Jefferson Township (part 4 of 4)

The township seemed to grow and prosper up to 1860. The Hannibal & St. Joseph llaih-oad being completed, and passing through the center of the township north and south, gave quite an impetus to its settlement. The change in the boundary lines have been such that its increase of population cannot be told, but the census of 1880 gives the township 1,336, but does not give separate the capital city, St. Catharine. There are seven townships having a greater population, and five less. Agriculturally speaking Yellow Creek has but few townships in the county that exceeds her, and two that the figures are the same. She ranks really as fourth in her farming population. The progress of the township is entirely, you might say, in the improvement of and settling up of her wild lands. There is no large city to attract capital, and no manufacturing interests to speak of, to -call for labor. She must, therefore, depend upon those who seek a home and a farm life to increase her population. She has many inducements and advantajjes to oft'er to the immiofrant to make a home within her limits, and not among the least is that rich and cheap lands can be purchased within her border.

War Items

Quite an excitement was occasioned in 1861 by a farmer named James Maddox shooting a hole through the American fiag, which had been raised at St. Catharine. W. E. Crandall denounced the act in vigorous terms and a threat to take it down or tear it down was met by an equal determination to stand by the old flag. Mr. Crandall afterwards took the fiag down himself amid pretty heavy threats that it should not be done, and amid a silence profound walked ofi' with it. The same fiag is said to do duty to this day when a flag is needed, the hole made by the ball of the Confederate Maddox being neatly patched, Mr. Crandall afterward raised a small flag over his own residence, and kept it there in spite of threats of tearing it down.

A company of State Guards was organized and drilled by Beverly Neece. Mr. Crandall was elected captain of a company of three-months Union men.

Dr. N. S. Hamlin was first lieutenant and Hiram Black second lieutenant. This was the first company of Union troops organized in the county. Ti.iey did guard duty on the line of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad. The company was discharged September 22, 1861. Captain Crandall and quite a number of his men, however, joined the gallant Twenty-third Missouri under the brave Colonel Tindall, of Grundy county, who gave his life to his country's cause on the desperate and bloody-fought field of Shiloh. The Linn county company elected Captain Crandall as their captain and was named as Company G, of the Twenty-third Missouri. This company alsotook part in the campaign to Atlanta, Georgia.

After The Deluge

The war had brought every kind of improvement to a stand still, and Yellow Creek township depending upon her agricultural resources more than the growth of towns was slow to improve. In fact, emigrants had taken the place of immigrants, and the change had not been productive of much good, but rather of a serious evil. To hold fast to what she had, and to once more bring in new settlers who would cultivate her waste places was the work of years. When the tide had turned, it was hard work to stem it, and still harder to turn it back, but it was done at last, and Yellow Creek is now increasing her population and largely extending the area of her cultivated fields. There was little to mark the history of the township outside of this struggle to redeem the past, improve the present, and live in hope of a , more prosperous future, for a number of years. Her capital city, though old, remained comparatively at a stand still for quite a number of years. In 1872, the new township organization law was passed by the General Assembly and the officers elected under it were, for supervisor, J. E. Greenbaugh; clerk, I. R. Crampton; assessor, Jonathan Harvey; collector, Thomas A. Swearinger; and for justices of the peace, L. Lineby and A. Batchelor. The first meeting of the township officers was at Strader's Hall, in the village of St. Catharine. This law continued in force until 1877, when it was rejjealed, but was again reenacted by the General Assembly in the winter of 1880-81, and is now the law of the State, and as far as it has been tried has been found of practical value and a great improvement over the old law.

Under the new law passed as above stated only one election for township officers has been held, that of April, 1881. Yellow Creek township then elected the following officers: Trustee and treasurer, J. H. Readding; collector, F. S. Black; clerk and assessor, J. M. Scott; constable, J. J. Lane; justices of the peace, L, Lineby and A. Batchelor. Another set of officers may be elected ere this history goes to press, but not quite soon enough perhaps to have the result embodied in this work.

There are seven school districts in this township with good frame sciioolhouses, and all the appliances necessary for the thorough education of the pupils in what is called a good English education. White school-house is located on section one, township fit'ty-eiglit, range nineteen; liellenburg's, on section fourteen, townsliip tifty-eight, range nineteen; l*ennell's, on section thirty-four, township iifty-eight, range nineteen; St. Catharine, on section thirty-five, township fiftj'-eight, range nineteen; Gray's, on section eleven, township fifty-seven, range nineteen; Stain's, on section twenty-seven, townsliip fifty-seven, range nineteen; McGhee'SjOn section twenty-six, township fifty seven, range nineteen. ' The schools are all well attended and competent teachers are engaged. These schools keep up an average of from five to seven months' schooling a year with a good average attendance of the children of school age.

Dead Towns

Yellow Creek has been unfortunate in its location of towns for there have been no less than three that once had a habitation and a name, but are now no more. Wyandotte was once the voting place instead of St. (Catharine, to which latter place it was moved, and then nothing more is heard of Wyandotte. South of the railroad the town of Sherman was laid oflf, but August 2, 1869, that, too, ceased to exist, as it was vacated. Then away back in 1857, the year following the location of St. Kate, "Center Point" was laid out on section six, of township fifty-seven, range eighteen, but it, too, died and St. Catharine has been left alone to become the capital city of the township.

The dividing of Yellow Creek township, which occurred January 5, 1866, caused these towns to cease to exist. On that day two voting precincts were given to Yellow Creek township, St. Catharine and Bucklin, and this action was but the forerunner of the division which made the east half into a separate municipal division, under the name of Bucklin. From 1870 Yellow Creek has retained its present proportions, and the towns of Wyandotte, Center Point, and Sherman, have ceased to exist. This brings our history to a description of the rise and progress of St. Catharine.

St. Catharine

St. Catharine is one of the oldest towns in the county, having been laid out on April 28th, 1856. The ground upon which it was located belonged to William and Catharine Elliott, and Caleb and Mary Farmer. The town was named Catharine, after Mrs. Catharine Elliott. Afterward the word Saint or " St." as it was written, was added to it as a sort of a joke, but as Mrs. Elliott remarked she had no objections to being canonized as a saint, the name became an established fact. The town was surveyed by W. S. McClanahan, then county surveyor, and was located on section thirty-five, of township fifty-eight, range nineteen, its southern line being the township line between townships fifty-seven and fifty-eight.

When the Hannibal & St. Joseph Kaih-oad was located through the -county St. Catharine, like Thayer, and a few other places, were in hopes of becoming the division station on that road, but Brookiield secured the prize, and St. Catharine, like Laclede, suffered by this act of the railroad authorities. As Brookfield was more central the railroad company intended to also secure the county seat for their division town, as they felt sore at Linneus and the north part of the county in withdrawing the county subscription of $25,000. But thus far it has failed. Yellow Creek township and St. Catharine have both voted to bring the county seat to Brookfield, and while such a removal would benefit the farmers of the central and southern part of the township, it would for ever ruin the town of St. Catharine, as within two years the town site would become a farm. A country store might make a living, but St. Catharine would follow Thayer, Sherman, and other towns to the realms of the departed. Bucklin and Brookfield would be the only townships and towns that could profitably be benefited by removal, while it would be death to Laclede and St. Catharine. Why the latter should seek death by its vote has not been satisfactorily explained. It is not probable that St. Kate will ever be a very large town, but it will grow and thrive if its citizens and business men prove wide awaks and of the progressive order. Should it, however, feel like giving up its struggle and turning the town-plat into a corn field, it can do so by locating the county seat at Brookfield and moving over to the latter town in a body. In twelve months' time a cross-road store would do all its business, and trains would stop there only when flagged. The town of St. Catharine grew largely through the energy and progressive spirit of one of its founders, William H. Elliott. Ue had built a saw-mill in 1855, and on locating the town, or soon after, he erected what was known as the Elliott Woolen Mills, afterward called the Pioneer Flouring and Woolen Mills. These mills no doubt sustained St. Catharine in her position as a town to a considerable extent, and their destruction by fire ni June, 1881, was a serious blow to her prosperity. At the time of the burning thev were the property of Mr. Joseph Reece. They were a total loss, there being no insurance. As early as 1860 there was a distillery, flouringmill, and two cardijig machines comprising the works of the mill, and later machinery was added for the manufacture of cloth and yarn, and the mills soon became noted. They were specially exempted from seizure during the war, and guarded, and by legislative enactment were granted special privileges.

There were two Confederate raids made on St. Catharine during the war. The first in August, 1862. The raiders were seven in number and robbed F. S. Black of about $1,000 in money and goods; W. T. Snow, of about $400; and Salisbury Brothers and others sufl'ered to a limited extent. No

-one hurt. The second raid occurred in September, 1864:, in broad daylight, and the raiders numbered fifteen men and over, under the command of Lieutenant Howard .Bragg, Tliey robbed generall3^ and took two men named Edgar and Slireckhise prisoners. The former was paroled; the latter shot in retaliation, it was said, for the death of a Confederate by a company of Union men, of which Schreckhise was claimed to have been a member. He was buried by citizens at Corinth cemetery, in Chariton county. Edgar took an oath not to take up arms against the Confederate States of American Government, and he left the country soon after. In this last raid James Baxter, a blacksmith, was shot in the leg, a boy carrying Water seriously wounded with a rifie-ball, and Lafayette Brashears wounded in the left leg with buckshot. This ended the war history of St. Catharine. Of course there was local feeling excited, as there were two parties, but when peace spread her mantle, about everybod}', except non-combatants, was tired of and welcomed peace with open arms. There is no doubt at all that peace is a good thing to have around.

It was found after twelve years of corporate existence that the town of St. Catharine covered too much ground; that rival towns had somewhat interfered with its growth, and so on December 21st, 1869, all that part of St. Catharine north of Fifth Street and west of the mill, except Second and Third streets was declared vacated.

In IST-i the Elliott coal mine was opened, a shaft sunk, and at the depth of ninety feet a very iine vein of coal was struck with a width of twentysix inches. This vein was worked for about two years when water broke through, completely tilling it, and furnishing all the water needed for the mill and all the cattle in the vicinity in the drj'est time. Matthew Johns, who had the work in charge, and }us men had no time to gather their tools, but were anxious to get out of the trap and succeeded. In January, 1877, Mr. Johns, who was an old miner, started another shaft about a quarter of mile from the old one, and struck coal at the depth of one hundred and thirty-tive feet. This shaft is also on section thirty-five, and is still in operation, and is not far from the town, which is on the same section, township and range.

On December 28ih, 1877, St. Catharine met with a serious loss in the death of AVilliam Elliott, the founder of the town. He had not only proved himself in social life a good citizen, but he had been the moving spirit, a man of great energy and progressiveness, which had made him a prominent man and a leader in the affairs of the town. He was buried in New Garden cemetery, mourned by all.

Lewis, and a den of six was soon after found on the farm of W. P. Crandall by Mr. A. M. Kinney. Quite a number of sheep had been killed, and the innocent dog had been charged with the crime, but this discover}' proved their innocence, and steps were taken to remove the wolves. A liunting party succeeded in driving them from the township and county, but they failed to bring in any of the animals as trophies.

In April, 1879, another serious fire occurred which burned out the storeof William Finson, resulting in a loss of some $2,500, with an insurance of $1,600.

The school of St. Catharine has been and is its pride. It has proved one of the most successful public schools in the county, if not in the State. It is a handsome' frame building two stories high, with everything furnished necessary for its perfect working. There have been one preacher, one lawyer^ one phj'sician, one book-keeper, two professors, and ten telegraph operators who have graduated from the school, but not one drunkard or character of bad repute.

This record shows the character of the people of St Catharine in a most favorable light as a town of culture and refinement, and a temperance town,. as no saloons are licensed within its corporate limits.

Her Business Interests

As before remarked St. Catharine has not grown so rapidly since Brookfield has become the commercial center of the county, but as the township increases in population, so will the town grow and prosper, for her people are blessed with local pride enough to sustain their own little capital.

Mr. C. L. Spaulding keeps a general store, which means that dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, etc., can be purchased, and he also deals in agricultural implements, buys grain, and deals in shaved hoops. Joseph B, Crampton also runs a general store, and duplicates most of the above, besides adding drugs, and purchasing tobacco in the season for it. J. R.Scott looks after the hardware, stove, and tinware trade. Samuel Hayden runs a notion and confectionery store, and also has a shoe shop, J. W. Lambert, a harness shop, and C. D. Turney, the St. Catharine Hotel. D. Decker, H. McCullum and J. D. Manpin, blacksmith shops; August Farmer, gunsmith; W. F. Steruke, carriage and wagon re})airing and blacksmithing; S. H. Gary, wagon and carriage shop; Mrs. H. W. Finson, millinery; F. S. Beach, saw and custom mill and dealer in agricultural implements. These are the representative business men. Dr. J. C. Scott and Dr. Robert Haley are the physicians, and Thomas Oneill is the railroad and express agent.

The town is rather handsomely located with extensive prairies surrounding it, and in the distance rise the hills and low blufifs which line the banks of the East and West Yellow Creeks, which streams are, on the west about three miles, and on the east about one and a half miles from the town. These hills and bluffs are covered with timber, and her rolling prairies are dotted here and there with fine residences and splendid orchards, and all around speaks of thrift and plenty.

Methodist Episcopal Church South

This church was organized some tliirty years ago, and the names of a few of the original members were D. Bray, J. Deskins, and A. Harris. A church building was erected in 1852, at a cost of $1,050, a neat frame structure plainly finished. This house of worship was never dedicated. The church is entirely out of debt, and the number of members connected with it now is thirty-five. The Eev. James Kelso, pastor. The above information was received from St. Catharine, February 2, 1882. Thomas Crampton, Sr., is district recording steward.

The St. Catharine Congregational Church was organized December 31, 18G6. The following names constituted the organization or original members: William R. Spaffurd, Eliza A. Spafford, Mrs. Julia McGuatters, Mrs. Cynthia Black, George Middleton, Clark J^orthup, George Hull, Mrs. Caroline Hull, Mrs. Sarah Farr, Mrs. E. A. Parsons, Mrs. Middleton, and A. Knapp. A handsome frame church edifice was erected in 1869, at a cost of $3,000, with neat and substantial furniture. Its present membership is twenty-two. Those who have officiated as pastors are as follows: Revs. A. Knapp, John Allender, William C. Dickenson, W. H. Hicks, R. R. Davis, J. L. Caton, and Charles M. Schwarzaner.

This church, known as Seely Chapel, was organized in February, 1880, and had some twenty members in the organization. The church is located on the southeast corner of the south half of the northeast quarter of section twenty-two, in township fifty-seven, range nineteen, some four miles southeast from St. Catharine. The church building was erected the same year at the cost of $890, and dedicated by the Rev. T. J. Ferril, November 13, 1880. The pastor is the Rev. James Kelso. The}' have at present a membership of thirty-five. There is connected with the church a union Sunday-school in a prosperous condition, with Duncan McGregor as superintendent. C. S. Huges is steward, and D. McGregor, class-leader.

Lenhart Congregational Church

The Lenhart Congregational Church was organized December 2, 1872 and the original members were: Abraham Lenhart, Mrs. Hester Lenhart, Mr. and Mrs. John Barber, Mr. and Mrs. J. Clark, Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Brakey, and Mrs. Ludicia Farlow. It is located on section fifteen, township fiftyeight, range ninteen. The church building once belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church denomination and was used by them for nine years. It was then sold at sheriflPs sale and purchased November 12, 1872, for a Con- gregational cluircli, tor the sum of $450, and tlie following month, as above stated, the society was organized. Its service is quite largely attended, bat its membership at this time numbers only ten. The Rev. Charles M. Schwar- :zaner is the present pastor.

This church, called Alexander Chapel, was organized in August, 1843, and the names here given were original members of the church: John and Berthia Sights, Lucy Ann McDaniel, William J. and Melvina Hayes. They held meetings quite a number of times in a school-house. It is the oldest church in Yellow Creek township, and is located on the southeast quarter of section thirty-one, township thirty-eight of range eighteen, some two miles north of east of St. Catharine. In 1862 the church was built, a neat and plainly furnished house of worship, at a cost of $600. The church was dedicated in 1873 by the Rev. William Jones. It has steadily advanced until now it has a membership of eightj^-seven. Its present pastor is the Rev. A. S. Doak, and its future in doing the Lord's work is bright with promise.

Church Of The United Beetheren

This church, the United Bretheren in Christ, was organized in January, 1874, with quite a large membership, some forty uniting with the church. The congregation held their meetings in the Methodist Episcopal Church, which is situated on the northeast quarter of section twenty-two, township fifty-seven, range nineteen. There are now but thirty members belonging to the church, although since its organization about one hundred members been connected with it. Dismissals by letters, removals, deaths, etc., have reduced the membership to the above number. Revs. B. F. Miller,

King Solomon Lodge No. 91

King Solomon Lodge Ts''o. 91, of St. Catharine, was instituted by John D. Yincil and the date of dispensation was March 14, 1866. The lodge received its charter which was dated October 12, 1866, upon which was subscribed the names of the following members: Abner Hasbrock, C. A. Phillips, D. S. Betts, J. W. Huftaker, J. P. Phillips, George Parson, Andrew Baker, J. W. Maddox, Robert Baker, James Spoilsman, B. F. Parsons, and E. R. Lee.

The present membership is thirty-live and they have a handsome frame ball built in 1872 at a cost of $800. Names of first ofiicers: J. P. Phillips, W. M.; B. F. Parsons, S. W.; Abner Hartsock, J. W.; E. R. Lee, treas-

The first serious accident reported in Yellow Creek township is believed to have been the drowning of Overton White in trying to cross Yellow Creek when on a big rise. It was previous to the year 1840, and he was on his way to Linneus to get married. While two young men who were with him went up the stream to try and find a crossing, he concluded to swim his horse. The horse failing him he could not get out and in the struggle of the horse to esca])e di-owning, threw him. This Was as early as 1836 or 1837.

On the fourth of July, 1877, a revolving swing gave way and a Miss Buckler had a leg broken and Miss Lo-we an arm. Several others were seriously injured. The aft'air happened about one mile northwest of St. Catharine.

By the usual "didn't know it was loaded" James Bond instantly killed Thomas J. Morris, by playfully snaj^ping a pistol at him. It was purely an accident.

James Smith, living on section ten, township fifty-eight, range nineteen, committed suicide by taking morphine, in the year 1879, and in September, 1881, Mrs. Susan Austin, living on section twenty-six, township fifty-eight, range nineteen, also coinmitted suicide by hanging herself. The trials and troubles of life seem to have been too much for them, and so they ended their existence.

Abraham Batchelob

was born in Wiltshire county, England, September 22, 1820. His parentswere James and Mary Batchelor. He received a common school education in England, and lived in Bradford until 1848, when he came to America and settled in Utica, New York, where he was engaged in the cabinet business. In July, 1856, he removed from New York to St. Catharine, Linn county, Missouri. Ten years previous to this he was married to Miss Mary Percy, of Bradford, England. By this union there have been born Mary^

James, James Percy, John E., Charlotte, Abraham, Daniel, Frank, Charles, William and George. James died in 1854, and George in 1881. Mr. Batchelor enlisted in the Forty-second Missouri Infantry Volunteers August 4, 18G4, and did active service in the Cumberland Mountains in Tennessee until the close of the war. Mr. Batchelor is now engaged in farming, and also as a carpenter and builder. He has a nice residence in St. Catharine, and has about twenty two acres of land in that town. He has been justice of the peace for the past thirteen years, and is a leading member in the order of Good Templars.

C. G. Bigger

was born in Marion county, Kentucky, and is the son of Harrison E. and Keziah Bigger, both native Kentuckians. His grandfatiier, William Bigger, came to Kentucky at an early age, and organized a regiment and went to New Orleans during the War of 1812. Upon his arrival, however, the war had terminated, and Colonel Bigger did not participate. He was an eminent surveyor, and before his death had begun a work on surveying, designed as a text-book on that subject. The manuscript bears date of 1797, and is still in the family as a relic. C. G. Bigger came with his parents to Missouri in 1844, and settled in this county, where he grew to manhood, and acquired his education, principally at Linneus. In May, 1862, Mr. Bigger was appointed by Governor Gamble to serve out the unexpired term of county surveyor Jacob L. Holland. In the fall of 1863 he was elected to that office on the Republican ticket without opposition. In 1864 he w^as reelected to same office, still without opposition. Again in 1868 he was elected to same, and was tendered the nomination in 1872, but declined to accept. Once more, in 1880, was elected surveyor, and still serves in the same capacity. He has served as notary public for eight years. He filled out, by appointment, the unexpired part of county assessor Lewis' term in 1866. Mr. B's military experience is limited to five months' service in the Enrolled State Militia, in which he held the rank of orderly in 1864. He has taught several years in the schools of Linn county, and served as deputy sheriff under Sheriff Care in 1869-70.

Mr. Bigger was married xiugust 24, 1876, to Miss Leah J. Powers, by whom he has live children, named: Guy W., Mabel, Edwin M., Isaac Ray, and Ida. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and his general popularity may be easily surmised from the long service he has had in positions of public trust in the county.

Major Watson E. Crandall

was born in Erie county, New York, December 22, 1822. His parents were William and Betsey [nee Harrington) Crandali. He received the rudiments of a common school education at Collins, Erie county, New York; lived in that county until 1850, and removed to Marquette county, Wisconsin. There he engaged in farming, and in 1852 removed to Ripon, Fond du Lac -county, same State, where lie fallowed brick and stone laying and plastering. Major Crandall was married to Anna Olivia Knapp, September 24, 1846. She was born in Windsor county, Vermont, February 22,1821. They have had born the following children: Egbert, Duane, Adell, Arabella and Monterville M. Arabella -died November 11, 1861, at St. Catharine, Missouri, to which place Major Crandall had removed in June 1859, where he was -engaged in general mason work. He was elected justice of the peace in August, 1860, and held that ofhce until the breaking out of the civil war. He raised the first company of Union soldiers in the county, enlisting them for three months. He was elected captain of the same, and did valuable service for north Missouri and the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad Company. At the expiration of their term Captain Crandall and the most of his company enlisted in the Twenty-third Missouri Infantry Volunteers, when he was immediately sent by Colonel Tindall to north Missouri as a recruiting officer. In this he succeeded in securing seventy fresh men, whom he reported to his commanding officer at Chillicothe, Missouri. He was then elected captain of Company G, Twenty-third Missouri Volunteers, and commissioned as such January 25, 1862. Captain Crandall was captured with General Prentiss at the battle of Shiloh, and was held a prisoner of war for nine months, seven of which he was in close confinement, and two on parole; was exchanged and ordered on duty January 1, 1863; joined his regiment and served with Sherman in his Atlanta campaign up to August 27, 1864, when owing to diseases contracted while a prisoner of war, he tendered his resignation and returned to his home in Linn county. To be safe from bushwhackers he was obliged to go to Brook- Held, where he was soon elected major and ordered to take command of the Sixty-second Enrolled Missouri Militia, in which capacity he served until January 25, 1865, when he was relieved at his own request, the militia having been previously discharged, and he held on special duty by the provost-marshal.' Major Crandall owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Linn county under a high state of cultivation, and provided with a fine residence and barn. He is at present engaged in farming and stockraising, making a specialty of mules. He is a member of King Solomon Lodge, A. F. & A. M., at St. Catharine, Missouri.

Joseph R. Crampton

was born in Sheffield, England, March 14, 1846. He is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth {nee Shales) Crampton. He lived in Sheffield until 1857; came to America, settled in the State of New York, received a common school education there, and removing from Utica, New York, with his parents, located at -St. Catharine, Linn county, Missouri, in 1859. There he \^a8 employed ia woolen mills until 18G0. Two years later he worked at the cabinet trade. From 1862 to 1864 he was employed in W. T. Snow's drug store. In the latter year, in company with his father, he purchased the drug store there, and continued the drug, hardware, and grocery trade until 1872, when he bought out his father's interest, and four years later added a stock of boots and shoes, and in 1877 put in a stock of dry goods. From 1872 ta 1876 dealt in leaf tobacco, annually shipping large amounts of the same. Mr. Crampton was married in February, 1872, to Miss Alice Park. By this union two children have been born: Walter, February 14, 1873, and Ralph February 9, 1874. Walter died April 16, 1873. Mr. Grampton is a member of King Solomon Lodge No. 90, A. F. & A. M. He is also a Royal Arch Mason, Chapter No. 81; is also a Knight Templar, of Coeur de Leon Commandery No. 14, located at Brooktield, Missouri, Mr. Crampton is at present dealing in dry goods, groceries, hardware, and a general line of merchandise. He has a handsome residence on Jefferson Street, St. Catharine.

Amos Sylvester Clark

was born in Allegany county. New York, May 1, 1848. His parentswere Jerod and Olive {fiee Holliday) Clark. Was educated at the common schools, partly in New York, but principally in Linn county, Missouri, to which he removed in 1859, and has since been engaged in farming. Mr. Clark was married November 19, 1874, to Miss Caroline Nicolay, who was born September 8, 1855. Four children have been born by this union: Florence, August 4, 1875; Alvah C, May 22, 1877; Bertha M., August 9, 1880. They lost an infant daughter October. 26, 1878. Mr. Clark has one hundred and twenty acres of land all under cultivation and well improved. He deals extensively in stock, having forty-five head of cattle, and about four hundred head of sheep.

J. Wesley Clark

was born in Allegany county, New York, January 6, 1838. His parents were Jerod and Olive {iiee Holliday) Clark, Received a common school education in New York, and removed to Ogle county, Illinois; lived there one year, and in 1859 removed to Linn county, Missouri, Mr. Clark enlisted in the Seventh Missouri Cavalry in 1862, served one year and wasdischarged on account of disability. He was also a member of the Brooktield Home Guards, commanded by (Captain W. E. Crandall, Mr. Clark was married to Miss Emma C. Guthrie, August 10, 1864. She was born in Bike county, Illinois, August 5, 1845. By this union nine children were born: George W., January 23, 1865; Fanny M., July 15, 1867; Eva D.,. July 19, 1869; May E., January 10,1871 ; Dora B., March 4, 1873; Alfreta J., April 29, 1875; Olive, May 3, 1877; Gertie E., May 23, 1878; Columbus^

America, April 4, 1881. George W. died September 15, 1869; May E. died October 8, 1873, and Olive died July 0, 1877. . Mr. Clark was constable of Baker township for four years, having been elected in 186G. He owns about four hundred and twenty-five acres of land, is an extensive farmer and general stock-raiser and dealer, handling cattle, sheep, and mules.

Dr. Robert Ualey

was born in Ontario county, Canada, April 12, 1859. The names of his parents were David and Mary. The son came with his father to Linn county, Missouri, in the fall of 1868. Having received a common school education, he entered the Hospital Medical College at St. Joseph, Missouri, and took one course of lectures in the winter of 1879-80. In 1880-81 he graduated from the Northwestern Medical College, having previously applied himself a while to the study of dentistry, and also to that of medicine under Dr. E. J. Cantwell. Up to the time of his entrance into the above named College he remained in the office of Dr. J. D. Smith, at St. Joseph, Missouri. Dr. Haley is now located in St. Catharine, Linn county, where he has built a handsome office and has established himself in a large and lucrative practice. He owns an undivided interest in a four hundred and twenty acre tract of land located near that town.

Charles Jacobi

w^as born in Saxon, Prussia, October 4, 1836, his parents being Crestlieb and Christiana Jacobi. He was educated at the common schools in Prussia. Emigrating to America when quite young he landed at Castle Garden September 1, 1861. He was married September 6, 1862, to Elizabeth Neffenger, who was born May 15, 1845, at Canton Berne. Switzerland. By this union there have been born eight children: John, Herman, Adelaid, Leona, Charles, Laon, Mada, and Albert. John died August 21, 1863; Herman died in 1865. Mr. Jacobi lived in Cincinnati, Ohio, until he came to Missouri, being engaged in trunk-making. He came to Linn county in 1871, has two hundred and seventy acres of land, a comfortable home, and plenty of stock of various kinds.

George F. Lewis

son of Charles and Elizabeth {nee Moore) Lewis, was born May 9, 1845, in Linn county, Missouri. He was educated at a common school, has lived in Linn county since intancy, and has been engaged in farming. Mr. Lewis first volunteered in the Missouri State Militia; served about thirty days; in July, 1864, enlisted in Company A, Forty-second Missouri Infantry Volunteers, and was elected sergeant. In this capacity he served in the Cumberland Mountains, scouting and doing much toward driving out numerous bands of mountain guerrillas that infested that region. He was discharged at Nashville, Tennessee, and reached home July 7, 1865, since which time he has been engaged in farming and stock-raising on his farm of eighty acres. Mr. Lewis was married March 17, 1870, to Nancy J. Burwell, who was born in Berkley county, Virginia, September 24, 18'17. By this marriage one child, James B., was born. Mrs. Lewis died October 24-, 1872, and Mr. Lewis was again married, December 15, 1873, to Martha C. Burwell, who wab born in Berkley county, Virginia, November 8, 1843. Of this union there were three children, May E., Lena V., and Charles L. For the past eight years Mr. Lewis has been a zealous Greenbacker.

William H. Lewis

Missouri, where he received a common school education, and has since resided there, engaged in farming. Mr. Lewis enlisted in the Home Guards, three months' men, under W. E. Crandall, June 22, 1861, served his time ont, and then enlisted in the Twenty-third Missouri Volunteer Infantry, acting as fourth sergeant. Company G. He was wounded at the battle of Shiloh, and discharged at St. Louis, Missouri, in July, 1862, came home and remained till 1863, when he entered the Enrolled Missouri Militia, and was detailed as first lieutenant. Served three months, when they were disbanded. Were then reorganized under Second Provisional Enrolled Missouri Militia, and was relieved at his own request. After this, by special order from the Governor of the State, he entered the hundred day service under Captain E. J. Crandall, Brookfield, Missouri; then enlisted in the United States service, and recruited Company A, Forty-second Missouri Volunteers; was elected captain of the same, and did active and efiicient service with it in the Cumberland Mountains, in Tennessee, being engaged in skirmishes with numei'ous bands of guerrillas. The regiment remained in the service until the close of the war, and were discharged at Nashville, Tennessee, in June, 1865. One of the most notable of the engagements occurred about six tniles west of McMinnville, Tennessee, with a detachment of regular Confederate soldiers under command of Majors Childs and Johnson, consisting of about five hundred men. The Federal force numbered two hundred Home Guards, forty men of the Forty-second Regiment, and twenty-five of the Tennessee Cavalry, under command of Captain Lewis, who gained a complete victory, driving them from the field and camping on the ground. The battle lasted three hours. The Federals had eight men wounded. The Confederates lost three killed and quite a number wounded. Captain Lewis was married February 5, 1866, to Miss Emma Norris, who was born in Frederick county, Maryland, August 18, 1846. By this marriage five children have been born, Charles E., Frank M., Herman N., Edith M., and Bessie V. In 1866 Captain Lewis was deputy assessor of Linn county, and in the same year was appointed regis- tering officer for Yellow Creek township for 1868. lie was appointed assistant marshal to take the census of the eastern half of Linn county, in 187(*. Captain Lewis is engaged in farming and stock-raising, owning one hundred and two acres of land, sixty of which are under fence.

Fielding Lewis

son of Charles and Elizabeth {nee Moore) Lewis, was born in Howard county, Missouri, July 30, 1834. He acquired a common school education in Linn county, to which locality his ])arents moved in 1840. Mr. Lewis was married in 1856, to Miss Paulina Hayes, who was born in Linn county, Missouri, October 7, 1838. By this marriage there were two children, Charles G., born September 30, 1857, and Pauline F., born February 10,1859. Mrs. Lewis died in 1859, and Mr. Lewis was again married to Martha A. Day, May 3, 1860. She was born July 7, 1840. By this marriage there were seven children born: Alta, July 23, 1861; John II., October 7, 1862; Loretta, April 4, 1865; George W., September 20, 1867; Allen D., September 11, 1869; Guy D., May 28, 1864; Cora B., June 24, 1879. Alta died December 11, 1862; John H. died September 20, 1864. Mr. Lewis entered the Brookfield Home Guards on its organization, at the very outset of the war, and November 10, 1861, he enlisted in the Twenty-third Missouri Volunteer Infantry for three years, and was at the battle of Shiloh, where the gallant Colonel Tindall fell. Mr. Lewis was a sergeant in Company G, and was engaged in the battle early on the morning of April 6, being dangerously wounded by a gun shot wound in the head, after firing about 100 rounds, and was left upon the battle-field. At last he was carried back to the river, placed upon a boat and taken to St. Louis, where, getting leave of absence, he ca«ie home and remained a month. Returning to St. Louis, he was discharged June 21, 1862. He reenlisted in the Forty-second Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and was commissioned a second lieutenant. Company x\, September 23, 1864, and resigned by reason of a surgeon's certificate of disability on account of wounds received at Shiloh. He came home, was drafted, but was never called upon to report. He was commissioned first lieutenant Company F, Linn County Regiment, Missouri Militia, June 17, 1865. Mr. Lewis was also more or less connected with the Enrolled Missouri Militia.

Before the war he was a Democrat, and in 1860 went to the polls to vote for Douglas, but because of threats that nobody should vote for Lincoln, he dared to do so and has since been a strong Republican and never lost a presidential vote. Mr. Lewis took the State income tax of Missouri in Linn county, in 1865, and in 1870, was appointed deputy United States Marshal to take the census of North Salem township. He has 100 acres of land, a good house thereon and improvements. He is engaged in farming and stock-raising.

Leander Lineberry

was born in Carroll county, Yirsjinia, where he was raised on a farm, and educated in the common schools of the country. In 1859 he came to Missouri, and settled in Linn county, where lie ha? since resided. Mr. Lineberry was elected justice of the peace of Yellow Creek township in November, 1864, on the Republican ticket; has filled the office ever since, and is still holdino^ tlie office. Mr. Lineberry was married September 19, 1862, to Miss Priscilla Coulson of this county, by whom he has one child: George W. He enlisted in 1862 in the Sixty-second Enrolled Missouri Militia, tie was appointed third sergeant October 6, 1864. He was commissioned second lieutenant, and June 17, 1865, he was commissioned as captain of Company F, Linn County Regiment.

He is the son of George and ]N"ancy Lineberry, natives of Virginia. Mrs. Lineberry is the daughter of George and Catharine Coulsen, who came to this county in 1840. Mr. Lineberry has filled the office of justice of the peace with great satisfaction to the people, as is evinced by his repeated election to the office. Mr. Lineberry has a good farm about five miles northeast of St. Catharine, where he resides. He is a man highly respected in his community.

Daniel Mc Collum

is a native Missourian, having been born in 183Y, and raised and educated in Linn county. In 1864 he went to California, where he was engaged in freighting for two years. In 1867 he went to Chariton county, where he engaged in farming and tobacco raising until February, 1877, when he returned to this county, where he has since resided. Mr. McCollum was married in 1858 to Miss Missouri McCollum of Chariton count}^ by whom he hasonechild, Alfred B. His wife died in March, 1863. He again married in February, 1867, Mrs. Sarah A. Lane {iiee Bills) of Chariton county, by whom he has had six children, four of whom are living: Daniel, Mary E., Emma F., Walter. Mrs. McCollum has three children by her first husband: William H., James S., Andrew F.

Mr. McCollum is a son of Stephen and Elizabeth McCollum. His father was a native of Clay county, Kentucky, and his mother of Lincoln county, Tennessee. His parents came to Missouri in 1819, and settled in Chariton county, where they were married. They moved to this county in 1836. Mr. McCollum enlisted in February, 1862, in the Second Missouri Cavalry Confederate service; paroled in Mississippi in August, 1864. He was engaged in the battles of Wilson's Creek, Pea Ridge, Lexington, Cross Hollows^ Sugar Creek, luka, Corinth, Port Gibson, Grand Gulf, Baker's Creek, Blackwater, and Vicksburg. Out of one hundred and seven of the company that went into service, only twenty survived, and several of those were l)adly wounded. His maternal grandfather, Daniel Slater, was in the War of 1812. His uncles, James and William Slater were also in the War of 1812. His uncle, James Slater helped to survey the town of Linneus. He -and wife and mother are members of the Missionar}' Baptist Church. His father died in this county, November 25, 1870. His mother resides with him. Mr. McCollum is a member of the A. F. & A. M. He now resides on the original tract of land entered by his father, and is a man who stands high in his community.

William Harrison Meyers

is the son of Peter and Margaret Meyers and was born in Caldwell county, Missouri, May 6, IS-il. When he was two years old, his parents moved to Daviess county, and soon afterwards to Indiana, where they resided till William was five years old. They then returned to Missouri and lived in Chariton county till 184:9, when thej' removed to Linn county and settled near J3rooktield, and there William remained till during the civil war. In November, 1861, he enlisted in Company E of the Fiftieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, at that time stationed at Chillicothe, Missouri. He was discharged in 1862, because of physical disability. He had improved his time while in the service in learning to write, being kindly instructed by his fellow soldiers, and thus made some amends for his lack of education, arisinir from spare opportunities in boyhood. He took part in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, and Corinth, and from the last tight was constantly in United States hospitals till his discharge, when he returned home. Mr. Meyers was married March 1, 1864, to Miss Martha A. Watkins, of Linn county. The following jesiv he began farming for himself on a fortyacre tract given him by his father. The farm he now owns (seven miles from Brooktield) contains two hundred and sixty acres, all improved. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Meyers, named: Mary Josephine, Francis, Jennie, John William, and Georgie. Mr. Meyers and wife belong to the Missionary Baptist Church.

William G. Moore

This gentleman is a native Missourian and was born in Chariton county, living there till he was five years old. From there he came with his parents to Linn. county where he has ever since resided, engaged in farming and stock-raising. He is the son of William David and Mary A. Moore, both of whom were natives of Tennessee. His father came to this State in 1836 and settled first in Chariton county, where Mary A. Moore, William G.'s mother, died.

Mr. Moore was married October 9, 1869, to Miss Eliza A. Lee, of Linn county, by whom he has three children, named, respectively, Frederick Arthur, Charles, and "Pony." He has a large farm of over 400 acres of good productive land, most of which is in cultivation and all well improved. He is one of the self-made men of Linn county who, thouc^h he started poor^ has by industry, perseverance, and good management, amassed a competency.

Thomas Oneill

was born April 27, 1853, in Lafayette, Tippecanoe county, Indiana, hisfatlier being William Oneill, a native of Monagahan, Ireland, and his mother Catharine, who was also a native of Ireland. He received a common school education in St. Catharine, Linn county, Missouri, having renooved to that place with his father in 1861. He was engaged as a stock dealer until 1873, when he learned telegraphy and three years later took charge of the night office at Chillicothe, Missouri. He remained there until January, 1877, when he took charge of the office at Easton, Buchanan county, Missouri;, was agent and operator there until 1878, when he went to Stewartsville and occupied a like position. Some time later, when he was transferred to St. Catharine, where he has since remained as express, freiglit, and ticket agent and operator for the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad Company.

Mr. Oneill was married to Miss Eva E. Stolp, who was born in Empire, Whiteside county, Illinois. Mr. Oneill is a member of the Catholic Church and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Both of them are active members of the order of Good Templars. Mr. Oneill has built a fine residence in St. Catharine and has half a block which he is greatly beautifying.

William Oneill, Sr

was born in county Monagahan, Ireland, December 24, 1831. His father and mother were William and Catharine Oneill. He received a common school education in his native land, and emigrated to America, landing at !New York City in 1851. There he resided a short time and removed to Montgomery county, Indiana, where he engaged in railroading. Thence he went to Kankakee county, Illinois, and engaged in railroad building. He then removed to Camp Point, Adams county, Illinois, still following railroading. From there he removed to Coatsburg, and engaged in the hotel business until 1861, when he located at St. Catharine, Linn county, since which time he has been hotel keeping, railroading, and dealing in stock. Mr. Oneill was married to Sophia Mitchell, February 14, 1851. By this union there have been born Thomas, April 27, 1853; William, May 2, 1855; Patrick, May 8, 1857; John, June 3, 1859; James, April 17, 1861; Catharine, January 6, 1864; Michael, April 22, 1866; and Edward, May 7, 1869. Catharine died the day of her birth. James was shot by an assassin at Macon City, Missouri, January 29, 1881, and died from the effects of the wound February 1, 1881. His assassin was sent to the State Penitentiary for nine- teen years. The father of these children sprang from the Oneill stock of the Kings of Ulster, Ireland. He has a commodious residence and several other valuable pieces of property in St. Catharine, and recently purchased 120 acres of land near that town. He is a member of the Catholic Church. Previous to coming to America Mr. Oneill served three years in the Royal Irish Constabulary. At present he is engaged in stock dealing, buying and selling land, and following somewhat the vocation of an independent trader.

William Oneill, Jr

was born in Pana, Illinois, May 2, 1855. lie is the son of William and Sophia Oneill. lieceived a common school education in Linn county, Missouri, and lived in Illinois until January, 1802, when he came to St. Catharine, Linn county. He was married May 4, 1879, to Miss Alice C. Mulhol- * and, who was born in Chariton county, Missouri, in October, 1861. By this union two children were born, Sophia and James, Jr. The former died March 18, 1880. Mr. Oneill has been principally engaged in railroading, but has devoted a part of his time to the study of medicine under Dr. R. Haley, and has acquired quite a reputation as a correspondent for the local papers, having also contributed articles of interest to the St. Louis dailies. He has recently built a line residence, has six lots, and is now in charge of a force of men on the Hannibal & St. Joseph Kailroad. lie is a member of the Catholic Church.

Charles L. Spalding

was born at Ravenna, Portage county, Ohio, December 11, 1844. His parents were Ebenezer and Frances L. Spalding. He was educated at Union High School, Ravenna, Ohio, where he lived until October, 1865. At eighteen years of age he received from the C. & P. Railroad Company heavy contracts for timber, which proved very remunerative. Removing to St. Louis, he took an interest in and became engaged as clerk on the steamer Bosa Zee, which was lost in the winter of 1865-66, when the great icegorge occurred at the levee in that city. He was then employed by x\lkire & Co., wholesale grocers of St. Louis, for a short time, and was by them recommended to W. H. Elliott as confidential clerk and book-keeper, with whom he came 1o St. Catharine, Linn count}', April 6, 1866, and took charge of his store and mill accounts. This position he held until 1875, when he purchased the stock of goods and buildings and has built up a trade which, in 1881, amounted to fifty thousand dollars. He is also one of the largest buyers and shippers of wool in north Missouri. Mr. Spalding was married, December 26, 1870, to Miss Adella Crandall. She was born at Concord, Erie county. New York, May 5, 1849. Two children have been borirof this union: Elliott, June 8, 1872; and Irene, August 17, 18S0. Mr. Spalding is a member of King Solomon Lodge No. 90, A. F. tfc A. M., and has served two terms as worshipful master. He has a beautiful residence, located on Jefferson Street, and is extensively engaged in the dry goods, grocery, grain, and agricultural implement business, and also in shaved hoops. He makes a specialty of wool.

James M. Scott

was born in Union county, Indiana, July 8, 1837, being the son of William and Ellen Scott. He received a common school education in that State; removed to Connersville, Fayette county, Indiana, and apprenticed himself to learn the tinner's trade with N. H. Burke, with whom he remained until 1861. Mr. Scott was married to Miss Nellie C. Hyatt, at Jefferson City, Missouri, May 19, 1863. She was born at Portsmouth, Scioto county, Ohio, November 27, 1844. By this union there were eight children: Charles H. was born October 20,1865; Mary, May 1, 1867; Edith Maud, April 8, 1870; Ella, March 14,1872; Georgie Kate, March 27,1875; Hattie E., April 1, 1877; Bertie H., May 7, 1880. Mrs. Scott died May 18, 1880; Charles H. died October 28, 1865; Ella died January 11, 1873; Hattie E. died January 27, 1878.

Mr. Scott came to Hannibal, Missouri, in January, 1865, engaging in the grocery trade; removed to Brookfield, Linn county, in August, 1865, and was engaged in various occupations up to September, 1876, when he removed to St. Catharine and followed the business of a tinner and general hardware merchant. He was appointed township clerk in 1876, and was elected to the same office in 1877, holding it until the abolishment of the township organization. In April, 1881, he was elected township clerk and assessor, and still holds that office. Mr. Scott enlisted in the three mouths' service in 1861 ; failed to reach Indianapolis, Indiana, in time to be mustered in, but was held to serve with the State Guards on the Ohio River. July 24, 1861, he enlisted in the Third Indiana Battery, serving until October 24, 1862; was wounded by minie and musket balls at the battle of Lone Jack, Missouri, August 16, 1862; was transferred to the Twenty-second Indiana Battery and promoted to be a first lieutenant. In this capacity he continued in active service until March 29, 1863, when be resigned, finding his health was rapidly declining and he was suiFering severely from the wounds received at Lone Jack. Mr. Scott has a handsome residence and four lots at St. Catharine, Missouri, and is doing a thriving business.

John C. Scott

son of Bazwell and Marinda Scott, was born June 24, 1840, in Tazewell county, Virginia. He received his education at Mount Pleasant College, Huntsville, Ilandolph county, Missouri, and came to Linn county in 1854. He graduated in medicine at the Keokuk University, in 1868, Up to the time of his entering upon the study of medicine, Dr. Scott was engaged in farming. He was married, Jul}' 27, 1875, to Miss Eliza A. Williams, who was born in Chariton county, Missouri, November 20, 1852. One child has blessed this union, Florence A., born April 27, 1876. Dr. Scott is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is coroner of Linn county, having been elected in 1880. lie was secretary of the Linn County Medical Society one year. Dr. Scott has eighty acres of land adjoining the town of St. Catharine, where he has a fine residence, located on Jefferson Street. Besides having a lucrative medical practice, he is largely engaged in stockraising.

This gentleman is the son of Avery and Catharine M. Swan, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of New York. Albert was born in Oakland, Michigan, where he grew to manhood, and engaged in farming in that State before coming to Missouri, lie came to Linn count}' in 1869, and engaged in farming. Mr. Swan was married, April 13, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth Langworthy, of St. Clair county, Michigan. She is a native of New York State, and went to Michigan with her parents when she M'as quite young. Her paternal grandfather served as a soldier in the cause of freedom in the War of the Revolution. Seven children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Swan, five of whom are still living, named, respectively, Mary Estella, Katie Lydia, Cora Belle, Arthur L. and Alice L. (twins). He and wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Swan belongs to the Patrons of Husbandry. He is quite an extensive fruit-grower, and is doing much to improve fruit culture in Linn county.

son of Oscar F. and Eliza {nee Ridgway) Rawlins, was born in Howard county, Missouri, May 15, 1843. He came to Linn county with his parents in 1844, and has since resided here and been chiefly engaged in farming and stock-raising. Mr. Rawlins was married September 8, 1874, to Miss Virginia Speece, who was born in Campbell county, Virginia, September 28, 1849. By this union two children have been born, Mary E., born June 30, 1876; and Estrella A., born May 25, 1879. Mr. Rawlins is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church and is also a member of the King Solomon Lodge No. 90, A. F. & A. M. He was elected township collector in 1873-4-5, and held that office up to the time that law was repealed. He was appointed deputy sheriff January 1, 1877, and held that position until January, 1881. Mr. Rawlins has 240 acres of land all under fence, and about forty acres under cultivation, with residence upon it. He keej)s quite a number of thorough-bred cattle, and deals in cattle, buying, feeding and selling. Although having received but a limited common school educatioa "43 in Linn county, Mr, Rawlins, by his native intelligence, tli rift, and enterprise has succeeded admirably in life, and stands high in the regard of all people.

James L. White

was born in Alberniarle county, Virginia, November 9, 1839. His parents were James E. and Matilda A. White. He received a common school education in Illinois and Missouri and removed to Linn county, in the latter State, in 1855. He has been engaged in farming and stock-raising.

Mr. White was married in 1877 to Miss Carrie H.Jackson, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, October 14, 1857. By this union three children have been born : Winina L., Mary, and Gertrude. The subject of this sketch served in the late civil war in the Twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry three years when he reenlisted in the Sixth Connecticut Infantry and served until the close of the war. He was with Pope and Rosecrans at the capture of Island No. 10; was engaged in the latter part of the seige of Vicksburg; participated in the battles of Corinth, Resaca, and Jackson, Mississippi, and served with Sherman in his March to the Sea. At the termination of hostilites he was discharged at Beaufort, South Carolina. Mr. AVhite owns eighty acres of valuable land in Linn county, and is a prosperous farmer and stockraiser.