Clay Township

Description

Clay township is the central one on the western border of the county, and was organized by taking three miles of territory off of the south part of Jackson township and four miles off of the north part of Parsons Creek township. This gives a municipal division seven miles square. For some time Locust Creek was its eastern boundary line, but this was changed in 1881, and the section line was made the township line. Clay lies in both congressional townships fifty-eight and fifty-nine, having four miles of the former and three of the latter within its territory, and is also divided by range lines, having half of range twenty-two, townships fifty-eight and fifty-nine, and the remainder in range twenty-one. In quality of its soil, the beauty of its landscape, its wooded streams, and forest dells, it is considered the garden spot of Linn county.

It is bounded on the north by Jackson, on the east by Locust Creek, on the south by Parsons Creek township, and on the west by the Livingston county line. Its south line is within eight miles of the southern border of Linn county, and its north boundary seven and a half miles south ol" the south line of Sullivan count}-, and is in all respects a magnificent agricultural township, having but one small village within its* border, Eversonville, on the Livingston county line, part of plat of the village lying within that county. The principal population, however, is in Linn county, and Clay township. While Locust Creek lies on its eastern border, and numerous branches extend into the township, Parsons Creek and its main branch, West Parsons Creek, water the central, southern, and western portions of the township. It has every element to make it one of the finest grazing, stock-raising and cereal producing townships in Linn county, but take the township together it is doubtful if a better body of land, combining all the essentials necessary for successful farm life, can be found in north Missouri, or for that matter anywhere else.

In 1881, Clay township had an area of 31,360 acres of land, an assessed valuation of $295,666, and it may be said in farms and their products. Its population by the census of 1880 was l,i32, it being the seventh in population of the municipal divisions composing Linn county. Undoubtedly stock- raising, fruit-growing, and corn and hay will be the chief articles raised in this township. For this it is specially adapted. It has plenty of timber as well as being well watered. Building stone is found in abundance, and brick clay enough to make a brick wall to fence in the township, but this latter is not desired. In fact Clay township would like to invite about 1,000 farmers to settle upon its soil, bring their families and come to staj', and the immigrant can travel much farther and fare a good deal worse by passing Clay township.

In Settling

the new comers seemed to have had no particular choice, outside, perhaps, of getting upon the banks of a stream. Its first settlement, therefore, was along the banks of Parsons Creek, and a few would be found on Jjocust Creek. John Neal came from Howard county in 1836, and he, at that time, was the most northern settler in the county, west of Locust Creek. Seth Botts came in 1835, but whether he should not be credited to Parsons Creek is a matter of choice, as that was his first home. The Ogans were about the earliest settlers in Clay township. Irvin came from Boone county, in 1835, and settled on section twenty -five, of township fifty-eight, range twenty-two, which is in Parsons Creek township, but moved soon after to section thirteen, township fifty-eight, range twenty-two, settling on the northeast quarter in the spring of 1836. Willis Parks also came in 1835, but, like Ogan, got on the Parsons Creek side of the line. Elijah Harvey came a few years later; he was from Kentucky. All these were in the south part of the township, except Neal, who was on its northern border, in fact, settled the place or farm now occupied by one of the Bowyer family. Quite a number of settlers came in, mostl}'^ from Kentucky and Tennessee, or from Howard and Boone counties, though originally mostly from the above named States. They were a primitive people, simple in their habits, but had great energy and endurance. They enjoyed good health, for the climate was and is all man can wish for, and temperance in all things was a cardinal principle. They had come to the wild West to make a home for themselves, their children, and their children's children, and although they were deprived of most of the pleasures of social life, for they lived far apart, no schools nor churches, yet there was no complaining. When neighbors could see neighbors it was done, but their domestic lives were of peace and love, and the old settlers and their families lived for each other. And with this hardy crew of pioneers, Clay township grew and thrived, and she stands in wealth as in population, the seventh in the list of townships.

As the whole north country to the Iowa State line was at that day a wilderness, game was in abundance, and the crack of the pioneer's rifle spoke of a venison steak or a roast turkey. While hunting was followed as a pastime, the corn had to be planted, the lots fenced in, and a general clearing of the underbrnsh, for active work. After awhile, the Bowyer or Botts' mill was started, and, although a horse-mill, it ground their corn, and was a great saving of time in going to Keytesville, or of labor in trying to crush it with a hand-mill, or a pestle with a burnt hole in a log for a mortal'. Mr. Neal married a Miss Browning, in the year 1839, and his cabin was often the headquarters for hunting parties, who would take a few day's tramp in the northern wilds for their winter supply of meat.

It is said that the iirst prairie broken in Clay township was by Jesse Bowyer in 1838, about twelve acres, and said also to have been the first between Grand River and the Iowa line, but this is probably a mistake. The field was on section twenty, township fifty-nine, range twentj'-one, not far from Parsons Creek, main branch. The plow was one of those oldfashioned mould board plows, with an iron point, and some six yoke of cattle were hitched to it. J^ob Crews was at the helm or handles, and Bowyer put on the ox gad, and some vigorous talking, well understood by the cattle, between blows. The job was accomplished in good style, and so far as brawn and nerve were concerned, and vigorous English, the job has not had a superior in later days, but the plow has been wonderfully improved.

Sundries

The first wedding recorded was the marriage of John Ryan to Miss Susan Botts, in the 3'ear 1837. It was a quiet affair, and the couple failed to make the accustomed wedding tour, but when thej left for their, cabin home to carve out a fortune the traditional old shoe was thrown after them for good luck.

The first male child remembered to have been born in Clay township was John Botts, son of Seth and Maria L. Botts, born September 22, 1839, while the first child born in the township was a daughter of the same couple, named Elizabeth Frances Botts, born August 30, 1837. The infant child of William McCallister died some time in 1839, and was buried at the cemetery located on section eighteen, of township fifty-eight, range twenty-one. This child is the first death of record in the township. There was no regular physician living in the township, but the sick were waited upon by the doctors from Linneus. Drs. Relph, Long and Wilcox, of Linneus, were often sent for, and they divided the practice of the township between them for years, Dr. Relph being one of the first physicians who settled in Linn county.

Among the preachers of that day who held service in the township was the Rev. Wilhite, from Boone county. Rev. Jesse Goins occasionally held service, and the Rev. Makerson, an Englishman, who is said to have preached the first sermon in the township in 1839. He represented himself as a Methodist, but was found out to be a fraud, having two wives, wearing the cloak of religion to serve the devil in.

The setllement soon got large enough to warrant trj'ing to raise a school. The nearest neighbors were able to turn out about tvventj^ pupils if a central location was decided upon. Therefore, Irvin Ogan, Prather,

Thomas Howell and Auberrys, in 1840, got together and decided to put up a log school-house for their children to attend, the coming winter. The above named settlers united and built themselves a good log house with hoop-poles weighted down, a lire-place in one end, a door at the other, or rather an opening for one, and also another for a window. This, the first school-house in the township, was located on section thirteen, township fiftyeight, range twenty-two. That winter they hired the services of a Mr. Maloy, who taught three months, and had the honor of teaching the first public school in Clay township. The next year another school was taught, and in 1843 still another, this last being taught by John Hickley, of Howard county, in the winter of 1842 and 1843. He went to California a few yearslater, during the gold excitement. He liad fifteen pupils, the children of Jesse Bowyer, F. K. Neal, Benjamin Austin, Beverly Littlepage, William Wright, Alexander Nixon, John J!^ewton and others, at $2 each for a three months' session. The house was a log one and had been a dwelling.

The first frame school-house in Clay township was not built till 1851, a building twenty-six by thirtj'-eight, and was located in what is now known as district number six, on Strawberry Branch, and has been since known as Strawberry school-house. It was at this school-house that, when Clay township became a voting precinct, the voting was done. The builder was O. Dail. This is the list of the early public schools.

The very first school ever taught in Clay township, then Parsons Creek, was a private one taught by Mrs. Maria L. Botts, at her home. She was the wife of Major L. Botts. She had eight pupils and received $12 per month, raised by subscription. From this beginning, the present flourishing school system of Clay township takes its rise.

Intekestikg Items

Mrs. Catharine Goodman, familiarly called Aunt Katie, did the first weaving in Clay township, and not only did work for herself, but wove largely for her neighbors. Her residence was near Locust Creek, and she was a daughter of AVilliara Henry Bowyer, one of the old settlers.

The first blacksmith shop in Clay, township was located on section twentyeight, township fifty-nine, range twenty-one, and the first work done was in 1840.

The Indian town, of which mention was made in the early history, was located in this township. The Indians had quite a town there, they being a remnant of a tribe who had once roamed through the country as lords of its soil. They lived there some time after the arrival of the whites, always peacealtle and friendly. I>at the pale-faces at last became too numerous and they removed from their homes and journej'ed toward the setting sun. Irviii Ogan was one of the early justices of the peace elected in 1837, one of the tirst in Parsons Creek township, which was then all of Clay and Jackson. One of his first acts was to try and marry John Ryan and Susaq Botts, of which mention has been made, but as Parson Creek was so high he could not cross, they were married by Justice Nathan Gregory, of Livingston count}', and Irvin lost his fee of deer skins and honey.

The greatest trouble of the early settlers was the distance to mill and to a trading point, which A^as on the Missouri River, and Clay was troubled like the rest. The Bott's mill, put up in 1840, afterward received their custom, and as it was on Locust Creek and on their side of it, might be called the first mill in their township, and the first in the county. Among the famous hunters of that day none ranked much higher than Irvin Ogan. He claimed to have killed over one thousand deer, and other game beyond computation, especially turkeys. James Ogan, his brother, was also a famous shot, and there was a little rivalry between them, each claiming to be a tririe the best hunter. At last they concluded to try conclusions, and so a hunting contest to last one month was agreed upon, and the one who killed the most deer to have all the hides of both, Irvm came out just three deer ahead, killing an even seventy to his brother's sixty-seven. The wolves being numerous, so that lambs and pigs were hard to raise on account of their depredations, the Ogans made it a rule to hunt these animals also, and made it warm for them. They killed nearly a hundred, and with foxes, now and then a bear, and wild turkeys without number, the Ogan brothers stood high as hunters, skilled in wood-craft, and famous shots. If they drew a bead on an animal, and when their rifle cracked, if that animal didii't drop they would have been as astonished as the man who looked in iiis gun and didn't know that it was loaded. When Irvin Ogan waselected justice of the peace, it is said he received every vote polled; but as there were then oidy thirteen votes in Parsons Creek townsh'p, it did not require a very hot canvass, and besides, he had no opposition.

Clay township, like all agricultural ones, is devoid of any very exciting topic, and with the excej3tion of a steady but not rapid growth, there is, outside of ordinary local events, little to record for a good many years.

The killing of MnllK>lland and Brown, cattle dealers, who were known to have money, was probably the most brutal and murderous act ever done in Clay township. A Captain Thomas and two men are said to have done the deed, and that they were robbed as well as murdered shows the animus of those who did the terrible work. They claimed that they were rebel bushwhackers; but this charge is known to have been false.

1873. Tlie meeting was held at the Strawberry school-house and there the organization took place, a large number of the farmers being present and joining the club. After perfecting the organization the following officers were elected: John Branson, president; E,. N. West, vice-president; Alexander Brinkley, secretary; J. P. Witherow, corresponding secretary. ^ The only cyclone that ever visited the township occurred on the fifth day of September, 1876, passing over the southwest part of the township, and doing considerable damage to both life and property. William Harvey was killed and his wife crippled, she having an arm broken in two places and one finger entirely cut off. Their dwelling was a strong log house, yet not a timber was left or one log upon another. The Ogans, neighbors, soon came over and found the unfortunate couple, and removed them to another house about one-fourth of a mile away, but Mr. Harvey died of his injuries before they got him there. This cyclone also did damage in Parsons Creek township, and mention is made in the history of that township of part of the above, and the damage done in that section. In fact most of the damage was in that township.

Casualties, Etc

On January 4th, 1879, the residence of Harvey Callaway was burned. His loss in building and furniture was some $1,200, and beside that $250 in money was devoured by the flames. There was, unfortunately, no insurance.

In November, 1880, John Austin shot and killed Frank Stephens. It was one of those pleasant episodes which is composed of an empty gun, an empty head, and a victim in front. It wasn't loaded, and he playfully snapped it, and the usual result followed, young Stephens was a corpse.

The Rev. P. E. Sidebottom, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, an old citizen, who had preached for forty-five years, died February 23, 1879, of apoplexy. He was born in Green county, Kentucky, in 1809.

Elder William Burt, of the Baptist Church, died at his residence January 25, 1877, aged sixty-four years. He was interred in the Magnolia cemetery.

Mr. John W. Brown, one of the pioneers of Linn county, and an upright man, died August 20, 1881, at his residence near Eversonville, at an advanced age.

January 28, 1882, after seven weeks' illness, Rebecca Ogan, wife of Irvin Ogan, wdio survives her, died. She was born in Madison county, Kentucky, in 1816, and with her husband was one of the pioneers of Linn county.

Presbyterian Church

This church is known as tlie Bethel church and was organized May 11, 1873, by the Rev. Finley, of Brookfield, and the Rev. James Reid. The churcli building was located on section thirty-two, township fifty-nine, range twenty-one, and is a neat frame structure. It was erected in the fall of 1877, at a cost, complete, of $1,000. Those who joined and formed the organization were: John II. Burris, Elizabeth Benefiel, William II. Benefiel, Ell Torrance, Annie M. Torrance, Xancy P. Burris, Amanda Benefiel, B. F. Searight, Elizabeth Searight, and Sophia D. Milburn. It was dedicated in September, 1877, the dedication sermon being delivered by the Rev. Pinkerton, of Chillicothe, on the first Sunday in the month. The Rev. James Reid has been the only pastor to date, but the church has been witliout one since January 1, 1882. A call has been made and one is expected soon.

The seating capacity of the church is about two hundred and fifty, and it is entirely free from debt. The original elders were: John H. Burris and Ell Torrance. The former died May 1, 1881. The church was first organized in Linneus, but by the action of the Presbytery was moved and name changed from Linneus to that of Bethel church. Of the original members four, have been claimed by death. The present membership is twenty-seven.

Christian Church

The Pleasant Point Cliristian Church was organized as early as 1869, by John M. jNeal and wife, William Thomas and wife, Mrs. Kirk, Matthew Kirk, Robert Kirk, and T. G. Duncan and wife. In the summer of 1880 the congregation erected a pleasant house of worship, costing a little less than §1,000, many of the members contributed time and labor to pay their subscription. The church is located on section eight, township fiftyeight, range twenty-one, and was dedicated by the Rev. Abraham Mclnturf, in July, 1880. Those who have oflBciated as pastors up to date were as follows: Revs. William M. Downing, Henry Owens, John Carter and A. Mclnturf. The membership is now sixty.

Previous to the erection of this church the congregation were witliout a place of worship of their own, but held service at the residence of some of the members or at the school-house. The first elder was John M. Neal, and the first deacon T. (r. Duncan. The church is now prosperous and its future one of promise.

Eversonville, the only town or Tillage in Clay township is principally located on section twenty-seven, township fifty-nine, range twenty-two. Main Street, running east and west through the village, is the section line dividing section twenty-seven and twenty-two. A small portion of the resident part of the town lies in Livingston county, bnt the business and largest part of the town lies in Linn county. It is therefore divided both by a county line and a township line. The town was laid out on land owned by Joseph F. Hains and John Blodgett, and as there is no other village nearer than ten or twelve miles there is no reason to doubt the growth of Eversonville to become a respectable sized town. The country around is rich and the farmers in fair circumstances, fully able to sustain a population of at least one thousand, and it is somewhat strange that a town in that part of the countrj'^ was not laid out sooner.

The first building erected was by Charles H. Everson, of Boston, who erected a large two story frame store and placed in it a full stock of general merchandise. This was in 1876, and the place was known asEverson's Store until 1878. This store was built on the Joseph Harris farm. The next building was put up by John Blodgett in 1877, and he rented it to A. H. Allen for a drug store. Then came a blacksmith shop, erected by Morris L. Shour, which began to make the place look like business. In 1878 they succeeded in having a post-office established, with Martin E. Stansberry as postmaster. Since then J. T. Harris and W. B. Brinkley have been postmasters; the latter died in February last. The next move was the erection of a hotel, and this was done by Mr, Larkin, who completed a very neat, and for the town, commodious structure, and christened it the St. Elmo. He keeps a good house. This was in 1879. Then a livery stable was put up, and another blacksmith shop was started, and all these people had houses to live in, so that Eversonville grew and prospered. The first physician who located was Dr. Trimble, and there was the law office of Long & Donovan. The "Four Corners," known as Everson's store, had grown large enough to be considered a village, and a very enterprising one at that, and it began to feel as though it ought to have a corporate existence. This was accomplished by presenting a petition to the County Court, whicli was granted and the town of Eversonville was incorporated November 7, 1881, and the first board of trustees as appointed by the County Court was as follows: J. F. Hains, J. H. Thorp, John Blodgett, W. B. Brinkley, and J. A. Hudson. Mr. Hudson was elected chairman of the board, and holds the position at tliis writine:. He is a thoroughgoing business man, and is proprietor of a custom mill and saw mill erected in 1879. The business interests of the town are represented by the following business houses, January 1, 1882:

The population of Eversonville is now about one hundred and twenty-live, and it is growing, with a strong probability that by the next census it will become a city of the fourth class, which requires five hundred in population.

is a son of Milton and Martha A. Alexander, and was born in Cumberland county, Kentucky, June IS, 1856. His father, who was a farmer, moved from tluit State to Texas, in 1859, remaining there one year. In March, '1S60, the family moved to Linn county, Missouri, and located on a farm in Claj' township, where the father still continues to reside. ETere George grew up, and acquired the elementary part of his education. In 1874 he attended the State Normal School at Kirksville, this State, and remained three years. He taught two terms of school in Linn county, after quitting that institution, and then began reading medicine under Dr. J. W. Lane, of Linneus. In 18Y9 he attended lectures at Rush Medical College at Chicago, and subsequently took a course at the Louisville, Kentucky, Medical College, graduating from the latter with the degree of M. D., in 1881. Returning to his home in Linn county, Dr. Alexander soon after began the practice of his profession at Eversonville. Though still a young man, he has thus far met with success in his practice. His character and genial disposition are such as to win him many warm friends, and to merit and retain the good opinion of all; and he has only to adhere to the course in which he has so nobly started, to achieve eminent success in life.

Captain Branson is the son of Moses N. and Harriett ( Nutt) Branson, and was born in Miami county, Ohio, May 24, 1834. The father is a native of New Jersey, born December 28, 1801, and the mother was born January 28, 1807. She was married to Moses N. Branson, July 8, 1821, and both of them died in the county of John's birth. The latter (John) lived in Ohio till April, 1859, and then moved to Missouri, and settled near Laclede. In January, 1866, he moved into Clay township, this county, and hab resided there ever since. When the war of the Rebellion broke out, Captain Branson's sentiments were wholly with the Union, and he was commissioned captain of a company in the Eighty-third Regiment of Colored Infantry, troops of United States Regulars. His regiment was assigned to duty in the Seventh Army Corps, commanded by General Blunt, and subsequently under Gen. J. J.Reynolds. Captain Branson participated in 49' a number of battles and skirmishes in the west, tlie most important of which were Poison Springs and Saline River, Arkansas. He received his discharge in December, 1865.

Captain Branson was married Jannary 4, 1855, to Miss Anna Maria Heckman, a native of the same county as himself, born May 7, 1836, They are the parents of four children, all sons, three of whom still survive. John F. Branson, the Captain's oldest son, and a merchant of Linneus, was married June 2, 1880, to Miss Katie II. Jones, and they reside in Linneus. Captain Branson is a farmer by vocation, and frequently handles live-stock as a buyer and shipper. He owns one of the largest and finest farms in the township, on which he has an elegant residence, large barn and other improvements to correspond. He and wife belong to the Presbyterian Church of which he has been a member since 1878. Few citizens of the county are more actively interested in her growth and prosperity than Captain John Branson.

Joseph T. Dick

The subject of this sketch was born in Marion county, this State, August 4, 1846. He is the son of William Dick, Esq., who was born in Maryland^ in October, 1818, and came to Marion county, Missouri, in 1830, where he still resides. Mr. Dick moved to Linn county, in August, 1871, and has resided here ever since. He was married December 9, 1809, to Miss Clara Knox, by whom he has six children, all living at this writing. Mr. Dick is not a member of any church, but his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and their children are reared in that faith. He owns a piece of land in Clay township, on which his blacksmith shop is located, and he does all the business in his line for a large district of surrounding country. Mr. Dick's parents belong to the Southern Methodist Church. They had ten children, nine of whom still survive, was born in Anderson county, east Tennessee, February 21, 1826. His parents were "William and Nancj' Dail, the latter being a daughter of Joseph Overton, after whom the subject ot this sketch was named. Mr. Dail was reared and educated in his native county, and did not leave there until after he was of age. His father was a farmer and the son was brought up to that calling. In the fall of 1848, he left his native State and came to Missouri, locating in Linn county, and engaging in farming. In 1850 he purcliased the land where he now resides, and which he has improved from a nineacre clearing into a large farm and comfortable home. There are 400 acres in a high state of cultivation, with a tine pasture. The improvements are superior, there being an excellent residence and a large barn. Mr. Dail was lirst married February 19, 1850, to Miss JSfancy R. Phillips, daughter of

Jeremiah Phillips, deceased. By this union there were nine children, eio^ht of whom are still living. Mr. Dail was again married November 19, 1S69, to Mrs. Elizabeth Wells, {nee Turner) widow of William Wells, who died in Douglas county, Missouri. By this union there were four children, two of whom are living. Three of the first set of children are married. Chestina is the wife of G. W. Kerby, Lilburn L. married Adaline Toler, and Mary E. married Joseph Billings. Mr. Dail has eight grand-children living, lie is a member (»f the Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities, in the former of which he carries a life policy in the Masonic Mutual. Politically Mr. Dail was an old lino Whig, of the Clay school, but when that great party ceased to exist he voted with the Democrats until the formation ot the National Greenback Labor party, the principles and objects of which he so strongly believed in that he became an active and influential member and worker in the party, and fearlessly supports the cause. Mr. Dail is a highl}' esteemed citizen and is recognized as one of the best farmers in his section of the country.

Charles James Foke

was born in Cumberland county, Virginia, September 16, 1823. His father's name was Silas Fore, and his mother's name Sarah C. (Morse) Fore, the name and ancestry being of French origin. When Charles was one year old, his parents moved to Prince Edward county, and there continued till 1S31:, when the family numbering seven white members and three slaves, came to this State, and stopped in Chariton county, till the elder Fore had found a permanent location. The latter entered a tract of land two and a half miles north of the presetit site of Linnens, to which he moved his family in the fall of 1834. There Charles grew up and received such an education as those primitive days afforded. On starting in life for himself he became a farmer, and has followed that calling the greater part of his life. He was also possessed of considerable mechanical ability, and sometimes worked at the carpenter and wheelwright trades. In 1867 he moved on a farm he had bought in (31ay township, and lived there till June, 1881, when he moved to Eversonville, having formed a mercantile partnership with Mr. Brinkley. Mr. Fore was married October 13, 1848, to Miss Ann Elizabeth Wills, daugliter of Richard Wills, of Kentucky. They have had twelve children, nine of whom survive at this writing. Mr. Fore and wife belong to the Christain Church. Politically he was formerly a Whig, but is now an ardent Greenbacker. He is one of the oldest settlers still living in Linn, liaving spent nearly half a century in this county.

Joseph T. Harris

Mr. Harris is a native of this State and was born in Franklin county, July 29, 1839. His parents were William M. and Emily Harris, the latter being a daughter of John Mclntyre, of Franklin connt3\ Joseph was reared on a farm, living for the first ten years in his native county, then moving with his parents to Monroe connty, where lie received liis education, and continued to serve till the civil war. When the civil troubles began Mr. Harris, being a warm southern sympathizer, enlisted in 1861, in Company C of the Second Missouri State Guards, under Colonel Congrave Jackson, and served six months, that being the period for wdiicli he had enlisted. He then entered the regular Confederate service under Colonel Yard Cockerill, afterwards mustered in as the Sixteenth Missouri Infantry, Mr. H. being in Company A, Commanded by Captain L. M. Lewis. He served through the entire four years of the war, and was in a number of hard battles of the Trans-Mississippi Department, including Lexington, Dry Wood, Elk Horn, Helena, Mansfield, and Jenkins' Ferry, besides minor engagements and skirmishes. He was surrendered at Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1865, and soon afterwards returned to Monroe county. Remaining but a short time, he came on to Linn county, where his father's family resided, and has been a citizen of this county ever since. He began farming in Clay township, continuing that vocation till the summer of 1879, when he began merchandizing in Eversonville. Mr. Harris was married in February, 1866, to Miss Jane Tharp, daughter of James Tharp, deceased. Six children have been born of this marriage, five of whom still survive. Sarah Emma, a daughter aged fourteen, died January 23, 1881. Those living are Levin L., Frances E., Nora E., Mary E., and Martha. Mr, H. is a member of the Christian Church, and also belongs to the Masonic order. The firm of which Mr. Harris is the senior partner is the general merchandise house of Harris and Company, William Edwards being his partner. They are doing a good business at Eversonville, and aim so to deal as to merit the confidence and good will of their patrons.

John Allen Hudson

was born in Oneida county, New York, October 23, 1828, and is the son of Charles Hudson, who moved to Genessee county, same State, when John was about five years old. His mother had died shortly before, and John w^as reared by his stepmother, whom his father married at Rochester. His father, in 1838, removed to Wayne county, and there John received the principal part of his education. In the fall of 1855, the whole family moved to Indiana, from whence John, after a short stop, went to Wisconsin, where he was for three years engaged in farming. Returning to Indiana in the fall of 1859, he engaged in the saw-mill business, and continued till his coming to this State in 1870. He brought a steam sawmill with him on coming to Linn county, and has operated it ever since. In 1879 he moved to Eversonville, in Clay township, and added a corn grist attachment to his mill, which is operated "on shares" by his son-in-law.

Aaron [>. Holdeu. Mr. Hudson was married in 185G, to Miss Emil}' Eddy, a daughter of Myron Eddy, of Noble county, Indiana. Three daughters, still living, were born of this union. Mr. Hudson is both a Freemason and an Odd Fellow, though he has not renewed his fellowship with the latter since leaving New York. Politically, Mr. Hudson is a Republican,, and adheres strictly to the doctrines of his party.

Levi Lake

one of the substantial citizens of Clay township, was born in Marion county, Missouri, September 15, 1828, His parents were Enoch and Nancy Lake, the latter a daughter of Charles Scofield, of Kentucky, deceased. Mr. Lake was reared and educated in his native county, and there followed the peaceful vocation of farming. He moved to Linn county in 1856, and first settled on the Macklin farm, three miles north of Linneus, havingrented land the first year of his residence in the county. This farm he continued to operate till 1862. when, leaving his family in charge of it, he went to Linneus and opened a grocery store, which he conducted three years. He then went back to his farm and cultivated it successfully till 1867, when he sold out. The same spring, he purchased the place on which he still resides, one and three-quarter miles east of Eversonville, on the Linneus road. His farm contains one hundred and forty acres of good cultivating land.

Mr. Lake was married in Marion county, in March, 1843, to Miss Elizabeth Haley, formerly of Kentucky. They have had ten children, eight of whom are still living.

Mr. Lake does not belong to any church, and his wife is a member ot the Baptist Church. Mr. Lake is a great trader, and is considered a good judge of all kinds of property, especially of horses, mules and cattle, in which he trades most. Politically, he is a Democrat, having been reared to the principles of that party since early boyhood. He has, however, refused to vote for any president since Buchanan was elected in 1856. Mr. Lake is a thrifty, energetic citizen, and is frequently called on to assist his neighbors in untying some Gordian knot of business life, which tact and judgment always enable him successfully to do.

Allen G. Murray

was born in Onondaga county. New York, February 25, 1817. His parents were Allen S. and Isabel Murray, the latter formerly a Miss Cady. Allen G. lived in his native county till he was fifteen years old, and then Avent to Courtland county, and learned the trade of hatter at Courtlandville. From there, he went to Pennsylvania and did journey work until 1836, when he went into partnership with his brother in hat-making in the same town. Dissolving this partnership, Mr. Murray came west to Wis- consin, and settled in Rock county, where he engaged in farming. This occupation he has followed ever since. In December, 1868, he sold out in that State, came to Linn county, Missouri, and located on the farm where he now resides, the farm being known as the Joel Wilkinson place, Mr. Murray having purchased from him. The homestead now contains eighty acres; the original two iiundred and seventy-two acres having been divided by Mr. Murray among his children. It is supplied with a good frame residence, out-buildings and other improvements.

Mr. Murray was first married in 1843, to Miss Louisa Cheeseborough, of Courtlandville, New York, and daughter of William Cheeseborough. She was born August 13, 1815, and died July 15, 1874, having become the mother of four children, one daughter and three sons, the latter of whom still survive. Mr. Murray was again married March 18, 1875, to Mrs. Elizabeth Post, widow of Peter Post, deceased, and daughter of Lewis Baker, of Monroe county, New York, deceased, also. Mrs. Murray was born June 19, 1831, in Monroe county, New York.

Mr. Murray is not a member of any church or secret order. Politically, he is, and has always been, a Democrat. In Wisconsin, he was presiding justice of the Rock county court, member of the board of supervisors in 1846-47, and had served as constable and assessor while Wisconsin was a Territory.

Geokge W. Phillips

This gentleman, one of the old settlers of Linn county, was born in Mercer county, Kentucky, December 20, 1813. His parents were George M. and Margaret Phillips, the latter a daughter of Stephen Johnson, of Virginia. Mr. Phillips grew up in his native county, and received a common school education. His father was a farmer, and he himself was reared to that calling, and has been engaged in it all his life. In 1841 he came to Missouri, and first settled in Howard count}^, where he farmed for seven years. In 1848 he moved to this county and bought a place three and onehalf miles southeast of Linneus, on which he resided for five years. He made several removals subsequent to this, and lived ten years of the time in Jackson township. Finally, in 1865, he made a permanent location on the place where he now resides in Clay township. It contains one hundred acres, and is situated in the north part of the township, five and one-balf miles northwest of Linneus. At the time of his first coming to Linn, settlements were so sparse that Mr. Phillips could have named nearly every man in the county, at least those who were permanently located. He was married in October, 1837, to Miss Lucy Connelly, daugliter of Rice Connelly, of Kentucky, deceased. His wife died in 1864, after leaving him twelve children, ten of whom lived to be grown, and ei^ht of whom still survive. In politics, Mr. Phillips was formerly a Whig, bat became a Democrat on the death of Whigger}', and has continued to act with them ever since. He was defeated in 1S54, for assessor, he running on the Whig ticket, and his successful opponent, J. E. Quick, on the Democratic ticket. In 1880 he was elected to the office of county assessor, on the Democratic ticket, but was prevented from filling the office by the adoption of the township organization. He has served two terms as township assessor. Though he enjoyed but limited school privileges in youth, Mr. Phillips has ever been a man of close observation, and a great reader. His contact with men has developed his analytic powers, and given a maturity of judgment that better educated men might well envy.

Judge John M, Pratt

Prominent among the old settlers and one who deserves mention in this work is the gentleman whose name leads this sketch. He was born in Oreene county, Tennessee, on the tenth day of April, 1827. Mr. Pratt lived in his native county until he was thirteen years of age, when he came to Missouri, where he has since lived, most of the time in Linn county. In 1846 he enlisted in the Mexican War, in Captain Barbee's companj', and served until the fall of 1847. March 16, 1848, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Alexander, a native of Shelby county, Kentucky, born January 16, 1828. Mr. and Mrs. Pratt have been the parents of fifteen children, ten of whom are living, three sons and two daughters having died in infancy.

Mr. Pratt for eight years lived in Linneus, engaged in the mercantile business until 1855, when he removed on the farm where he now lives. His home farm contains one hundred and twenty acres, well improved. He also owns land in other parts of the county. After Judge Pratt's return from the Mexican War, under the laws of the State there was a company of militia raised in Linn county, of which Mr. Pratt was made first lieutenant. This position he retained until the company was abandoned. Soon after lie was appointed deputy sherifl*, which office he held for four years. Judge Pratt did not take any active part during the late war, but his sympathies with the South. He was arrested once in St. Louis for expressing an opinion.

In 1864 he joined the Enrolled Missouri Militia and was elected captain, and held that position until tiie company was disbanded. In 1873 he was elected county judge foi- one year, and in 1874 was reelected for the term of four years, but did not hardly serve out his time as the office was abolished before his term expired. In 1879 he was appointed road and bridge commissioner. In 1882 was again elected county judge, and at this writing :8till fills that position. As an officer Mr. Pratt has done credit to himself and has given entire satisfaction to the people. He and his wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Three sons and two^ daughters are married and live in different parts of the State. In closing this sketch it may justly be said there is not a man in Linn county who isheld in higher esteem than Judge Pratt, and who has a larger circle of friends and acquaintances.

Joun Warren Trimble

Dr. Trimble is a native of Kentucky, and was born in Fleming county, August 30, 1851. His parents were Robert and Susan (Triplett) Trimble,, and there were nine children in the family, John Warren being the youngest. His father died when John was about a year old, and his mother soon after moved to Flemingburg, where he continued to reside with her till her death, which occurred when he was about eleven years of age. From that time forth he became the architect of his own fortunes, and is largely' selfeducated. His education was received almost entirely in his native county, chiefly at Flemingsburg College, till he attended the Military Institute at Lexington, it being his mother's dying request that he take a course at that school. When about twenty years old he graduated there, and spent the succeeding year in the Lexington College of Arts. On quitting the latter institution he came to Linneus, Linn county, Missouri, where he read medicine under Dr. E. F, Perkins. Returning to Kentucky the foUov/ing year he attended lectures at Louisville University, graduating in March, 1879, with the degree of M. D. He again came to Linneus, and at once began the practice of his profession, and has continued to do a successful practice in Linn county ever since. In 1877 Dr. Trimble moved his office to Eversonville in Clay township, where he continues to reside at this writing. He was married March 3, 1880, to Erie Y. Yosburgh, of Livingston county. Being a self-made man and highly educated, both professionally and generally. Dr. Trimble has before him the opportunity of a life of great usefulness and honor.

John Henderson Thar P.

This gentleman is a native of Linn county, and was born on his father's farm in Clay township, on the twenty-seventh of November, 1844. He is the son of Evan S. and Josephine F. Tharp, and grew up and received his elementary education in his native county, chiefly in the schools of Linneus. In 1863 he began reading medicine under Dr. B. F. Dillon, at Linneus, and studied under him and Dr. Stephenson for about a year. The following year he took his first course of lectures at the Sr. Louis (Pope's) Medical College. Returning at the end of the course to his home in Linn, he became a devoted private student, and also did considerable practice. Re^ turning to the same institution in 1866 he took his final course in the succeeding term, graduating with the degree of M. D., in the spi'ing of 1867.-

Again resuming the practice in his old neighborhood he continued tliere till 18T!>, when he went to Eversonville, and purchased the drug store of Henry Hutton, since which he has been engaged in the drug business in connection with his practice. Dr. Tharp was married March 16, 1870, to Miss Martha Idress Botts, daughter of Joshua JBotts, deceased, one of the Linn count}' pioneers. Dr. and Mrs. Tharp are the parents of four children, two of each sex. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and his wife belongs to the Missionary Baptists. Dr. T. also belongs to the Masonic fraternity, membership in Jackson Lodge, of Linneus.

Though scarcely in the prime of life, the measure of success already achieved by Dr. Tharp gives assurance to his family and friends of a successful and useful career in the future.