Franklin Township

Franklin Township

This township, which occupies the north central portion of Grundy county and lies within the congressional lines described by township sixty-three and range twenty-four, and a portion of township sixty-three, range twentythree, is bounded on the north by Mercer county, on the east by Myers township, on the south by Lincoln and on the west by Washington. Under the organization of 1841, Franklin was one of the original townships which composed Grundy and Mercer counties, under the civil jurisdiction of the former. Later, Franklin stood as one of the group of seven townships forming Grundy, when Mercer was duly constituted a separate and distinct county organization in 1845. It remained one of the seven until the present thirteen townships were laid off in 1872. Franklin township was early recognized as one of the most desirable portions of the county, though its arable acres were orginally nearly or quite three-fourths woodbind.

The "unwedo-eable and snarled oak" flourished in wild luxuriance liftino- its acorned boughs towards the sky, while near it grew the hickory, the linden, and other varieties less numerous. But before the civilizing influence of the woodman's ax the shadowy nooks disappeared, and where once timbei-ed forests stood, fertile fields lie yellow with their ripening grain. The rugged and rolling surface of the township covers a soil rich and fruitful, irrigated by the waters of the "Weldon River running nearly through its center, with Muddy Creek farther to the east, and Honey Creek almost upon the eastern border, while a second and smaller stream also bearing the name of Muddv Creek, winds its sinuous way through the western portion of the township, emptying into the Weldon just north of Lincoln township.

The earliest evidences of white settlers within the limits of what now constitutes Franklin township were left by Mormons. These followers of Joe Smith ai'e supposed to have been members of the party who settled in Jackson county as early as 1832, and also in Daviess and Ray counties. It seema that some four families stopped in this township, leaving in the early part of the fall of 1838, immediately after the Mormon troubles at Honn's Mill in Daviess county. How long they had been in the township previous to their departure it is impossible to state. They erected cabins, but cleared only small patches of ground, which led the early settlers to suspect that they intended to make only temporary resting places, then move on, leaving the way marked for other Mormons to follow and take possession. Two of these encampments were fonnd, one about two and a half miles east of what is now the town of Spickardsville, eonsistingof a cabin and about fouracres of ground, and the other about four miles west of the first, similarly improved. From wluitcan be leai-ned the names of the Mormon families occu])ying these cabins were Lathrop, Jackson, Eosley and Ives, and they were undoubtedly the first white settlers of Franklin township. Following in the paths of the Mormons came James Weldon, the first permanent white settler of the township, and after whom the Weldon lliver takes its name. He with his family came from Lincoln county, Kentucky, and located in Franklin township in the fall of 1838, in the same neighborhood then occupied b}^ the Mormons, and upon whose departure he took ])ossession of one of their vacated claims. The next settlers were the families of GarriaoTi Carmine and Joseph Mendenhall, who located upon the remaining claim left by the Mormons. In January of 1839, Andrew Weldon, brother of James, arrived in the township and moved into the Mormon cabins on the claim which was then occupied by Carmine and Mendenhall.

The following spring brought a number of families, among which were those of William Keith, David Ashbrook, William Schooler, Benjamin NichoUs, Charles Schooler, Thos. Blakely and Levi Keith, who hailed from Ohio, and about the same time came the families of John Rockholt, Allen England, Royal Williams, Harrison Newton, John Sires, Benjamin D. Thaxton. Richard Williams and William Reid, also William Wyatt and Thomas Thompson, from Kentucky. These were the early pioneers, whose best efforts were put forth to build, up and make habitable the township.

At that time the Indian roamed at will through the shady forests, over the grassy hills, along the gurgling streams, or up the gloomy ravines, passing their time in hunting and fishing, and trading with the whites, who had. thus made homes within their territory. They were peaceable and often rendered much assistance to the pale-face brothers. The woods abounded in wild deer and turkey, and the unerring rifle of the hunter kept the family larder well supplied, while the bee-tree was tapped and yielded a golden harvest of liquid sweetness. The little clearing was planted in corn, which was manufactured into bread without any patent process of grinding. The usual way was to burn a basin-like hole in a block or stump, pour in the corn, while the grinding was the work of an iron wedge, with which the kernels were mashed. This system of milling operations existed until 1841, when joy reigned throughout the settlement upon the purchase of the first hand mill or " corn-cracker," which was the joint property of the settlers, all paying a portion of its cost, and all using it part of the time. The clothing of the settlers was of home production, the work of the good housewife. Sheep furnished wool for clothing in winter, while flax and hemp were utilized in the mamifactnre of summer wear. Coon-skins made excellent caps, while cowhide supplied the material for moccasins. With the above mentioned luxuries the pioneers and their families led lives happj and contented, little worried b}' the burdensome cares of a mere subsistence, although they were forced to forego many of the comforts and even necessities, of a life of to-day. Early thrift brought early plenty, and the hardy yeomen remembering this, bended to their labors with lighter hearts, and when the work of the day was done, they went home to rest and enjoy themselves. Quarrelling was not one of the amusements in those days, and stealing was unheard of. The howling wolves were the only prowlers, and if the sheep were protected from their depredations, and the deer and tnrkey hung out of reach, the howl created no terror in the neighborhood. Money was then almost unknown, but coon-skins and deer and deer-skins were the currency of the realm, receivable for all dues, and with a load of these the settler made his way to Glasgow, a distance of ninety miles, the nearest trading-point, where the necessary winter supplies were purchased and hauled home.

The First Cabin

The first cabin erected upon the soil of Franklin township was built by the Mormons, and, as mentioned afterward, occupied by the family of James Weldon, and still later became the home of the family of Wm. Wyatt, who purchased it from Mr. Weldon. This cabin was a primitive structure constructed of green linden logs, one room, one window and the same number of doors. The covering was made of the bark from the linden and elm, with puncheon floor. This cabin occupied a site one and a half miles northwest of Spickardsville. The other mansions of those days were built from the same pattern and furnished with equal disregard of expense, so that the work was well done.

Early Events

Among the early events transpiring in the township, a few may be of more than passing interest to readers of to-day. Miss Margaret Ashbrook was the first young lady to make her appearance in the township, in the year 1840, and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Ashbrook. John C. Nichols was the first male child to see light of day for the first time in the township. He was born January 9th, 1840, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Benj. Nichols. Mr. John C. Nichols is still living in the township on a farm northeast of Spickardsville.

Cupid's darts sped on as fatal errands of love in early days as now, and the young people of Franklin township were no exceptions to the rule. It was in the early part of 1840 that the first wedding occurred in the township and for " better or worse," Mr. Nathan Sharp and Miss Mary Craig were linked in the silken nieslies of matrimony, amid the joyful congratulations of their neighbors, consisting of nearly all the settlers in the township. Tlioy lived liappily together nntil the breaking out of the civil war, when Mr. Sharj) responded to the call of Governor Claiborne Jackson for volunteers to the State militia on the 12th of June, 1861. He served with the State and Confederate forces for nearly a year when he returned home, but found the Union sentiment too strong to allow him to remain in the neighborliood and so went to Iowa, returning frequently by stealth and secretly visiting his wife and family. These visits were made at intervals during the year, but were tinally put a stop to by a gang of roughs, claiming to be Union men, headed by one Joe Rich, who caught Sharp and hung him to a tree, in the eastern ])artofthe township near Honey Creek, and the body was left carrion food for the crows, nntil found several days after by some children playing in the woods. This occurred in the latter part of 1863. Sharp is spoken of by his neighbors of that troublesome period as a good citizen and a fervent believer in religion. Mrs. Sharp afterward became the estimable wife of Judge Isaiah Brainerd, presiding justice of the County Court.

The second matrimonial event taking place in the township was at the house of William Cochran in 1841, when Joseph Connor and Miss Phoebe Kerkendall, came before Justice of the Peace William Schooler, who pronounced the solemn words that made them one forever. They removed to Putnam county afterward, and from thence to California during the mining excitement of 18.50.

Among the earlier marriages, may be mentioned that of Mr. George A. Spickard and Miss Elizabeth Cantrell, which occurred on the 24th of August, 1847, and was performed by Abram Fields, justice of the peace. Mr. S. is still in the enjoyment of good health at the old homestead, one mile and a half northwest of the young and flourishing village that bears his name. Mrs. Spickard died September 21, 1850, after two weeks' sickness, while crossing the mountains to California.

Sadness and sorrow sometimes visited the settlers, and death invaded their ranks. There appears to be a confusion as to the date of the lirst death in the township. The little child of Joseph Mendenhall was probably the first to seek the bright haven above. The little one died in the latter part of 1839, and was laid away mid the tears of those she loved, in an improvised burial-ground upon the Austin farm, where several others were afterward buried. Then was called good old Grandma Keith, mother of Wm. and Levi Keith, wdio laid down the cares and burdens of many long years of this life when the white frosts of winter made the air crisp and cool in the early months of 1842. Tenderly they placed her beneath the sod, and the new-made mound was the first grave in the Bethel church-yard, which was three miles from where Spickardsville now stands.

There was weaving, and spinning too, and the whirr of the wheel made music in many early homes. Mrs. Kachel Moore did the iirst work of this kind, and owned the first spinning-wheel and loom brought to Grundy county in 1838 or 1839. The year of ISil found the good wives of Thomas Blakely and William Wyatt in possession of these necessary household ornaments. These were the early ones; later, both loom and wheel were found in nearly every home.

Dr. William P. Thompson was first physician " in these parts," and he practiced in Franklin township, as he did, for years, in all the country around.

Elections, Etc

The political history of Franklin township can be traced back to 1839, when, at the May term of the Livingston County Court, an election was ordered to be held at the house of James Weldon, on the 1st day of June, 1839. This was the earliest election, and three justices of the peace were to be elected for Morgan township, of which Franklin was then a part. Who these first justices were is not of record. The second election was held October 19, 1839, at the same place, and it was to vote for an assessor for the county of Livingston. In tlie fall of the same year, Martin Winn received the appointment of justice of the peace, vice Samuel Benson, resigned, who, consequently, must have been one of the three first judicial oflicers of tlie township. The next election was held in the summer of 1841, on the 19th day of June, and William Schooler, David Ashbrook and William P. Fitzpatrick were chosen justices of the peace for and within the township of Franklin. How long these gentlemen dispensed justice the record sayetli not, but probably for six years, for in the winter of 1847 James R. Devaul was elected and served one year as justice of the peace. These were the eai-ly ofiicers. Others were elected as the threads of time unwound, and served faithfully and well. In the meantime the township was reorganized and the town of Spickardsville came into existence, and under the new order of things a petition was filed with the County Court praying for the removal of the voting precinct from the house of James Clark to Spickardsville, in October of 1872, which failed. The first ofiicers under the new regime were S. W. Eeid and George W. Cox, justices of the peace; Jasper L*. Newton, collector; Wm. A. Brainerd, clerk; W. W. Evans, supervisor; David C. Pugh, assessor - the whole number forming the township board. The election took place April 1, 1873. William Schooler was appointed constable. May 25, 1874, Martin Y. Ewing was appointed trustee, and Charles Spickard, clerk. A new board was elected April 21, 1875, the members being, Henry Montgomery, chairman; William Brainerd, William Pratt, and Charles Spickard, clerk. Martin Y. Ewing was appointed trustee and J. W. Ellis was appointed constable.

April 19, 1876, the new members elected were, 11. C. Montgomery, cliairman; William Pratt, justice of the peace; S. W. Keid, and John M. Moore, clerk. The election of April 11, 1877, made the members of the board consist of Jacob Keith, chairman; G. W. Pratt, justice of the peace; Jonathan Wiseman, assessor; Jolm M. Moore, clerk. Wesley Keitli was appointed constable. The next election of record took place on the otli of April, 1881, and those elected' were, William Spickard, collector; II. A. Schooler, clerk and assessor; II. Montgomery and O. P. Munn, justices of the peace; which constituted the township board. Wesley Keith was elected constable. These gentlemen are the present trustworthy and efficient officers of the township.

The Churches

The first religious services held in Franklin townshij) were conducted by the Rev. Reuben Aldridge, a Methodist circuit rider, who preached at the homes of David Ashbrook and William Schooler as early as 1839. Services were also held by the Rev. Thomas Thompson, a minister of the Christian denomination, who was one of the early settlers, and who conducted religious M'orship at his own home, and that of William Wyatt, in the year 1839. These were the first services held in the township.

Regular church organizations were formed, and among the first members of the Methodist Episcopal Church were the names of David and Margaret Ashbrook, William and Mary Schooler, Benjamin and Annie Nichols, and William and Elizabeth Keith. This was in 1839. Rev.' Mr. Aldridge continned to conduct the services, off and on, until 1841, when he was succeeded by the Rev. E. Marvin, the first minister of the Grundy Mission, who rode the circuit in that year. Mr. Redmond was the presiding elder of the circuit.

In 1842 the services were held in the log school-house which had been erected that year on the land of Benjamin Nichols. Preaching was continned in this log school-house, by different ministers, until 1855, when- Bethel Church was erected, three miles east of the present town of Spickardsville. It was a union church, and the first church building erected irt the township, the property of the South Methodists, and used b}'^ the Baptists, Christians and the United Brethren, each holding services once a month, until 1861, when services were discontinued, and the edifice remained idle during the years of the civil war. The Baptists and the United Brethren again used it, and continued to hold religious meetings there until last year. Rev. Mr. Marvin afterward became bishop of the Southern M. E. Church.

The Christian organization continued to exist and hold services at the residence of the different members after .its organization in 1839. The roll of the first members contained the names of William and Rachel Wvatt, William and Sarah Reid, Benjamin D. and Melinda L. Thaxton, John and

Julia Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Young and Mrs. Delilah Thompson, wife of the minister. Rev. Thos. Thompson conducted the services until 1850, when he went to California, where he preached until his death several years a,go. Other ministers officiated at the Bethel Church for this denomination.

The iirst school taught in the township was by a young man by the name of Robert Huston, in 1842. A vacant house was used and quite a number of pupils attended. This school was only of short duration. In the following year the settlers in the neighborhood erected the first school-house in the township; each volunteered to do certain work and the result was a primitive affair, built of logs, with one window and a door and rude benches. This was on the land of Benj. Nichols.

William Schooler officiated as first schoolmaster and the compensation was about sixteen dollars per month. The erection of this first log schoolhouse was a gala day to all the country round, and the neighbors all turned out and assisted and joined in the hurrahs that ladened the air when the last log was put in place and the finishing touches done.

This little village with its three hundred and thirty inhabitants, which is not noted for its beauty or for its unrivaled location, is pleasantly situated on rolling woodland, twelve miles north of Trenton, M'itli the Weldon Fork or the Grand River skirting its western side. It is a station on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, and a shipping point of considerable importance. The energetic industry of the citizens has laid the foundation for a flourishing town, and its business facilities have caused the country to improve in a corresponding ratio. It is daily giving evidence of its determination to grow and prosper, and ranks next to Trenton as the business point of the county.

On the 27th of June, 1871, there was filed in the County Court a description of the proposed location of the town of Spickardsville, which was given in the following words:

" Commencing at the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 21, township 63, range 24, thence west 470 feet, thence in a southerly direction 60 rods, thence east 452 feet, to the section line, thence north to the place of beginning."

This plat was to be divided into eight blocks, two hundred feet square, two blocks running east and west, and four running north and south. The streets were, with one exception, forty feet in width. This one exception was the street extending east and west on the north end of the town, and was sixty feet in width. The town was located on land belonging to Mr. O. A. Spickard. In October, 1873, the following petition to incorporate the town of Spickardsville was filed with the County Court. The corpo-

"We, tlie undersigned inhabitants (tax-payers), of the town of Spickardsville, Grundy county, Missouri, petition your honorable body to incorporate tlie town of Spickardsville, in order that we may establish a ])olice force for our local government, and for the preservation and regulation of any commons appertaining to such town. The metes and bounds of said corporation to be as follows: Beginning at the northeast corner of the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section number twent3'-two, and running one-half mile west, to the northwest corner of the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section number twenty-one; thence south threefourths of a mile, to the southwest corner of the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section number twenty-one; thence one-half mile east to the southeast corner of the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of section number twenty-two; thence north three-fourths of a mile to the beginning corner, all in tovi^nship sixt}^, of range twenty-four. And we further pray that your honorable body appoint the following persons as trustees of- said corporation, they being resident householders of said town for the j^ast twelve months, and above the age of twenty-one years: James- D. Wamsley, James M. Copper, Dr. C. E. Wilkerson, David C. Pugh and Milo Robertson.

The petition was received October 6, 1873, and filed. The County Court then made the following order, and placed it upon the records, on page 185, BookE:

" Now at this day comes S. W. Reid, James D. Wanisley, B. F. Spickard and others, being two-thirds of the inhabitants of the town of Spickardsville, Grundy count3% Missouri, and file their petition to this court for an order incorporating said town, granting to them the power to establish and maintain a police force for their local government, and for the jjreservation and regulation of any commons appertaining thereto, and the court, after -due deliberation aild consideration, and being satisfied that two-thirds of the inhabitants of said town have signed the petition, doth order, adjudge and decree, that the following metes and bounds; viz. (here follows description which is in the petition), be and the same is hereby incorporated, with full power and authority to establish and maintain a police for their local government, and for the preservation and regulation of any commons appertaining to said town. And it is further ordered that the inhabitants within such bounds shall be a body politic and corporate, by the name and style of 'The inhabitants of the town of Spickardsville,' and by that name they and their successors shall be known in law, have perpetual suc- unless disincorporated, sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, defend and be defended in all courts and in all actions, pleas and matters whatsoever; may grant, purchase, hold and receive property, real and personal, wdthin said town and no other (burial-grounds and cemeteries and may lease, sell and dispose of the same for the benefit of the town, and may have a common seal, and break and alter the same at pleasure. It is further ordered that James D. Wamsley, C. E. Wilkerson, Jas. M. Copper, David C. Pugh and Milo Ilobertson, shall constitute the first board of trustees, to carry into effect this charter under the laws of Missouri, and shall hold their trusts until their succe ssors are elected and qualified, as may be provided for by ordinance."

The incorporation of the town gave the people confidence, and a general feeling prevailed that Spickardsville would become the metropolis of the northern portion of this county and the southern jiortion of Mercer county, near the border of which it lies. The prospect for a business point of no mean importance has already been shown.

The first meeting of the town trustees appointed by the County Court was on April 27, 1874. J. D. Wamsley was elected mayor; M. V. Ewing, J. Wiseman and S. B. Stapp, trustees. J. Copper was appointed clerk, and H. Montgomery, marshal.

In the election of April, 1875, J. Wiseman was promoted to the mayorship, and David Bonta, Wra. jSTewton, M. V. Ewing and D. J. Lindsey the board of trustees.

In 1876 H. Montgomery assumed the ])osition of mayor, Milo Robertson, clerk, while the board went into the lavish expenditure of having an attorney. Mr. S. W. lieid secured this highly honorable and lucrative office.

There was nothing of interest trans})ired for the next two or three years. They changed officers, and S])ickardsville continued to grow from a dozen or so of houses, in 1871, to a town of over four hundred inhabitants, in 1881. This is not a surprising increase, but it is the steady increase brought on by the settlement of the country around. Spickardsville now has a solid, not mushroom growth, and as the country settles she will grow and prosper, because the country around will find it the most convenient, and where a market can be found the equal of more pretentious places.

The present officers who are in chai-ge of the municipal interests of Spickardsville are: N. F. Munn, chairman of the board; F. A. Bonner, clerk, and C. II. Cornwell, Perry Schooler and S. B. Stapp as members of the board.

Two saloons, where the spirit of man might be regaled by the spirit of rye, held open in 1875. They continued one year and closed up. Another was started, and it followed, passing in its checks, and a third and last closed its portals last spring.

There have been three additions to the town of Spickardsville since the location of its original metes and bounds. Two of these hav^e been off of the land of B. F. Spickard, and one off of that of S. B. Stapp. These additions comprise twelve blocks two hundred feet square, four blocks two hundred and lifty-six feet by two hundred feet, and three half blocks one hundred and twenty by two hundred feet.

There are but two saw-mills in the township, and one flouring-mill. Two of the three are located near the town. The flouring- mill is owned by Coon Bros. & Company, and was erected in 1880, at a cost of $7,000. It has two run of stone, with a capacity of one hundred and twenty-five bushels of wheat and three hundred bushels of corn per day, the owners making a market for all the grain in that section of the country. The sa\\'"-mi]l was built by S. B. Stapp in 1871, and he continued its owner until ]S"ovember, 1880, when he sold it to his son, D. "W. Stapp. Both of these mills are run by steam-power. The other saw-inill has been running two years, is owned by Mr. Benj. Bosley, and is about two miles from town.

Receipts By Railroad

The receipts by the Chicago, Rock Island & Paciiic Railroad at Spickardsville will give some idea of the business of the town, together with its shipments. This statement shows a growth of abont forty-three per cent for the six months ending July 1st, 1881, over the corresponding six months of 1880. The receipts were as follows:

The receipts for the past six months of 1880, from July 1st to December 31st, showed the handsome amount of 418,917 pounds of freight, but it is evident that the fall business of 1881 will equal the increase of the spring comparison, the month of July showing a handsome excess.

The freight paid on shipments by rail from January 1st, 1880, to January 1st, 1881, amounted to $12,998.07. The six months ending July 1st, 1881, was $5,684.97. The year will probably exceed that of the year previous.

The station agents have been Mr. Thomas, followed by D. J. Lindsey^ and the latter succeeded by the present agent, W. R. Tupper, who has held his position since June 14, 1876.

The churches of Spickardsville hav^e shown a favorable growth since step& were taken to organize them, and build separate houses of worship. For years it was the habit of using the buildings for churches and schools, and while this is to be expected in a newly settled country, it is not good for the growth of any denomination. A se]>arate church building, let it be ever so liumble, dedicated to the cause of Christ and kept as his sacred temple, is far better than joining watli schools, and is much more likely to add to the efficacy of its Christian work.

Christian Church

The oi-o-iiiiization of tliis clnircli took })lace February 13, 1870, at the Fraukliu scliool-house, in district minihcr live. The first preaclier was the Rev. S. H. Heiidrix, and the following were the meinLers of the church: Levi Burke.yhile, W. T. Hughes, Henry Scott, Thos. J. Wyatt, JST. W. King, Win. Wyatt, Jno. T. Wyatt, Edna S. Scott, Mary Crocket, Priscilla Burkeybile, Ann E. Hughes, R. E. A. Wyatt, A new church was erected for this denomination in 1875, N. W. King architect and contractor, the edifice costing $000. The church has no regular minister at this time, and service is held only occasionally.

M. E. Church

This church is located at Spickardsville, and was organized in 1873. Its service was held the first year in the school -house, and its pastor was Rev. John Burris. The names of those who joined in its first organization are as follows: James Ashbrook, class-leader; Rachel Ashbrook, M. V. Ewing, Emily Ewing, S. V. Mentor, Nat. W. Keith, Margaret Keith, Wesley W. Evans, Catherine Evans, Jonathan Wiseman, Hannah Wiseman, N. F. Munn and Am}^ Munn. The contract for building the church was given to W. D. Bonta and Milo Robertson, and the cost was $800. The dedication sermon was preached by Dr. Glendeni ng. The church was completed tlie summer of 1874:, and its first pastor was the Rev. John W. Burris, who remained with it the remainder of the year. Revs, Monroe and Todd officiated in 1875, Rev. W. F. Hart in 1876, Rev. B. F. Todd in 1877, Rev. E. J. King in 1878 and 1879, and Rev. W. C. Renter in 1880, who still remains. This is the only Methodist Church in the township. Its first trustees were, M. V. Ewing, S. B, Stapp, W. Y. Denslow, W, W. Evans, and Nat, W, Keith, The following are the present trustees: W. V. Denslow, S, B, Stapp, W, W. Evans, N. M. Coon and F. A. Bonner,

There is a Union Sunday-school held at the above church, which has an average attendance of from forty to fifty scholars. The superintendent is F. A. Bonner, and its secretary S. B. Stapp.

Cumberland Presbyterian

This, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, is the oldest organized churcb in the township. This was efiected in the year 1868, in a grove about one mile north of Peter Amicks's in the fall of that year. Its first pastor was the Rev, A. F. Cooper, and its members were: Peter Amick and Lydia A,, his wife, Hiram Kelso, Samuel Kelso, Alvira Kelso, Samuel Means, his wife and daughter, Sally Kelso, W. W. Corn well, Minerva Corn well and Elizabeth Cornwell, About four years after its organization it was removed to the Tracy school-house, in Lincoln township, where it still exists.

United Brethren Church

This society was first organized in Franklin township, about the year 1857, by Rev. John Osborn. They assembled in the old Bethel church, (which was under the control of the M. E. Church, South) until the war, when they met in private houses. After the war closed they again held services in the same church, and continue to do so. The names of the first members are as follows:

George Lambert, Mary Lambert, Hannah Wiseman, Wesley Ellis, Mary Ellis, S. D. Lowe, Jane Campbell and Ann Schooler. The society was organized in Spickardsville by Rev. J. M. Farley, about the year 1877.

Franklin township had a population in 1870 of 1,029. In 1876, after thg redistricting of the county made the new township organization, the population was still 1,029, the gain at Spickardsville and in the county was nearly enough to make up for loss of population of that part of her territory attached to Lincoln. The cenus of 1880 gives the total population at 1,261, being the third in the county. Of this number Spickardsville is set down with a population of 330.

Her assessed valuation in 1874 was $169,801. That of 1880 was given by congressional townships and not municipal. The number of acres within her bounds is 20,480.

There are seven schools in the township and all are in a flourishing condition. The following is an outline description of the locations and schools in the various districts:

School-house No. 4, in section 17, township 63, range 24, has perhaps the most interesting history, being the successor to the old log school-house built in 1843 by the volunteer services of the neighbors. After the removal of this first primitive structure another school-house was erected in 1857, also by the volunteer work of the neighbors. This was quite an improvement on the first, but still lacked a cjreat deal of being perfect in its appointments. It was constructed of logs with such modern conveniences as a stone chimney and a fire-place, and seats made of split logs with holes bored in the ends for the insertion of the legs. John C. Keed was the first teacher, and received the munificent salary of '^16 per month. The directors for that term were Messrs. G. A. Spickard, John Spickard and Thomas Austin. The present school building was erected in 1868 by Thomas Austin and J. B. Wilson, and cost about $700. Mr. Jeff'erson Steele was the first teacher, and received $40 per month for his services. The present directors consist of Messrs. G. A. Spickard, W. J. Johnson and J. B. Wilson.

The school-house in district No. 5, section 15, township 63, range 24, was built in 1868, by Chauncey Hall, and on the 25th of November, 1872, it was burned down. Miss Adaline Ilobbins officiated as the first teacher of the school. A new building was put up in 1873, and is still in use.

School-house No. 9 is situated in the town of Spickardsville. It was built in the year 1873 by W. H. Newton, and cost some $400. The first preceptor was Mr. W. A. Brainerd, who taught until last year, when he was succeeded by Miss Lizzie Brainerd, who officiated up to the time of vacation.

The school-house in district No. 8 was erected by Peter A.mick in 1869, at a cost of $550, and the first teacher who officiated was Benjamin C. Nichols. The building furnished food for the fiames in September, 1880, and the same fall was rebuilt by II. Montgomery.

Neat and tasty school-houses have been erected in section 19, township 63, range 23, section 19, township 63, range 24, and section 30, township 63, range 23. The first numbered 3, the second 5 and 6, and the last 6 and 7. Schools have been conducted regularly since their erection. This closes the list of schools in the township.

Biographical Sketches Peter Amick

Fifth son of Nicholas Aniick, and Sarah Amick, nee Foust, was born in Clarke county, Indiana, September 15, 1819. His parents moved to Jennings county, in 1821; remained with his parents farming until 1843, when on April 20, he married Miss Barbara Clapp, daughter of Wm. Clapp, and in 1851 moved to Jefterson county, Iowa. His wife died March 10, 1852, when he sent his children to Indiana, and crossed the plains to California. Keturned to Madison, Indiana, by the Nicaragua route, in 1853.

moved to liis present farm in Franklin township. Being opposed to sTavery, he was branded as an Abolitionist, wdiich cansed liim consideral)]e trouble before and during the war. In 1860 only three men in his voting precinct voted for Abraham Lincoln, and he was the only one who publicly acknowledged it. He joined the Missouri militia for six months, and his eldest son, Abram P., enlisted in the Twenty-third Missouri infantry for three years, and was in the battle of Shiloh, and with Gen. Sherman on his march to the sea, and was discharged in the fall of 1864:. In the spring of 1863, Mr. Amick took another trip to California, returning in May, 1864. After his return he lived in Trenton two years, and then returned to his farm, where he has since remained.

He has been the father of thirteen children, eio-ht of whom are livino:, and named as follows: Abram P., married Sarah J. Townsend and they have two sons, William and George; Festus F., Zur. Z., Joel F., Oscar P., "Walter F.. Seretta A, and John Sherman.

Jacob Ashbrook

The subject of this sketch is a native of Logan county, Ohio, born November 29, 1831. When about eight years old his parents removed to Grundy county, and located a farm upon the banks of Muddy Creek, where he grew up and received an education in the earlj^.log school-houses of the country. Reared upon a farm, he naturally took a great liking for the profession of agriculture, and upon reaching manhood began the life of a farmer on his own resources, and is now the possessor of one of the finest farms, of one hundred and twenty acres, to be found in Franklin township. He has a comfortable residence, beautifully located, commanding a fine view of the surrounding country. At the youthful age of eight years he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has ever since been a faithful and consistent member. In 1878 he was licensed an exhorter and through his instrumentality much good has been achieved. Mr. Ashbrook has won a well deserved reputation as a man of honesty and fair dealing. He was united in marriage to Miss Rachel White, on the 10th of March, 1859, in Franklin township. Nine children were the fruits of this union, five of whom are living; namely, Margaret A., William M., Janette E., David F. and Orville. Those dead are: Joseph G., Louise, Wesley and Isu B.

Eli A. Cook

Son of John and Sarah Cook, nee Wilson, was born at Salem, Henry county, Iowa, September 8, 1843, and educated at the high school of his native place. In August, 1862, lie joined the Nineteenth Iowa infantry and took part in the battle of Springfield, January 8, 1863, the several engagements and siege and surrender of Vicksburg, July 4, 1863. Was in General

Banks's expedition through Texas and remained at Brownsville nine niontlis; took ])art in the siege and capture of forts Gaines and Morgan in Mobile Ba}'; also in tlie engagements at Bagdad, Florida, and Pascagoula, Mississippi; was discharged at Davenport, Iowa, then went home to Henry county, same State. In the tall of 1865 moved to Alpha, in tliis county, and tauglit school.

On October 6, 1867, he married Miss Mar}' I. Littrel, step-daughter of the late Samuel Wilson, of Alpha. Was appointed justice of the peace for Marion township in the spring of 1871, and after the township was reorganized in 1872, M'as elected three times consecutively justice of the peace for Wilson township. In December, 1879, he resigned the office and moved to Spickardsville, where he has since lived, carrying on his present mercantile business. Mr. and Mrs. Cook have four children; viz., Edgar A., born September 2, 1868; Emma, born January 27, 1871; Cara, T)orn August 31, 1873; Albert P., born November 24, 1875.

Nathan M. Coox

Son of Jacob B, Coon and Julia C. Coon, nee Blair, was born in Mercer county, Missouri, July 29, 1852, and was educated at the district schools. June 23, 1872, he married Miss Minerva J. Drinkard, of Grundy county, and engaged in farming. In 1873 he wjis licensed an exhorter in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was Sunday-school superintendent from 1873 to 1879, and in 1877 became a licensed preacher. In 1878 he was elected justice of the peace for Washington township, Mercer county, and held the office until the fall of 1879, when he resigned and moved to Spickardsville, Franklin township, Grundy county, and commenced to build the steam flouring-mill, which Avas completed in the following year at a cost of about $6,000, and which he is now running, in partnership, in the firm name of Coon Bros. & Co. Mr. and Mrs. Coon have three children ; viz., Fred. W., Leslie E. and Luetta C.

Rev. W. V. Denslow

William Y. Denslow, second son of John H. Denslow, and Martha, his wife, 7iee Shepherd (his father was a native of New York, and his mother of Kentucky), was born in Jennings county, Indiana, February 7, 1823. He attended a subscription school a short time in Jennings county. In the fall of 1839 his j^arents moved to Cedar county, Iowa, and he engaged with his father in farming. In 1854 he moved to Bgnton county, Iowa, and there married Miss Martha M. Cockburn, on July 26, 1855, and the same year was elected township assessor. - In 1857 he removed to Franklin township, this county, and bought a farm in section twenty -five, township sixtythree, range twenty-three. In the spring of 1859, he sold out and went to Pike's Peak, but came back in the fall, and bought his present farm. On August 26, 1861, he joined the Twenty-third Missouri infantry, company C,

Captain Jacob A, Trnrabo, and was with the rec^iment in the battle of Sliiloh^ April 6, 1862, when he was taken prisoner and sent to Montgomery, Alabama, and then to Macon, Georgia. While at Macon he, with three others, escaped by excavating under the wall of the prison. They traveled by night and hid by da}', their principal food being peaches and raw roasting-- ears; they managed to get one goose, which they also ate raw. This made them very sick, and after about a week's absence they surrendered at a farmhouse and were sent back and put in irons. They were then sent to Libby Prison for a short time, and afterward paroled. The Union authorities received them in a steamboat on the James River, October 16, 1862, and when he again found himself under the old flag, his feelings of joy were indescribable. He was taken to Trinity Hospital, Washington, and to the hosi^ital in Baltimore, under charge of Dr. Quick, after which he was moved to Camp Parole, Alexandria, where he was discharged, December 6, 1862. His wife and three children remained at the farm, the eldest about five years and the youngest less than a year old, with no friends or relatives in the count}'. He was elected justice of the peace for Franklin township, in 1858 and in 1860. November 6, 1866, he was elected one of the three judges of the Grundy County Court, for six years, and served four years, when an act of the legislature declared his office vacant. During these four years no saloons were licensed, and the $200,000 railroad bonds were voted on and issued.

He became a member of tlie M. E. Church about the year 1865, and was licensed to preach in 1872, and still remains a minister. Mr. and Mrs. Denslow have three children, named, respectively, Cornelius E., born July 5, 1856; William M., born August 9, 1858, who married Caroline Schooler, May 22, 1880; and John A., born December 10, 1860.

Philip C. Devaul

Youngest son of Daniel and Sarah Devaul, nee Rhodes, was born in Daviess county, Missouri, August 9, 1836. His parents had lived in Grundy county and moved to Grundy again when he was very small. His mother died when he was five months old and was buried near Water Street, Trenton, and he went to live with Jarvis Woods, whose wife was his sister (and who were the first couple married in Grundy county). When about sixteen years old he moved to Daviess county and remained two years, then moved to Ray county, where he married on August 31, 1856, Miss Eliza Kinyon, daughter of Joseph Kinyon, of Clinton county^ Missouri. On November 10, 1863, he enlisted in the Twelfth Missouri cavalry, company D, Captain Richards and Colonel Wells, and was mustered in at St. Louis. Went to Memphis, Tennessee, drilled for a while and was then ordered to the front as skirmisher. Went through Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama, and was taken prisoner on the skirmish line at Camj)bellsville, Tennessee, a few days before the battle of Franklin, after which he was marched south to Andersonville prison. Those who had good shoes had thein taken away, and most of them went barefoot, with feet bleeding so that they could be traced by the blood. He was ke])t a prisoner five months and eight days, enduring sufferings and horrors beyond description. On June 2, 1865, he returned home to Grundy county, where lie has since lived. After he came home his toe nails and several of liis finger nails came off, besides losing his hair. Mr, and Mrs. Devaul have had five children, one dead and four living, whose names follow: George W., born June 23, 1857, married Miss Emily Massengill: they have one child, Mary E.: Sarah E. F., born April 20, 1859, married John J. Scott: they have one child, Mary Irene; Mary Jane, born April 25, 1866; Alwilda, born February 27, 1869.

Mrs. J. L. Faucett

Melinda Jane Weldon, daughter of Andrew and Matilda Weldon, nee Ham, was born in Lincoln county, Kentucky, on March 5, 1831. Her parents left Kentucky September 3, 1838, and landed in Franklin township, this county, January 3, 1839. The county was not then organized, and they moved in a log house on what is now Mrs. Austin's land. Garrison Carmine and Joseph Mendenhall were living there at the time. In the fall of 1838 the battle of Honn's Mill was fought between the Mormons and citizens of Missouri, and at that time two Mormon families, named Lathrop and Jackson, lived in this same house. The night and day after the battle these Mormon families kept her sister-in-law, Nancy Hatfield, and several others, prisoners until they, the said Mormons, were ready to leave the country, which they did with all speed.

In February, 1839, her family moved two and one-half miles west ol their first cabin home, and there she remained until her mother died, in April, 1849. In the following August she went to Decatur, Iowa, and June 26, 1856, was united in marriage to Joseph Hanley. In 1869 she moved to Lincoln county, Kansas, but i-eturned in 1860 to Livingston county, Missouri. In 1862 her husband joined the Twenty-third Missouri infantry, company K; was taken prisoner at Pittsburg Landing on April 6, 1862, and paroled in August, and died February 21, 1863. 'After her husband's death she removed to Grundy county, and in March, 1867, was married to J. L. Faucett. She became the mother of four children, all of whom are dead. The Weldon Fork of Grand River was named after her cousin, James Weldon. Her second husband, J. L. Faucett, was born in Oi-ange county, North Carolijia, July 31, 1817, and lived there until 1840, when he moved to St. Joseph, Missouri, and in the spring of 1844 moved to Liberty, Clay county, and in the fall of the same year went back to North Carolina. In 1850 he moved to Kichland county, Illinois, and in 1855 came to Grundy county, where he has since resided. On October 24, 1849, he married Miss

Maiy A. Pettigrew, who died May 8, 1866, leaving one daughter, Isabel, who married Joseph Moore. On March 11, 1867, he married Mrs. Melinda J. Hanlej, his present wife.

Alson A. Hart

Fourth son of Absalom and Deborah Hart, nee Hodson (of North Carolina), was born in Highland county, Ohio, September 6, 1825. In 1827 his parents moved to Madison county, Indiana. In 1839 went to Henry county, Iowa, and his motlier died there in 1840. Moved to Jeiferson county in 1842, and in 18-13 left there and went to St. Joseph, Missouri. In the fall of 1844 he moved back to Iowa, and on February 28, 1845, married Miss Mary Kape. In October, 1S47, he enlisted in the Second regiment. United States dragoons, company C, for the Mexican War; went to St. Louis, Jeiferson City (^Missouri), New Orleans, landed at Yera Cruz,' marched to Camp Washington and to the City of Mexico under General Scott. ( When the General \oas arrested hy order of Generals Pillov) and Worth he was one of his escorts from tJie City of Mexico to Yera Cruz. At the west gate of the latter city Gen. Scott, hefore jKirting, made them a very encouraging sjjeech in which he shouted great emotion.) He visited the old city of Montezuma. When the treaty of ])eace was ratified he returned home, having been discharged in July, 1848. Continued farming in Jefferson county, Iowa, until 1856, then traveled with goods through south Iowa and north Missouri until 1858, when he moved to Linn county, Kansas, and lost considerable property while there and returned to Iowa. In May, 1869, he bouglit land in Franklin township, and has farmed it ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Hai't have had seven children, four of whom are living; viz., Louisa Jane, born July 14, 1847, married John Francisco, and has six children; Elston W., born February 10, 1853, married L. Covej^, has four children; Ann G., born January 11, 1855, married A. M. Deane, has three children; Sarah M., born February 14, 1857, married E. Browning, has two children living and one dead.

Rev. N. Av. Keith

Nathan W. Keith, fourth son of AVi Hi am Keith and Elizabeth Keith, nee Asbury, was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, September 23, 1827. His parents moved to Logan county, Ohio, about 1828, and in 1839 moved to Franklin township, Grundy county, where he attended a subscription school (Col. J. H. Shanklin, of Trenton, being one of his teachers), and worked on the farm with his father until 1849, December 9th of which year he married Miss Margaret Schooler, and farmed in Grundy county until 1854, when he moved to Mercer county, remained there until 1858, then bought a farm in Franklin township. In 1861 he moved to Wayne county, Iowa, and remained there twelve years, then returned to Franklin township and bought the farm on which he now lives. He was licensed as preacher for the M. E. Church in 1866, and continued to ])reach in that cliurch until 1880, when he changed to the United Brethren and now iias charge of the Spiekardsville station. Mr. and Mrs. Keith have eight children living, as follows: Christopher C, born December 8, 1850, married Hannah E. Ilarron, who died December 18, 1878, and then married Ivachel Dinsmoor; Sarah Jane, born October 17th, 1852; A^^m. Wesley, born February 19, 1855, married Elvina Trussel; Francis M., born May, 14, 1857, married Ilaimah Ellis; Ezekiel born ISlovember 30, 1860; John N., born July 4, 1863; Thomas H.v born December 26, 1866; Alfred Asbury, born January 8, 1870.

Son of James and Philena Mumi, nee Oliver, was born in Burlington, Lawrence county, Ohio, June 16, 1819. Was educated in Logan county and married there to Miss Sophia Ellis on October 17, 1838, and engaged in farming. In the fall of 1840 he moved to this county, taking up one hundred and sixty acres of land on Honey Creek, about five miles southeast of Spiekardsville. When he commenced, his whole outfit for himself, wife and child, weighed about one hundred and seventy-five pounds, and he had seventy-five cents in cash. He built a log cabin in the spring of 1841, and cleared and fenced about five acres of land, and as he had no team, carried all the rails used in fencing on his shoulders. He borrowed a team to break the ground, and his wife dropped the corn and carried the baby. In 1842 he traded his claim for $50, taking a horse for pay which died in less than a week and he was just as poor as ever, but they Avere happy. The county was so full of natural resources that if a man had his health he felt rich. He then moved to Mercer countv, but returned in 1849. In 1850 lie went to California and in the spring of 1852 returned to Franklin township and bought the Blakely farm (now owned by D. C. Pugh) and lived there until 1873, excepting the time spent in a visit to Pike's Peak in 1860. Mrs. Munn died August 19, 1872, leaving five children. On March 13th, 1873, he married Mrs. Amy Hooker, of Sullivan county, Missouri, and moved to Spiekardsville and engaged in the mercantile business until 1880, when he sold out. From 1865 to 1872, Mr. Munn was a licensed minister of the church of the United Brethren.

By liis two marriages Mr. Munn has been the father of seven children. Five by his first wife; namely, Oliver K., Eliza J., now Mrs. S. D. Lowe; Benjamin F.; James W., married Annie M. Khinehart; and Arinand L. By his second wife, Nettie F., and Alice P.

John Mooee

Fourth son of Levi and Rachel Moore, nee Haines, was born in Chariton county, Missouri, September 14th, 1822, and with his parents moved to Randolph county, from there to Daviess county, and Avhen he was quite small settled about two miles north of where Gallatin now stands, Richmond, in Eay county, being the nearest town. They moved from there to where Trenton is now located in 1833 or 1834. Bis father was the first white man who raised a crop in Grundy county - on ground near the present site of the railroad machine-shops at Trenton, where the first corn planted was destroyed by pigeons, wdiich were so numerous that the branches on the trees where they roosted broke off. Deer, Avild turkeys and honey were very plentiful, which, with hominy, was their principal food. His ])ants were made of buckskin, his cap of coonskin, and he never saw a pair of boots or shoes until he was about twelve years of age, wearing, in winter, moccasins made of cowhide. The county was surveyed b}' Mr. Applegate, in 1836, and he carried the surveyor's provisions. When Trenton was laid off he moved to where Mr. Val. Briegle now lives and while living at this farm the Indians often came to trade, and buy horses, giving their notes payable when the government paid them, with the old chief Tuck wash, as their security. This chief frequently went to Des Moines in behalf of the settlers to collect these notes which the Indians always paid promptly. Mr. Moore learned their language, while dealing with them. In August 184:7 Mr. Moore joined the Indian battalion for the Mexican War; was mustered in at Leavenworth and marched to Santa Fe, under General Price; was not inside of a house for thirteen months; took part in two engagments with the Indians in Mexico. When peace was declared he returned to Independence, Missouri, where the battalion was disbanded in November, 1848. On May 18th, 1849, Mr. Moore married Miss Emmeline Wasson. In the spring of 1850 he started over the plains for California, and meeting a compan}^ from Illinois at Council Bluffs, the two parties united and elected him captain, and tliey journeyed on together, taking five months to reach Hangtown, California. He went to the China diggings seventyfive miles east of Stockton, in October, and in the following April, at the request of his comrades, started back home to bring their families. He was seventy-seven days on the way from San Francisco to Panama, crossed tlie Isthmus on foot and took a steamboat, via Havana, for Ncm^ Orleans. Soon after his arrival in Grundy county he received a letter from his friends in California stating that they would be home in the fall, so he did not return. He joined the militia, in 1862, as second lieutenant of company A, and was stationed at Chillicothe. In May, 1863, he joined the provisional militia and was elected first lieutenant, and participated in one skirmish with the bushwhackers under Anderson. The militia disbanded in the fall, when captain G. A. Spickard and he made up a company, and went to St. Joseph, at their own expense. On arrival they found the regiment nearly full and he, with others returned home.

History Of Grundy Coukty

names of those by his first wife are Nova Zenibla Sublet, Bernettie, Selissabel, Cordelia Ellen, and Mary Emmeline; and by his second wife. Fortress Monroe and John Mayland.

John McLaughlin, third son of Tiiomas and Susan McLaughlin, nee Maple (his grandfather and grandmother came from Scotland), was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, August 26th, 1822. In 1825 his parents moved to Knox county, Ohio, where he was educated at the district schools, and remained until 1845, engaged in farming. April 13th, 1844, he married Miss Melissa Young and in the following year moved to Bartholomew county, Indiana. In 1857 he moved to Mercer county, Missouri, and in 1858 commenced to practice medicine. In 1861 he joined the Missouri militia and was commissioned lieutenant. In the fall of 1877 he moved to Spickardsville, in this county, and in March, 1878, purchased the farm on which he now lives, and continued the practice of medicine. His wife died May 25th, 1851, and left two children; namely, Lyman, born May 25th, 1846, married Miss Mattie Thogmartin, has five children; Sarah Jane, born May 25th, 1850, married James K. Yanderpool, has seven childreTi. August 13th, 1852, he married Miss Nancy A. Sullivan. They have five children living and three dead. Their names are: James S., born May 29th, 1853 married Mattie Vanderpool, has two children; Thomas Jefferson, born December 29th, 1854; William Allen, born October 29th, 1856, married Sarah E. Colman who died December 29th, 1879, leaving three children; John S., born August 10th, 1859; Melinda, born September 22d, 1861; Nancy Belle, born September 22d, 1872.

Third son of George and Elizabeth Montgomery, nee Jackson, was born in Decatur county, Indiana, February 18, 1843. In the fall of 1850, his parents removed to Benton county, Iowa, and he attended the district schools in Benton and Linn counties, and engaged in farming until 1861, when, on August 19th of that year, he enlisted in the Eighth Iowa infantry, company D, Capt. A. Geddes, Col. James L. Geddes; went to St. Louis, Syracuse and Springfield, back to Sedalia, Missouri, and wintered in 1861-62; in the spring of 1862 marched to the front, and was in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, and taken prisoner on April 6, and sent to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Macon, Georgia; in October, 1862, was paroled at Richmond, Virginia; went from there to Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland, and from there to St. Louis; in December, 1862, went home on a furlough, and was called out again in February, 1863; was present at the siege and capture of Yicksburg, and the engagements at Jackson, Brandon and Canton; remained at Camp Sherman on the Black Piver two months, thence to Memphis and

Pocahontas, Tennessee, where they wintered. Reenlisted in January, 1864, and was made color-sergeant. Came home on furlough, and on April 20th, 1864, married Miss Caroline Brainerd. Joined his regiment May 1, went to St. Louis and Memphis, and was on provost duty until March 1, 1865; was present at the siege and capture of Spanish Fort and Mobile; and was discharged at Dav'enport, in Aj)ril, 1866, having been in the service four years and eight months; went home to Benton county, Iowa, and commenced the carpenter and carriage building business. He moved to Grundy county in 1870, and farmed until 1872, when he moved to Spickardsville, and opened a carriage building shop. In the spring of 1875 he was elected justice of the peace for Franklin township, and member of the Spickardsville town board, in April, 1876. He w^as again elected justice of the peace in the fall of 1878, and became his own successor in the spring of 1881, which office he still holds, and is also a member of the town board.

Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery have five children living, the names and dates of whose birth are here given: Robert, born February 11, 1867; Olive J., born October 22, 1868; Mary L., born August 22, 1870; Isaiah B., born August 4, 1875; and Eva E., born July 20, 1881.

James G. Mooke

Seventh and youngest son of Levi Moore, and Rachel, his wife, nee Haines, was born in Randolph county, Missouri, June 16, 1828, and with his parents moved to Daviess county, Missouri, and from there to where Trenton now stands in the year 1833 or '34. He is a brother of John Moore, whose biography is recorded elsewhere. James G. Moore married Martha Wood, November 11, 1848, and lived with his parents two years on the farm now owned by Judge Val. Briegle, in Lincoln township, then moved to Franklin township where he now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have five children living and two dead. The eldest, James W., married Miss Mary Yanderford; Robert A., married Miss Elva Shaw; Levi E., married Miss Fanny Robertson; John M., married Miss Mary McCary, and died August 28, 1879, leaving his widow and three children; Oliver J. and Elizabeth Frances.

Oliver K., eldest son of N. F. and Sophia Munn, nee Ellis, was born in Logan county, Ohio, April, 11, 1840, in which j-ear his parents moved to Grundy county. After staying two years they moved to Mercer county, and then back to Grundy in 1849. He was engaged in farming until 1861, when, in August of that year, he enlisted in the Twenty-third Missouri volunteer infantry, company C, Captain Trumbo, and served in that regiment nineteen months, taking part in the battle of Shiloh and other engagements in which that regiment participated during that time. After his discharge he returned to Grundy county, and his health being so injured during the war, went to scliool and afterward tauii;lit. On February 24, 1804, Mr. Munn married Sarali White, (hiu<i:hter of William White. She died of ty])hoid fever in 1871. lie married again in April, 1874, Mrs. Iva Ann Wilkerson becoming his second wife, and moved the same month to Washington, Iowa, but came back and settled in Spickardsville in 1877. The same -year lie was a])])ointed postmaster, and has acceptably officiated ever since. In 1878 he was appointed notary public, and in April, 1881, was elected justice of the peace for Franklin township. lie is agent for the American Insurance Company, and Burlington Centennial Life Assurance Company.

Mr. Munn is the father of three children, two by his lirst wife; namely, William F., and Eliza E.; and by his second marriage one child has been born, named Loutetia B. The present Mrs. Munn had one child. John II. Wilkerson, by her first husband.

F. Josephus Payne, eldest son of William M. Payne, by his second wife, Julia A. Payne, nee Belshe, was born in Tazewell county, Virginia, July 7, 1835, and remained there, engaged in farming, until 1856, when he came to Grundy county. In the spring of 1859 he went to Denver and Pike's Peak, Colorado, and returned in the following fall. He married Miss Sarah A. Hobbs, daughter of Thomas Ilobbs, September 9, 18G0. On February 21, 1862, he joined the Third Missouri cavalry at Chillicothe, Colonel Walter A. King commanding, under Captain Garvin, in company I, and participated in the engagements at Springfield, Newtonia, and many other minor engagements, during the two years the regiment was in south Missouri, and in Arkansas. In the spring of 1864 the regiment had become so decimated by death, wounded and sickness, that it was consolidated with the Sixth and Seventh regiments of Missouri cavalry. In the fall of 1864, he took part in several fights with General Shelby's forces, and with General Price, during the six weeks the command was in Missouri, and wasmustered out at St. Louis, April 11, 1865. He returned to Franklin township, and has since been engaged in farming.

Mrs. Payne died October 23, 1870, leaving four children ; viz., Mary Jane,, born November 4, 1861, married Charles Miller; William L., born April. 28, 1866; Thomas F. and Rebecca A., twins, born November 13, 1868.. Mr. Payne married Harriette Dean, daughter of Abel W. Dean, April 25,. 1871. By this union they have four children; viz., Marion F., born February 7, 1872; John B., born September 3, 1874; Louis M., born September 27, 1877; Bertha Elmira, November 14, 1880.

Judge G. A. Spickard

county, Ohio, September 29, 1823. He lived with his parents, residing successively in Greene county, Ohio, and in Warren county, Indiana, removing to the former county in 1825, and to the latter in 1829, where he received his education by a three months' attendance at the district school. In 1837 his mother died, and three years later his father followed her to the grave. He remained in Warren county with his one brother and three sisters four years, and then migrated to Missouri, settled in Grundy county, and secured work as a Held hand upon the farm of Larkin Field in Washington township, in whose employ he remained three years. In 1847 he removed to Franklin township, entered a claim of eighty acres, which he improved and afterward purchased. On the 24th of August, 1847, he was joined in marriage to Miss Elizabeth (yantrell, of Grundy county. His eldest son, Charles, was born March 14, 1849. April 14, 1850, he sold his farm, and accompanied by his wife and son, packed their household goods in a wagon drawn by an ox team, and joined the anxious throng of treasure hunters who souglit fortunes upon the "golden shores" of far-off California. Over the plains he and his young wife and baby-boy, traveled for five long months and eleven days, when, in the "- Pleasant Yalley," on the Carson River, within ten miles of their journey's end, on the 21st of September, 1850, after two week's illness of "mountain fever," Mrs. Spickard closed her eyes in that long, last sleep that knows no waking, and there, in Pleasant Valley, in the early days of autumn, she was tenderly placed beneath the sod, and the ox team and its occupants moved sadly on. He settled at a small place known as " Miner's Home," near Coloma, El Dorado county, California, where, on October 23, 1851, he married Mrs. Mary Ann Ervin, of that place, a daughter of Rev. Thomas Thompson, the pioneer preacher of Grundy county, Missouri. Mr. Spickard engaged in mining upon Canon Creek for several months, and then removed to San Francisco, which city he left June 3, 1854, via the Nicaragua route for Grundy county, and arrived in Franklin township July 10, 1854. He bought three hundred and sixty-nine acres of wild land, near the farm he sold in 1850, upon which he has since resided. On the breaking out of the civil war he espoused the cause of the Union, enlisting August 28, 1862, in the Missouri State militia, and received his commission as captain of company C, to date from the 28th of the previous July. His company was stationed at Chillicothe and his services were chiefly north of the Missouri River. July 6, 1865, he was commissioned major, and still holds his commission, never having been discharged. November 6, 1866, he was elected one of tlie three judges of the Grundy County Court, for a term of six years, but resigned after four years service, during which time the Chicago & Southwestern Railroad was built.

Judo-e Spickard has converted the wild land which he purchased, on his return from California, into one of the most fertile farms in the county.

upon which he has'a ])leMsaiit home a mile and a half from Spickardsville, a town named in his honor, which he located in 1871. lie has nine children living, six sons and three daughters, and a son and a daughter dead. Their names are as follows: Charles S., born March 14, 1849, married Melissa Evarts, and died February 12, 1880, leaving a wife and live children; Eldorado C, born April 29, 1853, died July 16, 1854; John Thomas, born October 14, 1854; George I. B., born March 29, 1856; Sarah Frances, born February 6, 1858; William Warren, born November 9, 1859; Alexander U., born May 6, 1862; Benjamin F., born May 1, 1864; Mary M., born February T, 1866; Edward A., born February 12, 1869; and Melissa M., born April 21, 1871. Mrs. Spickard has one daughter by her first husband, Delilah Ervin, born August 26, 1847.

Dr. O. P. West

O. P. West was born in Garrard county, Kentucky, February 23, 1832, and was there reared and educated. After finishing his education he learned the painters and glazier's trade, and worked at the same until the fall of 1858, when he migrated to Ralls county, Missouri, where he taught school and read medicine, continuing this occupation and study until the spring of 1861. In the winter of 1866 he removed to Pike county, this State, and -continued to teach school and study medicine until the fall of 1867, when he went to Jackson, Mississippi, and pursued his medical studies until the fall of 1869. Returning to Missouri he located in Saline county and became engaged in the mercantile business as a clerk, occupying his leisure hours with study. In 1870 he removed to Jackson county, and from there to Lathrop, Clinton count}^, in 1871, and engaged in the drng business, and began the practice of medicine, and continued until April, 1872, when he <jame to Spickardsville, opened a drug store and entered actively upon the practice of his profession. He has become deservedly popular, and has secured a lucrative practice.

On the 31st of July, 1874, Dr. West was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Sailors, of Grundy county. They have had live children, but only two are living; namely, Charles C. and O. Pearl; those dead are Joseph, -James and Robert.