Davis Township (part 3 of 3)

On Mr. Gladdish's farm, four or five miles south of Higginsville, some fragments of petrified bones and wood have been found. Mrs. Gladdish has in her possession something that looks like a petrified wasp's nest, the cells being perfectly defined. [It is a species of fossil coral called Fareosites, which means " honeycomb stone." - Historian. *

Deeds Of Violence

A federal paymaster having in his possession $55,000, which he was transporting to Marshall, Saline county, with a guard of 25 men, commanded by Capt. Perry, had stopped at the residence of Alfred P. Lewis, " for the purpose of remaining overnight. While there they were attacked by a company of bushwhackers, led by Dave Blount, who captured the vehicle which contained the money, securely locked up in a strong box, and its guard of three pickets. Not knowing anything of the money in their possession, the bushwhackers took the horses and bidding the three men to follow, started to retreat. One of them refusing, he was deliberately shot down in his tracks, the ball entering his back and coming out of his right breast. He lived for 26 hours after, and then expired. Mr. Lewis gave him all the assistance in his power, which, however, was of no avail, except to render his last moments easier. The bushwhackers rode off with the horses and their two prisoners, paroling the latter and allowing them to rejoin their comrades the following day.

In September, 1862, John Grisom was found murdered in the Davis bottom, on the premises of Mr. Christopher Echoff. Grisom was a resident of Saline county.

Murder Of Judge Wm. Prigmore

This murder occurred October 10, 1864. He was shot in his yard by the bushwhackers, part of whom are said to have been Dave Poole's men, and part Todd's. The house was burned with its entire contents; Mrs. Prigmore and her sister-in-law, a cripple, escaping with nothing but the clothes they wore.

George Albin and Ben. Neville, guerrillas of Poole's command, were caught in 1863, by the federals, at Oakland church, three miles east of Higginsville. Albin was shot and instantly killed. In the following winter two men, one named Webster, were killed at same place.

Chas. O'Hara, a bushwhacker, was killed at the house of Rob't Van Meter, four miles east of Higginsville, in 1863. He was attempting to escape and was shot while climbing the fence.

Mr. Sharpe, an old resident of the county, was murdered for his money at about the close of the war. He lived two and a half miles west of Higginsville.

Mrs. Lou Abney

P. O. Higginsville, Mo. Daughter of George Ennis, who moved from Kentucky to this state at an early day, and settled in this county near the present site of Higginsville. In 1831 he was married to Miss Rebecca Cole, a native of Tennessee. In 1855 Miss Ennis was united in marriage to B. F. CofTey, and moved to Saline county whei e Mr. Coffey had a large landed interest. They remained in Saline some years and returned to this county. In the war Mr. Coffey was engaged in trading in stock and did not join either army. In December, 1878, while residing in Marshall Mr. Coffey was bitten by a rat, from which he died after a short illness. In 1881 his widow, Mrs. Coffey, was married to Mr. L. W. Abney, and in April they moved to Higginsville in this county, where they now live. Mrs. Abney has land interests in both Saline and Lafayette counties.

Ira D. Anderson

P. O. Aullville, Missouri; son of Abraham Anderson, was born December 7, 1816, in Warren county, Kentucky, where he was raised and educated. In 1836, he moved to Missouri and settled in this county, where he entered the farm upon which he now resides. In 1838 he was mar- ried to Miss Harriet A. Collins, daughter of Wm. Collins, Sr. By this union they have eight children living: Henry T., Emilv E., Warren V. Joseph H., Wm. S., Leonora L., Egbert, and Henrietta. Three of these are married, and two of them are living in Johnson county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are members of the Christian church. During the war Mr. Anderson remained at home, taking sides as little as possible. Soon after he settled in this county, the Osage Indians made such a demonstration of hostility, that Gov. Boggs called for a thousand men. Among those who answered the call was Mr. Anderson.

Moses Anson

P. O. Aullville, Missouri; was born December 10, 1S35, in Pike county, Missouri, coming with his parents to this county the next year, 1836, being but a year old. His father settled one mile and a half east of Higginsville, and died there in 1841. Moses remained with his mother on the farm. When fifteen years of age, he moved with his mother to Iowa, and remained four years, and then returned to this county. January 6, 1860, he was married to Miss Frances L. Fitzgerald, by which union he has three children, living: Mary E., Minnie Lee, and John H. Mr. Anson now lives on his home place, which is well improved.

P. O. Aullville, Missouri; was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, February 3, 1847, coming to this county with parents in the spring of 1852, and settled near Higginsville, where he was raised and educated. In March, 1875, he was married to Mrs. Mary E. Fitzgerald, his brother's widow, and daughter of W. A. Nutters. By this marriage they have two children living: Walter E., and Slater. Mr. Fitzgerald is now living on his farm.

James E. Gladdish

P. O. Aullville, Missouri; son of Elijah Gladdish, was born in Warren county, Kentucky, near Bowling Green, July 22, 1836, and moved to Missouri with his parents in 1841. He continued with his father until 1860, when he went across tine plains, being absent about five months. He then engaged in running a hemp factory in Dresden until 1866. In April, 1863, he was married to Isabella M. Burnell, of Boone county. By this union they have four children living: Edwin B., Sarah C, Charles H., and John G. Mr. Gladdish is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, being a charter member of the third Grange organized in this county, his wife is also a member. He is also a member of A. O. U. W.

Francis M. Gray

P. O. Higginsville, Mo. Son of the Rev. J. R. Gray, was born December 18, 1842, in Marion County, Mo., and in 1846 he moved with his parents to Independence, Jackson County, staid there several years, when they all returned to Kentucky, and remained there until 1859. The}- then returned to Missouri and settled in this county, and lived here until the close of the war. Then he again went to Ktntucky, and staid until 1872, when he came back to this county and settled on the old homestead, where he now lives. When the war broke out, he enlisted in the State Guard under Gov. Jackson's call for troops. He then joined the confederate service, in which he continued to the close. Was in a great number of battles. September 3d, 1872, he married Miss Martha Ellen Gray, and by this union has two children living - Catherine F., and Letitia F. Mrs. Gray is a member of the O. S. Presbyterian church.

W. R. Jackson

P. O. Higginsville, Mo. Son of Cyrus W. Jackson, and was born in this county April 22, 1853. He was raised on a farm until his sixteenth year, when he took charge of his uncle's farm, where he remained for a time, and then went on a trading expedition to Texas. In 1873 he returned to this county, and went into the drug business. In the winter of 1873 he was married to Miss Lettie B. Keller, and has three children, tu o boys and one girl, Bessie E., born October, 1»74; Roy Berry, born July, 1877; Hulet M., born December, 1879. After his marriage he spent some time on a farm in Carroll County. In the spring of 1875 he returned to Lafayette County, and engaged in farming one year. He then moved to Aullville, and was appointed constable of Freedom township, and continued in that capacity until 1878. He then entered the drug and grocery business at Aullville, in which he continued until 1880, dealing also in dry goods, and trading in grain. In the spring of 1880 he moved to Higginsville and engaged in the grocery business, but soon after traded his stock of groceries for a livery stable and outfit, in which business he is now engaged.

Tames C.Jennings

P. O. Higginsville, Mo. Was born in this county February 12, 1820, where he was raised and educated, and has lived all his life, mostly engaged in farming. In 1842 he was married to Miss Nancy P. Rose, having by this union eight children living - Chas. T., Mary E., Rosa A., Wm. H., Lockey J., Ida B., John D., and Frank C. Mr. and Mrs. Jennings are both members of the Baptist church.

Henry Dillon Mills

P. O. Aullville, Mo. Is the youngest son of William and Elizabeth Mills, nee Dillon. His father, Wm. Mills, of Craddoxtown, County Kildare, Ireland, was a barister at law and Justice of the peace. His mother being a daughter of Sir John Dillon, of Ireland, a direct descendant of the earls of Roscommon, and was also a free baron of the Holy Roman Empire conferred upon him and his descendants in 1782 by Joseph I, of Germany, this making Henry a baron of the empire. Henry completed his studies under Richard Edgeworth, of Edgeworthtown, Ireland. He was born December 4, 1S13. At the completion of his education, he entered a solicitor's office, where he studied law until he was licensed to practice. He then settled in Dublin, and practiced there. February 14, 1844, he was married to Miss Emily Preston, daughter of the Rev. Nathaniel Preston, of Ireland. By this union they have eight children living, Arthur, Nathaniel, Henry, Frank, John, Fannie (wife of M. M. Gladdish), Emily, and Alice. Mr. M. is one of the patrons of Husbandry. Both he and his wife are members of the Episcopal church. In 1867 with his family he came to this country, and spent one winter in St. Louis. In 1868 he moved to this county, and purchased the farm on which he now resides.

William H. Peters

P. O. Higginsville, Mo. Is the eldest son of Isaac and Caroline Peters Isaac Peters was born October 17, 1812, and died en route for California May 6, 1849, and was a native of Augusta County, Va. Mrs. Peters was born September, 1823, at Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, Va. They came to Missouri in 1841 and settled in Lexington, where they were married April 16, 1846. The subject of this sketch was born in Lexington March 16, 1847. In 1862 he moved to Liberty, Clay County, Mo., where he learned the business of photographing. In 1861: he joined Shelby's command, and was attached to Capt. Dick Collins' battery, where he served until the war closed. He then went to Liberty, Clay County, and remained there until 1872, when he returned to this county. In the fall of 1878 he moved to and settled in Higginsville, where he is now located, in the business of photography. He is unmarried; his mother lives with him.

Isaac Reed

P. O. Higginsville. Son of Joseph P. Reed; was born May 10, 1848, in Clinton county, Ohio, where he was raised and educated. In 1866 he came with his parents to Missouri ,and the year after, he settled in this county. In 1871 he was married to Miss Matha E. Walters of Warrensburg, Missouri, by whom he had one child, William. January 8, 1881,

(his wife having died) he was married to Miss L. J. Jennings, of this county. Mr. R. is associated with his brother, Adam, in the livery business. They also do a general traffic in stock of all kinds, also in vehicles of all kinds.

Samuel L. Smith

P. O. Aullville. Is the eldest son of Lewis Smith, who was born in Hampshire county, Virginia, May 20, 1795, where he remained until after the war between the sections. The subject of this sketch, when he arrived at the age of twenty-one years, left his father, and went to work for himself. In November, 1853, he was married to Miss Lavinia McCanley, and by this union has four children living: Walter Edward O., (Gustavus A. now dead) Jonn L., and Mattie S. In 1862 he enlisted in the confederate army under General Cockrell, then under General Shelby. He was in all the principal engagements of General Shelby until 1864. In 1864, he with twelve others, was captured. He was taken to St. Louis, then to Alton until February 1865, when he was exchanged and sent to Richmond. There he went to work in the office of the exchange commissioner. Starting to rejoin General Shelby, he heard of the surrender at Atlanta, Georgia, and made his way home, and after a long and tedious trip, he reached this county and rejoined his family May 23, 1S65. He found himself broken in fortune, but went to work like a man, and now owns the farm on which he lives, 120 acres in section 3, township 4S, and range 26.

Daniel Snider

P. O. Higginsville. Was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, June 23, 1825, where he was raised and educated. In 1668 he moved to Missouri, and first settled in Caroll county, where he lived two years. He then moved over to this county, and settled near Higginsville. February 17, 1818, he was married to Elizabeth Gollady, of Augusta county, Virginia, and by this marriage has four living children: John A., Ida, Newton E., and Mary E. . Mrs. Snider is a member of the Old School Presbyterian church. John and Ida are members of the Patrons of Husbandry, belonging to Davis Creek Grange No. 155. John Snider, father of Daniel, was born February 22, 1796, and his mother was born April 5, 1802.

Peter Thomas

PETER THOMAS, P. O. Higginsville. Was born in Baden, Germany, May 1, 1S25, where he lived until the year 1819, and then came to this country, landing in New York on July 3d. He traveled through several of the northern States, staying for a time in each, consuming six years in this way, and finally settled at Dover, in this county, where he continued engaged in the mercantile and hotel business until 1878, when he moved to Higginsville, and built a large brick hotel near the C. &. A. depot. In 1865 he was married to Miss Sophia Schoop, of Lexington. They have four children, three sons and one daughter. Mrs. Thomas died October 26, 1868, and June 20, 1872, Mr. Thomas married the second time - to Miss E. Burgess. In 1879 he purchased the farm of 229 acres on which he now lives. In the war he was a Union man, but tried to keep neutral; but finding this impossible he joined the militia. Both sides depredated on him and he lost nearly all his personal property.

Fincelius R. Gray

born in Harrison county, Kentucky, July 30, 1806. Worked on a farm with his father till November, 1827. Joined the Presbyterian church November 25, 1827. Was taken under care of Ebenezer Presbytery as a candidate for the ministry in April 1831. Was licensed to preach the gospel on October 9, 1833, came to Missouri in November/1833, traveled over the country between the Mississippi and the Missouri rivers till January

1834, and there being then in the country, no Presbyterian minister between Lexington and St. Charles, he accepted an invitation to supply the church in Columbia, and continued in that charge until September,

1835, visiting and supplying, as far as paacticable, the several churches in Callaway, Boone, and Howard counties. Married Margaret Ferguson in Franklin, Howard county, August 12, 1835. He spent the following winter in Kentucky, returned to Missouri in June, 1836, and spent the summer and fall in Franklin; went to Marion county in December, and supplied the Greenfield church for one year. In 1837 he took charge of New Providence and Newark churches, the one located in Marion county, and the other in what is now Knox county. In 1816 he went to Independence, and continued to supply that church until September, 1850; then he went to Kentucky, and remained there, supplying the churches of Versailles and Greer's Creek until March, 1859. Then he returned to Missouri, and took charge of the Tabo church, in Lafayette county; this church prospered until the civil war came on, under the effects of which the church was scattered and almost broken up, its membership being reduced from over one hundred to less than twenty. The charge of this church was relinquished in February, 1865; then leaving his family here, he went to Kentucky and did not return until August. When he returned the new constitution was just going into effect, containing an iron-c7ad oathy which all ministers of the gospel were required to take. That oath he could not take, and therefore ceased to preach or to exercise any of the functions of a minister until that was declared unconstitutional by the supreme court of the United States. During this time he cultivated his little farm and made a support for his family by daily labor as a simple farmer. After the oath was set aside he resumed ministerial work, and supplied the two (now little) churches of Tabo and Prairie. After a few years the Prairie church was relinquished. The Tabo congregation having concluded to pull down their house of worship and remove it to Higginsville, he preached in a school-house in the neighborhood until the church was ready to be occupied; he continued to supply the Higginsville church until he was partially paralyzed in 1878. Since then he has been unable to preach or to do other work of a minister of the gospel. He is living on his farm in section 10, township 49, range 26, with his children.

William T. Shamel

P. O., Aullville, Mo., son of S. M. Shamel. Was born, Sept. 25, 1855, in Forsyth county, N. C. At the age of fourteen years he moved with his parents to Missouri, in the fall of 1869, and located in this county on the farm known as the Judge Downing farm. In 1872, he, with his father, took a lease for five years on H. J. Higgins' farm. In 1876, he left his father, and commenced for himself, on eight)' acres of prime land, which he purchased of S. L. Wilson. He raises corn and deals in cattle, and is a good, hard-working, honest man.

Harrison Luttrell

P. O., Aullville, Mo., son of Richard and Polly Luttrell. Was born Feb. 3, 1835, in Clinton county, Ohio, where he was raised and educated. He continued on his father's farm until 1861, when he enlisted in the union army uuder Gen. Sherman, Co., D, 48th Ohio regiment, and was in the army three years. He was wounded once, in the shoulder by a minnie ball, at Arkansas Post; was discharged at Indianapolis, and returned home. On the 26th of October, 1865, he was married to Miss Margaret Smith, of Lafayette county, Ohio. The following spring he moved to Johnson county, Mo., and in 1868, he moved to this county, locating six miles southwest of Aullville, purchasing 160 acres, known as the old Honey Ford farm, on Davis Creek, and has devoted his attention a good deal to raising stock, especially horses. He has five children: Leona M., Bardolia A., Georgia A., Mary K., and Maggie, all living. Both himself and wife, and three of his children are members of the M. E. church. He is a good farmer, good neighbor and a good citizen.

George Osborn

P. O., Aullville, Mo., second son of John and Rachel Osborn. Was born in Columbia, Boone county, Mo., May 18, 1828. His parents, now dead, were from Kentucky, and came to Boone county as early as 1818. George moved the first time to Davis county, Mo., in 1841, where he remained twenty-four years, and then came to this county, September, 1865, settling about two miles northwest of Aullville, where he now lives. In Sept. 1855, he was married to Miss Susan A. Rose, and has ten children living: John F., Charles E., .Lou Bell, R. Lee, F. May, Ruth, Ida Ann, George, Alvin K., and Floyd. Mr. Osborn, has an excellent farm of 280 acres, underlaid by the best class of coal. The neighborhood use limestone rock for building purposes, and his house is built of stone from his own land. He is a member of the Baptist church, and a member of the Grange. His farm is of the first quality of corn and wheat land, and is well improved, with a large variety of fruit. He has twenty-two stands of bees; one half Black, and the other half Italian bees.

Hon. James W. Harrison

the subject of the following sketch, son of William W. Harrison, and the youngest of nine children, is a native of Davis township, Lafayette county, Missouri; born March, 1839. Was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. His parents came to Missouri in 1838. They were both natives of Virginia ; his father of Madison county and his mother of Green county. His father died in 1876, at the advanced age of 82 years, and his mother in 1869, aged 69 years. James W. was married, September 27, 1860, to Miss Ellen Davis, daughter of Dr. H. C. Davis. Nine children were born to them, seven of whom are now living, viz: Marcellus, William, Joseph, Fleet, Leslie R., Comorah and Estella. He now resides in Davis township, engaged in farming and stock-raising, owning a well watered farm of 400 acres of well cultivated land. In 1864, he enlisted in the confederate service, Co., C, Hunter's regiment, which was subsequently consolidated with Gen. Jackman's command. He entered the service as an orderly sergeant, and participated in the battles of Independence, Blues, Westport, Drywood, and Newtonia. June 16, 1865, he surrendered at Shreveport, being in command of the regiment, his superior officers having resigned their position and gone to Mexico. In 1878, he was elected Justice of the county court, of Lafayette county. At the expiration of his term of two years, his judgment, and ability to fill the office were complimented by his re-election in 1880. Mr. Harrison and wife are members of the Baptist church at Aullville; postoffice, Aullville.

David C. Slusher

Mr. Slusher is a native of this state and county, born April 7, 1838, upon the farm where he now resides. His father, Roland Slusher, is native of Virginia, and came to Missouri in an early day. During the late war, Mr. S. remained at home, taking care of his own and mother's family. March 26, 1861, he was united in marriage to Rachel Ann Mc- Cormack. Five children were born to them, viz: John H., Roland F.,

Pearla May, Cora, and Catherine. During the war Mr. Slusher's house, was frequented by bushwhackers, and upon one occasion, they attacked a company of federal soldiers, within a short distance of the house, and a young man named Wade Morton was killed. Mr. Slusher and wife are members of the Bapiist church. P. O., Higginsville.

William W. Preston

Mr. Preston was born in Boone county, Mo., Feb. 4, 1836. He is the only son of John R. and Lourana Preston, who lived in Boone county until 1844, when they removed, with the subject of this sketch, to Lafayette county, where he was raised and educated, and after reaching manhood, engaged in farming. In 1861, he enlisted in the confederate service, serving principally in the Eastern Miss. Department; was engaged in the seige of Vicksburg at the time of its fall. At the close of the war, he returned home and settled on his farm, where he lived until the spring of 1878, when he removed to Higginsville, where he has since resided, engaged in the mercantile trade. Jan. 2, 1879, he was married to Miss Jennie Fulkerson, by which union they have one child, Lourana, who was born, Oct. 17, 1879. Postoffice, Higginsville.

Rev. Samuel T. Ruffner

Mr. Ruffner, the present pastor of the O. S. Presbyterian Church, at Higginsville, is a native of Kanawha county, West Va., born February 27th, 1836. In 1853 he moved with his parents to Missouri, and located in Lexington, Lafayette county. In 1855 he entered the Masonic College, at Lexington, where he remained for two years, afterwards attending Center College, at Danville, Kentucky, where he graduated with high honors, in 1858. After graduating, he taught school in Lexington, Mo., until the breaking out of the civil war, when he abandoned teaching, and in September, 1861, enlisted in the confederate service, Capt. John Bowman's company, Col. Elliott's regiment. His first engagement was at Lexington, and his second at Pea Ridge. While at Memphis, Tenn., he was taken sick and sent to the hospital, where he remained until his discharge. His health being somewhat improved, he went to Hot Springs, Ark., where he remained until his health was entirely restored. He then associated himself with Capt. Roberts, who was then recruiting, having his headquarters at Tahlequah, Ind. Ter. From these recruits a battery was organized, of which Roberts was elected captain, and Mr. Ruffner, lieutenant. Immediately after the battle of Prairie Grove Capt. Roberts resigned, and Lieut. Ruffner took command, in which capacity he served until the surrender. Capt. Ruffner took part in all the principal engagements fought in his department. After the close of the war, he went to Nebraska and taught school for two years. In 1S69 he returned to Mis- souri, and began preparing for the ministry. He was licensed in 1872, and ordained in April, 1873. His first charge was the Waverly Pres. church, of which he was pastor for seven years. In November, 1879, he removed to Higginsville and took charge of the Presbyterian church there, of which he is the present pastor. June 13, 1877, he was united to Miss Lucy E. Jackson, of Rappahannock county, Va., by which union they have one child, Mamie, born February 17th, 1878.

Carmi W. Sharp

Mr. Sharp is a native of West Virginia, born near Parkersburg, June 27th, 1846. In 1856 he came with his parents to Missouri, and settled in this county, on the farm where he now resides, and engaged in its cultivation. July 31st, 1870, he was married to Miss Harriet D. Carter, daughter of N. J. Carter, and a native of this county. By this marriage they have five children living: Nathaniel Carter, Sarah, Mary Gray, Lewis Green, and W. Gwinn. His mother, an aged lady in her 75th year, is living with him. She is in full possession of all her faculties, and enjoying good health for a person of her advanced age. Mr. Sharp's home place is a beautiful one, well improved, consisting of 80 acres, upon which is a fine orchard which produces many different varieties of fruit. He owns other farms besides this. His father was foully murdered by three men, who entered his house in February, 1865, and demanded money. Upon being informed that he did not have any, they deliberately shot him through the heart. Mr. Sharp's post-office address is Higginsville.

Wm. Harrison Robinett

Mr. Robinett was born in Marion county, Mo., July 5th, 1832. He is a grandson of Capt. Abraham Bird, who was a member of the first legislature held in the state, and also a grandson of John Robinett, one of the first settlers of Kentucky, and who moved to this state and settled in Boone county, in 1823. William H. lived with his father, Moses F., until he was eighteen years of age, when he entered the mercantile trade upon his own responsibility, which he followed until 1855, when he went to St. Louis and entered a commercial school, from which he graduated in 1856. He then entered the employ of Pomeroy, Benton & Co., one of the largest wholesale dry goods firms in the city of St. Louis, atasalaryof $1,200 per year. After remaining in their employ one year he left them, notwithstanding their offer to increase his salary to $3,000, and engaged as clerk on the steamer Keokuk, but at the earnest solicitation of his family he shortly after abandoned the river and went to Hannibal and engaged in the machine business, which he followed for two years, and then resumed the mercantile trade, in which he remained until the breaking out of the civil war. Being desirous that peace should exist between the north and south, he cast his influence in that direction; but when he saw that the war was inevitable, he cast his fortunes with the south, and was one of the first to raise the secession flag in the state, and joined one of the first companies raised commanded by Capt. Hawkins. He was afterwards transferred to the staff of Gen. Green, upon which he served until his health failed him, and he was obliged to leave the service. His health improving he again entered the service, and assisted Col. E. J. Gurley, in raising his regiment of "Partisan Rangers," of which he was appointed adjutant. While on a scouting expedition he was severely wounded, but he remained with his command and returned into camp. He was afterwards promoted to a captaincy for efficient service rendered. After the close of the war he remained in Texas, engaged in raising cotton and also in superintending a machine shop, until 1869. In December, 1865, he was married to Miss Catherine L. Vivion, of Texas. Four children were born to them: Minnie Lee, Ernest V., Walter P. and Roberta. In 1869 he returned to Missouri and settled at Dover, Lafaj^ette county, where he remained until 1877, when he moved to Higginsville, where he has since resided, engaged as a machinist.

James J. Ray

farmer, P. O. Higginsville, sonof James H. and Hannah Ray, was born in Livingston county, Kentucky, May 6, 1835. His parents were natives of same state and county; his father being born in 1805 and his mother in 1811. In 1838 his father moved his family to Missouri, locating in Macon county, within ten miles of where Macon City now stands. His father was a follower of Henry Clay, and always voted the whig ticket. He died August 28, 1860, and was followed by his wife nine years later. James J. was married to Miss E.J. Williamson, October 22, 1854, who died after the war. He was again married April 22, 1871, to Miss Nannie B. Rutter, of Palmyra, Missouri. They have one child, Daisy, born February 9, 1874. Mr. Ray was one of the first to respond to the call of Gov. Jackson for troops to defend the state of Missouri from invasion without and foes within, enlisting in the state guards for a six months term of service. His experiences during the progress of the war were quite remarkable, and peculiarly interesting, as related by himself in the following: "After serving out my time of enlistment in the state guards, I returned home to learn of the death of my father, and of my appointment as administrator of his estate. My bondsmen wished me to remain at home and attend to the property, fearing that if I entered the confederate service, the property would be confiscated, and they would consequently suffer. I complied with their request, and engaged in stock trading. While in St. Louis with two car loads of stock, I was obliged to take the oath of loyalty to the federal government, before I was allowed to return home. I told no one, except my family, what I had been obliged to do. In August, 1862, Col. Benjamin, in command of a company of federal militia, stationed in my neighborhood, ordered that all southern sympathizers should take the oath of allegiance, and pay a commutation tax of $30, or go into the militia. The most of my neighbors paid the tax, but I did not. I concluded to join the confederates, and went to Gen. Green's at Shelbina, which place we captured after a sharp skirmish. I afterwards joined Porter and participated in the battles of Newark and Kirksville. At the latter place the federals made a charge, which we repulsed, with severe loss to them. The ball was then opened in earnest. Several of my company were killed. A comrade by the name of Rains, who was badly wounded, called out to me not to leave him, and I called to another comrade, a Mr. Zool, and together we started to carry him from the field. Just as we were ready to put him into a house, a cannon ball took off the head of Mr. Zool. I put the wounded man in the house, and started to find my company, but was captured in the attempt. Thirty-two of us, prisoners, were drawn up in line, that evening, and told that we were to be shot, but after keeping us there until sundown without a drop of water, or anything to eat, they confined us in an upper room until morning. We got nothing to eat or drink until eleven o'clock that day. The next morning one Mr. Chaney, a merchant, came to me and told me that he thought we would all be shot. I gave him $25 and my wife's address, and he sai that if I was killed, he would send her the money. Soon after we were asked by McNeal if we would take the oath of allegiance to the federal gov ernment. We all readily consented and were accordingly sworn, providec with a pass and turned out of the den. I met Mr. Chaney, who returnee my pocket book and money, and said, with tears in his eyes, that he was glad to return me my own. I arranged my toilet as best I could under the circumstances and went to a hotel, where 1 remained three days, assisting in the care of some wounded soldiers, I was so ragged that I was ashamed to go home, but a merchant of the place, presented me with a complete suit of clothes; then I concluded to go home. I do not know the donor's name, but whoever and wherever he is, I pray that he may prosper. I traveled to Macon by stage and started to walk to my mother's place, ten miles out. On the road I overtook an old playmate, John Hunt, a radical, to whom I told my troubles, not thinking to whom I was talking. In less than 24 hours my mother's house was ransacked for me, from cellar to garret, but I was at my own house, eight miles distant. A neighbor piloted the militia there at midnight. I awoke to look into the muzzle of a musket, in the hands of an old school-mate, who ordered me to get up. When the captain came in, he ordered a light and capped his revolver afresh. This alarmed my wife, and she asked him what he was going to pass, and after reading it he said: "I am an officer and will respect this, but you will be killed in less than two weeks if you stay here." He then left, with his command. The next Sunday I was called to the door by three men, who presented their pistols at me and bade me follow. They made me mount an old mare, that had a colt following her, and ride at least 15 miles with a sheep-pelt for a seat.. We stopped at Uncle Henry Roberts', on the way, and confiscated his saddle for my use. In a few hours the rest of the company came along, and arrested Uncle Henry, and made him ride to headquarters bare-back. He was not in a praying mood, just then, if he was an elder in the church. I was taken to the old Harris house, where I was kept for several weeks, with about a hundred others. The officers would not respect my pass, and shbrtly after about seventy of us were transferred to the McDowell college military prison at St. Louis, where we were detained for three months. While sitting at the windoww one day, I threw a kiss at three ladies on the street, who responded by waving their handkerchiefs. They were arrested and put into prison for it. Soon after we were transferred to Alton, and while there the small pox broke out among us. It being very difficult to get nurses for the sick, I volunteered my services. I caught the disease, but having a very light attack, soon recovered. After being imprisoned , there and elsewhere for nine months, I was released under $3,000 bonds, went home, made a sale, and went to Virginia City, Montana, where I remained until the last of September, when I returned home. Finding affairs unsettled as yet, and thinking myself not safe, I concluded to go north. I landed in Omaha and the first letter I received from my wife, I learned that I had not been gone from the house a half hour, before the militia were after me. After an absence of six months, I returned and found evervthing quiet; those who had been the most eager to hunt me down, heretofore, have since seemed my very best friends. Such, are some of my experiences in what I term a rich man's war and a poor man's fight."

Will S. Anderson

Higginsville, is the son of Ira D. Anderson, who came from Warren county, Ky., and was one of the first settlers of Lafayette county. The subject of this sketch was born Aug. I,'l852. He remained with his parents till 1876, he then took a trip to Kentucky where he remained for a short time and then returned to his father's farm, taking occasional trips through different States. He then went to Higginsville, in July, 1881, and engaged in the livery business.

Father Francis C. Curran

Pastor of the Catholic church, Higginsville, was born in the couuty Leitrim, Ireland, April 21, 1850. His preparatory education was received at Summer Hill college at Athlone; after this he attended St Patrick's College at Carlow, where he received his orders, M?iy 26, 1877. October 26, following he reached St. Louis, Mo. Here he was assigned a charge as assistant p.istor for a few months, was then transferred to Kansas City, where he was assistant with Father Donley for three years or more, then was appointed to the St Mary's church at Higginsville.

Mordecai M. Gladden

was born in Warren county, Ky., Jan 16, 1838. Moved with his parents to this state in 1841 and located in Lafayette county where he was educated in the common schools. In July, 186 L, he enlisted as a private in Capt. Fred. Neet's company, White's regiment, U. S. volunteers; was surrendered at Lexington. He then enlisted in the E. M. M., and was elected First Lieutenant of the company, but was discharged together with six other former members of White's regiment, by the governor because they were not subject to exchange. In May, 1864, he located in Warrensburg, Johnson county, Mo., and engaged in mercantile business where he remained until 1872. He then returned to the farm, Aug. 24, 1874 he was married to Miss M. J. McKee, of Clinton county, Mo. She died in about one year. He again was married to Miss Fannie E. Mills, daughter of Henry D. Mills.

Hillory Joy

farmer; born in Frederick county, Maryland, Aug. 25, 1817. He moved from Maryland to Maysville, Ky, in 1830 where he continued his profession. He married Miss Evaline Norman the same year he came to Maysville. He then moved to Buchanan county, Mo., and remained until 1816, then came to Lafayette county, and located at his present home. By the above marriage he has nine children - Wm. O., Geo. S., Lucy A., Mary, Benjamin, Eugene, Emma, Robert and Luther, all of whom are married save one. Mr. Joy has a nice farm of 180 acres, well improved throughout. On this farm he has a bank of coal of the best quality and the vein about eighteen inches thick and can be worked by stripping or mining, and also has several stone quarries upon his farm.

James O. Hogan

farmer; is the oldest son of Alexander C. Hogan, who was born March 1, 1783, near Richmond, Va. The subject of this sketch came to this State with his father in 1839, and located where he now lives, upon land they entered soon after they came to the State. The father of James O.

Hogan is still living at the ripe age of ninety-eight years, and is as active as many a younger person, retaining his mental faculties and dividing his time visiting among his children. James was married April 27, 1853, to Miss Sarah A. Warren. By this marriage they have two living children: Eddie and Jerry. Mrs. Hogan died March, 18, 1857. September 1, 1857, was again married to Miss Euphemia M. Slusher. By this marriage he has four living children - Joanna, Eulalie M., James Henry and Nora Belle. In 1861 he enlisted in Gen. Joe Shelby's command, and remained with him until he [Shelby] went south, then James joined Capt. Rathbun's company, Gordon's regiment, and was engaged in most of the battles that were fought by those commands; after the war he returned home and settled down to civil life.

Richard T. Conn

John Maddox Conn, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Ireland, where he was married. On his arrival here he settled in the colony of Virginia, and on the breaking out of the war that revolutionized the political status of the colonies, he, like most Irishmen of that period, joined the continental army. He raised quite a family, and became an early settler of Bourbon county, Kentucky, where he and his wife were both buried after long and useful lives. Our subject's father, John M. was eighteen years old when his parents settled in Kentucky. He soon became enlisted in the defense of the settlements against Indians, and the war of 1S12 beginning at this time, he joined the forces raised, and served in one or two expeditions against the Indians of the northwest, and was under the command of Gen. Harrison in his celebrated Indian campaign. He continued to reside in Bourbon county till his death. He became quite a wealthy farmer, and was a gentleman of considerable influence. His wife was formerly a Miss Mary N. Keene, by whom he raised ten children, eight of whom are still living: Dr. Notley, Dr. James V., Mary A., Ethline, Sophia, William, Sarah T. Mr. Conn was born in the ides of March, 1817. He received a liberal education, at Burlington, Boone county, and afterward took a clerkship in a dry goods house in Covington, where he soon rose to a partnership, and where he spent eleven years of his life. His health failing, he sold out his interests, and returned to his native home, and conducted his father's farm for three years. He moved to this county with his family in 1850, and bought the farm now occupied by Mills and Douthett. He bought his present home in 1856, a fine tract of four hundred acres, very handsomely improved, and well supplied with water, from never-failing springs, and fine coal. Mr. Conn is a neat and successful farmer, and has done something as a live-stock dealer. He was married in December, 1845, to Miss S. J. Polk, daughter of Col. Daniel Polk, and a relative of James K. Polk; also of

Trusten Polk, once governor of this state. They have two daughters: Annie V., the wife of S. W. Foder, a wealthy farmer of St. Louis county, and Miss Florence.

Lilburn B. Jennings

is the son of John D. Jennings, who emigrated from East Tennessee, about the year 1816, and entered land in Dover township, near the town of Dover, where the subject of this sketch was born, April 16, 1825, and lived till the year 1849. His father then moved into Washington township, where they lived for twenty years. During this time Mr. Jennings bought his present home in Davis township, where he now lives. On the 11th day of November, 1844, he was married to Miss Eliza Rose, daughter of John W. Rose, of Kentucky. By this marriage nine children were born: James T., John D., Henry, George W., William, Mary, Martha J., Richard C, and Edward R. Most of his children are married, and settled around him. Mr. Jennings and wife are both members of the Baptist Church. His father died under peculiar circumstances, having attended an election, and, on returning home, went to the field to cut a load of corn, and when driving into his barn with the load, a blade of the corn ran into his ear, destroying the drum of the ear; inflammation set in; he lingered about two weeks, when death came to his relief, and ended his sufferings.

Philip E. Ayers

farmer, is the son of Thomas H. Ayers, who was born in Virginia; he came from Kentucky to Missouri in 1814, remaining here about two years, when he returned to Kentucky. In 1869, Philip again moved to this state and located where he now lives. On the 8th day of March, 1859, he was married to Miss Addie Brown, of Jefferson county, Kentucky. She was the daughter of Hon. James Brown. By this marriage he has four children, living: Annie E., Lula M., Katie B., Ebert E. Mr. Ayers and wife are both members of the M. E. Church. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F. He was born December 23, 1836. His farm is underlayed with coal of fine quality, but as yet has not been fully developed.

H. H. Luce

editor of Lafayette County Advance, P. O. Higginsville. The subject of this brief sketch is a native of Wisconsin; born in 1859. His father and mother are natives of Massachusetts and Vermont, respectively. They moved to Wisconsin at an early period. At the breaking out of the Civil War, his father, C. D. Luce, enlisted in the Federal service. Being transferred with his command to Missouri, he was very much pleased with the general appearance of the country and entered land in Andrew county, to which he moved his family in 1864. He was a sailor during the earlypart of his life, having made three different vovages around the world, while acting in that capacity. The old gentleman died during the same year in which his family moved to this state. The family remained together on the farm -until 1873, when they removed to Savannah, the county seat of Andrew county. Here Homer, the subject of this sketch, was sent to school for a period of four years, after which he began the study of the law. Being in somewhat straitened circumstances, he taught school for two years and also contributed numerous articles to the various papers of the county, for the purpose of obtaining means for the prosecution of his studies. He also practiced law in the Lower Courts with an unusual degree of success. In 1879 he moved to Higginsville and assisted in establishing the Lafayette County Advance, the first and only newspaper published there. It is a staunch Democratic paper, very ably and profitably conducted by its young editor, who has the entire control and management of it. Although young in years and having been but a short time in the county, the youthful editor by his fertile brain and indomitable energy has contributed in a great measure, toward the progress and development of its resources. His " maiden vote " was recorded for Hancock and English. On the 22d of November, 1880, he led to the marriage altar, Miss Katie E. Houx, oldest daughter of Geo. Houx, one of the oldest citizens of Lafayette county.

Joseph R. Major

merchant, P. O. Higginsville. Was born in Wellington, this county, Jan. 8th, 1855. Is the son of Wm. B. Major and Prudence E. Warder, who were married in Lexington, Mo. In 1870 he went to Aullville and engaged in mercantile pursuits for two years at the expiration of which time he sold out his stock of goods and went into the grain business. In 1878, April 21th, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Kellar, of Aullville. In 1880 he removed to Higginsville and opened a hotel, complete in all of its appointments. The town being then in its infancy and the business not meeting his expectation , he sold out and again embarked in the grocery business . Mr. Major is a man of ability and enterprise, courteous and obliging and thoroughly deserving of the liberal patronage of which he is the recipient.

Mark A. Brady

merchant, P. O. Higginsville. Is a native of Ireland; born in the Province of Ulster, Aug. 20th, 1837. Emigrated to the United States in 1857 and in 1860, returned to his native land, where he remained until the close of our Civil War. He then returned and settled for a time in Plainfield, u

Indiana. June 7th, 1868, he was married to Miss Katie D. P.Taggard, by which union he had two children; one of whom is living: Hugh. The other, a girl, was four and one-half years of age at the time of her decease. Mrs. Brady died June 8th, 1871. Aug. 7th, 1878, Mr. Brady moved to this state and county, locating at Higginsville, where he now resides, engaged in the prosecution of a lucrative mercantile trade. He is an active and consistent member of the Catholic church, and also a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

Owen V. Thornton

merchant, P. O. Higginsville. Was born in West Virginia, in 1844. Moved to Missouri in 1870. In 1872, he was married to Miss Rosa A. Loftus, of Saline county Missouri. They have two children living: George J. and' Vincent L. In 1S79, he moved to Higginsville. and in the fall of 1880, was elected principal of the high school of that place. He taught during the winter, and in the spring engaged in the mercantile business. Prof. Thornton has been a successful teacher of twelve years experience but he realizing the fact that a business life is much more independent and reliable, though not more honorable, determined to embrace the first good opportunity which presented itself of leaving the profession, and engaging in business. He has opened out a large and handsome stock of furniture, upholstering goods, carpets etc., which he is handling with profit to himself and satisfaction to others.

Robert Curtis Carter

physician and surgeon, P. O. Higginsville. Was born in Henrico county Va., January 12, 1838. Moved to Missouri in 1849, and settled at Dover, this county, where he remained until the breaking out of the civil war. He then enlisted in the confederate service under Gen. Jo. Shelby. He was regularly sworn in at Waverly, in August 1862. He was engaged in the battles of Coon Creek, Newtonia and in all of the skirmishes incident to the march of Gen. Shelby, through Missouri, in his endeavor to form a junction with Gen. Raines. Aiter the close of the war he returned to his old home in Missouri, and began the study of medicine; finally graduating from the medical department of the Old McDowell college, in 1868. He then returned to Dover, and began the practice of his profession, which he continued to follow there until the fall of 1874, when he removed to the northern part of the state and located in Gentry county, where he remained, still practicing medicine until March of 1880. He then returned to this county, and settled at Higginsville, where he now resides, the recipient of a large and lucrative practice. In 1868, he was united in marriage to Lenoir C. Campbell, oldest daughter of Capt. J. F. Campbell, one of the oldest settlers of this county. By this union they have four children: Frank L., Shannon, Carson and Mary Myrtle. By close application to business, and deep delving into the mysteries of medical science, the Dr. has obtained a popularity throughout the town and surrounding country, which is very desirable.

Richard A. Collins

Attorney at law, P. O. Higginsville. " Captain Dick," as he is familiarly called, is the youngest son of Gen. Richard Collins, of Kentucky, and was born in Mason county, Kentucky, in December, 1841. In 1857 he moved to Missouri. He was educated in Cincinnati, graduating from the St. Zazarier college. He has represented this (Lafayette) county, two terms in the State Legislature. Was in command of Gen. Jo Shelby's artillery, during the progress of the civil war. After the close of the war, he returned to Missouri and located at Higginsville, where he now resides, engaged in the practice of law. Capt. Dick is a young man of worth and stands at the top of the ladder in his profession. A whole chapter might be devoted to the gallant " Capt. Dick," and his exploits during the war, but for want of space and in consequence of an injunction served upon us by the captain himself, we will have to desist.

Orville A. Jones

Dentist, P. O. Higginsville. Was born in Carroll county, Virginia, in 1843. Moved to Missouri in 1868, and settled at Warrensburg, Johnson county, where he remained until 1869, when he removed to Brownsville, Saline county, where he practiced dentistry from 1872 to 1875. In the latter year he moved to Aullville, this county, where he remained until 1880, when he moved to Higginsville, and resumed the practice of his profession. In 1861 he enlisted in the confederate service under General Floyd. Was engaged in the battles of Cross Lanes, Cornfect's Ferry, Cotton Mountain, Blue Stone River, Parrisburg, Lewisburg, Rocky Gap, and several others too numerous to mention. After a fight at Rocky Gap he was transferred to Richmond and put under the command of Stonewall Jackson. From this time on he had no rest, their march being one continuous skirmish line. Was captured at Piedmont, in the Shenandoah Valley, on the 5th of June, 1864, and taken to Camp Morton, where he remained until the 9th of April, 1865, when he was paroled. Just before his capture his regiment was one of the largest in the command, but at the fight at Piedmont, all but 74 were either killed or captured. The doctor is now practicing- dentistry in Higginsville, and has gained a wide-spread reputation as a man skilled in his profession. His patients come from far and near.

James H. Bowen

merchant, P. O. Higginsville. Was born at Harper's Ferry, Virginia, January 24, 1846. Is the only son of Wm. H. Bowen and Julia Amelia Culp, both natives of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where they were married in 1844. In 1859 the family moved to Missouri and settled at Lexington, this county, where James prepared himself for college, which he entered at Gettysburg, in 1861, the family returning with him. He remained at college until the spring of 1862. On his return to Missouri he joined the U. S. Telegraph Corps as operator, under Captain P. C. Clovvry. Was sworn into the service in the spring of 1863, for three years, or the war. Was mustered out of service December 5, 1865, at Sedalia. After the close of the war, he returned to Lexington, where he remained until his marriage, which occurred on the 4th of July, 1874. He married Miss Susan J. Pool, by whom he has three children: Farris Wade, Philip and Pleasant Henry. Mrs. Bowen is the daughter of Pleasant C. Pool, who is now living on his farm near Mayview. Mr. Bowen was engaged in farming until April, 1881, when he moved to Higginsville, where he is now engaged in the mercantille business, liberally patronized by the people of the town and surrounding country.

farmer, P. O. Aullville. Is a native of this state and county; born November 8, 1843. Was raised on a farm, and educated in the common schools of this county. In 1862 he enlisted in Company " G," Col. Elliott's regiment, State Guards, in which he served for six months, and was mustered out at Osceola. He re-enlisted in Company " F," 1st Mo. Vol. Cavalry, as private. He fought in the following battles: Lexington (while in State Guards), Newtonia, Pineville, Fayettsville, Cassvilie, Prairie De Ann, Cove Creek, Helena, Little Rock, Springfield, Hartsville, Clarenden, Duval's Bluff, Prairie de Rone, Boonville, Jefferson City, Marshall, second battle of Lexington, Blue Mills, Independence, Westport, Little Osage, Warrensburg, Batesville, and several others of less note. At the battle of Prairie de Rone he was slightly wounded in the right knee. He surrendered at Lexington, with David Poole, in May, 1865. He then took a trip to Virginia City, Montana, where he remained for a short time, engaged in freighting. In December of same year he returned to this county, and went to his mother's farm, where he remained until his marriage, which occurred in 1873, he leading to the altar Miss Amanda Brown, a native of Johnson County. They have two children, named respectively, James and Mary. Since the war he has been engaged in farming and stock raising. His farm consists of 160 acres of first-class land, situated one mile west of Aullville. He also owns a fine farm of 180 acres located in Johnson County. Is an. influential man and a good citizen.

Dennis Payne

farmer, P. O. Aullville. Born in Scott County, Ky., October 11, 1834. When six or seven years of age, his parents brought him to this county, locating for a while in Lexington, and there settling upon a farm, where Dennis was reared; working on the farm summers and attending school winters. In August, 1862, he enlisted as private in Company " C," Gen. Shelby's Regiment, Volunteer Cavalry. Was engaged in the battles of Coon Creek, Newtonia, Cane Hill, Springfield, Cape Girardeau, Boonville, Jefferson City, Marshall, Helena, Hartsville, Batesville, Neosho, Duval's Bluff, and Camden. Was surrendered at Shreveport in 1865, when he returned to this county and located upon a farm consisting of 80 acres, situated near Aullville, where he still resides, engaged in its cultivation. In 1866 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Stephenson, a native of this state. Five children were born to them, named as follows: Joseph, Oliver, Augustus, Bryant, and Lee. Mr. Payne has a good record as a soldier, and stands high in the estimation of the community as a citizen.

Horace Wilson Winsor

Superintendent of Winsor Coal Company, P. O. Higginsville. Is the only son of Hon. Edward Winsor; born in Lexington, Lafayette County, Mo., October 23, 1846. Lived there, attending school after arriving at the proper age, until April, 1864, when he went to Denver, Col., where he remained for a short time. On his return, in the September following, he went to Fulton, Mo., and entered the Westminster College, remaining there until March, 1865, when he went to St. Louis to attend Brvant & Stratton's Business College, which he attended at intervals until 1866. In March of that year he returned home and entered into partnership with his father in the insurance business, to which he still devotes a part of his time. In 1878 he engaged in the coal business with his uncle, N. B. Winsor, with whom he remained until his death, which occurred in October, 1879. In same year Mr. Winsor moved to Higginsville, where he has since acted as Superintendent of the Winsor Coal Company. In June, 1871, he became a member of the A. F. and A. M., Lexington Lodge, No. 149. In August became a member of Chapter No. 10, of R. A. M., and in January, 1872, a member of the De Molay Commandery, No. 3. Was elected Master of the Lexington Lodge in 1877, High Priest of the Chapter, and Eminent Commander of the Commandery. In 1878 was appointed Deputy Grand Master of the District, comprising Lafayette and Saline counties. Has been a representative to Baltimore, New Orleans, and Chicago, at the Triennial Conclave of the Grand Encampment of K. T. During the seige of Lexington Mr. Winsor was in the city and saw the most of the battle. His father's residence is near the battle livery stable P. O. Higginsville, is the son of Joseph Reed, Esq., born in Clinton county, Ohio, August, 23d, 1850. He moved to Missouri in about 1867, and settled in Lafayette county, where he remained, working on the farm with his father until 1877, when he embarked in business for himself; locating at Higginsville, he established a livery and sale stable, in which he is engaged at the present time. August 18th, 1880, he was married to Miss Sophronia Jennings, daughter of Rev. James Jennings, one of the old and prominent settlers of the county. Mr. Reed is a young man of promise, with health, energy and a determination to succeed in whatever he undertakes; qualities which are bound to win laurels for their possessor.

Lieut. Col. George P. Gordon

farmer, P. O. Concordia, the seventh child of Judge Thomas Gordon, was born in Henry county, Tenn., August 8, 1828. In May, 1831, the judge brought his family to Lafayette county, and entered some land near Lexington, which is now owned by Evan Young. Here the subject of this sketch was reared and educated, attending the high school at Lexington, which at that time was under the supervision of Wm. Van Doran. In 1849 he went to California and traveled through the northern part, prospecting along the American and Nubia rivers and their tributaries. In January, 1852, he returned, reaching home about ten days before the death of his lather. He was married February 12th, 1857, to Miss Susan A. Corder, a daughter of Nathan Corder. She died April 15, 1873, leaving a bereaved husband with four children to mourn her loss. The children are named as follows: Nathan, John, Bird and Frank. In 1861 he enlisted in the state guards and afterwards in the regular confederate service, in which he remained until the close of the war. While in the state guards he held the rank of captain; was discharged from this service in December, 1861, and in the August following enlisted in the regular service. In 1863 he was promoted to the rank of Major* by Gen. Hindman, at the suggestion of Gen. Shelby, and in 1865 was again promoted to the rank of Lieut. Colonel, by Gen. Shelby, as division commandant; was engaged in the following battles: Carthage, Wilson's Creek, Prairie Grove, Springfield, Hartsville, Cape Girardeau, Helena, of Shelby's raid through southern Missouri, of Price's raid, and of several minor engagements too numerous to mention in this brief sketch. He surrendered in June, 1865, with Shelby's division, to Gen. .Frank Herron. Returning to his home he again resumed his occupation of farming. He was again married, March 31, 187-1, to Mrs. Nancy Corder, widow of Addison Corder. The fruit of this marriage is one child, Lulu. Colonel, or Major Gordon as he is better known, is a member of the Masonic lodge at Aullville, also an honored member of the O. S. Presbyterian Church.

Thomas M. Elsea

farmer and stock trader, post-office Blackburn, is a native of Fauquier county, Va., born in 1834. At the age of seven }Tears, he came with his parents to Lafayette county, and located in the neighborhood of Corder. Here he grew to manhood and received his education. He then served an apprenticeship to the carpenter trade, near Elmwood, in Saline county, at which he worked for three years. In 1861 he -enlisted in Capt. J. O. Shelby's company, with which he remained until the battle of Pea Ridge, having previously participated in the battle of Lexington. After the battle of Pea Ridge he was appointed steward of one of the hospitals, in which service he continued until 18(&. He was captured atCowskin prairie. In August, 1863, he went to Colorado, where he remained, engaged in mining, until the fall of 1865 when he returned to this county. Mr. Elsea was married in February, 1866, to Miss Sarah L. Ramsey, daughter of John W. Ramsey, of this county. They became parents ot seven children, three of whom are now living: Hannah V., Alonzo B. and Jessie. Mr. Elsea is a steady, industrious farmer, strictly honorable in his intercourse with his fellow citizens.

Grove Young

merchant, P. O. Higginsville, is a native of this state and county, born August 26, 1843; was raised and educated here. In 1870 he was united in marriage to Miss Ella L. Greer, of Johnson county, Mo. They have one child, Alexander J., now in his ninth year. In 1874 he engaged in the mercantile business at Aullville, where he remained until 1879, when he moved a portion of his stock to Higginsville, where he now resides, engaged in the sale of dry goods and notions. Mr. Young is a thorough business man, fully alive to the interests of his native county, the development of which he has watched with much pleasure and satisfaction.

John Madison Canterbury

P. O. Higginsville; the oldest son of Franklin P. and Nancy Canterbury, was born in Lawrence county, Ky., November 17th, 1S33. His parents moved to Missouri in 1835, and settled in Audrain count}-, near Mexico, where the subject of this sketch lived until 1875. He was united in marriage April, 1852, to Miss Helen Smith, of Kentucky. By this union they have seven children: Nannie E. (married Joseph Pruette), born in 1853; Frank P., born in Audrain county, Nov. 25, 1856; James W., born

July 8, 1860; Clara, born February 25, 1863 (married to Joseph Hatcher, July 16, 1880); Helen, born July 16, 1866; Bird Price, born December 1, 1869; Enna, born July 8, 1873. Leaving Audrain county he removed his family to Clay county, near Kansas City, where he remained until 1878; then going to Higginsville where he now resides. Mr. C. is a descendant of Archbishop Canterbury, of England, also closely allied to Benj. Franklin. He is a thorough-going, public spirited, influential gentleman, in the full enjoyment of vigorous health. Although not possessing a superabundance of this world's goods, his heart and hand always respond to the cry of distress. His present family consists of his own unmarried children, those of his brother Benjamin (who settled in Audrain county, Ky., in 1835), and himself, he having the misfortune to lose his wife November 19, 1880. In 1875 his grandmother died at the advanced age of 93 years. Up to this date there were 160 members of the Canterbury family, 31 of them deceased; the living all located within a half day's journey of each other. In this new world of trial and vicissitude, it is seldom that all the members of so large a family remain within visiting distance of each other; the necessary changes of life generally scattering them to the four quarters of the globe. They are certainly to be congratulated upon having been able to preserve intact the family circle for so long a time.

George W. Vivion

hotel proprietor, P. O., Higginsville. Born in Clark county, Ky., March 24, 1821. Was raised on a farm. In 1833 he came to Lafayette county and in 1838, enlisted in a Lafayette county regiment, and engaged in the Mormon war. Went to the far west and returned with his command, after which he engaged in various pursuits until 1846, when he enlisted in Doniphan's company, for service in the Mexican war. Was in the service fourteen months. In 1859 he removed to Coryell county, Texas, where he remained until after the close of the civil war. Was not engaged on either side. Followed blacksmithing, carpentering, etc. In the fall of 1839, he was married to Mary E. Walker, daughter of Samuel Walker, one of the first settlers of this county. Nine children were born to them, viz: Charles W., Kate L., now wife of Mr. Robnett, Flavel W., Nancy E., wife of G. A. Chamblin, Eliza, wife of R. E. Chamblin, Samuel W., Lee Emmitt, Lula and Anna. He has twenty-four grand-children. In 1866, he came back to Lafayette county, and in the fall of 1872, went to Higginsville, where he now resides. Lost twenty slaves by the war; had two sons in the confederate army: Charles W., in Gurley's command in Texas, and Flavel W., with Gen. Price. Owns 520 acres of land in this county. Mr. Vivion and wife are members of the Christian church, respected by all.

Harvey J. Higgins

larmer, postoffice, Higginsville. Is a native of Fayette county, Ky.; born Sept. 19, 1812. Lived there until 22 years of age, when he moved to Liberty, Ills., where he lived five years, engaged iu the mercantile trade. In about the year 1840, he landed at Hillman's Landing, (now known as Berlin), and purchased 460 acres of land, (where he now resides), in the cultivation of which he has since been engaged. When he first came he sold bacon for two cts. a pound and No. 1 wheat for twenty-five cents per bushel. Was one of the incorporators of the Chicago & Alton railroad, of which he is still a director. Also was one of the directors of the old Pacific railroad, and a strong advocate of its being built through Lafayette county. Has been a leading worker in all railroad enterprises for the benefit of his adopted county, aiding liberally with time and money. At times he has been severely censured bv some for what he has done in that direction, but he feels sure that posterity will approve of his work. Mr. Higgins was the founder of the town of Higginsville, formerly owning the land upon which it is built. It is named for him. He has been married three times; his first wife was Miss Susan Tyler; they were married, May 9, 1839. His second wife was Mrs. Eleanora Holland, married Nov. 18, 1855. His third was Miss Carrie F. Young, of this county, daughter of Maj. A. G. Young. He is the father of five living children, two sorts and three daughters; all married but the youngest. Mr. H. is a member of the Presbyterian church, of which he is now an elder. Has been connected with the church for thirty years; has served as magistrate for the last four or five years, discharging his duties in that capacity in a creditable manner. Was unfortunate during the war, losing property of the value of $25,000.

Oliver K. Burns

insurance and real estate agent, postoffice, Higginsville. The subject of the following is a native of Jefferson county, Va., born May 5, 1825. Came to Lafayette county and settled in Dover township in 1841. During the year 1857, he was engaged in a commission and storage house in St. Louis. He afterwards lived in Carroll and Saline counties, living at Waverly, when the war broke out. In 1864, he joined Price on his raid, enlisting in company C, Gordon's regiment; had no arms for some time; was in action at Newtonia; surrendered in 1865, at Shreveport. Lived in Waverly till 1878, when he came to Higginsville. Is a member of the school board, of which he was president last year. In 1850, he was united in marriage to Lucy S. Van Meter. Thirteen children were born to them, seven of whom are now living. Mr. Burns is an old line whig and protectionist, but votes the democratic ticket. He has a good record as a soldier and a gentleman, and is a man of ability and influence.

Seth Mason

farmer, Higginsville Post office, was born in Frederick county, Va., July 19th, 1816; was educated at private schools and at William and Mary College. Lived in his native county engaged in farming until 1854, when he came to Lafayette county and located upon a farm, originally owned by Mrs Ward, a sister of Gen. F. P. Blair, Jr. In 1861 he organized and led a company to Camp Hollowayfor the purpose of repelling invasion. In the latter part of August the company was disbanded. His health being considerably impaired, he took no further active part in the war, but sympathized with the south. He was greatly harrassed by the Fedrals. In 1870 he was assaulted by one Thompson McDaniel, an ex-guerrilla under Poole and a noted desperado. He was wounded three times, disabling both arms to such an extent that he was obliged to lie in bed for three weeks, and is still greatly crippled. Being wholly unarmed he was unable to defend himself and the villain escaped for the time unscathed. A party, led by his son Edward, went in pursuit of McDaniel and followed him to Atchison, Kansas, but did not succeed in rinding him there. In a few days McDaniel returned to Higginsville with a pal named Parker. They encountered the parly which was in pursuit of McDaniel and a skirmish ensued. Parker was killed, McDaniel escaping to Kentucky, where he was afterwards killed. The captain was married to Miss Amelia P. Earl, of Frederick county, Va. They became the parents of fifteen children, ten of whom are living, four sons and six daughters, all living in this county. Mr. M. came very near losing his life on account of following a company of Federals, for the purpose of recovering three of his slaves of which he lost eleven during the progress of the war. He is owntr of 300 acres of fine farming lands and a man highly respected by his fellow-citizens.

Ai Edgar Asbury

banker, Higginsville. Mr. Asbury was born in Pruntytown, Taylor county, West Virginia, August 16, 1836. He was partly educated at Rector College, Virginia, and finished his education at Allegheny College, Pennsylvania. In 1857 he removed with his father's family to Richmond, Ray county, Mo. Here he studied law in the offices of C. T. Garner and Hon. Mordecai Oliver, formerly member of congress and afterwards secretary of state of the state.- In 1859 he was admitted to the bar and removed to Texas county, and practiced his profession until the breakings out of the civil war, when he took service on the side of the south, first in the service of the state of Missouri, and afterward, and until the close of the struggle, in that of the Confedrate States. In 1865 he returned to Missouri and engaged as clerk in his brother's store at Dover, in this county. In a short time, comparativly, he engaged in business for himself as a meixhant at Dover, where he remained until 1878, when he returned to Higginsville and opened a banking house. In 1880 he organized the Asbury-Catron banking company, of which he is still the senior member. Mr. Asbury was married Nov. 9, 1865 to Miss Ellen Knox Gaw, of Lafayette county, who was born May 15, 1842. They have been the parents of seven children, two of whom died in infancy and five are living, viz: Eva Garnett, Hugh Gaw, Leah Barnett. Ai Edgar, Jr., and Harvey N. He is a member of the masonic order and he and Mrs. Asbury are members of the Baptist church. He has large interests in the coal mines near Higginsville, on the Chicago & Alton railway, is proprietor of Asbury's addition to the town of Higginsville, and is possessed of a fair competency of this world's goods, every dollar of which has been honestly acquired by himself, for in almost every sense Mr. Asbury is a self-made man. At the close of the civil war, and upon his return to Lafayette county, his capital was a $20 gold piece, all that was left of the proceeds of the sale of his horse and pistols after his surrender at Galveston, Texas. Capt Asbury's record as a soldier is a remarkable one. His first service was as conductor of a wagon train of powder, which he conveyed from Jefferson City to the camp of Gen. J. H. McBride, about 150 miles. This was a perilous service since the road was rough and rock}-, the powder sifted from the kegs continuously and the wheels of the wagons struck fire at almost every revolution. On reaching the camp of Gen McBride that officer appointed him an Aide-de- Camp on his staff with the rank of lieutenant colonel. In this capacity he served in the battles of Oak Hill, Dry Wood, Lexington and in Zagonyi's attack on Springfield. At Elk Horn or Pea Ridge, he was on the staft'of Gen. Frost. He served twelve months in the service of the state, and upon the expiration of this term engaged under Gen. McBride in recruiting troops for the Confederate States, during which service he was engaged in many an adventure and skirmish with the enemy. April 20, 1863, at West Plains, Howell county, this state, he was captured together with his company of recruits intended for Cornell's regiment of Missouri volunteers. Capt. Asbury was a prisoner of war for twelve months, during which period he endured extreme privations and sufferings, not to mention indignities at the hands of his captors. While enjoying (?) the hospitalities of Federal prison-keepers he was frequently confined in filthy prison cells, half-starved and clad, and incarcerated closely for many weeks at a time. At St Louis not long after his capture he was paroled with 27 other officers and started for City Point, Va., for the purpose of being exchanged, where he arrived and exchange being refused he was placed in Fort Norfolk. On the way from Fort Norfolk to Fort Delaware, the vessel - the Maple Leaf - upon which he and about f 00 other

Confederate officers were, was seized by about ten daring spirits, who overpowered the guard, forced the engineers to land, and, after administering paroles to the officers and crew, struck out for the Confederate lines which they reached in safety. Twenty-seven of the prisoners, Capt. A. among the number, took no part in the emeute, having due regard for their paroles and refused to escape. Notwithstanding they had sworn to do no act in aid of the Federal government until exchanged the officers of the Maple Leaf, as soon as their captors were out of sight, placed the twenty-seven paroled Confederates under gaurd, and instead of taking the vessel to her destination, steamed away to Fortress Monroe and from there to Fort Delaware. From here Capt. Asbury and his comrades were taken to Jonhson's Island, in Lake Erie. In February, 1864, he was exchanged at Richmond, Va., and went to the parole camp at Demopolis, Ala. From Demopolis he made an adventurous journey to the army of Gen. Price in Arkansas, joining Gen. Shelby's division, at Batesville. In the fall of 1864 he came into Missouri with a recruiting force, commanded by Col. Rathbun, in advance of Gen. Price's army. The force captured Lexington and Capt. Asbury conscripted the town. After Price's army passed through Lexington, Capt. Asbury crossed the river with 18 others, and became temporarily attached to Bill Anderson's guerrillas, and was present when Anderson was killed. After this event Arch Clements took command and led the force around Richmond, across the Missouri at Brunswick, and Capt. A. soon made his wayto the Confederate armyunder Gen. Kirby Smith, in Arkansas. With this army he served until the close of the war, when, as before stated, he surrendered at Galveston, Texas, in June, 1865, and returned to Missouri, arriving at Dover, July 9, following.

Anthony Benning

P. O. Mayview. One of the oldest and most prominent citizens of Lafayette county. Was born in Fayette county, Ky., Sept. 9, 1809, where he was raised on his father's farm, and educated at Georgetown, Kv. At the age of twenty he taught school for several years, then went to Washington City and spent four years as clerk in the postoffice department, under Wm. T. Barry, postmaster-general during Jackson's second administration. His eyesight failed him in consequence of the incessant labors of that position, and he was compelled at last to resign, returning to Kentuky and farming for a time. He then moved to Missouri and settled in this county, bringing with him about $6,000, his own earnings, and purchased 160 acres one mile south of where Mayview now stands. Upon this foundation he built up, before he died, one of the finest estates in the county. During the war he lost heavilv in slaves and personal property His costly dwelling was burned and himself thrown into prison. He was harried by the militia and finally banished. After the war he returned to this county, and bought a home in Lexington, where he lived with his family till his death, March 18, 1872, though he continued to superintend to the last his large farming interests in the southern part of the county. He was strictly honorable, prompt and energetic in all business matters. He had no political aspirations, and though he could have obtained almost any office in the county or state, he constantly declined all political preferment. He was the first postmaster of Mayview, then called Tabo, which he held for years as an accommodation to his neighbors. On the 9th of October, 1850, he married Miss Bettie Spurr, daughter of Dr. Buford Spurr, of Kentucky. Her mother's maiden name was Judith Gray. Mrs. Benning is the great-grand-daughter of the venerable Augustine Easton, who, for over half a century, was a Christian minister of Bourbon county, Ky. The great-grandfather of Maj. Benning was a pioneer of the state of Vermont, where the family was well known and stood high. Mrs. Benning still survives her husband, and has six children living out of a family of eight - James A., Taylor B., John G., Ottie V. - now wife of Thomas M. Chinn - Robert E. and Thomas E.