Green Ridge Township

Green Ridge Township

A town of about 300 population: was started in 1870-71, when the M., K. & T. Railroad came through the county. It is located in the northeastern part of the township and is beautfully situated on the prairie in the heart of a prosperous and fertile farming and stock raising region, has a dozen places of business, three churches, a good school house, grange hall, stock yards, warehouse for grain, etc., and is an active trading and shipping point. The shipments by rail from the station for the year 1881 -82, were as follows as reported by the accommodating agent, Mr. E. C. Havelv: Cattle, ninety-eight car loads; hogs, fort3'-five car loads; hay, fifty-one car loads; walnut logs, nine car loads; oats, eight car loads; broom-corn, eight car loads; flax seed, six car- loads; wheat, three car loads: corn, three car loads; sheep, three car loads.

The town has been incorporated for over a year and is in a fine condition financially, having no debt and but little expense connected with its management. The first Board of Trustees of the town were James Paton, Dr. W. H. Flesher, Benjamin Melvin, James S. Ream and F. A. Logan; John Ireland, marshal.

The Independent Order of Good Templars in the town was organized in 1873. They however allowed their organization to go down, but were reorganized last October, 1881, and now have 120 members in good standing. They occupy the old Grange Hall, but this is too small for their accommodation and a new hall is necessitated. The officers for the present quarter, May, 1882, are A. B. Fowler, W. C. T.; Carrie Buckner, W. V. T.; L. Anderson, R. S.; J. A. Logan, F. S.; Mattie Ream, Treasurer; M. Anderson, Chaplain; L. B. Ream, Marshal. Before their organization in October, 1881, there were two saloons in town but the influence of the Templars has succeeded in ridding the village of their presence and now it is a temperance town in the fullest sense of the word.

John H. Bell

The subject of this sketch was born in Edgar County, Illinois, near Paris, October 3, 1841, where he was raised on a farm until fifteen years of age. His father, Robt. K. Bell, came with his family, consisting of his wife and three children, to Pettis County, Mo., in 1856, and located on the land now occupied by his sons, John H. and James W. He died in 1869, and his ashes repose in the family burying ground, upon the farm, beside those of his wife, who had departed from this life ten years before. John H., his son, having received some education in Illinois, availed himself of the advantages afforded here also. Since the death of the father, his large farm has been divided among the children. In 1862 Mr. Bell enlisted in the Confederate army, and was assigned to duty in Hineman's escort, under Brigadier-General John S. Marmaduke; but towards the close of the war he was transferred to Young's battalion. A minnie ball passed through his right side in a small fight at a stockade between the mouth of the Red River and a bayou that empties into the Mississippi River. He shared all the fortunes and reverses of Young's battalion, and after leaving Hineman, Mr. Bell surrendered with his comrades at Shreveport, La. in June, 1865, to Gen. E. B. Canby, U. S. A., and was afforded transportation to St. Louis by steamer, and thence by rail to Sedalia, and from the last named place went direct to his farm. He was married Jan. 7, 1870, in Benton County, Mo., to Miss Mary H. McDaniels, who was born and resided there, and they have been blessed with two children, viz: Francis G. and Robt. M. Mr. Bell pays some attention to the culture of and speculation in stock, principally cattle, horses, hogs and sheep, while his farm shows many very striking recent improvements.

Robert L. Bell

The subject of this sketch, Mr. Bell, was born in Paris, Edj^ar County, Ills., Sept. 4. 1835, where, until twenty years of age, he resided upon a farm. At that age, in 1855, he came to Green Ridge Township, Pettis County, Mo., and entered 320 acres of government land at $1.25 per acre. He was married in Johnson County, Mo., in 1857, to Miss Nanc3^ J. Coats, a native of Fulton, in this State. The result of this marriage is five children, viz: James O., John, Lillie, Robt. B. and Benjamin F. Mr. Bell died Sept. 20, 1873, in the faith of the gospel, having been a member of the O. S. Presbyterian church since his seventeenth year. John Coats, the father of Mrs. Bell, was the first sheriff of Callaway County, upon whom the duty of hanging a criminal devolved, and her mother, now living in Johnson County in her seventy-eighth year, rode on the first boat that came up the Missouri River. Mrs. Bell and her children have charge of a large and well improved farm.

The subject of this sketch, Mr. Christian, was born near Lexington, Fayette County, Ky., in 1831. His father brought him, when but nine years old, to Boone County, Mo., and settled on a farm near Ashland, and the subject of our sketch became inured there to farm life and obtained an excellent education at the neighborhood schools. In 1852 he was married in that county to Miss Mary Black, and in 1854, with his small family, he came to Green Ridge Township, Pettis County, where he bought and improved his farm. But in 1861 his wife returned to Boone County, Mo., with her children, and died near Ashland in 1863, leaving four children, viz: David M., Louamma A., Katie and William S. At the beginning of the hostilities in 1861, Mr. Christian espoused the Confederate cause, and joined Col. B. F. Gordon's regiment, in the brigade of Gen. J. O. Shelby, so distinguished for raids and desperate fighting in concert with and independent of Gen. Sterling Price. But Mr. Christian obtained a transfer to Price's escort in the fall of 1863, with which he remained until the war closed. He participated in all the principal battles fought by Gen. Price, and surrendered with his comrades at Shreveport, La. He then returned to Boone County, Mo., gathered up the surviving members of his family, and in the fall of 1865 was again industriously laboring to repair his broken fortunes upon his farm in Pettis County, Mo. He was married the second time Dec. 24, 1865, in Callaway County, this State, to Miss JuHa A. Blythe, a native resident of said county. Through this union they have eight children, viz: Churchill, Sallie, Samuel M., Thomas, John, Charles R., Frank H. and Edmund F. Another child, Lee, died in November, 1871. Mr. Christian still suffers from a fever contracted while following the hard life of a soldier in 1862. He was taken prisoner once during the war, near Huntsville, on the War Eagle River, in Arkansas, but was released immediately afterwards and returned to his regiment. He has been a member of the Baptist Church for thirty-one years; his wife also has been a member for twenty odd years. He is an industrious farmer and very popular in his neighborhood.

Michael Doherty

Mr. Doherty was born May 22, 1841, in Kilkenny County, Ireland, where he lived until he was ten years old, attending the private schools. May 4, 1854, having crossed the Atlantic Ocean, he located at Peoria, 111., and during the seven years of his residence there he attended school. He then went to Livingston County, 111., where he rented a farm and followed that vocation for seven years. During part of this time he was constable of Pike Township, Livingston County. Mr. D. was married Oct. 1.5, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth Murphy, a native of Columbus, O. They have five children living, Edward W., Katie, Jno. T., Mar}- E. and Clarence J., and one dead, Nellie, who departed from this life in 1877. In November, 1868, he removed to Green Ridge Township, Pettis County, Mo., where he purchased a farm of 160 acres of land. He now has 480. He also has 100 head of steers, six cows, ten head of horses and a house whose elegance is in keeping with the surroundings, proving that all who come across the waters to America do not come here in vain.

William Ede

Mr. Ede was born in Surrey County, England, in the year 1832, and enjoyed the splendid facilities there afforded for education and preparation for life's duties. When sixteen years of age his father brought his family across the Atlantic and came directly to Missouri, locating on a farm in Jefferson County. In 1854 Mr. Ede went to California and mined extensively in Butte, Plumas and other counties in that State. He joined, in 1865, the Indian scouts of the United States army, known as Company A, First California Cavalry. He returned to Jefferson County, Mo., in 1866, and the same year married Miss Samira E. Parker, of said county, who died at Miller's Landing, Franklin County, in 1875, leaving two children, Margaret A. and Flora J. Mr. Ede went from there to St. Louis County, where he resided several years, his several occupations being farming, building county roads and railroading; afterwards removed again to Franklin County, where he was railroading on the Missouri Pacific. He there was married to Miss Lucinda Null, a native ot said county. They have five children, Mattie, Mary S., Ada, Dora and Cora. He moved again, this time to Henry County, where he followed railroading until January, 1880, when he located in Green Ridge, Pettis County, where he has since been section foreman on the M., K. & T. R. R.

The subject of this sketch was born near Smithton, Pettis County, Aug. 23, 1848. He received a good preparatory education in the same locality, and was raised on a farm, which occupation he has followed all his life in his native county. He was married Aug. 31, 1876, to Miss Cassie Mc- Gee, a native of Hickory County, Mo., and they have one child living, Lizzie L., and one dead, Augusta F. Mr, Edwards will continue his agricultural life, it having now become to him a lucrative and pleasant occupation.

Dr. Flesher was born in the year 1829 in Jackson County, Va., where he passed his childhood in acquiring a good preparatory education. His thorough medical education was obtained at two of the most noted colleges in this country. He attended the Louisville Medical Seminary, now the Louisville Medical College, first, graduating in 1850. He afterwards received the benefit of lectures at the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical College from 1854 to 1855. The eminent Dr. Jno. King, author'of the American Dispensatory, was then a professor in that excellent institution. Dr. Flesher practiced medicine for several years both in Virginia and Ohio, crossing the Ohio River to Great Bend. He was married March 2, 1852, to Miss Mary Parr, a native of Marietta, Ohio, the marriage having taken place in Meigs County, Ohio. Seven children are the offspring of this union, one of whom, Irwin W., was born in Virginia; two, Rosa and Lucy E., in Ohio; and four in Illinois, Minnie, Cora, Mamie and Nellie. The Dr. practiced his profession several years in Meigs Count}^ O., returning in 1860 to Worth's Bottom, Va., where he resided until the breaking out of hostilities in 1861. He then entered the U. S. army as assistant surgeon in the Eleventh Virginia Volunteer Infantry, Col. D. Frost commanding. He was connected with it but a brief time, however, for he was detached for recruiting service, and was rapidly promoted from the rank of First Lieutenant to that of Captain, and from the latter to the rank of Major, having recruited the battalion known as the Third Virginia Cavalry, whose head-quarters were at Parkersburg, W. Va. Major Flesher was next assigned to the Third Regiment of West Virginia Cavalry, which was annexed to Gen. Avery's command, and participated with him in his operations in and around Harper's Ferr^^ Soon after this regiment was reorganized, and attached to Gen. Geo. A. Custer's command. He followed Sheridan, the dashing and brilliant cavalry officer, in all his campaigns in the Valley of Virginia, and Maj. Flesher's command led the charge at the battle of Cedar Run, one of the most brilliant on record. His regiment was mustered out at Washington at the close of hostiHties. Dr. Flesher went thence direct to Olney, 111., with his family, where he resumed the practice of his profession, doing quite a prosperous business for thirteen years. In 1878 he came to Sedalia, and established a practice in that city and the surrounding countr}-, which he held until April 10, 1879, when he located in the town of Green Ridge, where he now has an extensive business and enjoys the confidence of all the good people for miles around in his integrity and thorough medical skill.

Mr. Fowler was born in April, 1828, in Rush County, Ind., where he was raised until, in his sixth year, his parents removed near Wabash, the county seat of Wabash County, on the Wabash River, being among the pioneers of that region. Here the father was employed as first County Surveyor, and his knowledge of the soil, etc., caused the settlers who wished to enter land to apply to him for assistance. The elder Fowler was born, raised and married in West Virginia. He died in Wabash County, Ind., when his son, Elmer L., was but eight years of age, who continued to reside on the same farm until the year of his marriage. He was united in matrimon}- in 1852 with Miss Mary E. Berget, also a native of Indiana, who died in the town of Wabash the following year. She left a son who lived but five months. Mr. Fowler was married again in 1854 to Miss Sarah Donaldson, a native of Decatur County, Ind., born in 1829, her parents having moved to Wabash County when she was six years old. The next year the family went to the Indian Reservation, held by half-breeds, in Minnesota, where they farmed about three years. In June, 1857, Mr. Fowler sold his efl^ects in the reservation and returned to Indiana, and resided for ten years continuously in Wabash County, running a saw-mill three-fourths of the time. Mr. Fowler was also a carpenter, and possessed considerable genius and skill in several mechanical employments. He worked at the carpenter's trade for several years. Finally, in the fall of 1868, he removed to Pettis County, Mo., and purchased the farm now occupied by his famil}'. Aug. 4, 1881, while cutting bands at a threshing machine, his shirt sleeve became unbuttoned, caught in the cylinder, drew his hand in after it, and it was so terribly crushed and the subsequent weather was so intensely hot that amputation became necessary. He lingered on, in much suffering, until Aug. 27, 1881, when he expired, with his weeping wife and children surrounding his death-bed. He had been raised by pious Presbyterian parents. Those of his family who survive him are his widow and six children: Wilbur E., Mary E., Arthur B., Marion L., Ella F. and Alice M. Another child, Fmma L., is dead. Mr. Fowler was Justice of the Peace in Green Ridge Township, Pettis County, Mo., at the time of his death, having been elected to that office, though unsolicited by him, two years before. His sons are the principal broom-corn raisers of the county, cultivating from

100 to 125 acres, with an average yield of 500 pounds per acre. One of the sons, Wilbur E., studied medicine under Dr. J. W. Trader, of Sedalia, in 1881, and is now at Ann Arbor, Mich., pursuing his studies. Arthur B. Fowler has charge of the farm, in the management of which he is assisted by Marion L., his youngest brother.

Edward C. Havely

Railroad agent, Green Ridge, Mo. Though Mr. Havely has not reached the meridian of his life, it has been very active and replete with pleasing episodes. He is a native of Pettis County, having been born in Green Ridge, Dec. 28, 1858; received a home education, and was raised on a farm. He commenced the study of telegraphy in Sedalia, at the excellent school of A. W. Nohe, and completed his knowledge of that art in his present position. Feb. 7, 1878, he was married to Miss Hattie Edwards, a native of Peoria, 111. He was appointed agent at Green Ridge station on the M., K. & T., Jan. 2<;, 1877, having managed the office for Mr. Keightly, his predecessor, from September, JS7H. Since his appointment the station has been managed in his name, iind with the exception ot a visit to Colorado in 1879, he has himself been assiduously attending to its duties.

Thomas Hemphill

The subject of this biographical sketch was born in Ohio County, W. Va., eight miles from Wheeling, in the year 1819, and raised on a farm. He experienced the usual vicissitudes of a farmer boy's life until he attained his maturity. In 1845 he was married to Miss Mary A. Austin, also a native of Ohio County, W. Va., who died in 18H5, leaving ten children: James P., Charles M., Geo. W., Benton A., William C, Thomas C, Alonzo L., McClelland R., Mary L. and Margaret O. He was again married in the same place March 4, 1869, to Miss Hannah E. Wallace, whose native place was the same as his own, and this union has been blessed with four children : Albert B., Martha M., Lottie L. and Alice V. He had come that year to Pettis County, Mo., and returned to his native State for the purpose of marrying, and located the same year four miles west of Lamonte, where he farmed for eleven years. In 1880 he purchased and improved his present fine farm in Green Ridge Township, Pettis County, on which there is an orchard of 150 trees. Mr. Hemphill and wife are members of the M. E. Church, South.

George Hollenbeck

Was born in Ohio, Nov. 27, 1850, and when about eight years of age, came with his parents to Pettis County, Mo., where he was reared and educated. After leaving school he engaged in farming and stock dealing, and is still following the same occupation. He owns a farm of two hundred and thirty-four acres, well improved, with a fine residence. His father, Alphonso, was born April 2, 1836, in Hudson, Ohio, where he grew to manhood; emigrating to Missouri in the spring of 1859. He died in California, June 26,1873. Amanda, the mother of our subject, was born April l-l, 1829, and reared in Ohio. Alphonso, the father, and Amanda, the mother, were married June 2, 1849, and in March, 1852, he emigrated to California, where he continued in mining until 1857; then returned to Ohio, thence to lUinois, where he remained until 1859, when he came to Pettis County, Mo. In October, 1861, he went into the army as wagon-master, serving in that capacity until 1863. After leaving the army he returned to his farm, where he continued until 1870, when he went to Nicaragua. In August, two years later, he went to California, where he engaged in farming, and continued in that employment till the time of his death, which occurred June 26, 1873. Mr. Hollenbeck was a man highly respected by all who knew him, a kind father and an atlectionate husband.

Robert P. Huston

This old and much respected citizen was born in Fayette County, Ky., near Lexington, in 1811. He was raised there on a farm until his twelfth year, when his father, Robert Huston, an inhabitant of Kentucky at that early day when canebrakes and Indians were the most familiar companion, and who served his country honorably in the war of 1812, in expeditions against the Indians, being for some time wagon-master in the army of Gen. Wm. H. Harrison, came to Boone County, Mo., where he farmed till 1833. In Columbia Robt. P. Huston, Jr., learned the hatters' trade with his brother, Wm. B. Huston, now residing in California, under James and Seneca Sutton; the firm being known as Sutton Bros. Both of whom are now dead. Mr. Huston and his brother bought them out in 1832, and Robt. P. sold out his interest two years later to Mr. Matthew Culbert. He was married in Boone Count}', Mo., in 1834, to Miss Nancy G. Wiseman, who was reared in Kentuck}-, her father having moved there when she was quite a child. They have seven children living: Robt. T., married and living in Henry County, Mo.; James H., married and living in Colorado City, Col.; Joseph W., married and living in Henry Co., Mo.; Jeannette T., wife of Harden B. Bell, residing near Stevensville, Montana; George B., married and living in Henry County; John G., married and living with his father, and William O., married and living in New Mexico. One child, Chas. D., died in November, 1864, near Lincoln, 111. He was not in the army, however. In 1837 Robt. P. Huston went to Illinois, where he farmed until 1846; then returned to Boone County, Mo., and farmed there until 1866, when he located permanently in Pettis County, Mo. Mr. H. joined the Presby- terian Church, (O. S.,) when he was twenty-three years old, but for the past twenty-eight years has been a member of the M. E. Church, South, to which all his family, with one exception, also belong. The aged father has ceased farming. The care of his large and well improved farm devolves upon his son, Jno. G. Huston.

Jno. W. Ireland

Proprietor of meat market, Green Ridge, Mo. The birth place of Mr. Ireland was Fulton County, 111., and the date March 11, 1844. When two years old his father and family removed to Hancock County, same State, where our sketch finds him at the age of fourteen, having been raised on a farm there, and receiving a good preparatory education. In 1858 he was again journeying towards a " better country," and his father located that year at Smithton, Pettis County; about two years later removed to Green Ridge. His father, who had come here primarily for his health? died at the latter place in 1860. After a varied and hard experience Jno. W. Ireland joined the State Guards, called out b}'^ Gov. Jackson, in the latter part of 18t)l,and in the fall of 1862 he united his fortunes with the regular Confederate army, under Gen. Price, being a sharp-shooter in the Ninth Battalion of Infantry, under Maj. L. A. Pindle. He followed Price in all his campaigns. In June, 1865, his battalion held the position of post guards at Shreveport, La., until they were relieved b3^ the United States forces, being the last body of Confederates that surrendered in good military order in the west. He then returned to Pettis County, and engaged in farming and threshing in Flat Creek Township. He was in the threshing business for several years. A short time after his return he established his residence in Green Ridge. Mr. Ireland was married April 18, 1876, to Miss Anna Melvin, daughter of Benjamin Melvin, and one child is the fruit of this union, Nellie H. Since the incorporation of Green Ridge he has been Town Marshal, and has won for himself both friends and honors by his energetic and upright deportment, both as a business man and an officer.

John Laney

Born in the town of Banwell, Somersetshire, England, in the year 1826. He passed his life on English soil with his father, Samuel Laney, as a farmer boy, until 1845, when, seeing the superior advantages of the laboring classes in the United States of America as compared with those of his native country, he embarked for the new world and located in the State of New York, working at the carpenter trade in Seneca Falls, Seneca County, for some time. We see him at the carpenter's bench afterwards in Syracuse, N. Y., Kingston, Canada West, Oswego, N. Y., and Buffalo, N. Y., removing from the latter place in 1849, to Waterloo, N. Y., where he also followed his trade. The same year, 1849, he returned to England on a visit to relatives, and while there was married to Miss Mary Price, a native of Banwell, England, the ceremony taking place at St. Mary's Rectory Church, in Bristol. The happy pair returned to America, and were blessed with four children: Francis M., Georgia A., John P. and Mary C. His wife died at Waterloo, N. Y., in September, 1858. Mr. L. was again united in matrimony in 1859, with Miss L,ucinda Lawrence, a native of Canada, having been born near Kingston. During the years of 1866 and 1867, having left his famil}^ at Waterloo, Mr. Laney was engaged in the oil refining business in Pennsylvania. In 1868, with his family, he came to Missouri, locating on his present farm near Green Ridge. It is one of the best improved farms in Pettis Count}', with elegant and ample buildings, good fences and beautiful trees and shrubbery. There are 240 acres in cultivation. His orchard contains twenty acres, comprising 1,220 trees of the best varieties adapted to the climate. Most of them are bearing, and fruit-buyers will find there the finest, largest and most abundant fruit crop, perhaps, on an}' farm in the county. Mr. Laney is justly proud ot his orchard, and devotes much time and skillful labor to protect it from insects and drouth. He also pays some attention to raising cattle, horses, sheep and hogs. In the yard which surrounds his beautiful residence are a number of evergreens, also an English royal oak, planted in 1877, and a number of white pines, brought from the forests of Pennsylvania. Mr. Laney is a careful, prosperous farmer, and a most amiable and much respected gentleman,

Green Ridge, Mo. After a short residence in Green Ridge, this skillful young physician has secured a liberal and extensive practice. He was born in Brazil, Clay County, Ind., in 1853, and received his preparatory education there. He removed to Tipton, Moniteau County, in April, 1865, where he resided until 1875. The Doctor began the study of medicine with his father, Dr. I. S. Leabo, a graduate of the old Cincinnati Medical College, and afterward attended the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis in 1874, 1875 and 1876, graduating the last named year. He also attended a course of lectures in St. Louis in 1880. His practice was inaugurated at Cole Camp, Linn County, in 1876, where he continued until August, 1877, when he removed to Green Ridge. He was married Oct. 17, 1877, to Miss Sallie E. Heard, a native of Boonville, who died in Boonville, June 29, 1880, leaving one child, Roy H., who is still living. Charles Leon died in 1878.

Thomas Llewellyn

until he was fourteen years of age lived there upon a farm ; then goin^ with his father to Carroll County, Ky., where he farmed until 1869. He was married Oct. 18, 1851, in the latter county and State, to Miss Naomi Jacobs, a native of Scott County, Ky., and two children have resulted from this union : Winfield S., now living with his parents, and Jonathan W., who died at the age of five years, ten months and fifteen da3's, in the year 1858. He volunteered in 1864 to serve his country, and was put under the command of Gen. Buckley, but on account of physical incapacity was compelled to leave the army three weeks after. He had been drafted before but was declared exempt from military duty by the examining physician. Mr. Llewellyn came to Missouri in 1869, and located in the same neighborhood where he now resides. In addition to raising corn and wheat, and constantly improving his fine farm, he buys and feeds cattle, hogs and horses, being liberal both in his purchases and sales. Himself and wife have long been devoted members of the Christian Church at Windsor, and are universally respected for their christian character and kind neighborly acts.

Francis A. Logan

General merchandizing. Green Ridge, Mo. The subject of this sketch was born in Shelby County, Ky., Aug. 8, 1810. His education was obtained in Trimble County, Ky., to which his family removed when Mr. Logan was quite young, and followed the occupation of farming. He went thence to Illinois in 1857, where he remained until 1871, merchandizing. Mr. Logan was married in Shelby County, 111., June 7, 1866, to Miss Linnie Gaddis, of said county. As the fruit of this marriage there are six children living: Emma, James C, William F., N. May, Mary E. and Rosa G., and one dead, Dora J., who died in this State. He came to Pettis County in 1871, and bought and operated a farm, three miles south of Green Ridge. Shortlv afterwards he w^ent into the mercantile business in that village, and his business has steadily increased until it is now in a very flattering and promising condition. Mr. Logan holds the office of deacon, treasurer and clerk in the Christian Church at Green Ridge, and has gained esteem from all for his honorable and upright life.

The subject of this sketch was born in Preble County, Ohio, near Lewisburg, November 11, 1843, where he was raised until fourteen years of age, attending school and working on a farm. At that age he went to La Salle County, 111., near Ottawa, where he farmed from 1857 to August, 1861, with his father. At the latter date he enlisted in the Thirty- Third Illinois Infantry, C(>1. C. E. Hovey, then principal of the Normal School near Bloomington, commanding. With this regiment, which was under Steel and Curtis in Missouri, McClernand in Mississippi, A. J. Smith in Louisiana, C. C. Washburne in Texas, and under the immediate command of Gen. Osterhaus, who had charge of the department of Vicksburg until December, 1865, Mr. McCampbell went in its long campaigns, frequent marches, and terrible fighting, until it was mustered out of service at Yazoo City, Mississippi, in 1S65. Returning to Illinois he resumed his former quiet and happy farm life, and in March, 1807, was married to Miss Maaura Wadleigh, a native of New Hampshire. Their home receiving its complement of joy in the birth of three children: Harrison, Randolph and Roy. In 1870 Mr. McCampbell removed with his family to his present residence, where he has productive soil and good neighbors all around him, in Green Ridge Township, Pettis County, and devotes his energies to the cultivation of the soil and sheep culture.

Robert D. Means

Mr. Means and his father were the earliest settlers in Green Rido-e Township. He was born in Howard County, Mo., June 13, 1823, and raised there until nine years of age. Nov. 4, 1832, he was brought by his father, to his future home in Green Ridge Township, Pettis County, Mo. It was in this home that he acquired an excellent education by means of the very poor educational facilities and his personal efforts. He carried the flag for the government surveyors in sections forty-three and forty-four of his township when a boy. During the Mexican war he volunteered for service twice, but the required number of troops reported at Independence, Mo., and he was left out. His father commanded a company of minute men with a captain's commission, during the war of 1812, and his maternal grandfather, Wm. McDonald, was a lieutenant in the command of the celebrated Marion in the Revolutionar}^ war. Mr. Means, the subject of our sketch, was married Aug. 31, 1843, in Johnson County, Mo., to Miss Juliet Cooper, daughter of David Cooper, who was one of Johnson's first inhabitants, having settled at an early day at the head of Muddy Creek. She died, May 20, 1847, near Windsor, but in Pettis County, leaving two children: William H., who was killed on the Sahne River, in Arkansas, while in the Confederate army, in 1864; and James W., who is married and residing at Los Angeles City, California, being a minister of the M. E. Church, South. Her remains were interred in Cooper cemetery, in Johnson County. Wm. M. was again married July 5, 1848, to Miss Susan E. Tindall, a native of Kentucky. The father and mother of his last wife both died at Trenton, Grundy County, Mo. Both of his wives were acquainted with his father's family in Kentucky, living in the same neighborhood. A brother of his last wife, Col. J. T. Tindall, killed at the battle of Sliiloh, was a member of the Missouri convention called by Gov. C. F. Jackson, in 1861, to dis-

CUSS the propriety of seceding. He had formerly represented Grundy County, in the State Senate; had enlisted as a private in the Mexican war, and was soon promoted to the rank of major on Gilpin's stafl': and at the time of his death was colonel of the 23d Missouri Regiment in the army of General U. S. Grant. It was the brilliant dash of this Missouri regiment, led by their daring colonel, that saved Grant from a disastrous defeat at Shiloh, but at the dear sacrifice of the lives of Col. Tindall and all his regiment except forty. A. monument has been erected to his memory at a cost of $10,000, the government having appropriated $5,000, and the citizen? $5,000. Robt. D. Means, the subject of our sketch, took his family in 1859 to the vicinity of Macon City, Mo., for the purpose of educating his children at McGee College. He then kept a boarding house for females only. His children by his last wife were as follows: Eugenia F., wife of M. E. Carpenter, of Windsor; Susan A. wife of Geo. W. Tryon, cashier of the Savings Bank at Windsor, Mo.; Mary E., wife of L. N. Craig, of Maryville, Nodaway County, Mo.; Robt. L., married and living in Henry County, Mo., and Edward W., residing with his parents ; he has been for sometime past the first E flat player in the Windsor Cornet Band. There are three dead: Augusta L., who was killed with laudanum by a negro nurse, when three years old; Edward T., who died at the age of fourteen in 1864, of spinal meningetis; and Lola M., who died Aug. 12, 1870. Mr. Means returned from the vicinit}^ of McGee College in 1861. He entered the Federal service in the fall of 1863, and was connected with the Missouri State Militia, his regiment being known at first as the Old Sixtieth, then as provisional, and again as the Sixtieth. Col. Henry commanded the last Sixtieth. Mr. M. was elected captain of company C, organized in his neighborhood, but as originally organized it did not go into service. He again joined the same company re-organized in 1862, with Judge Geo. Gallaher as captain, which was stationed at Calhoun and Ft. Lyon principally. He was in several skirmishes with the guerrillas, and was mustered out of service at Ft. Lyon, in Benton Count}^, Mo., in 1865, and returned to his farm. - Mr. Means has been justice of the peace with a few short intervals for the past thirty years, and is known everyvvhere as "Squire Bob." During the organization of the township, he was a member of the township board. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, of which body he has been an elder since he was twenty-four years of age. His wife is also a member. Mr. M. is a prosperous farmer, and his decisions as justice of the peace are an evidence of considerable legal learning and judicial capacity.

Benjamin Melvin

early settlement, in business and social relations, than Mr. Benjamin Melvin, and he deserves such mention as his probity and virtue plainly have indicated and received from all his acquaintances. He was born in Jefferson County, Va., Dec. 29, 1807, and was there raised and educated. He bef^an life as a carpenter and cabinet maker, and afterwards enga(;red in the mercantile business. He was married in Loudoun Count v, Va.,Jan. 16, 183-1, to Miss Isabella Cockrell, dautrhter of Joseph Cockrell, residing in that locality. A large family, consisting of nine children, has resulted from this union. Their names are: Thomas J., William H., Benjamin F., John D., Mary I., Ellen F., Virginia C, Ann E. and Phccbe A., and there is one dead, Laura J. Mr. Melvin went to Ohio in the fall of 1885, and engaged in farming. In 18.54 he started for Missouri, and the same year rented land in Cooper Countv, but he finallv settled down in Pettis County, in the town of Green Ridge. Until recently his occupation has been clerking. He now has chargti of and owns a small confectioner}- store in the post-office building, which he constructed, and is deputv postmaster, under Mr. E. C. Havely.

James F. Mitchell

He was born in Caldwell County, Ky., Jan. 5, 18ii7, where he grew to maturity. He grew up on a farm, and in 1845, being a vigorous young man of eighteen, he volunteered for service under General Winfield Scott, in the Mexican War. He belonged to Company G., Captain Conn, and his superior officers were, respectively: Major Ward, Lieutenant Colonel Preston, Colonel Williams, and Brigadier General Marshall. The Regiment was known as the Fourth Kentucky Infantry. Mr. Mitchell went out in response to the last call for troops, and consequently saw no active service in the field, the City of Mexico having capitulated, and peace soon after following. He returned to Kentuck\- in 1848, and farmed the following year with his father, Cader Mitchell, a soldier of 1812. In 1850 he came west, through Missouri and other States, looking at the country, and the same year went to school in Hickory Countj^ this State, for six months, which completed his education. Filled with the spirit of adventure he went to New Mexico in 1851, where he remained a little more than six months, teaming with six and seven yoke of cattle over that rough country, at a salary of from $20 to $3o per month, and at the end of that time returned to Kentucky. But the same old love of adventure induced him, in 1852, to proceed to Springfield, Mo., which was then in Green County; the county name now being Webster, where he obtained an outfit for roughing it in California, to which State he slowly wended his way. His occupation there was mining, and he searched long and industriously in the shoal diggings, flats and rivers for gold, with very satisfactory remuneration. He returned to Kentucky in June, 1858, with

$7,700, having left behind him a large amount loaned out, and lost by gambling and speculation about $4,000, He now regards the last named as the greatest error of his life. Mr. Mitchell labored with his father on the Kentucky farm until 1860, when, having in 18.50 entered 160 acres of land in Green Ridge Township, Pettis County, Mo., as the bounty allowed by the Government to the Mexican soldiers in addition to their small pay of eight dollars per month, he located upon the same, and immediately began to improve it. Here he has lived since, following peaceful agriculture through the long civil war. But at midnight of May 16, 1863, Mr. Mitchell was taken to the timber adjacent to his house by four men in Federal uniforms, who requested him to tell where his horses w^ere, and were told that they were out in his pasture grazing. Apparently in doubt, at the suggestion of Mr. M., his negro boy was called for, and made the same statement. They had been in still greater doubt about his veracity before this, having tormented him for more than an hour by means of a rope adjusted by a noose to his neck and drawn frequently over the limb of a tree. Mr. M. was saved by the negro's testimony. He has always lived in bachelor style; has served as road overseer for one year, and has added to his California fortune since he occupied his present farm by handling stock, chiefly. The varieties consisting of cattle, horses, hogs and mules, which he buys, feeds and sells. Mr. Mitchell is much respected in his neighborhood for his generosit}^ to the poor, who never ask of him in vain, and he impresses every one favorably with his frank and aflable manners.

Robert. A. Moffett

The subject of this sketch was born in Shelby County, Mo., in 1837, where he passed his childhood on a farm and received his education at the schools of the neighborhood. He was married in August, 1859, to Miss Mary E. King, a native of Trimble County, Ky., who died in the summer of 1864, leaving two children, Lucy A. and Ernest K. He was again married in 1865 to Miss Martha A. Taylor, a native of Carroll County, Ky., by whom he has three children: Wm. W., Ivanilla and Walter S. Mr. Moffett came to Henry County, Mo., in 1876, and farmed there two years, removing in 1878 to his present residence in Green Ridge Township, Pettis County, Mo.

James F. Nichols

This gentleman was born three miles northwest of Green Ridge, and received his education and farm training in the same locality. At the breaking out of the civil strife he united with Gen. Sterling Price's army, with which he fought in the battle of Pea Ridge. Afterwards, under Beauregard, he participated in the first and second battles of Cornith, and was with Pemberton in the seige and surrender of Vicksburg. At Pea Ridge he was wounded slightly in the left arm. Mr. Nichols states that there are several inaccuracies in the history of the late war, and pointed out the following as cases within his certain knowledge: Col. Reeves, of the Third Missouri Regiment, C. S. A., was killed at Pea Ridge; Gen. Jno. A. Bowen was killed at Port Gibson in May, 1863; which battle was fought on the 10th, 20th and 23d. Martin Green and Little were killed at luka. Mr. Nichols was captured May 10, 1863, at Big Black Bayou, and confined in prison seven months; after which he was paroled one month, then exchanged, and entered Slidell's command. He was again captured at Fort Blakely, opposite Mobile, April 9, 1865, and detained as a prisoner of war at Ship Island, in the Gulf of Mexico, until he obtained his parole May 5, 1865. He then returned home. January 6, 1869, he was married to Miss Sarah J. McGee, a native of Moniteau County, Mo. They have three children: Viola B., Iva F. and Ernest J. Mr. Nichols has been engaged in farming and stock culture for some time past, in which lines he now enjoys the advantages of a large and varied experience.

Charles W. Nichols

Blacksmithing and repairing. Green Ridge, Mo. The son of one of the oldest settlers, Wilson Nichols, deceased. Was born May 9, 1854. He received his education and has worked at the blacksmith trade for eleven ye^^rs past in his native place, which speaks loudly in his favor. He does all kinds of blacksmithing and repairing on liberal terms. Also is very well acquainted with wood work, and has a large number of patrons.

James S. Ream

Was born March 4, 1847, in Pettis County, near the present site of Sedalia, and was raised and educated in his native county. He was married in 1866, near Green Ridge, to Miss Ellen F. Melvin, who was born April 6, 184T, daughter of Mr. Benj. Melvin, the present Deputy Postmaster of the village of Green Ridge. They have three children living: James E., aged sixteen; Maud A., aged eleven; Frederick E., aged eight; and Minnie F., born March 12, 1869, died in infancy. Mr.Ream located in the village of Green Ridge ten years ago, and engaged in the drug business, and has, by industry and application to his chosen profession built up a large and flourishing trade. By his affable and courteous manner he is a man who will always make friends, and as a business man, whose sense of honor is keen and whose judgment is far seeing, he has few superiors. He engages in the grain and stock business extensively, and buys and ships annually large amounts of wheat, corn, hay and hogs. He has been Notar}^ Public for four years. In the spring of 1882, while having a well sunk on his premises, valuable mineral water was discovered, and Mr. Ream is making every effort to have it fully developed, and make his village one of the numerous pleasure and health resorts of the State. The analysis of the water of the well by Juan H. Wright, of St. Louis, shows that it contains: Carbonic acid, sulphated magnesia, iron, potassa, chloride sodium, magnesia, carbonate lime, silica and organic matter.

Hial B. Reed

Mr. Reed was born in Ontario Count}', N. Y., Oct. 1, 1816, where he was .raised on a farm and Hved until 1868. He was married Jan. 20, 1846, to Miss Sarah McArthur, a native of Albany, N. Y., and this union was blessed with four children: Helen, Frank B., Nathan B. and Harriet. The oldest daughter is the wife of Wm. Manville, of Green Ridge, and the youngest is the wife of Mr. Geo. N. Farr, a resident of Green Ridge Township. Mr. Reed farmed in Ontario County, N. Y., until 1868, when he went to Knox County, 111., farming there about one year; he then returned to Seneca County, N. Y., adjoining Ontario County, where he farmed until his removal to Missouri in 1878, when he located at his present residence. Physical disabihty prevents him from personally attending to the affairs of the farm, and his two sons faithfully discharge that duty.

David N. Rhoads

The subject of this sketch was born in Bartholomew County, Ind., in 1849, and was there raised and educated, and there served an apprenticeship to the plow business. He was married in 1873 to Miss Mary J. Smith, a native of said county and State, and three children have resulted from this union: Pink, Phillip W. and David C. Mr. Rhoads came to Missouri, locating in Pettis County, in October, 1874, and Hved near Lamonte. He moved to his present home in September, 1881. While in Indiana he served as constable for the township in Bartholomew County, in which he resided. Though young, he has a bright future.

J. Frank Tomlin

Farmer and stock dealer. He was born Oct. 1, 1841, in Goshen, Cape May County, N. J., where he was reared. He was educated at Union College, at Shiloh, New Jersey. After leaving school he was engaged in farming until the spring of 1862, when he enlisted in Company I, Twentyfifth New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, and was commissioned First Lieutenant in August, 1862, serving with honor in said capacity till March 20, 1863, when he was promoted to Captain. He was mustered out of service by expiration of term of service, June 6, 1863. After returning to his home he raised a company, and Jan. 4, 1864, he went out as Second

Lieutenant, Compan}' A, Third Regiment New Jersey Cavahy, and June 0th he was promoted to First Lieutenant, Company M, of the same regiment, and May 6, 1S65, he was promoted to the Captaincy of Company E, and served till August 8, 1865, when he was mustered out. He participated in many engagements and campaigns during the war. He was in the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13 and 14, 1862; on the 14th he was wounded by a peice of shell. He was also in the battle of Suffolk, Va., May 3, 1863; the battle of the Wilderness, May 3, 1864; United States Ford, May 19, 1864; Ashland Station, June 1, 1864; North Anna, June 2, 1864, at which place he was put in command of Gen. A. E. Burnside's escort; the battle of Hawes Shop, June 3, 1864; Bottom's Bridge June 4, 1864; White Oak Swamp, June 13, 1864; Smith's Store, June 15, 1864; Warwick Bridge, July 5, 1864; before Petersburg, July 25, 1864; Lee's Mill, July 27, 1864; Winchester, August 17, 1864; Summit Point, Sept. 21 and 22, 1864; Fisher's Hill, Sept. 22, 1864; Winchester, Sept. 24, 1864; Bridgewater, Oct. 12, 1864; Mount Jackson, Nov. 22, 1864; Lacey Springs, Dec. 21, 1864; Morefield, Feb. 22, 1865; Waynesborough, March 2, 1865; Dinwiddle C. H., March 3, 1S65; Five Forks, April 1, 1865; Petersburg, April 2, 1865; Deep Creek, April 3, 1865; Sailors Creek, April 6, 1865, where he commanded the battalion of Third New Jersey Cavalry, and while leading a charge on a Rebel Battery he received two sabre cuts fracturing his skull, for which he now draws a pension. He was mustered out of service August 8, 1865, at Trenton, N. J., and in the fall of the same year he went to Mason County, 111., where he engaged in stock feeding. In the spring of 1866 he came to Pettis County, Mo., locating in Green Ridge Township, where he has ^ince resided, following farming and stock raising. He owns a farm of three hundred and twenty-five acres, well watered and improved, fenced with barb wire; he being the first to introduce this kind of fence in this region. He has a handsome new brick residence, thirty-two by thirt}- four, two stories and a basement, also a fine barn thirt3'-six by forty-tour, twenty-two foot posts, together with all the modern improvements of the day. Ke was married March 7, 1866, to Miss Lou Morell, in Penn's Grove, Salem County, N.J. She was born in Philadelphia, Jan. 30, 1843, drughter of Rev. James Fletcher Morell and Sophia C. Morell. She was educated in Philadelphia and Pittsburg, finishing her education with a three years course at the College of Bordentown, N.J. She taught seven years in the public schools of New Jersey, and three years in those of Missouri. This union has blessed them with five children, of whom four are still living, viz: Edward, born April 20, 1867, and died May 28, 1875; Emma, born Sept. 13, 1868; Morell, born Dec. 19,1870; John Francis, born Nov. 17, 1875, and Harold, born Oct. 18, 1877. Mr. Tomlin's father, John, was born in New Jersey, April 8, 1798, and there grew to manhood, following farming, marrying Judith Cresse in 1824, in Goshen, Cape May- County, N. J. The Rev. James Fletcher Morell was born in Yorkshire^ England, April 1, 1817, and at the age of fourteen emigrated with his parents to America, aud was educated in Philadelphia. Mr. Tomlin is a thorough business man, an ardent advocate of free schools, public roads, stock law, land and wire fences, very independent in the expression of his opinions, thereby exciting the enmity of some opponents.

Joseph D. Wadleigh

The subject of this sketch, Joseph D. Wadleigh, was born in Rockingham County, N. H., in Exeter, the county seat, May 10, 1818, and lived in his native county for fifty years. He worked at the shoemaker's trade for fifteen years. He was afterwards a dealer in lumber, and still later making brick in Rockingham County, New Hampshire. He was married May 24, 1843, to Miss Francis E. Prescott, a native of the same town and State. They have had three children: Geo. H., Carrie R., who died at Exeter, N. H., Aug. 13, 186H, and John B. who died at Point Burnsides, K3^, in 1864, from a congestive chill brought on by a wound in the hand. He held the rank of sergeant in the Ninth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers, Burnside's command, and was wounded at Antietam. He was present at the surrender of Vicksburg, June 2, 3868. Mr. Wadleigh came to Missouri and located on his present farm in Green Ridge Township, Pettis County, Mo. His wife died Sept. 10, 1877. She was a member of the Congregational Church, having previously united with the Baptist Church, however, in the east. Mr. Wadleigh's farm comprises 160 acres, and has an orchard of 1,700 apple trees, 600 peach trees, and several other varieties of fruit. He is a jolly, good humored, contented, and much respected old gentleman.

Chas. E. Wadleigh

This prominent farmer of Green Ridge Township was born in Kensington, N. H., in 1843, where he also was raised to farming pursuits until his 13th year. He then went to La Salle County, 111., where he lived until the breaking out of the civil w^ar, when he enlisted in the United States army under Gen. Curtis. He belonged to the Thirty-third Illinois Infantry, Company B., which was organized at Bloomington, 111., Aug. 20, 1861. He participated in the campaign through the Hatchie River country, in the engagements at the siege of Vicksburg, and below Vicksburg; was at Grand Gulf and Jackson, the principal battles fought in Louisiana and during the opening of the coast of Texas, and in the last engagements against Mobile at the close of the war. His company was transferred to the Thirteenth Armv Corps in 1863, and to the Sixteenth in 1864, and was mustered out Dec. 6, 1865, at Camp Butler, III. Mr.

Wadleigh then returned to Illinois. In 1871 he came to Missouri, and selected the farm on which he now lives, in Green Ridge Township, Pettis County, for his future home. Shortly after he went back to Illmois, and was married May 29, 1871, to Miss Hannah M. Brewster, a native of Grundy County, Illinois, where the ceremony took place. Through this marriage they have five children: David E., Walter L., Nettie F., Frederick A. and Fannie L. Mr. Wadleigh has a large, well improved farm. His horses are of the Morgan class, and he has one thoroughbred, Justine Morgan.