which he has followed ever since. He moved to Mexico in 1881, where his family now reside. Purchased his present business, with land attached, in March, 1882. Mr. Gordon is a member of the Christian church.

Prof. James C. Hall

James Clinton Hall, commissioner of public schools, was born in Bourbon township, Boone count}^ September 20th, 1848. He was partly educated at the common schools, completing his education at McGhee college. After leaving college he spent several years on a farm. Having been employed to teach the Hallsville district school, he was retained by the directors, serving that district for seven years. He was then employed to teach at Columbia, serving as principal of the public school for four years. He went to Centralia in 1881, and took charge of the public school at that place, which position he still holds. In 1875 was elected school commissioner, and has held the ofiice ever since, except in 1877 and 1878. He was married March 18th, 1878, to Geneva Pollard, daughter of James P. Pollard, of Hallsville. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are members of the Christian chui'ch. He is a member of the K. P. lodge at Columbia and A. O. U. W. of Centralia. He was secretary of Boone County Teachers' Institute from 1871 to about 1875, and has been president ever since. Prof. Hall is an able, earnest, conscientious teacher, thoroughly devoted to his calling, and ever zealous in promoting the cause of popular education.

This gentleman is a native of Sumner county, Tennessee, born October 17th, 1815. His parents, Henry and Elizabeth Head, were both natives of Virginia. Dr. Head grew to manhood in the county of his birth, and received his nou-professional education at the Rural Academy of Sumner county. His professional course was taken at the Nashville Medical University, and he began the practice in Benton county, Missouri, in 1843. He continued there till 1863, with the exception of about three or four years, from 1850 till 1854, which he spent in California. In 1863 he moved to Millersburg, Callaway county, Mis> souri, where he practiced medicine till 1881, his two sons being associated with him, and doing a leading practice in that county. In the last mentioned year, Doctors Head located at Centralia, Boone county, Missouri, and are at this early succeeding date (1882) rapidly building a good practice. Dr. Head was married, in 1836, to Miss Rhoda L. Vincent, daughter of James and Clara Vincent, of Sumner county, Tennessee. There are five children of this marriage, Catharine A., Luvenia B., James H., Clara E. and Charles W. Dr. Head has been a Mason for over 17 years, and is in everything a worthy citizen and substantial man.

Is a son of Dr. Alfred Head, of Centralia, and was born in Benton county, Missouri, January the 30th, 1855. His education was received in this State, the elementary part being acquired in the common schools of his native county. His literary and academic course was taken at the University of Missouri in Columbia, and his professional course, at the Missouri Medical College, of St. Louis. He attended the latter institution in the years 1875, 1876 and 1877, graduating therefrom in the latter year. The same year he embarked in the practice of his noble profession with his ftither at Millersburg, Missouri, continuing there till 1881, when they located at Centralia in this county, where they are now in the practice. Dr. Head has been a hard student, and labors faithfully to keep up in all the new developments of medical science. Young in years and highly educated, both professionally and generally, there is before him every prospect of a successful future.

John Edward Hinman

John Edward Hinman is the eldest son of Gen. William A. Hinman, and was born in Jacksonville, Illinois, November 16th, 1843. The family traces its origin back to the Pilgrim Fathers. Maj. Benjamin Hinman, the grandfather of John Edward, was the son of Deacon David, who was son of Benjamin, Jr., and grandson of Benjamin, Sr., and great grandson of Edward Hinman. He married Anna Keyser, daughter of Captain John Keyser, a soldier of the revolution. The following children were born of this marriage: John Edward, Benjamin, Jr., Col. John J. and General William A., the father of the subject of this sketch, who was born July 11th, 1802. Col. John E. Hinman received his title in 1821, when he was elected lieutenant colonel of the 134th regiment of New York militia. He held various other offices of trust and honor, and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. He married Mary, daughter of G. C. Schroppel, of New York, and now resides in Utica. He has no children. Col. John J. married Huldah M. Sturtevant. He was a lawyer for several years, but subsequently followed milling and merchandising. He had five children, all of whom are dead. He died in 1849. Capt. Benjamin, Jr., was a magistrate and captain of a company. He was never married. Maranda died in her twelfth year. Annis married Dr. Thomas Monroe, in Maryland. They have five children. They are now living at Rushville, Illinois, where the doctor is practicing his profession. Gen. William A. Hinman, the father of John Edward, was educated for the law and was admitted to practice at the bar in Utica, New York. In 1832 he visited Illinois, and, being charmed with the country, removed to Rushville, where he dealt largely in real estate. He also served as surveyor-general of Illinois for several years and became quite familiar with the geography of the State. He served as a general in the Blackhawk war of 1832. He was married, February 4th, 1843, to Miss Grace A. Kingsbury, daughter of an Episcopal minister. Two sons were born of this marriage, John E. and Edward M. C. The latter was born April 10th, 1847. He married Miss Josephine Long, daughter of Capt. Long, of the United States army. He was in government service until his death, in 1870. He left no children. His widow resides at Lewiston, Illinois. John E. was educated in St. Louis and at Rushville and Jacksonville, Illinois. He is a farmer and stock-raiser. He married Miss Sarah, daughter of Dr. J. C. Bywater, of Auburn, New York. They had one child, Grace, born January 6th, 1867. The first wife dying in 1877, he was married to Miss Flora, daughter of Rev. William E. Johnson, of Canada. They have one child, Edward Willie, born August 13th, 1878. Mr. Hinman came to Boone county in 1869, in company with his father, and settled at Centralia when less than a dozen buildings constituted the entire town. He purchased 400 acres of land north of and in close proximity to the village. At first he kept a hay press. He is now engaged in farming and stock-raising. He keeps some well-bred horses. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a member of

Philip S. Hooker

This gentleman is a son of John and Elizabeth (Tankersley) Hocker, both of whom were natives of Lincoln county, Kentucky, and moved to Monroe county, Missouri, in 1830. In the latter county the subject of this sketch was born Noveml)er 1st 1832. Dr. Hocker was reared on a farm, acquiring his rudimentary education in the common schools At the age of sixteen he set in to learn the carpenter's trade, and also learned cabinet-making. In 1852 he moved to Mc- Kinney, Collin county, Texas, where he resided fourteen years, engaged in the manufacture of furniture. When the civil war came on. Dr. H. enlisted, in 1861, in Col. Stone's regiment of Texas volunteers, and gave his services to the cause of the Confederacy. In the winter of 1862 he returned home and assisted in recruiting a companv for Col. Alexander's regiment. Hocker was commissioned second lieutenant, and was the officer sent by Gen. Pike from Ft. Gibson, soon after the battle of Pea Ridge, under a flag of truce, to Gen. Curtis, to adjust the difficulties concerning the "scalping" done by the Indian allies of both Federals and Confederates. He withdrew from Alexander's regiment in 1863, and was appointed hospital steward in Col. L. M. Martin's regiment, which position he held till the close of the war. In 1866 he returned to Missouri and settled in Centralia, Boone county, engaging in the furniture business. In 1867 he moved to Middle Grove, Monroe county, and engaged in the drug business till 1871. He then moved back to Centralia, where he continued in the drug business till 1881, when he embarked in the real estate business, in which he is still engaged. Dr. H. has been three times elected mayor of Centralia, and is honorino; that position at the time of this writino;. In 1880 he was elected a member of the Centralia school board, and it is chiefly due to his eff'orts that that city is to-day blessed with an elegant public school building. Dr. H. has been three times married. His first wife was Loumira E. Wilkerson, daughter of Milton and Jane Wilkerson, of Florida, Monroe county, Missouri, to whom he was married August 26, 1852. She died in McKinney, Texas, in 1865, having borne him one son, James W., now a druggist of Centralia. On January 22, 1867, he was again married to Miss A. E. Snell, daughter of Judge Granville Snell, of Monroe county. This lady died

February 21st, 1874, leaving three children, Charles, Walter and Mary. Dr. Hooker was married again in 1874, to Miss Emma, daugliter of Albert and Sarah Gibbons, of Boone county. Three children have been born of this last union, Regina, Philip S. and Vesta. He has been a Mason since 1856, and organized the lodge at Middle Grove, of which he was for two years master. Since 1852 he has been a member of the Christian church, and is in everything an earnest, substantial citizen. The doctor's literary attainments may be judged from the fact that he boldlj^ attacked the whole school of infidel scientists, in an ably-written pamphlet entitled " Science and Revelation," in which he vindicates the faith of the faithful, and shows the necessity of a great First Cause,

Aaron L. Huien

Aaron L. Hulen, the subject of this sketch, is the son of James Hulen, and was born in Randolph county, Missouri, November 8th, 1852. He was raised on the farm and educated at the common schools of the county. Married Miss Martha, daughter of James E. Dry, of Monroe county, Missouri. They have one daughter, Mr. Hulen sold his farm in Monroe county and removed to Boone in 1882, purchasing 120 acres one mile west of Centralia, upon which he has erected a broom factory. He has considerable experience in the business, and his brooms meet with ready sale. He is a member of the Christian church. He formerly taught school of winters. He is a Democrat in politics.

Taylor H. Hulen

Taylor H. Hulen was born in Kentucky, September 12, 1824. He came to Missouri in 1832, when a small boy, and was educated at the common schools in the neighborhood of his home. In 1846 he was married to Miss Narcissa, daughter of William Turner. B}^ this union they had ten children, five of each sex, all of whom are living but one. The first wife having died in 1868, he was again married, the second wife ])eing Mrs, Margaret Roberts, late widow of Shelton Roberts, of Boone county, and a daughter of Andrew Gooding. They have four children, two of each sex, Mr. Hulen followed farming until 1880, when he built the livery stable he now owns, in connection with his partner, Jerry Bush, at Centralia, Missouri. Mr. Hulen is a member of the Methodist church. He takes a lively interest in public matters, and is a friend and zealous worker in the cause of education. Mrs. Hulen is a member ef the Christian church.

John A. Johnson

Anderson Johnson, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was of Irish origin, and a native of Virginia. The father of John A., Greenberry Johnson, was born in Howard county, Missouri, May, 1822. He moved to Boone county, where his sou was born, February 4, 1844. The mother's maiden name was Emily Scaggs, daughter of Archibald Scaggs, of German origin. Mr. Johnson married Miss Elizabeth,"daughter of William W. Tucker, a native of Virginia. Mrs. Tucker's maiden name was Martha Woodruff. Mr. Johnson has three children, Charles C, Nora B., and Victor T. He owns a fine farm of 200 acres, well improved and quite productive. He has a fine orchard and beautiful shrubbery. He is a member of the Christian church and assistant superintendent of the Lone Star Sunday school.

Frank Kahn

Frank Kahn is a native of Germany, and was born December 1, 1851. His father is still living, having reached his 74th year. His grandfather lived to the advanced age of 103 years. The subject of this sketch was one of thirteen children, six sons and seven daughters, ten of whom are now living. One brother, Leopold, fell in the Franco-Prussian war. Frank came to the United States in 1872 and settled first at Nashua, Illinois, where he remained for three years. He then went to Evansville, Indiana, where he clerked in the store of Nathan Frank for four years. He then came to Centralia, where he commenced business for himself, handling dry goods, clothing and o;ents' furnishing goods. He was married in Columbia, Missouri, in 1880, to Miss Fannie Arnold, a native of Philadelphia. They have one son. Mr. Kahn was raised and educated in Europe. He is an active, intelligent business man, and has succeeded in building up a good business. Few men could have accomplished as much in the same length of time. He came to Centralia in 1879.

William C. Love Joy

William C. Lovejoy was born at Hanesville, Illinois, February 19, 1853. His father, William Lovejoy, kept a hotel at Hanesville, where he died in 1857, when the subject of this sketch was but four years old. Young Lovejoy was educated in the common schools, and was especially trained in penmanship, in which art he became quite proficient. After quitting school he taught writing and drawing for nine years. Was employed for five years in the first buttery and creamer}^ established in Wisconsin, where he commanded the highest salary paid by the company. He spent several years teaching in Nevada, and found it very profitable. Came to this county in 1881, and settled in the place where he now lives. He opened a green-house in Centraliain the spring of 1882, and has now one of the finest collections west of St. Louis. He will soon have a large stock of small fruits of every variety known to our soil and climate. Mr. Lovejoy is an enterprising gentleman, and has already done. much to advance the local interests of the community in which he lives.

Ephraim Minor

Ephraim Minor is of English origin, his great-grandfather, on the father's side, having been a native of that country. His grandfather was a soldier in the revolutionary army, enlisting in Virginia. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812. His mother, Rachel Lamb, was also of English ancestry. The subject of this sketch was born in Bracken county, Kentucky, March 7, 1822. He was the youngest, save one, of a family of thirteen children. He was raised on the farm and educated at the district schools. In 1847 he married Miss Leah Furguson, daughter of David Furguson, of Brown county, Ohio. They have had three children. The eldest child died young. Lucy M. is married to Peter Pickert, a farmer. They have one child. The other daughter, Emma, is married to G. H. Brown, also a farmer. Mr. Minor, since his marriage, and before coming to Missouri, resided in Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota and Wisconsin. In 1864 he enlisted in Company F, Independent Regiment, Minnesota Volunteers. Soon after he was disabled by the premature discharge of a cannon, and was released from further duty. He lived on his farm in Wisconsin until 1873, when he removed to Missouri and settled near Centralia. In 1882 he moved into town. He owns a fine farm of 226 acres. Having lost both of his hands by the accident above mentioned, he now draws annually a pension of $850. He is a Democrat, voting with his party at all times and under all circumstances. He is a worthy, well-to-do, thrifty citizen, highly esteemed by all who know him.

John T. Mitchell

Both his parents are native Missourians, his father having been born in Boone count}^ and his mother, in Howard. John T. was reared on a farm in Boone county, and educated at the State University of Columbia. In 1877 he accepted the position of book-keeper in the Rocheport Savings Bank, and served in that capacity till the fall of 1879, when he went to Centralia and organized the Bank of Centralia or rather became an incorporator of that institution, which began business in 1880. Mr. Mitchell is cashier of the bank, his educational qualifications and his Rocheport experience combining to fully fit him for that responsible position. He was married in 1881 to Miss Belle R. Clayton, the accomplished daughter of John S. and Fannie (nee Chambers) Clayton, of Rocheport. Mr. Mitchell is a member of the Christian church, and is certainly one of the rising young business men of the county.

William R. McBridewas born in Boyle county, Kentucky, November 4th, 1833. His father, John McBride, came to Boone county in 1854, but returning to his native state on a visit in 1860, he died there, The grandfather's name was David. He was a native of Maryland, but moved to North Carolina, and from that State to Missouri in 1835. He was of Scotch-Irish origin. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. William was one of a famil}^ of eight children. He commenced business for himself when twenty-one years old, with no capital but strength, pluck and energy. His education has been derived more from men than books, and the lessons learned were those of experience, acquired in the bus}' field of human effort. In 1866 he was married to Miss Letha J., daughter of Thomas Adams, of Millersburg, Callaway county, Missouri. They have three sons and one daughter living and one son dead. Mr. McBride is a member of A. O. U. W. In faith he is a Presbyterian. He is actively engaged in the stock business, buying and shipping, and has been since 1859. He cleared $1,600 on one shipment of hogs - seven hundred and fifty head - for which he paid nine and a half cents, the lot costing him $20,000. He has now (summer of 1882) three hundred fat hogs, and is grazing three hundred beef cattle. He settled where he now lives in 1866. His farm contains four hundred and sixty acres, all under fence. He has a fine orchard of twenty acres, Mrs. Mc- Bride, having an eye for the beautiful, the yard is all aglow with the rarest and most lovely flowers. Mr. McBride takes an active, zealous

Was born in Huntington county, Indiana, January 7, 1850. His parents were George and Rebecca (nee Rittenhouse) McCallister, the father beino- a native of Virginia and the mother of Ohio. William lived in his native county till he was sixteen years old, and there received his education. In 1866 he came to Sturgeon, Boone county. Mo., and engaged in farming in summer and school teaching during the winter, continuing this till 1872. He began the study of medicine under Dr. Keith and, in 1874, attended lectures at the Missouri Medical College in St. Louis. After practicing a short time at Centralia, he returned to the Medical College in St. Louis, taking his final course of lectures in 1876-77, graduating from that institution in the latter year. He resumed the practice at Centralia, where he continues to enjoy a lucrative business in his profession.

Few men can boast of the eminent success that Dr. McCallister has made in so short a time ; his position and education being the result, chiefly, of his own unaided eflbrts. He was married on January 13, 1869, to Miss L. Hendrix, daughter of James and Rachel Hendrix, of Boone county. Two children - Annie B. and Jessie P. - have been born to bless this union. Dr. M. belongs to the A. O. U. W., and also to the Knights of Honor. He is one of the leading physicians of the county, and a valuable citizen to the town of Centralia.

Orson Nichols

Mr. Orson Nichols was born in Otsego, New York, July 24, 1837, and continued to reside there till he was 17 years old. His father's name was Warren C. Nichols, and he reared young Orson on a farm up to the age mentioned.

The subject of this sketch received his education in the public schools of his native county, and, in 1854, left there and came West to Will county, Illinois, where he remained till 1874. Until 1864 he was engaged in farming, but then embarked in a mercantile calling in Homer, Illinois, continuing till 1872. He then moved to Centralia, Boone county, Missouri, and merchandised there three years. Returning to Homer, he remained till 1877, when he came back to Centralia, and again began merchandising. At Homer, he was postmaster for eight years, and is at the present postmaster of Centralia, having been ;tp- pointed by President Arthur in May, 1882. Mr. Nichols was married, January 22d, 1859, to Miss Hannah L. Mason, of Will county, Illinois. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Nichols, six of whom are living at this writing : Frank O., Ida J., Cora A., Fred, Grace E., and Oliver E. Mr. Nichols enjoys the confidence and esteem of his neighbors, and gets his share of patronage in Centralia.

James O'Meara was born in Ireland, May 17, 1837. His parents, Patrick and Catherine (Howe) O'Meara, emigrated to Canada in 1845, bringing the subject of this sketch with them. They died soon after settling in their new home, and in 1856 James O'Meara came to Missouri, where he engaged in boot and shoemaking, having learned this trade in Canada. In 1877 he came to Centralia and established a shop, where he has remained ever since. He is a well-read, intelligent, thoughtful man ; independent in his views and candid in expressing them. He was married to Miss Lizzie Carry, who died May 10th, 1882.

This gentleman's parents, John A. and Dorcas (Hocker) Paxton, were both natives of Kentucky, though John L., himself, is a Missourian. He was born in Montgomery county, February 9, 1852, where he grew up and was educated. At the age of 15, he began clerking in a store at Middletown, and continued for three years. In 1870, he went to Dakota Territory, and spent a year in the Yankton Reservation, herding cattle among the Indians. He returned to Middletown, Montgomery county, in 1871, and the next year came to Centralia, in this county, and began clerkingTorT.'S. Hocker, remaining with him for some time. He was then engaged in a lumber yard till 1880, when he embarked in the drug business on his own responsibility. Mr. Paxton has made what he has himself, his own energy, pluck and industry, being sufficient to start him in life on a solid basis. He began life for himself when only 12 years old and has " held his own " ever since. At this writing (1882) he is serving as city clerk of Centralia. Mr. Paxton was married in 1876 to Miss May Holmes, daughter of Sylvester Holmes, of Monroe county. They have one child, a son named Charles F.

Charles W. Pelsue

is a native of Vermont, in which State he was born August 8, 1842. His grandfather, John Pelsue, was a Frenchman ; his father, Parker B., married Lucy Emeline Hancock, a relative of Gen. W. S. Hancocl?. Charles was one of a family of twelve children - eight sons and four daughters. The subject of this sketch married Miss Jennie A., daughter of W. Conger, a native of New York. By this union they have had six children - three of each sex. Their names are Frank W., Cora E., Clara, Fred. E., Charles E., and Nadie L. Clara died in infancy. Mr. Pelsue was a corporal in the Ninth Missouri regiment (Federal) for three years. He was living in Audrain county when the war commenced, having settled there three years previous. In 1876 he sold his farm in Audrain and came to Centralia, where he purchased an interest in the Centralia mills, which he still owns. Mr. Pelsue is a member of the A. F. and A. M. He is a public-spirited, active business man, and, in every sense of the word, a useful citizen.

Peter Pickert

Peter Pickert, son of Elias Pickert, is of German origin. He was born, in the State of New York, March 13th, 1842. His father was a farmer and boatman, and the son was brought up on the farm. He went with his father to Wisconsin where he was married to Miss Luc}^ M., daughter of Ephraim Minor. They have four children, two of each sex. He came to Boone county, Missouri, in 1873, and settled on the farm upon which he now resides. It is a handsome place pleasantly located. He is a member of the K. of H.

Adam Rodemyre

Adam Rodemyre, editor and proprietor of the Centralia Fireside Guard, was born in Illinois, November 20th, 1841. He is the son of Adam, Sr., a native of Germany, who came to the United States about the year 1830. He was a wagon-maker. The maiden name of Mrs. Eodemyre was Laura Kline. Adam was one of eight children. His mother was twice married. He was educated at the public schools of Illinois. Finishing his academic course he went into the confectionery and baker's business, which he followed for five years. He next engaged in coal-mining, which he followed for several years. He then followed agricultural pursuits until he was nineteen years old, when he entered a newspaper office. Remaining until he learned the trade, he bought a job office and started a paper called the Literary Gem, which he continued for several years, finally moving it to Centralia in

1866, where he continued its publication under the name of Our Southern Home Circle. He next went to Sturgeon where he published the Independent for one year, at the expiration of which time he bought the printing material of his partner and returned to Centralia and started the Guard, which he has continued to publish ever since, except for a period of two years spent in San Bernardino, California, during which time he published the Daily and Weekly Times of that city. He returned to Centralia in 1876 and resumed the publication of the Guard, which is independent in politics. Mr. Rodemyre was married in 1866 to Miss Maria Tribble, of Boone county. Thev have two sons and one daughter. Their names are Edgar T., Homer B. and Viola L. He is a member of the Masonic order, also of the Independent Order of Good Templars, and the Patrons of Husbandry. Mrs. Rodemyre is a member of the Missionary Baptist church. Mr. Rodemyre is an energetic, hardworking journalist, doing the work of his office without assistance. He is the inventor of an automatic cylinder press upon which he prints his paper. The Guard is ornamented with orio-inal cuts, which he ens^raves himself. He is also proficient in the art of stereotyping. Although thorough in his business and ahead of the times in many respects, he is quite reticent in speaking of his own accomplishments in the line of his profession.

John R. Sa3Ies

John R. Sanies was born in Audrain county, Missouri, May 29th, 1859. He is the son of Dr. Charles F. Sames, a native of Germany, but of French extraction. Dr. Sames emigrated to the United States in 1847 and settled in Audrain county, where he now lives. The subject of this sketch was educated principally at the Missouri State University. In 1880 he went to Montana Territory. Returning in 1881, he opened a grocery store at Centralia, in partnership with James B. Giddings. The firm name is Sames & Giddings. They keep a general stock of fancy and staple groceries. Mr. Sames is a member of the Masonic and United Workmen lodges, and a Democrat in politics. He is a courteous, aftable gentleman, well known and highly appreciated by the community in which he resides.

Frederick S. Sappington

Frederick S. Sappington was born near Sturgeon, Boone county, Missouri, October 4, 1853. His father, Overton Sappington, was a farmer and stock raiser. He was born in St. Louis county, his father having emigrated from Kentucky to Missouri in an early day. The subject of this sketch was one of five children. He was educated at the Sturgeon high school, and followed teaching for several years. He was married, March 1, 1877, to Miss Lucy E., daughter of James M. Angell. She was also a professional teacher, having been educated at Central College, Fayette. They have one child, Mary E. Mr. Sappington settled on the farm where he now lives in 1877. His farm contains 240 acres, well situated and very productive. He is a member of the Centralia Baptist church.

Elias J. Sears

The subject of this sketch is a Missourian by birth, born in Monroe county, September 1, 1833. He is the son of John and Mary (Jacks) Sears, both natives of Kentucky. His mother came to Howard couuty as early as 1816, and his father came to the same county four years later, placing them among the pioneer families of that section, Elias was reared on a farm in Monroe count}^ and there laid the foundations of an education, which he afterwards completed at the State Universitv at Columbia. After leaving college Mr. Sears eno-ao-ed in teaching school, following that laudable occupation from 1857 to 1867. In the next succeeding year he Avent to Sturgeon, this county,, and engaged in the dry goods business, in which he continued till 1878, when he moved to Centralia, and there went into the lumber business with his brother. This firm does a leading business in that line, and in 1881 sold 150 car-loads of lumber. Mr. Sears, in 1861, married Miss Mary D. Kennedy, daughter of Jacob and Ann {7iee Smith) Kennedy, of Monroe county, Missouri, formerly of Kentucky. Three children have been born of this marriage, only one of whom survives at this writing. Mr. Sears has been a member of the Christian church for over a quarter of a century, and is one of the leading members of that denomination, as well as a citizen of force and integrity. He has amassed what he has by his own persistent efforts, and certainly merits the esteem in which he is held.

Samuel Shryock

Samuel Shryock, blacksmith and plow manufacturer, Centralia, Missouri, was born in Fayette county, Kentucky, November 26, 1834. His father, Daniel, was also a blacksmith, and a volunteer in the war of 1812. His grandfather, Frederick, was one of the pioneer settlers of Kentucky, and lived to the advanced age of ninety-four years, sixty years of his life having been spent in Kentncky, and in one house. He was of German parentage. Daniel came to Missouri in 1850 with his family, and settled in Boone county. During the civil war Samuel took sides with the South ; he entered the Confederate service August 14, 1861, under Gen. Price, and participated in the battles of Lexington, Cane Hill, and Dry wood. He was transferred to the East Mississippi Department, and took part in the battles of luka and Corinth, after which he was transferred back to the Missouri Division, commanded by Gen. Parsons. During the remainder of the war he served under Gen. John B. Clark, surrendering at Shreveport, Louisiana, June 6, 1865. He remained on a farm for about a year after returning from the war. Moving to old Greenland, near Harrisburg, he started a blacksmith shop. He remained there six years, going next to Harrisburg, where he lived for five years. In the spring of 1879 he went to Centralia, where he now lives. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. and A. F. and A. M. He is a good workman and a clever citizen.

Is the son of Landon C. and Elizabeth (Gibson) Sneed, both of whom were natives of Franklin county, Kentucky, where the subject of this sketch was also born, December 20, 1827. In his boyhood days, Dr. Sneed lived on a farm, and of course the first work he ever did was of an agricultural nature. He grew up in his native county, receiving the elementary part of his education in the subscription schools of that period. In 1851 he began the study of medicine, and the same year entered Louisville University, from which institution he graduated in 1853. The following fall he moved to Boone county, Missouri, and located eight miles south of Centralia, where he began the practice of his profession. He continued in that neighborhood till 1860, when he went to Centralia, being the first regular physician to locate at that place. Himself and brother are the only citizens now living in the town who were there when he moved there. Dr. Sneed has always enjoyed a lucrative practice in his profession, and, better- still, has alwaj^s gained and retained the esteem and confidence of the people. He has been a Free Mason for nearly a quarter of a century and a member of the Baptist church since 1854. In the last named year he was married to Miss L. Blanton, daughter of Rev. William Blanton, of Franklin county, Kentucky. Eight children have been born of this union, four of whom still survive : Elizabeth, wife of Dr. Wallace, of Centralia ; Henrv Landon ; Lewis W. ;

Henry Clay Threlkeld

The subject of this sketch was born in Boone county, October 31, 1844. Was educated at public schools. Lived in Columbia township till March 4, 1866, when he came to Centralia. Had but twenty-five cents in his pocket the d;iy he landed in town. Went to work on the railroad and afterwards drove a team. He next eno-ao-ed in the orocepy business, afterwards in general merchandising. Followed this business for nine years. Then went into the hotel business, which he followed for three or four years. Quitting the hotel, he went back to the grocery business, afterwards selling out to E. M. Anderson. He then became one of the incorporators and directors of the Centralia bank. Mr. Threlkeld has been trustee of Centralia for many years. Has been twice married. His first wife was Mary Enochs, of Renick, Missouri. Was married May 11, 1870. The first wife having died January 23, 1871, he married Miss Mattie Porter, a native of Belleville, Canada. They have two children. Mrs. Threlkeld is a member of the Methodist church. Mr. Threlkeld is a Mason.

Thomas Turner

Was born at the fort at Old Franklin, Howard county, April 15, 1817. He is a son of Smith and Nancy Turner, who were natives of North Carolina, but settled in Kentucky at an early day. In 1816 they removed to Howard county, Missouri, and three years later came to Boone, locating in what is now the neighborhood of the old Rockford church, and becoming one among the pioneers of the count3^ Here Thomas Turner grew to manhood, receiving his education at the schools of his neighborhood, then not of a very high order. His education, so far as book-learning is considered, was therefor^ somewhat limited, but in the school of experience he took a full course. In 1839 Mr. Turner entered eighty acres of land south of Centralia, on the line of Boone and Audrain counties. Here he has since lived, having added largely to his original tract, until his farm now comprises 721 acres of choice land, and is one of the best stock farms in the country. Mr. T. has uniformly engaged in farming and stockraising, in which pursuits he has been fairly successful. In 1882 Mr. Turner removed to Centralia, where he has a fine residence and is very comfortably situated. His son manages his fine farm. September 27,

1838, Mr. Turner married Miss Eleanor Turner, daughter of Thomas and Peggy (Dunham) Turner, natives of Kentucky, and among the early settlers of this county. The subject of this sketch and his wife are the parents of two children, William S. and Mary B. M. Turner. While not a wealthy man, as the term is understood, he enjoys a competence of this world's goods, the product of his own industry, energy and management. No man stands higher in his community. His word is as good as his bond. His friends are numbered by legions, and he deserves every one of them.