Hardin Township

John M. Babkr

farmer and stock raiser, section iS, post office liainbridf^e, is among- tiic old and favorably known farmers of this count)-. lie is a native of Kentucky, born in Roonesboro April i6, 1816. There he received only a I limit'-d education, and was reared in the occupation which he now fol- I lows. In 1S36 he emigrated to this state and settled in Clay Count)-, I - where he remained two years, then moving to Platte County, where he I lived for six )-ears. He removed from there to Holt County, and after a * residence of two years in 1850 he came to this county, where he has since continued to dwell. ^Mr. B. moved to his present farm in i860. He h^< ':>n 9crf"«5 of fine land, most of which is in cultivation. Upon his place is one of the finest mineral springs in this district, and with proper improvements will be one of the most popular summer resorts. It is located on an elevated plain, and the place as a sight for a town is ; unsurpassed. He is a breeder of light and heavy draught horses, and as !: such has attaiiied no slight reputation. Mr. Baber was married February 15, 1S39, to Miss Julia A. Aker, also a native of Kentucky. Thev have from this marriage ten children : Mary E., Isham M., John A., [- Eliza A., Willis, Susan A., Jacob, Randall A., James P. and Emma F r. They are members oi' the Christian Church, and he has been at different times school director, constable and collector of his district.

farmer and stock raiser, section 36, post office Grayson, is a native of Bracken County, Kentucky, and was born July 28, 1830. He is the son of Mr. Isaac Baker, one of Hardin Township's oldest and most respected citizens. The subject of this sketch came to Missouri in 1S47, and engaged ; in merchandising at Union Mills, where he continued one year, when he went to St. Joseph, and embarked in the pork packing business with his uncle. They were among the foremost in this branch in Northwest Missouri, and operated the first set of tanks. After a few years residence in St. Joseph, Mr. B. came to his present location, where he has since continued to be a resident with the exception o( a few years spent in Nebraska. His estate consists of 240 acres of choice land, in a high state of cultivation. During his sojourn in Clinton County he has been recognized as a leader in all enterprises for the county's advancement.

To him much credit is due for the li\'e interest he has taken in securinj^ the right of wa)- for the Rock Island Road and the establishing of Grayson Station, in Hardin Township, lit is a gentleman, thoroughly familiarized with the current events of the day, and a brilliant conversationalist. Mr. Baker was married, in 1855, to Miss Xancy Grayson, a daLit;IiLci ufGcuigc W. Grayson, one of the early settlers of Platte County. By this union they have had ten children : William H., George \V., Melvina, Lizzie, John S., Ernst I. and Henry; lost three: Jessie, Clara and Joseph. Grayson Station, \vhich was located on a portion of Mr. Baker's land, was named in honor of his wife. Mr. B. is a Master Mason, and a ruling elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

farmer and raiser of blooded stock, section 10, post office Edgerton. The subject of this sketch, is a native of Bourbon Count)' Kentuck)-, and was born December 25, 1S29. He was there raised and educated, and followed the occupation of cattle dealing, being one of the few men who drove herds of cattle through to New York and the east at an early day. He eUii^.^.L^^ l^ ;;Iiio Si...:e jiid settled near the edge of this county, in Clay,. in 1852, and after a long residence in that county he moved across the line into Clinton County, locating on his present place, where he has since resided. He has been closely identified \\ ith the farming and blooded stock raising interests of Northwestern Missouri, and has done much toward the advancement of the same. He has at present fifty head of short horns upon his place, which will compare favorably with an)' in the count)'. Mr. B. has 321 acres of excellent land, all of which is either in pasture or under cultivation. He has a good residence and barn, which are in fine locations. He has served as justice of the peace for a term of four \'ears, and while in that capacit)' never had a case appealed. He has been also closely connected with the interests of the Female Orphan School of the Christian Church of Missouri since its incorporation, and has been local direector of that institution for a number of years. He is president of the Protective Association of his district, also treasurer of the Masonic Lodge of Edgerton and clerk of this school district. Mr. Breckenridge has been twice married - first to Miss Nancy M. Winn, February i. 1S53. From this union there were tv.'o boys, both of whom died v.hile young. Mrs. B.'s death occurred in 1S56. His second marriage was to Miss Mary Scott, also a native of Kentucky. They are members of the Christian Church, and contribute liberally toward its support.

George Buchanan

farmer, section 35. postottice Grayson, is one of the typical gentlemen of this township, and one who is well known in Clinton County. He is a native of Bourbon Count}', Kcntuck)', and was fjorn Novcnibcr_ 29, tSiTj. His father, William, was a natix'e of \''irLjinia, and came to Kentucky wlien a j-oun^ man. George was raised to manhood in his native state, recei\ini4" an education in the subscription schof^ls. In 1836, he came to Flatte County, Missouri, and made this and Cla\- Count}- his 'home for three \ears, after which he returned to Kentuck}'. In 1858, he again took up his abode for a time in Pkitte Count}'. Me v/as a resident of Texas for scx'eral years, and e\'entuall}', in 1870, located in Clinton Count}', where he now resides. His estate consists of 74 acres, all under cultixation. Mr. B. traces his lineage to English ancestors. His mother was Scdly Reed, of Virginia. He was married in 1868. to Miss Minerva Kelly, of Clinton Count}', Missouri.

farmer and raiser of blooded stock, section 31, post office Bainbridge. Although a }'oung man, he is, nevertheless, one of our largest and representative farmers and stock raisers. He is a native of Missouri, and was born in this cou''>t-\- October 13, 1854. He v/as raised upon the place he now occupies, and has 280 acres of land that will compare favorably with an}' in the count}-. He and his father, who is his partner in the blooded stock business, have 680 acres of land, making one of the finest stock farms in the state. The}- have a large herd of short horns on their place. Mr. C. was married December 23, 1875, to Mi^s Dora Hockaday. They are members of the Christian Church.

J. C. Elliott,'

farmer and stock raiser, section i.post office Bainbridge, is a son of James Elliott, \\-ho was a native of Kentuck}-, and was born Juh' 3, 179S. There he was raised, in the occupation of farming. He emigrated to this state in 1832, and settled on the place which his son now occupies. He had, at that time, 120 acres of land, all of which he put under cultivation. Such men cannot be spoken of too highl}-. He v.-as closely identified with the growth and prosperity of this count}', and v/as married January 14, 1833, to Miss Elizabeth Carpenter. The}- had, from this union, four children : Robert D., J. Carpenter, Lucrecia and Mar}- E. Mr. E. was one of the original members of the Baptist Church of Hardin Township. His death occurred September 14, 1878. J. C. Elliott, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Clinton Count}-, ^Missouri, and. with the exception of a (cw years' sojourn in the west, has alwa}'s li\-ed on the place on which his father settled. He was born December 13, 1835. He succeeded his father in carrying on the old homestead, and his success may be inferred from the fact that he has increased the original purchase, since th.it time, to 173 acres. It is excellent land and all under cultivation. J. C. was married January 24. 1S65. to Miss Scmantha Kni_i,dit, an estimable lad\- and lux'ini; wife. The}' have, from this happy marriaije, a family of three children : Jimmie KniL;ht, Clifton C. and Shelb)- B: They are -members of the 15a{)tist Church, and contribute liberally towards its sujjport. Mr. E..is clerk of thi; Pleasant Mill Ikiptist Church, drugi^ist and merchant, Gra\-son. The subject of this sketch is a native of Kentuck)-, and was born October 28. 1S31. He was there raised to manhood, and educated. At the age of twentj'-five }-ears he emigrated to this state, and settled in Plattsburg. He has follov\ed his present occupation for the past twent\--four years, and is the successor of what was known as Clark (S: Co.'s store, in Gra)-son. He is well and favorably known in mercantile circles, and a popular man with the public. Mr. ¥. has been twice married ; first, to Miss Orphia Tucker, whose death occurred in 1S62. He subsequently married Miss Susan Poteet, September 10, 1S65. They have, as a rc'^ult of this union, four children : Charlie E., Addie E., Romie N. and Juliet D. Mr. Forsee is a member of the Masonic fraternit}', and an Odd Fellow. He is at present secretar)- of Plattsburg Masonic Lodge No. 113, A. F. & A. 'M., and has held that office for the last four years. He has also held all the offices within the gift of the Odd Fellows Lodge.

E. S. Fry

a successful farmer and stock raiser on section 15, stands among the foremost of the leading men of Hardin Township. He was born in Clinton Count}-, Missouri, on the first da\- of May, 1S45, and is consequent!}'one of the county's earliest settlers. He is a son of Solomon Fry. who has been an illustrious citizen here for many }-ears. Mr. I-'ry received his education here, and is a man well informed, and a brilliant conversationalist. He was married on the sixth of February. 1S68. to Ann Eliza Deyerle, in Roanoke County, \'irginia. The result of this union was three children, one son and two daughters: Julia V.. Galen B. and Bessie M. Solomon Fry. the father of the above, was born November 24, 1797, in Frederick County. \'irginia. He made that his home until three }ears of age, and thence removed to Kentuck}-, where he remained for twent\- years, and then going to Cla}- County, Missouri About the year 1840. Mr. Fry came to Clinton County, where he thereafter continued to reside. His marriage occurred April 6, iSj6, to Susan Snap, of Vincennes. Indiana. They had a family of eight children : Helen B., born P'ebruary 20. 1827 ; A. S., born January 29. 1829; Harriet, section 28, post office Bainbrivlge. Among the well known and successful farmers of this count}', the subject of this sketch deserves special mention. He is a native of Kentuckv-. and was born DeceiTiber 15, 1820. In 1S32, he with his father's family, removed to this state, and settled in Clay County, where he followed the occupation of farming. In 1847, he emigrated to Oregon and California, where he remained three }'ears, after which time he returned to Missouri, and settled in this county, where he has since resided. In 1866, he settled on his present place, which contains 260 acres of land, all of which is under cultivation. Mr. G. was married, March 20, 1850, to Miss Martha West. Their family consists of George W., Virginia L., Ida P., Albert S. J., James M. and Xancy K. Mr. G. is a member of the Protective Association.

John M. Grayson

farmer and stock raiser, section i, post office Grayson, although not an old settler of this county, is, nevertheless, one who has been closely identified with the agricultural interests thereof. He is a native of Missouri, and was born in Platte County, (December 28, 1845. He was there raised in the occupation which he now follows. His father. George W., was an old settler and a highly respected citizen of Platte County, and a man to whom the county owes much for the interest manifested by him in its prosperity and grov^-th. He now resides in Jefferson County, Kansas. The town of Grayson was named in honor of his family. John Grayson has 180 acres of good, average land, most of which is under cultivation. He has been twice married. First, to Mi.^s Anna Belle Conwa)-. They had, from this marriage, two children^ one of whom is living, Conway. Mrs. G.'s death occured May 4, 1876. He was again married, May i, 1879, to Miss Maggie Williams. Thcv are members of the Christian Church, and contribute liberally toward.-^ its support.

J. C. Hall

farmer and stock raiser, section 19, post office Bainbridge, is an old pioneer of this county, and is a man who has been long associated with its farming interests. He was born in Tennessee, and at the age of seven \-car>, with his father's family, he removed to Missouri, and settlud in Boone Count}-. J. S. Hall, his father, was amon<;- the first settlers of that count)'. His death occurred in i860, at the a;.^e of 'j'j jxars. The mother of J. C. died in iS'S/, at the advanced age of 83. The hardships which the subject of this sketch underwent durin^^ hi> bo\'hood day> in Boone, did much toward prcpariiig him for a successful farmer of this di.strict. He has 212 acres of land, the larger portion of which he cultivates. He has been twice married; first, in 1836, to Miss J. Callaway. After living together happily for se\'cnteen \-car^. she passed away in 1853. ltja\-ing eight children; Sarah K., Jane C, William J., America A., Elizabeth A., Martha J., Thomas J. and Mary A. K. In 1855, Mr. H. was married to Mis.-, Mary MacColloch. They have from this marriage one child, George. They are membeus of the Baptist Church, Mr. H. being one of the original members of the church in his township. There is at present but one original member li\'ing besides himself.

Bird Hixsox

proprietor of saw mill, section 17, post office Bainbridge. The subject of this sketch is a native of Missouri, and was born September rS, 1842. When a small bo\', his father moved to this county, where Bird was raised and educated. He is proprietor of Hixson"s Saw and Corn Mill, a splendid structure, having a capacit)- of 5,000 feet of lumber and loi bushels of corn, per day. 'Wx. H. supplies nearly this entire district with hard wood lumber, besides supplying large firms in Kansas City with walnut. He has forty-three acres of land, fifteen acres of which is under good cultivation. He was married September i, 1867, to Miss Sarah Helms, a native of Indiana. They have, from this union, six children : Albert W., William T., Joseph F., Annie M., Oliver P. and John F. During the late civil war, Vix. Hixson was a volunteer in the F"edera! army, in Compan\- F, Sixth r^Iissouri State Militia Cavalr\-. With th.a and other companies, he remained till the close of the war, receiving his discharge April S, 1866.

farmer and stock raiser, section 31, post office Plattsburg. is one among the old settlers and prominent farmers of this district. He is a native of Mason Count}-, Kentucky, and was born June 7. 1834. He was there raised to manhood, and it was there he learned the occupation he now follows. He has 170 acres of good land, all of which he cultivates. He was married Februar}- 28. 1855. to Miss Amelia Alien. They have, from this' union, eleven children : Charles A., Mar}' S.. Adalaide, Florence, Dora M., Annie, Abner, Elias, Sabina, William, and Herndon. Mr. and ?.Irs. H. arc members of the Christian Church.

section 22, poi^t office Kci'^erton. The subject of this brief narrative is an old pioneer of this county, and a man who has been closely identified with its interests from an early day. He is a native of Kentucky, havinjT been born August i, 1816, and was raised and educated in Clark- County, lie has, from his boyhood, principally followed the occupation of farming. Emigrating to Missouri, in 1S39, he settled in Caldwell County, where he remained eighteen months, after which time he removed to Clay County. There he resitled four years, and, in 1S47, settled where he now resides, owning 500 acres of land. He is one of our most successful farmers ; has been school director for his district since 1S59, ^^'itli the exception of three years. He was justice of the peace in his district for a term of three years. Judge Lott has been three times married ; first, August 22, 1839, to Miss Sarah Duncan. They had from this union one child, James, now deceased. Mrs. L.'s death occurred in 1S42. In 184^, Miss Letitia Duncan became his wife. She died in 1845. Eighteen months afterward, or January 26, 1S47, Mr. L. v/as mr>rr.>r| t^ "\r;,,^ T.o,,;^o j The result of thi.s marriage v/as eleven children: Benjamin F., Mary E., Matilda A., Loumira A., Luella (now deceased), John R., Clara K., William, Thomas K., James E. and Nannie D. Mr. Lott is now holding the office of Presiding Judge of Clinton Count}-, having been elected to that responsible position in 187S, the duties of which he has continued to discharge faithfully and to the credit of all concerned.

William R. Newman

section 27, post office Edgerton, is a native of Kentucky, and was born April II, 1826. At the age of eleven }^ears, with his father's famil}", he removed to this state and settled in Platte County, where he followed the occupation of farming. In 1849, he came to this county, and settled where he now resides, in 1869. He has 363 acres of land, the principal part of which he has under cultivation. William, the father of the subject of this sketch, was an old resident of this county and a man of sterling worth in the community in which he resided. He raised a large and interesting famil\-, si.x of whom are now living; his death occurred in 1865. Mr. William R. Newman is a successful and progressive farmer and stock raiser, and has done much toward raising the grade of stock in this county. He was married January 10. 185 i. to Miss Martha A. Woodard. They have, from this union, nine children : Celia A., Pleasant C, Mary E.. Theodore L.. Sterling P., M. L., William J.. Henry, and Alexander R. They are members of the Baptist Church.

farmer and stock raiser, section 28, post office Bainbridge, is a native of Ohio, and was born Auc(ust 19, 1827. In 1836, he, with the faniil)-, cnii- L^ratcd to Missouri, setth"n^:^ in this C(.>unty. Thomas, his father, was an old pioneer of tliis county, and a man who was identified with the early settlement of this district. His death occcurred in 1836, at tlie aj^e of 72 \-ears. A. \V. Palmer moved on his present place in 1864. He has 100 acres of good land, most of which he has cultivated. At the breaking out of the war, he enlisted in the Confederate cause, in Company D, First Regiment North Missouri, and participated in the engagements of Camp fiollowa)-, Carthage, Wilson Creek, \)ry Wood and Lexington, w here he was taken prisoner and paroled Decemb^^r 10, by General Lane, of a Kansas regiment. Mr. P. has been twice married ; first, March 22, 1852, to Miss Martha James ; her death occurred in 1859. January i, i860, he married his present wife, Miss Maria T. Mayo. They ha\e from this marriage ten children : William H., Louisa L, Martha A., Cora L.. James T., Susan J., Fannie ^L, Mollie B., Anthony W. and Katie T. Mr. P. is an Odd P'ellow of some prominence, having held all the offices v,-ithin the gift of his lodge.

Daniel Reed

section 15, post office Edgerton, was born May 18, 1849. ^"*^^ ^^ native of this count}-, where he has been raised. John, the father of the subject of this sketch, was an old pioneer of this district, and a man closel)' connected with its interests from an early day. He was shot and killed b\' Federals in 1862. Daniel Reed is a successful young farmer, and at present is conducting the home farm, of 540 acres. This is good average land, and the larger share of it is under cultivation. Mr. R. was married September 30, 1S76, to Miss Laura- Cook, a daughter of an old settler, and a lad)- in every respect worthy of him.

Watson Reed

farmer and stock raiser, section 14, post office Edgerton, although a young man, is one of our representative farmers. He is a native of Missouri, and was born in this county June 16, 1855. He was here raised in the occupation he now follows, and in 1S75 he settled on the place v.here he now resides. He has 296 acres of land that will average with an}- in the state, most of which is under cultivation. Mr. R. was married September 6. 1874, to Miss Anna Worth. They have two children : Albert and Elmer.

W Illlxm M. H. Slavtox

(deceased), the subject of thi^ sketch, was a nati\e of Rentuck}-, and \\as born August 7, 1S31. He eniiL^rated to this state and settl'.'d in Clay CuunLy, in 1844. where he resided till 1866. when he renioved to Clinton Count)' and settled where his sons now reside, on section 8. He was a ni.m of sterliii;^ worth in tlie comir.unit\-, and at hi> death the lost a represcntati\"e farmer. His death occurred February 4, 1872. J. W'., and G. \\'.. sons of the above, liave. since tlieir fatiier's demise, successively managed tlie home place, and are \"(jung men of good habits and char,icter. The)' will, without doubt, one day make their mark in life, no matter in what position they are called to fill. Their father, at his death, left a witlow and se\-en children.

farmer and stock raiser, section 24, is a native of South Carolina, and was born Juh' 7. i82'j. There he was raised to manhood and educated, and in 1853 emigrated to Florida, where he remained one \-ear. After this he removed fron~i there tn North Carolina, where he made liis liome for about tweKe months, and then emigrated to Kansas, in which state he -.remained three years. During his residence there he participated in was known as the Kansas war. He afterward came to this state and settled in Platte Count}'. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted dn the Confederate ser\'ice, in which he remained six months. At the close of the w ar he moved to Illinois, where he remained one year, when he returned to Missouri and settled in Buchanan Count}'. After a short time he came to this count}', and. after leasing his present farm for some time, he purcliased the place on which he now resides. He has eighty acres of land, most of which is under culti\'ation. Mr. S. was married January 14. iS<5o, to Miss Hannah W'oodard, and they have from their union a famih' of Emma A., Mar}' E.. Henr}' E., Alice, \'idan, James R.. Lance. Langdon, Eaurel and William. They are member of the Presl)}'terian Church, and are liberal contributors thereto.

farmer and stock raiser, section 4, post office Plattsburg. Among the settlers of this district, and those who have been closeh' identified with the interests of this county from an earh' day. ma}' be mentioned the subject of this sketch. He is a native of Virginia, and was bi^irn March 4, 1822. There he was raised, and received a common school He emigrated to this state in 1S52. and located where he now resides, owning 500 acres ot land, which will a\erage with an}' in the count\'. Most . of it is under cultivation. Mr. S. has been twice married; first, in 1847. to Miss Klizabi.th I'ittit. H>- tin- marria;^^c they had two children. James \\'. and Mar\- \' Mrs. S.'s death occurred in 1.S5S. Two years after, or in 1S60, he married Miss Kliza Martin, .in estimable lady. They have four children: Edward. Luc)- A., Jac(jb J'>. and I'loyd D.

Jac015 Walkkk

farmer and stock raiser, section 34, post office Platt^bur-. This popular gentleman is one of Clinton County's most respected citizens, and has contributed an ample sluire towards its de\elopment. He was born -in Fayette County. Kentucky, July 31, 1809. His father, Henry, w<is a nati\e of Mar\-land. and migrated to Kentucky at an early day. The subject of this sketch spent his early days on the farm, and resided in his native state until 1831, when he came, to Missouri, locating in Clay County. There he resided until the spring of 1834, v.-hen he came to Clinton County, locating on the tract of land which he now occupies. The county, at that time, was sparsely settled, there being but few residents in his neighborhood. Mr. Walker opened a farm, and has since -K.,«,, n r>'-o.;-.<"Ti,->r.t: ner^^on r-mong tlie agriculturists of the count}-. He first entered 120 acres of land, and has been adding, at times, until his estate consists of 250 acres of choice land, convenientl}- located to Plattsburg. A neat and attractive residence adorns his farm. At an early day' he discovered upon his land some springs, which possessed o-reat medicinal properties, and for years was known as Walker's Chal)--. beate Springs. However, they were never brought prominently before the public until the spring of i88[, when the water was analyzed, and the name changed to that of the Peerless Springs, a sketch of which i^ given in another part of this history. Mr. Walker has been twice married ; first to ^vliss Cynthia Fisher. By this union they had five children, three of whom are living: Sarah A., Nancy C. and John L. ; two died in infancy. Mrs. W. died in 1S37. The maiden name of his present wife ^vas Charlotta Jones. By the latter union there were eleven children, ten now living : James H., Susan A.. H. C, Permelia J., Brazelton A., Theo. F. (deceased'j, Alice G., Rebecca I., Thomas W., Edward J. and Fannie.^ The latter is married, and resides in Kentucky.

James A. Wixx

farmer and stock raiser, section 1 1, post office Grayson, stands prominent .among the representative agriculturists of this district. He is a native of Ke"ntucky, and was born November 7. 1832. He was there raised and educated, and. in 1850. emigrated to California, settling in Placerville. There he embarked in mining, which he followed two years, and afterward removed to this state, and settled on the place where he now resides. Ho has 395 acres of laiul, most of whicli is under cu!ti\-atioi<. and upon which is a nice residence. His improvements jrenerally, arc of the first order. He has been twice married. I'Mrst, to Miss Virginia .\. Dunlap, a native of Virs^inia. They had, by this union, three chiklrcn : Emmet G., Charles D., and John. Mrs. Winn's death occurred Ma)- 1 ^. iS/j. He was again married December 15, 1874. to Miss Carrie C. Tremble. They have, from this marriai^e, two children : William 11, anil Annie M. Mr. W. is a member of the Protective Association. Ilc and his wife belong; to the Presbyterian Church, and are liberal supporters of the same.