Jefferson Township (part 2 of 4)

son of Maj. W. E. Crandall, was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, July 3, 1847. In 1850 his parents removed to Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, and in 1859, to Linn county, Missouri, locating at St. Catharine. At the early age ot" fourteen years, Mr. Crandall enlisted January 1, 1862, in Company G, Twenty-third llegiment, Missouri Yolunteers, and participated in the battle of Shiloh. After this he was taken sick and discharged by the government on account of being so young, but his patriotic spirit would not allow him to remain idle and he enlisted again in 1864, in Company A, Forty-second Missouri Yolunteers. He served in the Army of the Cumberland in Tennessee, under General Milroy, until the close of the war, participating in numerous skirmishes and engagements. He was mustered out in August, 1865. Returning home he learned plastering and bricklaying, being a first class workman and very successful in the business. Mr. Crandall removed to Linneus, Linn county, Missouri, in 1870, and a year later located in Laclede, where he has resided ever since, being recognized as a useful and highly respected citizen. He has tilled the office of justice of the peace two years. Mr. Crandall was married in 1867, to Miss Ellen S. Stewart, of Linn county, Missouri, formerly of Illinois. By this union there were six <jhildren, five of whom are living: Clarence A.., Emma J., Annie O., Edith May, and Claude S. Crandall.

The lately deceased citizen whose name leads this sketch, was a Canadian, the date of his birth being October 15, 1842. He left home at the age of twelve, and came with his brother to Whitesides county, Illinois, and there learned the carpenter's trade. His education was such as might be had in the common schools, and he started in life full of hope, though he had no capital on which to begin. He invented a force pump which he got patented, and out of that patent made his start in business. In 1865 he came to Laclede and bought a farm and started in the nursery business, at thesame time putting part of his capital into a drug store in Linneus. Three years later, he sold out the drug store and gave his undivided attention to his farm and nursery, that being his business till the time of his death. ]n 1878 he was elected judge of the County Court, and served two years, declining reelection on account ot failing health. Judge Cochran was married November 24, 1868, to Miss Melissa Slatten, daughter of Moses and Elizabeth Slatten, of Boone county, Illinois. Three children were born of this union: Nellie E. and John R, still living, and Jennie, deceased. Before his death. Judge Cochran became afflicted with that incurable malady known as cancer, from which he suffered untold agonies, though he bore it all with true Christian fortitude. He departed this life November 28, 1881, dying in the faith in which he had lived, and surrounded by his kindred and friends. Though he started out for himself at the early age of twelve, he preserved his morality all through life, and never allowed his character to become tainted with viciousness. It was his principle to act ever on the golden rule, and he made friends of all who knew him, and enemies of none. He left his family in comfortable circumstances, as the result of his own industry and energy. Judge Cochran was a consistent member of the Masonic order, and also of the I. O. O. F. Temperate in habits himself, he was an active worker in the Good Templars^ order, of which he was a member, and did what he could to advance the temperance cause. By his death the county lost a valuable citizen, his friends a faithful compatriot, and his family a loving head and father.

James C. Carothees

Mr. Carothers is a son of Lewis and Elizabeth Carothers, and was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, September 11, 1833, and there grew up up, receiving his education in the Juniata Academy. At the age of fifteen he began learning the carpenter's trade, and after mastering it, worked at it during the summer, and taught school during the winter. In 1859, he moved to Linn county, Missouri, and here resided till the war began. He then took his family back to Pennsylvania, and enlisted for defense of the Union in Company I, of the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Pennsylvania, in 1862, and took part in the battles of Fredricksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bristow's Station, Rappahannock Station, Battle of the Wilderness, and numerous other engagements. In February, 1865, his regiment was ordered to New York to guard prisoners, and Mr. Carothers was transferred to the gun-boat service and placed on the steamer Grosbeak, where he served till the close, receiving his discharge in August, 1865. He then returned to Pennsylvania, and brought his family back to Laclede, this county, where they have since resided. He works at carpentering during summer and teaches school during winter, as was formerly bis custom. He- has taught eighteen terms in Linn county, five of which were at one school-house. The official positions of mayor, alderman, and school trustee have been filled by Mr. Carothers, in each of which lie gave good satisfaction. He was married in 1856 to Miss M. J. Lomax of Laclede, and they are the parents of eleven children, all living, whose names, in order of birth, are here subjoined: Samuel E., llortense M., Robert B., William W., Annie E., Emma F., James B., John L., Laura, Lena, and Georgie. Mr. Carothers is an elder in the Presbyterian Church, and is a consistent, upright, and trustworthy citizen.

Thomas Gary

son of Stephen and Mary {nee Swortout) Gary, was born in LHster county. New York, January 24, 182i. In 1830 his parents removed to Tompkins county, same State, and a year later to Tioga county, New York, and in 1838 went to Lenawee county, Michigan, where he lived until 1852, when he removed to California. There he resided seventeen years, successfully engaged in mining. In 1869 he returned to Michigan, and the following year came to Linn county, Missouri, located at Brookfield, and engaged in milling for three years. Losing heavily in business transactions, he traded his mill for the farm where he now lives. This comprises two hundred and forty acres, well-improved and amply-stocked. Mr. Cary was married February 10, 1876, to Miss Martha Conner, who was born and reared in the State of New York.

Elbridge Gerry Clough

son of Jaines and Susannah {nee Palmer) Clough. The father was born in 17T9, and the mother in 1789, in the state of Maine. The former was a soldier in the War of 1812. The subject of this sketch was born March 20, 1821, in Kennebeck county, Maine, where he lived until 1838. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. When the boy was only twelve years of age his father died, and he went with an older brother to Mobile, Alabama. At the age of fourteen 3'ear8 he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, applying himself at this for two j^ears. 1111840 he left Mobile and proceeded to Keokuk, Iowa, by steamboat. From there, in company with two other men, he started to Weston, Missouri, afoot, and on the way stayed all night with Judge Lantz, in this county. Being foot-sore and unable to continue his journey the next morning he hired out to Mr. Boyles, as a farm hand, at twelve dollars per month. Working faithfully there two years, he then took a steamer at Brunswick, Missouri, went to Mobile, Alabama, and thence to Maine by sailing vessel. In 1844 he returned to Linn county, from the latter State. The following year he purchased a small tract of land and began farming, just south of his present home. His nearest neighbor on the south was distant five miles, and those to the north, east, and west, five, three, and two miles. His trading points were Linneus and Brunswick. In 1S55 he purchased his present farm, entering the hmd from tlie government. It now comprises two hundred acres, is very rich and finely improved. Mr. Clough assisted in building the first school-house in Jefi^^rson township. In 1845 he taught school in it, and in 1846, working at fifteen dollai's per month, he built the first school-house erected in Laclede, and was elected school trustee at the second election held for that purpose in Jefi'erson township. Mr. Clough has occupied the office of justice of the ]ieace eight years. He was so pronounced a Union man during the war of the Rebellion as that he was several times compelled to leave his homo and seek saf'etj' in the brush. He was married in 1847 to Miss Rebecca Sinsintafier, of Linn county, Missouri. She was the daughter of Jacob and Nancy SinsintaflTer, and died June 7, 1857, leaving one child, James J. Mr. Clough was again married December 8,1851, to Letitia, a sister of his former wife. By this marriage -there were twelve children, two of wliom died in infancy, and in 1879 two married daughters died. There are still living Elizabeth F., Nancy E., Abraham Lincoln, John Sherman, Lvdia A., Minnie L., William IL. and George F. Clough.

was born in North Carolina, April 1, 1818. When but a boy his parents removed to White county, Illinois. In early life he was apprenticed to the blacksmith trade and worked at it until the breaking out of the gold excitement in California, and in 1849 he went to that State to seek his fortune, Mr. Crowder returned to Illinois in 1853, and three years later started for Kansas, but, on reaching his destination, the border war was ragiijg so that he came to north Missouri and settled in Sullivan county. There he resided until the spring of 1862, Removing his family to Laclede, Linn county, for greater safety, he enlisted in Company F, Twelfth Missouri Cavalry, serving as a soldier until April, 1864, when he was discharged on account of disability, and returned to Laclede. There Mr, Crowder was killed June 18, 1864, under the following circumstances. He and a number of the citizens of L-aclede were holding a Union meeting in Earl's Hall, in the afternoon of that day, when Captain Holtzclaw, a notorious guerrilla, dashed into town with about twenty men and surrounded the building. Mr. Crowder seeing the situation, and being a brave man, took deliberate aim with his revolver, from one of the windows, and firing, mortally wounded James Nave, one of the guerrilla band, whereupon a comrade of Nave shot Mr. Crowder dead before he left the window. A Union messenger made his escape to Brookfield, informed the Federal garrison there, a company of which hastened to Laclede on an engine and routed Holtzclaw's command. Mr. Crowder was married in 1837 to Miss Evaline Williams, of Illinois. She was born in Kentucky in 1821. By this union there are four children liviiiir: Mrs. Sallie Mize, Mrs. Enis Ilubiirt, Frank Crowder and John A. Crowder. In 18G(!, after tlie death of her husband, Mrs. Crowder married tlie Ilev. Mr. Tnniiell. The following spring they removed to Sullivan countv, Missouri, v/here he died in 1873, and she returned to Laclede, where she resided until her death, October 1, 1881. As a mother she was loved and honored, and as a friend and neighbor no trust reposed in her was ever betrayed.

was born in Sullivan county, Missouri, September 12, 1857. He was reared in Sullivan and Linn counties, and has been engaged in the hotel business with his mother since 1874 until her death. He now runs the Spencer House at Laclede, Missouri.

Pinkney Edwards

son of Gilbert and Kachel {nee Decker) Edwards, was born in Grayson county, Kentucky, February 15, 1844. In 1849 his parents removed to Brown county, Illinois, and in 1858 came to Linn county, Missouri. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and educated at the common schools. In 1804 he went to Montana Territory', and then to Washington Territory, where he farmed for two years. In 1867 he returned to Linn county, since v^liich time he has been successfully engaged in farming. His farm, to which he removed in 1876, comprises one hundred and thirty acres, handsomely improved. Mr. Edwards was married September 23, 1868, to Miss Sarah C. Worlow, daughter of Peter and Louisa (n^d Grindstaft") Worlow, of Linn county, Missouri. There have been four children by this union: Alonzo, Benona J., Gertrude, and Edmund. Mr. Edwards has been school-director and held other minor offices.

John Fain

son of Mercer and Martha (nee England) Fain, was born in Wilson county, Tennessee, May 19, 1812. Soon afterward his parents removed to Buncome county. North Carolina. In 1817, they located in Habersham county, Georgia; in 1825 removed to east Tennessee; and in 1831 to Howard county, Missouri, where he lived until 18.">0 on a farm, and attended subscription school, receiving a limited education. When the California gold-fever was raging, Mr. Fain with five of hiy neighbors went to that State, crossing the plains with ox-teams. There they engaged in mining, meeting with fair success. In 1852, while building a flume, a heavy piece of timber fell and crushed Mr. Fain's leg at the ankle-joint. This crippled him for life. He suffered terribly for years, hundreds of pieces of bone coming out of the wounded limb. Being so disabled, he returned home, coming by water across the Isthmus, via New Orleans. He liad accumulated about

$3,000 in California, but owing to expenses cansed by bis misfortune,, readied home with only $1,200. Mr. Fain was married in December, 1835, to Mrs. Catharine Davis, formerly a Miss Hail, daughter of Mason and Ruth Hall of Howard county, Missouri, but previous residents of Kentucky. Mrs. Fain died in 1876. The farm u})on which Mr, Fain now lives was bought by him upon his return from California. It comprises three hundred and twenty acres finely improved and well stocked. Mr. Fain commenced-life without a dolhar, and has been a continuous resident of Linn county since 1852. He volunteered in the Black Hawk and Mexican wars, but the quota being full, he did not have an opportunity to serve in either. When he came to Linn county his nearest neighbor was about fifteen miles distant, and game was abundant until the invasion of the county by the railroad. He does not owe a dollar. He has been extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising. By his first marriage Mr. Fain w^a& the father of nine children, six living: Emily, Benjamin, Thomas, Sarah, John R., and David. Mr. Fain was married the second time to Mrs. Rebecca Stephens, formerly a Miss Peacher, daughter of William and Lucy {nee Mitley) Peacher, of Howard county, Missouri. Her first husband, Mr. Peacher, was killed during the war. She had by him eight children, six of them living: Hiram, William H,, Nancy E., Margaret R., Stephen A. Douglas, and Sarah.

John C. Fletcher

Mr. Fletcher was born in Belmont county, Ohio, June 28, 183-1:, and was reared and educated in that and Monroe county. His early life was spent on the farm and in working at the carpenter's trade. When he became of age he engaged in farming, and continued till the war broke out. Oh the ninth of November, 1861, Mr. Fletcher enlisted in Company F, of Fifteenth Ohio Infantry, and was with his regiment in the battles of Shiloh, Stone River, Liberty Gap, Chickamaugua, Mission Ridge, and various other fights and skirmishes, and was in the campaign from Dalton to Atlanta. He was wounded near Kenesaw Mountain, which disabled him from duty for several months. Fie was mustered out at Pulaski, Tennessee, November 9, 1864, having served three years. Returning to Belmont county, Ohio, he ran an engine for an oil company for two years. In 1867 he came out to Linn county, Missouri, to look at the country, and staid a year. He then returned to Ohio and in 1869 moved his familj^ to Laclede, where he has since resided. The first two years he took charge of a lumber yard for the proprietor, at Laclede, and since then he has been working at the carpenter's trade. Mr. Fletcher was married the first time to Miss Elizabeth Kinney, of Belmont county, Ohio. She died in January, 1859, after having borne one child, that died a few weeks before the mother, aged one year. He was again married in 1875, to Miss Ellen Brickele, of

Brookfield, Missouri, a native of Oleaii. New York. Mr. Fletcher belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a consistent and faithful member. He also belongs to the Good Templar's order, and is, in all, a good citizen.

Benjamin F. Guttfin

son of Stephen and Lyna {nee Hazelton) Griffin, was born in Hastings county, Upper Canada, November 11, 1833. He lived there until 1859, being reared on a farm and educated in the common s*chools, when he remo\ed to Knox county, Illinois, where he followed fanning until 1870, In 1864 he enlisted in Company H, Thirty-sixth Illinois Infantry, and served till the close of the war, participating in the great battles of Franklin and Nashville, besides many minor engagements. After the war he returned to Knox county, where he resided until 1870, when he removed to Linn county, Missouri, and purchased the farm where he now lives. It comprises one hundred acres, is well improved and energetically managed. Mr. Griffin was married February 23, 1870, to Miss Sarah E. Hurlbutt, daughter of Asa and Mary {7iee Jones) Hurlbutt, of Knox county, Illinois. By this union there are three children: Alice A., Edith E., and Irwin H. Griffin.

Robert Glenn

son of Absalom and Artemy {nee Pe])per) Glenn. His father was born in Mason county, Kentucky, November 1, 1801, and his mother July 2, 1810. Both of them lived there until 1820, and were married in 1828. Two years later they removed to Marion county, Missouri, and in 1844 removed to Linn county, this being among the earliest and most substantial pioneers to this section. They reared a family of eleven children, only one of them being dead. Mr. Glenn died March 16, 1862. Mrs. Glenn is still living. Robert M., the subject of this sketch, was born in Marion county, Missouri, May 8, 1841. He was reared in Linn county, on a farm, and educated at the common schools. When fifteen years old he began working on a farm at ten dollars per month, and in 1860 commenced farming for himself. He is now the owner of a finely improved farm of four hundred and twenty-six acres, having good buildings, one hundred head of cattle and other kinds of stock. He has come into possession of this property by his own energy, though having met with a severe loss by being obliged to pay ^2,000 security on the bond of a defaulting county collector. Mr. Glenn was married February 12, 1863, to Miss Julia Worlow, daughter of Peter and Louisa {7iee Grindstaff) Worlow, of Linn county, Missouri. Her father was a native of North Carolina, and her mother of Kentucky. They have by this union eight children, six girls and two boys, named as follows: Sarah M., Katie E., Moses A., Nancy J., Elva E,, James, Fannie, and JMattie V.

James Hall

son of John and Susan Hall, was born in Utica, New York, April 13, 1837^ mid in 1838 his ])arents removed to Ohio, where he lived nntil fourteen years old. Ilis father died when he was twelve years old, and two years later he started out into the world to make his own way. He first went to northern Michio^an and worked in the lumber business there until he was nineteen years of age. He then located in Hillsdale county, Michigan, and in 1857 was married to Miss LuQ,y J. Emmons, daughter of Amasa and Laura {nee Smith) Emmons, of that county. The year of his marriage he removed to Dubuque county, Iowa, and then again returned to Michigan, where he was engaged in farming and working at the carpenter's trade until 1866. That year he came to Linn county, Missouri, having, when he arrived here with his wife and three children, only twenty-five cents in money. He went to work at the carpenter's trade, and by great industry and economy at length bought him a good farm. This comprises two hundred acres finely -improved and stocked. Mr. and Mrs. Hall have three children, Ancel, James G., and Rosa May Hall.

Harvey Hendrickson

was born in Logan county, Ohio, February 12, 1834, where he lived until twelve years of age. His parents removed to Scotland county, Missouri, in 184:(), and in 1849 went to Davis county, Iowa. At the age of eighteen years he apprenticed himself to the carpenter's trade with Lewis Rominger at Bloomfield, Iowa, with whom he worked three years. He then went to Albia, Iowa, and followed his trade until 1862. On August twelfth he enlisted in Company A, Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry, and served until the close of the war. He was at Memphis, Tennessee, when General Forest attacked the place; also participated in the battles of Yazoo Pass, Helena,, and Little Rock. He was with General Steele on his expedition to relieve General Banks, on Red River. His regiment was captured, but he being on detached duty, of course, escaped. A large part of the time he served in the pioneer and engineer corps. At the close of the war Mr. Ilendrickson returned to Albia, and in 1865 removed to Sullivan county, Missouri, One year later he located at Laclede, Missouri, and has lived there ever since, engaged in contracting and building, he having erected many of the houses in that town. In 1879 he opened a shop for general repairing: and carriage making, and has accumulated a comfortable property by his industr}', energy, and economy. Mr. Hendrickson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and also of the orders of Masons and Odd Fellows. He hasserved several terms in town council and as member of the Board of Education. Mr. Hendrickson was married in 1855 to Miss Elizabeth C. Myers» of Monroe county, Iowa. By this union there are three children: Thomas

L., Charles L., and Elizabeth C. Mrs. Ilendrickson died April 6, 1863, while lier husband was in the army, battling for hiscountiy. He was again married April 12, 1865, to Miss Permelia McCallan, of Sullivan county, Missouri. By this marriage there are two children: U. S. Grant and Eddie Mathew.

son of William and Jane {nee Faddes) Horn, was born in Alamance county. North Carolina, July 5, 1814, where he grew to manhood, being reared on a farm and educated in the subscription schools. He was prominent in the militia organizationsof that day, and was a commissioned officer. In 1852 he removed to lioss county, Ohio, where he farmed until 1861. He then located in Logan county, Hlinois, and thence in 1867, removed to Linn county, Missouri, where he resided until his death. May 4, 1870. He was a highly esteemed citizen. Mr. Horn was married December 29, 1836, to Miss Jane Thomas, daughter of James and M.\\\y {nee Stephens) Thomas, of Alamance county. North Carolina. She was born November 2, 1813.- They had by this union six children, four of whom are living and named Joseph A., Martha F., Daniel M., and Jane D. Joseph is with his mother on the farm and manages it. He is a young man of good education, has taught school and penmanship, and is a short-hand reporter.

David B. Hoyt

son of Henry and Sallie (?i66' Brown) Hoyt, was born in Stamford, Fairfield county, Connecticut, August 16, 1806, where he grew to manhood. "When about ten years of age his father died, leaving the lad to rely upon his own resources. At the age of sixteen years he apprenticed himself to the shoemaker's trade and \vorked at it until he reached his majority. Having to give up this business on account of ill-health, he engaged in butchering and run a meat market in New Canaan, Connecticut, for twenty-eight years, the last three of which he had a grocery store connected with his market. Arriving in Linn county, Missouri, in 1858, he purchased the farm on which he now resides. After a time he returned to his native State, and again came back to Missouri in 1868. Here in Linn county he has lived ever since, having retired from active business and having an ample income from his fine farm. Mr. Hoyt has been married twice, the first time to Miss Hannah Jennings, of Fairfield county, Connecticut, in 1833. She died five years later, leaving one child, Emily, who married Mr. Fredrick Webb, and is living in Connecticut. Mr. Hoyt's second marriage took place February 12. 1840, the lady being ]\[iss Maria Foot, daughter of John Begoyne Foot, a descendant of the celebrated Foot family of France. Her mother was a Miss Sarah (wee Norton) Foot. Mrs. Hoyt was born February 19, 1816, and is remarkably active for one so far advanced in life as she. By this union there were three children: Charles T., married Miss Florinda Clough, who died 1879, leaving one child; Catharine lloyt died at the age of thirteen years. Frank E. enlisted in an Illinois regiment dnring the late war, and died in the service of his conntrj.

The subject of this sketch is a native of Erie county, Pennsylvania, born October 15, 1852. His parents moved to Mower county, Minnesota in 1854 and there Lyman was reared and i-eceived his education. In 18G5 he moved to Linn county, this State, and has since resided here. He had been raised a farmer and on moving to this county he again resumed that laudable vocation, in which he continued till August, 1880, when he moved into Laclede and engaged in the butcher's business. Mr. Jones does the leading business in his line, and is an industrious, quiet and temperate citizen. He was married on the sixteenth day of April, 1876, to Miss Sophronia E. Anderson, of Linn county, formerly of Illinois. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jones, two of whom, John Beecher and George Curtis, still survive.

William B. .Tones

son of Eobert E. and Sarah Ann {nee Morris) Jones, was born in Cumberland county, Kentucky, November 6, 1850. Three years later his parents removed to Polk count}^ Missouri, and in 1858 to Jackson county, Missouri, w^here they lived until the opening of the war. When General Ewing.'s celebrated "Order No. 11" was issued they were compelled to leave,going to Daviess county, Missouri. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and educated at the common schools. When nineteen years old he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade and served at this until 1878. He and Mr. Murray built the "Rural Mills at a cost of $4,000, which they now own and run. These mills" are among the largest and most popular in this part of the country, having a capacity of twenty-live barrels of flour per day, and doing an extensive business.

Mr. Jom.^s was married March 21, 1881, to Miss Amanda Williams, daughter of Major Albert and Mary {nee Long) Williams, of Laclede, Missouri.

Carleton .Tones

son of Harry and Waitiey {oiee Luddington) Jones, was born in Warren, Herkimer county. New York, February 26, 1817. When a small boy his parents removed to Huron county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, having been reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. At the age of sixteen, he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, which business he followed a number of years. In 1832 Mr. Jones w-ent to Laporte

-connty, Indiana, and in 1842 to Brunswick, Chariton county, Missouri, where he worked at his trade until the California gold excitement raged over the land. He joined the first great rush to that State in 1849, and remained there three years, engaged in mining. Returning to Chariton county, Missouri, Mr. Jones was married July 10, 1853, to Miss Nancy Gaines, of that county, but formerly of Kentucky. The yonng couple soon after removed to Linn county, Missouri, Mr. Jones purchasing the place where he now resides. The farm is a fine one, comprising over five hundred acres, well improved. All this has been accomplished by the industry, energy, and intelligence of Mr. Jones, who is one of the leading farmers and substantial men of the county, and who has done much to make it what it is. Mrs. Jones died December 20, 1864. She was the mother of three children, two of whom are living, a daughter, Ida, and a son, May. The latter was born May 26, 1854, at the place where he now. resides; was educated at a country school and Laclede, and was married February 12, 1880, to Miss llortense Caruthers, daughter of James Caruthers, of Laclede. By this marriage there has been one child, Eva. Mr. Jones is one of the most successful and popular young farmers of Linn county.

James C. Long

is the son of Conrad and Lucretia {nee Warren) Long. His father had two brothers who were soldiers in the War of 1812. His parents are natives of Tennessee. James C. Long was born in Brown county, Tennessee, June IS? 1829. In 1832 his parents removed to Brown county, Illinois, where he grew to manhood, being reared on a farm and receiving a common school education. He followed farming until 1854, when he engaged in merchandizing at Clayton, Illinois, for four years. He then began buying and shipping produce to Xevv Orleans, and was in that city when the late war broke out. He returned houie, and in August, 1862, enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Nineteenth Illinois Infantry, He was soon assigned to General A. J. Smith's command and served with the same until the close of the war. Mr. Long held the rank of first sergeant, was on the lied River expedition, commanded by General Banks, and participated in the battles of Tupelo, Fort Blakely and all the numerous engagements and skirmishes of that command. Being miistered out he returned to Brown county, Illinois, and purchased a farm near Mound Station, and was engaged in farming there until 1879, when he purchased the place in Linn county, Missouri, where he now resides. He owns a farm of one hundred and fifty acres, finely improved and well managed. Mr, Long was married in 1852 to Miss Lavinia Ansmus, daughter of Frederick and Margaret {nea Sadler) Ansmus, of Brown county, Illinois, formerly of Tennessee. She was born May 29, 1831, her father being a participant in the War of 1812. By this union four children have been born, the names of the living ones being

William O., Frederick O., and Margaret Lulu. Mr. and Mrs. Long are members of the Baptist Church, the former since 1866 and the latter since 1860, both being active and consistent Christians.

Henry C. Lomax

son of John and Anna {nee Shank) Lomax, was born in Brown county, Illinois, September 21, 1841:. In 1852 his parents removed to Adams county, Illinois. Mr. Lomax lived on a farm until fourteen years of age, and then befj-an clerking in a store at Clayton, Adams county, Illinois, remaining there for one year. Thereafter he accompanied his parents to Laclede, Missouri, where his father engaged in merchandizing, he clerking in the store in summer and attending school in winter. At the breaking out of the war his father enlisted in the Twelfth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and was taken prisoner at the battle of Shiloh, and held as such several months, when he was exchanged. He assisted in raising the first Alabama cavalry regiment, and was a captain in the same until the close of the war, hi& death occurring at Laclede in 1877. Mr. Henry Lomax accepted a position as clerk for Mr. J. F. Pershing, sutler of the Twelfth Regiment, during 1862-63, and in 1864. When the Sixty-eighth Regiment Missouri State Militia was organized he enlisted in the same, and continued with it until it was mustered out. He then clerked for Mr. Pershing until 1871, since which time he has followed farming and stock-raising. In these pursuits he has succeeded admirably. September 26, 1866, Mr. Lomax was married to Miss Matilda Ann .Turner, daughter of Matthew and Lucinda {nee W«arrick) Turner, of Linn county, Missouri. Her father M^as a native of Kentucky, and her mother was born in Virginia. By this marriage there were five children, four of whom are living and named as follows: Edwin M.,. Jay C, Luanna, and John T. James died at about the age of two years. Mr. and Mrs. Lomax have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1866, and have been active and faithful Christians, doing much good.

Oryille W. Kelsey

son of John and Electa {nee Bowenj Kelsey, was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, March 27, 1828, where he lived until he was thirteen years old. With his parents he removed to Clay county, Indiana, and at the age of fifteen years was apprenticed to the potter's trade. This has been his constant occupation. At Brazil, Indiana, he carried on the pottery business extensively for twenty years. In 1868 he removed to Linneus, Linn county, Missouri, and in 1872 took charge of the pottery works near Laclede for T. O. Fellows; six years later bought cfut the business, and has since been extensively engaged in the same, averaging 60,000 gallons of pottery per year.

February 27, 1878. By this union there were five children, four of them living. William S., was married July 20, 1877, to Miss Fannie Lyons, daughter of John and Hannah Lyons of Linn county, Missouri, formerly of Grant county, Kentucky. They have one child, Walter. The names of the otiier children are Thomas J., Ella B., and Ulysses Grant.

Reuben A. Lamb

son of Reuben and Cynthia {^nee Sloper) Lamb, was born in Delaware county, Ohio, Xovember 4, 1815. His father wa^ one of the pioneers of that State, settling there in 1800, and representing it at one time in the legislature. The subject of this sketch was reared in Delaware county, Ohio, with the exception of two years that his parents lived in Illinois when he was a small boy. His early life was spent in his father's store and in attending school. When he became of age he engaged in merchandizing in tiie town of Delaware, which business he followed for a number of years. In 1862 he enlisted in Company £, Sixty-sixth Ohio Infantry, and participated in the battles of Winchester and Port Republic, under General Shields, and in numerous other engagements. He was taken prisoner in 1864, at Strasburg, Yirginia, while in a hospital; was paroled, reported at Washington and was mustered out, the government seeing no opportunity of making an exchange. He then proceeded to Nashville, Tennessee, and went into the quartermaster's department, where he remained until 1866, when he returned to Ohio, and in the following year removed to Linn countj^ Missouri, where he now resides, and owns a farm of ninety acres. Mr. Lamb was married in 1839, to Miss Emily G. Howard, daughter of Caleb and Melissa {iiee Grisswold) Howard, of Delaware county, Ohio. By this union there have been four children, Henry H. and Howard S., who son of Joim and Nancy (Henry) McEfee, was born in Washington county, Tennessee, October 23, 1833. His father died in 1843 and he came to Mercer county, Missouri, in 1845, with his mother. At the age of fourteen years he began clerking in a store in Grundy county, Missouri, continuing it until 1857, when he engaged in merchandizing in the same place, the firm being McEfee & Wright. In 1859 he sold his interest to Mr. Wright and came to Laclede, where he conducted a grocery and commission store for Grill & Hoyle until the breaking out of the late war, when he enlisted in Company C, Eighteenth Missouri Volunteer Infantry. At the organization of that regiment he received the appointment of quartermaster-sergeant, and in February, 1862, was promoted to be second lieutenant. Company E; In January, 1863, he was promoted to be first lieu- tenant, Company 1. The first winter of the war he was stationed at Weston, Missouri, and in 1862 went into actual service. He participated in the memorable battle of Shiloh, was taken prisoner there April 6, 1862, and conducted to Montgomery, Alabama, where he was kept until July 1, 1862, when he was removed to Macon, Georgia, and held there until the following September, when he was taken to Madison, Georgia; held there till October tenth, then sent to Richmond, Virginia, and there paroled and exchanged in February, 1863. He at once returned to his regiment and was stationed on the Memphis & Charleston Railroad the following summer. He was taken sick in October and resigned July, 1864, on account of disability. He returned to Laclede in 1866 and was appointed deputy circuit clerk of Linn county, which office he held until 1871. He then removed to Sumner connty, Kansas, and followed farming until 1876, when he returned to Grundy county, Missouri, and clerked for two years at Lindley. In the spring of 1879 he returned to Laclede and purchased a farm adjoining the town, where he has since resided. He was married September 14, 1866, to Miss Mary E. Moore, of Laclede, Missouri. Mr. McEfee made a gallant soldier and endured heroically the hardships incident to a long military imprisonment. He is a popular and valuable citizen, and worthy the high regard in which he is held.

Martin Mahukin

is the son of Silas and Delaney {nee Edwards) Mahurin. His father was born December 31, 1805, in Hardin county, Kentucky, where he lived until 1853, when he removed to Adams county, Illinois, and in 1858 to Linn county, Missouri, where he still lives. Miss Delaney Edw^ards, of Grayson county, Kentucky, to whom he was married in 1832, died in 1869. The subject of this sketch was born in Grayson countj^, Kentucky, June 4,1843. Ten years later his parents moved to Adams country, Illinois, and in 1858 to Linn county, Missouri. Mr. Mahurin w^as reared on a farm and educated at the common schools. He lived in Linn county from 1858 to 1871, excepting a portion of the years 1865-66, when he resided in Illinois. Mr. Mahurin was married August 12, 1864, to Miss Sophia Palmer, daughter of Peregrine P., and Nancy (nee Blevins) Palmer, one of the old settlers and pioneers of Linn county. In. 1871 Mr. Mahurin removed to Sullivan county, Missouri, following farming there until 1881, and then came to the place where he now resides and owns a farm comprising one hundred and twenty acres of land well improved. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mahurin, all living; namely, James M., Stephen J., Laura E., Edward L., Maggie B., Arthur P., Silas A,, and Annie V. Mahurin.

Edward O. Mitchell

was born iu Fayette, Howard county, this State, and educated at Central College, a school under the control of the Southern Methodists, and situated in his native town. After leaving college Mr. Mitchell clerked for some time in a general merchandise store in Fayette. In 1871 he came to Laclede^ and clerked for Reynolds Rnmmell for two years. He served as township constable during the years 1873-74, but resigned in the fall of the latter year. After this he went to St. Louis, and there held a position as conductor of a street railway line in that city and was there till 1878. Returning^ to Laclede he bought the driio: store of his brother, and has since been in that business. He took in Mr. W. R. Barton, Jr., as a partner in January, 1880. They are enjoying a tiourishing trade in their line. Mr. Mitchell was married in 1873, to Miss Emma McCoy, of Chariton county, Missouri.

William B Parker

son of Alexander and Eliza {nee Parker) Parker, was born in Mason county, Kentucky, February 7, 1830. Five years later his parents removed to Brown county, Illinois, and there he grew to manhood, being reared on a farm and receiving: a common school education. Mr. Parker was married February 20, 1851, to Miss Margaret Ann Haley, daughter of William and Xancy (nee Yance) Haley, of Brown county^, Illinois, and formerly of Kentucky. Mr. Parker was extremely poor when he married Miss Haley, having to borrow the money with which to pay for the license. Residing in Linn county, Missouri, now, to which locality he removed in 1876, he lives upon and owns a finely improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres, well stocked, and composed of thirty acres of timber land. As another indication of his prosperity he has given his four married children five hundred dollars each with which to begin in the world. Mrs. Parker died September 27, 1879, having been an invalid three years before her death. She had been a member of the church for thirty years, and was possessed of a zealous Christian spirit. Fourteen children were born by this union, nine of whom are still living, the names of the latter being as follows: Alexander, Mary Ann, Isabel, Martha, Lydia, AV alter, Ella, Freddie, and Maggie. Mr. Parker was again married February 20, 1880. to Mrs. Mary Thomas, who was formerly a Miss Rulinghour, of Livingston county, Missouri. Mr. Parker has been a member of the Baptist Church for thirty years, ten years of which time he has been a deacon in the same.

Rev. William Penx

son of William and Ellen {nee Nettie) Penn, was a descendant of the illustrious WillicUM Penn, on his father's side. His mother is a descendant of the Duke of Howard, of England, her mother being a granddaughter of the

Duke. The subject of this sketch was born while his parents were emigrating from Marjhmd to Missouri, fifteen miles east of Indianapolis, Indiana, April 24, 182G. Ilis father and mother settled in Callaway county, Missouri, and there young William spent the greater part of his life, beingreared on a farm and educated at subscription schools. In early life he followed farming and stock-raising. Mr. Penn was married, January 9, 1849, to Miss Jane Holt, daughter of Basdell and Jane {yiee Wombell) Holt, of Montgomery county, Missouri. Her parents were natives of Virginia. Mr. Penn was justice of the peace and notary public for nine 3^ears, and out of over three hundred cases tried before him he never had but one decision reversed. Having resigned the above oftices in order to enter the ministry, he was licensed in 1868, ordained in 1872, and has served in different fields of labor since. In 1876-77 he was assigned to missionary work in Texas and in the Indian Territory, among the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Cherokee Indians. The climate did not agree with Mr. Penn's wife's health, and he returned to Missouri, purchased the place where he now resides, and at present, on account of his health, tills only two appointments, one in Chariton county and one in Sullivan county. He organized the churches at these places, and they do not wish to lose his services. Mr. Penn and his wife have been members of the church for twenty-five years. He has solemnized one hundred and four marriages. He has also been an exceedingly benevolent man. When he entered the ministry he was worth five thousand dollars, at least half of which he has given to benevolent purposes. Mr. Penn is the father of eight children, all of whom are professors of religion, except the youngest child. The next one to the oldest is an ordained preacher and has taken his father's place in Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Penn's children number seven sons and one daughter; namely, William B., Thomas D., John F., James M., Hattie J., Silas P., Henry T., and Samuel A, Penn.

Washington J. Porter

This gentleman was born in Licking county, Ohio, November 9, 1819. In 1831 his parents moved to Coshocton county, of the same State, and there resided till 1835, when they again moved, to Holmes county, still in Ohio. In this latter county, Washington J. Porter was reared on a farm, and also worked in a mill operated by his father. He received his education in the public schools, and at Fredericksburg Academy, of, Wayne county. After attaining his majority, Mr. Porter engaged in farming in the summer, and taught school during the winter season. Prior to his coming to Missouri, he had resided in Tuscarawas and Wayne counties, Ohio, Porter county, Indiana, and, lastly, Decatur county, Iowa. He came to Laclede, in Linn county, in 1859, and was engaged in various occupations till the war. In 1862 he was appointed recruiting officer, with the rank of second lieutenant, to recruit troops for the United States Government; and, at the organization of the Thirty-third Missouri, was commissioned in Company I, with the same rank he held while recruiting. Lieutenant Porter participated in the battles of RoUa, Hartville, White River Expedition, and several others. He resigned his commission June 3, 1863, and returned to Linn county. In July he was appointed recruiting officer, with rank of first lieutenant, and was recruiting in Missouri for twelve months succeeding. He was then assigned to Company H, of the Fortythird Missouri, with commission as above, and held that rank till the close of the war, most of the time on staff duty. Shortly before the close, he was post agent at Kansas City. He was mustered out June 30, 1865, and returned to his home in Laclede. In 1871 Mr. Porter was elected assessor of Linn county, which position he tilled with credit to himself and satisfaction to his friends. Since 1873 he has been in the hotel business at Laclede, and the reputation of the Central House, while under his control, behaving since sold out, was well known among traveling men as a place where the hungry could satisfy the inner man and the weary could find rest.

Mr. Porter has been twice married, and has one daugter by his first marriage, who is now the wife of Mr. Cather, of Chillicothe. His present wife was a Miss Moore,* and he has no children bj' the last marriage. Mr. Porter is a member of the Christian Church, and has been an elder therein for over twenty years, and was one of the charter members of the Laclede congregation. He is also an active member of the Good Templar Lodge, and liolds the office of worthy chief templar. Mr. Porter had the honor of being the first mayor Laclede ever had, and has always been a useful citizen and a trustworthy gentleman.

Joseph H. Preston

son of Joseph and Sarah {iiee Hart) Preston, was born in Bedfordshire, England, February 13, 1831, where he grew to manhood, having received a common school education. When a boy he learned the baker's trade, which he followed for several years. In 1851 he came to the United States and located at Cherry Valley, Oswego county, New York, and two years later removed to Detroit, Michigan. In 1S55 he went to Boone county, Illinois, and engaged in farming. Remaining there until 1859, he removed to Linn county, Missouri, and purchased the splendid farm upon which he now resides. This comprises four hundred acres, well improved and under a high state of cultivation, upon which remarkably heavj^ crops of corn are raised, and which help to feed as high as two hundred head of hogs per year, besides other stock. Mr. Preston has been a member of the Masonic order twelve years. In 1852 he married Miss Bridget Larkin, daughter of Michael and Mary Larkin, a native of Ireland. By this union there are

Lon Prewitt

Mr. Prewitt is a native of Linn county, and was born on the twenty-first of February, 1855. lie is the son of 'Benjamin an Fannie Prewitt, and his early life was spent on the farm. He received his education in the common schools, and at the age of twenty went to blacksmithing. He carried on the business in Linneus till June, 1881, when he located at Laclede, where he now does a flourishing business. Mr. Prewitt makes a specialty of horseshoeing, and has acquired a reputation for executing that kind of work in a very superior manner. In addition to his other business, he has added that of carriage and wagon making. Mr. Prewitt was married, December 20, 1876, to Miss Sallie Beaket, also a native of this county. They have one child, named Ola. Mr. Pre\vitt belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but to no other secret order.

William J. Scoit

son of Laughlin and Jane {nee Bryant) Scott, was born in Ireland, June 22» 1833. There he grew to manhood and learned the stonemason's trade. In 1854 he came to the United States, having been eight weeks on the ocean, because of bad weather. When he landed he had but one English shilling (twenty-four cents) and did without food for three days. He located in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, and lived on a farm for three years. In 1857 he went to Quincy, Illinois, where he lived for ten years. In 1861 he enlisted in Company F, Third Illinois Cavalry and served for three years, participating in the battles of Pea Kidge, Vicksburg, and numerous skirmishes and scouting expeditions. He assisted in guarding the Memphis & Charleston Kailroad for some time, and during the last six months of his service was in the ordnance department at Memphis, Tennessee. Enlisting as a private he rose to the rank of orderly sergeant, and was a brave and true soldier. After the war Mr. Scott returned to Quincy, Illinois, and worked at his trade until 1870 when he removed to Linn county, Missouri, and purchased the place where he now lives. His farm of ninety-four acres is well improved and enclosed by hedge. It is energetically and skillfully managed.

Mr. Scott was married September 2, 1872, to Miss Columbia IIuss daughter of Elisha and Elizabeth Huss, of Linn county, Missouri. By this union there were four children, two of whom are living, Wiiliam A. and Samuel Scott.

alive and enjoying good health. They are the parents of eight cliildren, seven of whom are living. The subject of this sketch was born June 2, 1820, while his tather and mother were temporarily in the State of New York, but when he was only three weeks old they settled in Canada, being reared and educated there in Ontario Province. lie was brought up as a farmer boy, but preferring professional life he entered Knox College, Toronto, where he spent seven years, and graduated from that institution in 1849. lie had to resort to teaching a part of the time to enable him to raise enough money to pay his way through the college course. Mr. Smith first proposed to fit himself for the ministry, but finally determined to enter upon the study and practice of the law. In 1849, after graduating, he came to the United States, locating in Shelby county, Kentucky, and was professor at the White Hall Seminary, in that county, two years. In 1851, he accepted the pi-esidency of the Rockport Seminary, Ilockport, Indiana, which position he held for five years. Meanwhile he had read law and in 1856, commenced to practice as an attorney, in partnership with Judge DeBruler. This firm continued until 1865, doing the leading business in that and adjoining counties. Mr. Smith was prosecuting attorney of Spencer county? one term during the war. At the commencement of hostilities he raised two companies and was commissioned captain, but unavoidable reasons prevented him from entering upon active service. In 1865 his health began to fail, and wishing to retire from the practice of law, he purchased his present farm near Laclede, Linn county, Missouri, and has since been engaged in farming and stock-raising, occasionally practicing liis profession of the law. His farm comprises three hundred and eighty acres, eighty acres of which are within the corporation limits of Laclede. He has an orchard of twenty acres, being next to the largest one in the county. Mi-. Smith being an expert in fruit culture, has in his orchard the very finest selection and variety of fruit. His farm is well stocked, and he makes a specialty of fine sheep, raising the Cotswold and other imported breeds. This farm and stock are valued at about §20,000. Mr. Smith was married in 1858, to Miss Susan E. Palson, daughter of Dr. John and Jane{nee Jones) Palson, a prominent physician of Dubois county, Indiana. Her mother, after her husband's death, married a Mr. Edmonson, a prominent gentleman and State senator, of Indiana, Mr. Smith received the nomination for judge of the Common Pleas Court, in Linn county, but not desiring to hold office, declined the honor. Mrs. Smith is well known as a lecturer upon temperance, woman's. rights, and religious subjects. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have only one child livinrf, Jennie M. Smith. Mr. S. has been a member of the church since childhood.

Abraham Scouton

son of David and Anirelina Sconton, was born in Onondaga county, New- York, October 28, 1820, where he e^rew to manhood, being reared on a farm and educated at the Fayetteville schools, in his native county. His grandlatlier was a captain in tlie war of the Kevolntion, and his father a captain in tlie War of 1812. The latter was wounded in the battle of "Xork, while leading his company in a charge, in storming the fort. The subject of this sketch, at the age ot twenty-one years, was engaged in some public works, and became superintendent for contractors in the construction of several Eastern railroads. At the breaking out of the Mexican War he enlisted in the Fifth Infantry Regiment, and in February, 1847, was appointed by President Polk second lieutenant of Company D, Tenth Regiment, Infantry, lie participated in the battles of Monterey, Biiena Vista, and was at the capture of Mier, at which place he filled the position of post quartermaster and commissary for ten months. When the war closed his regiment returned to New York, where he was honorably discharged. At the beginning of the California gold excitement, in 1849, he went to that State on the first steamer that left New York City. He followed mining in California eighteen months, then returned to his native State and engaged in farming for a while. After this he had the contract for building bridges on the Erie Canal, and in 1857, constructed fourteen miles double track of the New York Central Railroad. In 1859, he again engaged in farming, which he continued until 1865, when he was appointed by the Governor of New York as superintendent of the sixth section of the Erie Canal. This position he held six years, meanwhile being engaged in merchandizing in Fayetteville, which latter occupation he followed until 1876. A year later he removed to Linn county, Missouri, where he now resides and owns a fine farm of 400 acres, well improved and adorned with a splendid residence. There are also a fine barn, eighty head of cattle and other stock in proportion. His farm and improvements have cost him over ^12,000. When Mr. Scouton purchased this farm, in 1877, it was wild prairie land. Now it will compare favorably with any farm. In 1881 he raised seventy bushels of oats per acre on it. Mr. Scouton was married in 1851, to Miss Adaline Richmond, daughter of Jacob and Esther {iiee Clark) Richmond, of Onondaga county, New York. She died in 1865. There were by this union four children; namely. Fowler H., Henry R,,Lillie V., and William A. Mr. S. was again married in 1868, to Mrs. Jane Cox, formerly a Miss Blanchard, daughter of John and Yancy [iiee Hiscock) Blanchard, of Onondaga county, New York, and a cousin of the Hon. Hiscock, a member of Congress from that State. By this union there is one child, Glenn A.

Herbert A. Stone

depot agent for I)nrlington (k Southwestern Railroad, is a son of James Dand Lydia C. {iiee Cooms) Stone. He was born in Fitcliburg, Massachusetts, January S, 185S, and lived there until twelve years of age. His parents removed in 1870 to Brookfield, Missouri, where his early life was spent in acquiring an education. "When sixteen years old he began learning telegraphy at Brookfield, and worked in the railroad office there one year. In October, 1S77, he accepted a situation as night operator for the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad at Laclede, which position he held antil July 15, 1880, when he tock charge of the business for the Burlington & Southwestern Railroad at Laclede as depot agent and operator, together with the entire passenger and freight departments. Mr. Stone has discharged the responsible duties devolving upon him to the general satisfaction of his employers and their patrons. He is a young man of strictly temperate habits, and is a member of the Odd Fellows' and Good Templars' orders.

Samuel A. Staley

son of Jacob and Mary {nee Arthur) Staley, was born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, June lo, 1825. He lived there until fifteen years old, being reared on a farm and receiving his education at the common schools. In 1840 he removed to Carroll county, Indiana; in 1850 to Howard county, same State; later to Grundy county, Missouri; in 1858 to Sullivan county, same State; and in 1860 to Linn county, Missouri. Up to this time he had been engaged in farming. Going into the milling business, he run the Miles Mill, south of Linneus, until 1863, when he enlisted in Company F, First Regiment of Missouri Cavalry, and served south of the Missouri River. He was engaged in numerous skirmishes with guerrillas, and on one occasion, in a fight with Bill Anderson in 1864, was wounded so severely as to disable hira for further service. He was honorably discharged, returned to Linn county, and resumed milling. This he continued until 1868, when he purchased the farm of ninety acres on which he is residing.

Mr. Staley was married in 1857 to Miss Pruda M. Mize, daughter of John and Annie {nee Murphy) Mize of Pulaski county, Kentucky. By this union there were eight children, four of them living, John A., William T. S., Sarah A., and Minnie L. Staley.

Dr. Spurgeon is the son of John and Sarah Spurgeon, both of whom were natives of Bourbon county, Kentucky. William P., however, was born in Adams county, Ohio, on the fifteenth of March, 1833. He was reared on a farm, and in his boyhood days attended the common schools of his neighborliood, completing his academic course at Greenfield Seminary,

Highland couMt}^ Ohio. At the i\ii;e of nineteen, lie began the study of medicine, but soon afterwards suspended his studies to make a trip to California, whose gold-fields had wrought an excitement whicli had reached across the continent. Dr. Spurgeon spent two years in the mines of that State, returning to Ohio in 1855. He again resumed his reading, at the same time teaching school to obtain the means of pursuing his professional studies. In 1857 and 1858 he attended lectures. In the spring of 1861 he graduated in medicine from the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, the faculty hoiiorintr him with the degree of doctor of medicine. Immediatlv thereafter he located for the practice at Rarden, Scioto county, and remained till October following. The civil war had risen like a giant in his wrath, and Dr. Spurgeon resolved to give his services to the cause of the Union. Accordingly, he enlisted in Company B of the Seventieth Ohio Yolunteer Infantry, and was appointed second lieutenant of that company. His regiment was ordered to active service, and Lieutenant Spurgeon par^ ticipated in the battle of Shiloh, and the taking of Corinth. In January^ 1863, he resigned becanse of physical disability, and returned to Ohio, again locating for practice, this time at Decatur, in Brown county. Here he remained till 1868, when he came to Missouri, living in Chariton county till 1874, when he i;emoved to Laclede, this county, where he has since livedo and enjoys a fine practice.

Dr. Spurgeon was married in 1856 to Miss Ann Eliza Arbuthnot, daughter of the Rev. James Arbuthnot of Adams county, Ohio, and a minister in the Presbyterian Church. Five children have been born to the Doctor and Mrs. Spurgeon, four of whom still survive, named as follows: Charles R., Carey F., James A., and Sarah B.

Dr. Spurgeon is a member of the Christian Church, and also belongs to the following secret orders: Freemasons, Ancient Order of United Workmen, and Independent Order of Good Templars. Lie is a most efficient worker in the latter, and is a zealous advocate of the temperance cause. A genial, courteous gentleman, of fine social qualifications. Dr. Spurgeon enjoys the respect and confidence of the people of his town and county.

He whose biography is here outlined is a native of Illinois, and was born in Paris, Edgar county, on the thirteenth of January, 1847. His early life was spent on a farm, and enjoying the educational facilities of his neighborhood. Afterwards he attended the Edgar Academy, in the town of Paris. Dr. Standley became imbued with an ambition to study and practice medicine, and, after reading awhile, attended lectures at Ann Arbor, Michigan. This was in 1866 and 1867. In 1860 and 1870 he took a course at Rush Medical College, Chicago, graduating from that institution with the degree of M. D., in the spring of 1870. In June of the same year he came to Laclede, this county, and located for the practice of his profession. He soon enjoyed a good practice, and in 1880 embarked in the drug business with other j^arties, under the firm style of Markham & Co.

When Dr. Standlej' first came to Laclede, his cash capital consisted of tv;enty dollars, all told; and his stock in trade was his professional education, backed up by a will and a spirit of energy that knew not the word fail. At once devoting himself to his calling, and giving strict attention to his business, it was but a short time till he was on the high road to success. .

They have had three children, two of whom, Kate V. and Horace M. are still living. Dr. S. belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and also to the Masonic and Odd Fellows' orders.

Erastus M. Tracy

Tills gentleman, one of the leading business men of Linn county, was born in Licking county, Ohio, December 24th, 1831, and there grew to manhood. The foundation of his education was laid in the public schools -of his native county, and he completed it at the Wesleyan University, a Methodist institution located at Delaware, Ohio. Mr. Tracy began life without a dollar, his first business ex])erience being that of running a wholesale notion wagon in Ohio. Subsequently he sold lightning rods for two years in the State of Tennessee. In 1854 he located at Jonesborough, Indiana and engaged in the mercantile business, remaining there for twelve years. Here, however, he was overtaken by those reverses that even the most careful are liable to, and lost all that he had accumulated. He was, of course, forced to start afresh, and came to Missouri, as a field offering good inducements for business pursuits. Locating at Laclede in 1866, he there engaged in merchandizing, and has built up a large trade in the drygoods and clothing line.

Mr. Tracy is the oldest merchant in the town, and his square method of -doing business has won for hira many friends among all classes of citizens. He carries a stock ranging from thirty to forty thousand dollars annually. His liberality in giving to churches and ])ublic charities, and his enterprise in donating to, and urging on, all needful public improvements, all prove him a valuable citizen in an}' community.

Mr. Tracy was first married on his twenty -first birthday, December 24, 1852, to Miss Dorcas L. Ink, of Monroe county, Ohio. She died October 20, 1867, and he was a second time married December 24, (on his birthday,) 1868, to Miss Marietta A. Neff, of Laclede.

Mr, Tracy had two children by his first marriage: Frank L., and Ida C, :and has two by the last, named Edna M, and Jennie M. He is a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and also belongs to the Odd Fellows' and Masonic orders, and has filled nearly all the ofiices in each.

Vikgil True

This gentleman, one of the successful business men of this town, was born in Kennebeck county, Maine, March 16, 1838. He was reared on a farm, and grew to manhood in the county of his birth, receiving his education in the public schools under the efficient educational system of his State. Mr. True was one of the first of the sons of Maine to ofter his services to his country when the war of the Rebellion broke out. As early as Aprils 1861, he enlisted in Company H, of the First Maine Infantry, his term of enlistment being for three months. At the expiration thereof he reenlisted in Company H, of the Tenth Maine Regiment, and served with Benjamin Banks in his campaign in the Valley of Virginia. He was at the battle of Winchester, and was then assigned to Pope's command. At the battle of Cedar Mountain, August 9, 1862, he was seriously wounded. After his recovery he was assigned to the quartermaster's department, where he served till the war closed. For two years succeeding his return to Maine, Mr. True engaged in farming. He then, in 1868, embarked in the hardware business in Oxford county, that State, and continued till 1870, when he moved to Missouri and located at Laclede, in this county, still in the same line of business. At this time he carried one of the heaviest stocks in hardware, stoves, and tinware in Linn county, and enjoys as large a trade a& any other house.

Mr. True was married December 30, 1866, to Miss Annie C. Bearce, of Androscoggin county, Maine. They have had three children, two of whom^ Susan B. and Blanche L., are still living.

Mr. True belongs to the Odd Fellows' fraternity, and takes an active interest in all affairs which concern the order. He is a gentleman of fine business qualifications, and by energy and close attention to business has built up a good trade and secured to himself and family a competency.

William Taylor

son of George and Rebecca {iiee Raymond) Taylor, was born in Sevier county, Tennessee, October 12, 1813. His father was a soldier of the War of 1812, and was wounded while in the service. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in his native county, receiving but a limited education. Li 1833 he removed with his parents to Clay county, Missouri, and three years later came to Linn county, Missouri, being one of the pioneers of the county, and one among the very few of the early settlers now living. The hardships of his frontier life seem to have so strengthened and blessed him with hardihood as that now, at the age of sixty-nine years, he retains much of the vigor and freshness of his early manhood.

Mr. Taylor was married in 1S42 to Miss Elizabeth Beckets, born September 18, 1825, and daughter of John and Rhoda (^Morris) Beckets, of Linn county, Missouri. Her parents were natives of Kentucky, removed to Linn county in April, 1834, and were among the early pioneers of this section. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have been members of the church for over thirty years. He owns a farm of 150 acres, well improved, and has lived upon it for more than thirty years. J^otwithstanding he commenced life penniless he has so prospered that he has given each of his three children sixty acres of valuable land. The iiatnes of these childrefi are Mary E., Martha, and Sarah, all of whom are married.

was the son of Thomas and Sarah Jane {nee Fowler) "Watson. His father was one of the earliest settlers of Linn county, Missouri, having come here in 1833 from Chariton county, Missouri, from which he was once a member of the legislature. He also represented Linn county in the legislature, and kept the lirst tavern in this county. He and his wife were natives of Virginia. The grandfather of the subject of this sketch was a native of Ireland, and was a soldier of the Revolution through all the seven years of that struggle. He died in this country in 1845, aged ninety years.

Thomas L. "Watson was born in Chariton county, Missouri, July 25, 1825, and when about eight years of age his parents removed to Linn county, Missouri, where he was reared on a farm. "When the Mexican "War broke out he and his two brothers enlisted in Captain Barber's company and was in General Price's command. They served through the whole war and at its close returned to Linn county. In 1849 he went to California, came back a year later, and March 13, 1851, was married to Miss Eliza J. Parks daughter of James and Frances {nee Heyford) Parks, of Chariton county, Missouri. Her father settled in that county in 1816. He then located on the farm where his widow now lives, he having been granted the land for services in the Mexican "War.

Mr. "Watson was very fond of hunting and it was supposed that he had killed more deer than any other man in Linn county, he always keeping an abundant supply of venison the year round. He kept the first ferry on Locust Creek in this county, carrying a hickory club as he went to and from the ferry with which to kill snakes. Mr. "Watson was a deacon in the Baptist Church for twenty-three years, and a worthy and useful citizen. He died December 25, 1877. He was the father of thirteen children. Charles H., the oldest, was badly hurt while discharging a gun, the breech-pin entering his forehead, from the effects of which wound he died seven years afterward, aged twenty-four years. There had been over forty pieces of his skull taken out. The names of the other children are as follows: Missouri F., "William P., James (deceased), Jordan P., Bettie L., Mary E., Sarah R., Oscar Y., Ada E., Ellen L., Florence B., and Cella M. "Watson.

Elder John W. W. Waugii

soil of Jacob and Mary i^nee Brown) Waugb, was born in Upshur county, West Viro-inia, July 6, 1S50. His father was a prominent man in his part of the State, liaving been a justice of the peace ten years, county commissioner four years, circuit clerk eight years, and a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church al! his life since manhood. Mr, John W. W. Waugh was reared on a farm until he was fourteen years old, and was educated at the common schools and Allegheny College. When yet a mere strip of a lad, in 1864, he enlisted in Company E, Third Virginia Cavalry, and served until the close of the war, having taken part in numerous severe skirmishes and scouts. At the age of sixteen years he was appointed circuit clerk under his father, and held the x)ffice for four years. He then engaged in farming and school-teaching. In 1871 he came to Cunningham, Missouri, and taught school there. A year later he returned to Virginia, and in 1873 removed to Davis county, Iowa, where he was ordained an elder in the Christian Church, and was subsequently assigned to a pastoral charge in that church. Continuing in the ministry there until 1879, Mr. Waugh removed to Laclede, Missouri, where he organized the Christian Church and was its pastor for one year, when he was forced to resign on account of ill health. He then engaged in the insurance business, and in 1881 entered upon the grocery business under the lirni name of Brunemer & Waugh, which is still continued. Mr. Waugh was married September 7, 1871, to Miss Mary C. Smith, daughter of Murphy and Charity {iiee Simmons) Smith, of Chariton county, Missouri. By this marriage there have been four children, three of whom are living, named as follows: Maud, Flora, and Murphy Waugh.

son of Charles and Perlina [nee Wood) Wright, His father was born August 17, 1807, and his mother April 22, 1815. Emerson was born in Niagara county, New York, May 18, 1835. When two years old his parents removed to Lapeer county, Michigan, where they were residents until 1848. Thence they removed to Detroit. There young Wright went to railroading, which he followed until 1858. He and his father assisted in taking thefirst locomotive to Columbus, Ohio, having to haul by teams from Xenia, Ohio, to Columbus, a distance of fifty miles, along the old National Bike road. In 1858 Mr. Wright located in Leavenworth, Kansas, and was there engaged in the hotel business, when, in 1862, he enlisted in the ordnance department of the Federal army, and served until the close of the war. He was in General Blunt's campaign and also in General Thomas's Georgia campaign. At the cessation of hostilities the subject of this sketch removed to Linn county, Missouri, and located on his present place of residence.

His father died there in 1877, and his mother in 1881. Mr. Wright was married in 1857 to Miss Emma Little, daughter of William and Lucy {nee Willets) Little, of Muscatine, Iowa. Her father was a native of Michigan, and lier mother of Vermont. The former was a soldier of the War of 1812. E_y this union there were six children, five of them living; namely, Ida T. A., Lizzie P., Fred II., and Burt C. Elmo R. died at the age of ten months. Mr. Wright owns and lives upon a rich farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which is handsomely improved and well stocked. He has been -a member of the Masonic order since he was twenty-one years old, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Remus Wise

was born in Laurel county, Kentucky, March 10, 1819, was left an orphan at the age of three years, and was reared by Chapman Watkins. 'He was married in lS-i2 to Miss Sar^h Grindstaff, of Knox county, Kentucky, and lived in Laurel county, in that State, imtil 1851, when he removed to Henry county, Missouri, and in 1873 to Johnson county, same State, where he owned a good farm of two hundred acres, but lost his property on account of the war. In 1862 he located in Lafayette county, and from there went to Linn county, Missouri, in 1864, where he has since resided, engaged in farming. In 1878 he settled upon the finely improved farm of eighty acres, he owns. Mr. Wise is the father of ten children, six of whom are living; namely, George W., Abram, Catharine, Larkin, Louisa E., and J. £ynum. All of them are married.

son of Remus and Sarah Wise, was born in Johnson county, Missouri, March 27, 1859. In 1862 his parents removed to Lafayette county, and in 1864 to Linn county, Missoifri, where they have since resided. Jesse was reared -on a farm and and still follows that occupation. He owns a valuable tract of forty acres, and has it in a good state of preservation. October 27, 1880, Mr. Wise was married to Miss Fannie E. Bigger, daughter of Judge Harrison E. and Clarinda {nee Gillespie) Bigger, of Linn county, Missouri. There is one child by this marriage.

Larkin Wise

son of Remus and Sarah {nee Grindstaff) Wise, was born in Laurel countv, Kentucky. April 7, 1850. In 1852 his parents removed to Henry county, Missouri, and in 1855 to Johnson county, in that State; a year later to Lafayette county, and in 1864 to Linn county, Missouri, where they have since resided. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and educated in subscription schools. He has constantly followed farming, with much suc- -cees, and now owns a well improved place of one hundred and twenty acres.

Mr. Wise was married July 27, 1868, to Miss E. Glenn, daughter of Absalom^ and Artemecy {nee Pepper) Glenn, of Linn county, Missouri. Her parents were among the pioneers of. this county. By this union there were seven children, liveof whom are living, named as follows: Abrath E., Euratns W.,. Ethelin, Clara M., and Floy A.

The subject of this sketch is a member of the grocery house of Welsb & Moro-an, and was born in Belmont county, Ohio, July 8, 1838. He i& the son of John and Mary Welsh, the father having been, for several years,, judge of the Common Pleas Court of his district, was also an incumbent of several State offices of Ohio, and the entire family to which he belonged were more or less prominent in political circles of that State. The eai'ly life of James M. was spent on a farm and in clerking in his father's store on the same farm. He received his education at Richmond College, in Jefferson county, Ohio. When the civil wa*i- began Mr. Welsh enlisted September 1, 1861, in Company F, of a regiment of infantry then being recruited in his section. It was soon after organized into the Fifteenth Ohio Volunteers, and Mr. Welsh was commissioned first lieutenant of his company, and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. He was in the battle of Shiloh and siege of Corinth. Though he was taken sick on this campaign he never left his cotnniand till they reached Bowling Green, Kentucky; there he was left in the hospital in JSTovember, 1862. He was taken to Ohio in June, 1863, and placed in charge of the invalid corps at Columbus. He was discharged because of physical disability, in August of the same year. After this he engaged in merchandizing in Belmont, Ohio, till his coming to Missouri in 1866. The last named date was the period of his advent in Laclede, and he was engaged in merchandizing till 1869, when he embarked in the nursery business. ^This scheme did not prove successful and he gave it up after four years, and again began merchandizing in the grocery business, in which fortune favored him better. Mr. Welsh is a member of the Methodist Church, and has been for upwards of twenty-six years. He is also a member of the L O. O. F., and the I. O. G. T. lodges. At this writing he is serving as township treasurer,, and is one of the most substantial citizens of Laclede.

He was married October 10, 1861, to Miss Louisa Neff, of Belmont county, Ohio. They have had six children, five of whom survive; named, respectively, Ulysses Grant, Charles B., Marietta H., Diantha, and John L. These children receive every attention from their parents that intelligence and good words can impart.

William Wilson

Mr. Wilson is a nativ^e of Ireland and was there born on the first day of February, 1832. Ten years later his parents emigrated and located in

Troy, New Tork. In 1S47 they removed to Essex county, in the same State, and William lived there, encjaged in farm work, till he went to Jefferson county, Iowa, in 1856. There he engaged in farming till 1861, wlien he went to Hnron county and engaged in coal mining. Returning east in 186'2 he remained a year or two, and then came to Missouri, stopping first in Scotland county, where he engaged in farming on a place he had purchased two years before. In 1868 he quit farming and began merchandizing at Arbela, in the same county. Pie was in this business for eight years and accumulated property to the amount of some fifteen thousand dollars. Retiring from mercantile life he again went on his farm and engaged in buying and shipping live stock. Owing to the ill luck of a defective title, Mr, Wilson lost his farm; he was also unfortunate in some stock shipmeiits, and soon found himself financially flat and forced to begin life anew. Macon City, Missouri, was his next field of commercial enterprise, and he sold goods there in 1879. In 1880 he came to Laclede, this county, and began merchandizing and has driven a profitable business since his coming, and still enjoys a good trade.

Mr. Wilson was married in 1862, to Miss S. A. Mclntire, of Yan Buren county, Iowa. They have two children, both girls, named Jennie and Blanche. He is a member of the Odd Fellow's Lodge, and is a highly respected citizen.

James N. Wilson

The subject of this sketch was born in Booiiville, Cooper county, Missouri, on the seventh of April, 1840. His parents were Robert and Caroline Wilson, both of whom were natives of Culpepper county, Virginia. The same year James was born they moved to Linn county and settled on a farm. Mr. Wilson accordingly grew up on the farm and obtained his education in the schools of the county. When the civil war began he -espoused the cause of the Union, and on July 2d, 1861, enlisted in Company A, of the Eighteenth Missouri Infantry. He was at the surrender of Island Number Ten, and participated in the battle of Shiloh, and was there captured by the Confederates on April 6th, 1862. While held as a prisoner of war Mr. Wilson was incarcerated in several different rebel prisons, including Tuscaloosa, Montgomery, Macou, and Libby prison at Richmond. He was exchanged November 14, 1862, and returned to his command at Corinth. He was wounded at Atlanta, in June, 1864, and discharged in November following at Chattanooga, Tennessee. Returning to Linn county he soon afterwards engaged in merchandizing in the general merchandise business at Laclede, in which he is still engaged at this writing.

He was married on September the loth, 1867, to Miss Jennie O'Neal, of Linn county, daughter of Preston O'Neal, a gentleman who served on the first jury ever impaneled in Linn county.

Mr. Wilson is one of the leading business men of Laclede. He has made his own way and amassed a good property by industry, economy, and strict attention to his affairs.

William D. Wood

was born in Hendricks county, Indiana, June 12, 1840, where he lived until eighteen years of age, being raised on a farm and educated in the common schools. In 1858 he went to Clay county, Illinois, and at the breaking out -of the war, enlisted (June 12, 1861) in Company D, Eleventh Missouri Infantry, the State of Illinois having filled her quota. Mr. Wood participated in the battles of New Madrid, Corinth, luka, Vicksburg, and Nashville, besides numerous minor engagements. He also joined in a sixty-days' march after the Confederate general, Price, from Arkansas to Cape Grirar- -deau, Missouri. The battles and skirmishes he engaged in numbered thirty-two. At the battles of luka and Vicksburg, he was slightly wounded. At the battle of Nashville, December 16, 1864, he was seriously wounded, and sent to the hospital. He was mustered out June 12, 1865, having served exactly four years, and made a record that any true soldier might be proud to call his own. Mr. Wood returned home, learned the shoemaker's trade, and has been engaged in that business ever since. In 1874 he removed to Stockton, Cedar county, Missouri, and in 1878 located at Laclede, Missouri, where he is now doing a flourishing business, having made the addition of a fine stock of harness and saddlery. He employs first-class workmen, and is himself very energetic.

Mr. Wood was married in 1865 to Miss Mary E, McCorkle of Davis -county, Indiana. By this union they have had six children, only three of are living: Elmer E., Charles M., and Maggie J. Wood.

John Yount

son of David and Barbara (nee Stover) Yount, was born in East Tennessee, March 30, 1810. When a small child his parents removed to Middle Tennessee, and in 1817, they located in Howard county, Missouri. In 1824 they went back to Tennessee, and three years later returned to Missouri, settling in Cole county. The subject of this sketch received a limited edu- .«ation in subscription schools, the branches of study being writing and arithmetic. In 1833, he formed a copartnership with David Curtis, then living in Linn count}^, Missouri, and bought a lot of hogs and cattle and drove them to that county. He and Curtis kept bachelor's hall for two years, living together in a cabin. In 1835 Mr. Curtis w( nt to Howard -county, Missouri and married. After that Mr. Yount kept bachelor's hall himself most of the time until he, too, married in 1838. He and Curtis were accustomed to buy hogs in Howard county, Missouri, and drive them to Linn county. When they had fattened on mast they would drive them back and sell them, getting sometimes only one cent per pound, dressed. Keytesville, Missouri, was their milling point. On one occasion, as Mr. Yount was du his way from mill he was water-bound for two weeks. He had started home with five bushels of meal on two horses, but when he reached there only one bushel M'as left, he having loaned the balance along the road. Such was an incident of the pioneer experiences of that time. On another occasion he had to go to Keytesville to get a doctor to coiiie and see his sick brother. The trip occupied two nights and a day. Mr. Yount was the first constable of Linn county, sometimes having to ride twenty miles for a witness and getting only twenty-five cents for the service. He helped to build the first cabin where Linneus now stands in the winter of 1833-34- for Jack Holland. Mr. Yount removed to his present farm in 1839, and is the only survivor of the settlers living in Linn county in 1833. The rest have all gone to that bourne from whence none ever return. Since the latter named ye ir he has been a constant resident of Linn county. Mr. Yount was married JaTiuary 11, 1838, to Miss Margaret Taylor, daughter of George and Rebecca {nee Jiaymee) Taylor. Her parents were natives of Virginia, and removed to Tennessee, but emigrated to Linn county in 183G. Mrs. Yount was born in the latter State in 1820. She is the mother of six children, four of whom are living: William P., Joseph A., George W., and Amai.da. They all live near their parents, excepting George W., who has been raining in Colorado the past nine years. Amanda married Mr. William Furbee, and lives in Linn county. Mr. Yount's farm comprises two hundred acres, splendidly improved. As an indication of his liberality and prosperity he has given to each of his four children sixty acres of valuable: land.' He has always been a highly esteemed and useful citizen.

Chapter Xxiv

When Settled and by Whom - Soil and its Fertiliti/ - Material Progress - Valuation - Indian Hunters - Early Incidents, of Life, Marriages, Deaths, etc. - The first School District Organized - Some Incidents in Justices' Courts - Other Settlements and their Early History - A Singular Mistake - Steam Whistle vs. Panther - Ritilroad Rumpus - Some more of Cicil War Incidents - When Township iras Organized and Bucklin Town Incorporated - Schools and Churches - Accidents and Crimes - Tornado, September, 1876 - Population of Bucklin - Schools, Churches, and Societies - Its Business Interests - Biogravhies.

Position And Description

This, the southeastern township of Linn county, is twelve miles in length' by five miles in breadth and contains sixty square miles or 38,400 acres. Its boundaries are a line from the northwest corner of section five, township fifty-eight, range eighteen due east to the Macon county line; thence south along the Macon line to the Chariton county line; thence west along the Chariton line to the southwest corner of section thirty-two, township fift}'- seven, range eighteen; thence due north to the beginning.

Description - The northern part of the township is composed for the most part of rolling prairie, interspersed with tracts of timber along the streams. The soU is excellent and is well adapted to the cultivation of tobacco, of -which product large quantities have been and are raised. The southern, southwestern, and western portions of the township are made up of fine prairie and an exceedingly fertile soil. The eastern portion, especially near the Macon county line, is poor, the soil being thin and the land very broken. The famous Elk Knobs are in this vicinity. These knobs form a chain like a miniature mountain range, and are really a succession of abrupt elevations irregular in form, but for the most part of a conical or sugar-loaf shape, extending north and south through this county - in Blake and Bucklin townships - a distance of perhaps twenty miles. The knobs are from fifty to three hundred feet high. Formerly the prairie fires, which annully swept over the country, kept them free from bushes and trees, but in late years, comparativel}^, pin-oaks, jack-oaks and other small timber have crept up the sides and over the tops of most of them. The soil on the knobs is of course poor in quality, furnishing only grass suitable for pasturage. The land is very cheap and can be bought for less than $1 per acre.

The knobs run at an average of about three-fourths of a mile from the Macon line, and there are some small valleys among them very fertile. How they were named can only be conjectured. It is supposed that at an early day the pioneers saw them covered with elk grazing upon their summits. Their geological formation is of the drift character, according to representations.

Timber - The best timber in Linn county is to be found on the west side of Bucklin township, in a belt about six miles long and three miles wide, extending north and south, parallel with East Yellow Creek, and among its branches. It is mostly white oak, and has an excellent reputation. It is suitable for almost any purpose, being sought after for railroad ties, fence-rails, posts, and for boards, wagon and plow timber as well. Along the other streams of the township is to be found a sufficiency of timber for all practical purposes. Numerous portable saw-mills have converted, and are now converting, much of the timber into lumber.

Economic geology - Underlying the entire area of Bucklin township is a large and valuable bed of coal, comparatively easy of access but not much developed. This is a portion of the same bed so extensively worked at Bevier, Macon county, at St. Catharine, and at other points. There is an abundance of the best quality of stone in the townsip, and there are numerous exposui;es, some of which have been used as quarries. There are both limestone and freestone ledges readily accessable. At Coulson's bridge, across East Yellow Creek, a little outside of the limits of the township, there is a fine quarry of excellent stone lying in regular strata and easily approached, and each stratum is broken into blocks of different sizes, from two and three feet square to parallelograms large enough to cover an area of six by ten feet. All that the ])eople have to do when they want one of these stones is to go to the quarry, select one that suits them, remove it from its bed, and haul it away. No drilling or blasting is necessary. On section seventeen, township fifty eight, range eighteen, there is a fine exposure of valuable limestone and a quarry. On Light's Branch there are exposures stone every few rods. The greater number of quarries and stone openings are in the northern and western portions of the township. Good brick <5lay is to be found on nearly every section in the township.

Streams - Bucklin township is well supplied with water and watercourses. East Yellow Creek and Mussel Creek are the streams which drain the township by means of their branches. Commencing in the northeast. Long Branch, Light's Branch, and Spring Branch, flow in a general direction from northeast to southwest and empty into East Yellow Creek. In the southern part of the township the following streams flow in a general direction from north fo south and fall into Mussel Fork; namely, Van Deusen Creek, Clark's Branch, and Locust Branch. In the southeastern part Mussel Fork itself enters the township, and flows south for about three miles.

Springs - There is a great abundance of springs of excellent water throughout the township, many of which flow in the dryest seasons. About one mile and a half north of Bucklin town, in section twenty-five, is a spring said to possess many powerful medicinal qualities. Manj' persons have been - or have imagined themselves to be - cured of div^ers ailments and complaints by drinking the waters of this Linn county Bethesda. In summer time it has been quite a resort for the novelty seekers on days of leisure. Some enthusiasts declare the virtues of this spring to be as many and powerful as those of the famed Eureka Springs of Arkansas. And they may be, and yet . The reader ma3' supply the ellipsis.

No archaeological specimens or pre-historic relics of any consequence have been found in this township to any important exteiit. No mounds exist other than natural.

Some idea of the character of the soil in the northern half of the township ma}' be gained from the statement of Lawrence Swilzer, who lives in the neighborhood of the Warren school-house, and who states that he has never failed to raise good wheat, atid an average crop, for sixteen years.

There is a great deal of unimproved land yet in the southern part of the township, although the major ])Oition of the territory is in a high state of cultivation, as is evidenced by the assessed valuation of the township in 1881, which was §314,430.

Wyetfs Settlewenf - VYoh?ih\y the first settler M^ithin what are now the confines of Bncklin township was Mr. Sampson Wyett, who is still living. Mr. Wyett states that he came originally from the State of Tennessee to Chariton county, and on the twenty-fourth of March, 1835, came to and settled upon the southeast quarter of section twenty-nine, township fiftyseven, range eighteen. His nearest neighbor then lived on Mussel Fork, six miles east; on the south the nearest was ten miles away, in Chariton county. His only other neighbors were the Bowyers, Yount, and the other settlers in the neighborhood of Linneus. Shortly after Mr. Wyett came, there arrived the following pioneer settlers: Samuel Mapes, from Illinois, in 1836; John Guyer, from Kentucky, in 1837; William Kennedy, from Kentucky, in 1S3T; Mordecai Lane, from Kentucky, in 1838; Josiah Watson, from Kentucky, in 1836.

The first marriage in the neighborhood was that of Alfred McDaniel and Nancy M. Lane, at the house of the bride's father, in 1838 or 1839. The ceremony was performed by Kev. Joshua Lawson, and there was a general attendance of all the settlers for miles around.

The first child born in the township - at least, in this neighborhood - was Eliza J. Wyett, daughter of Sampson and Emily Wyett, -the date of whose birth is set down as February 18, 1837. The first death was that of the wife of John Beeler, who died in 1839. She was buried on section, thirty-two.

The first practicing physician was Dr. John F, Powers, who came from Ohio in 1841. Reverend Thatcher, a Methodist, was the first minister; r.nd the first religious services were held at Mr. Wyett's residence. Jacob Coulson was the first school-teacher, and taught the first school in 1839, in a little log school-house built by the settlers on section twenty-nine. He had about fifteen scholars of both sexes and all ages, and received one dollar per month per scholar for his services.