Liberty Township

Description And Area

Liberty is in the second tier of townships from the south and also on the west part of the county, and for the fertility of its soil and the beauty of its undulating prairies it is considered one of the best townships in the county, and according to number is populated with the best reading people in the county, and they must, of course, be well educated on the general topies of information. Fully two-thirds of this township is a rolling prairie with a natural drainage, which makes it the equal of any township in the county for stock-raising. Timber of all the known varieties that grow in this section, is found in Liberty township, the largest portion being found upon Honey and South Big creeks, while Larry Creek is also skirted with timber.

The township is a congressional township in size, and is bounded on the north by Marion, east by Union, south by Sheridan and west by Jefferson. It covers an area of twenty-one thousand five hundred and eleven and fortyseven one-hundredthe acres of land. The population of the township in 1880 was 988 and now claims 1,100. In 1870 Liberty had a population of 781, which shows an increase of over fifty per cent since 157

The township was organized in 1869 and was taken from Jefferson and Gallatin. The real estate valuation in 1877 was $145,510, and the personal property, $63,630, making a total valuation of $209,140. Since then no township valuations have been kept separate, until the assessment for this year, 1881, which under the new law will be taken by townships and the progress made in material wealth the past four years can be known when the assessor's returns are reported Jannary 5, 1882. The township laws were changed so often tliat some years the only township officers were the justices of the peace and constable. A law giving township officers was passed and again repealed, and even at the last session changes were made which liave taken etfect this year. These changes, especially the one giving assessors to cach township, are to be admired. The townships will then be able to know what they have gained annually in population and wealth, and which lave done the best. When the assessed valuation of a county is given in bulk, itis only by close observation that the difference in the relative gains of the different. sections can be ascertained. So tar Liberty seems to hold her own, as her gain is greater than that of the county. Some of her settlers are uot inclined to much improvement in farm labor or in raising of stock, but prefer to travel the path laid out in their young days. They retard, however, more their own fortune than that of the township, for there are many who believe in the advances made in agricultural progress, and are ready and willing to take hold of the new mode of labor and the improved maehinery of to-day, Itis these farmers who have given Liberty township her great gain of fifty per cent during the past decade.

The First Settlers

William M. Prewett and John Smith settled in Liberty township in 1834. Smith came from Clay county, where he was reared. Prewett came from Latayette county, but was originally from Kentucky. H. W. Creekmore and Elisha B. Creekmore were also from Kentucky. Prewett and Smith came early in the spring and the Creekmores and Tobias Miller came in the summer and early fall of the same year. T. P. Gilreath, another Kentuckian, came abont the same time, but had lived in Lafayette county before he removed to Daviess. The latter, with Prewett, settled on section tive in the northwest corner of the township and not far from South Big Creek, being

. something over a mile. Mr, Prewett was the first man who broke prairie in Daviess county and was one of the early justices of the peace in the township.

There was no great rush of settlers in those early days. Liberty was originally a part of Grindstone, one of the three original municipal townships. The settlement on Grindstone Creek was only a few miles distant, and that was one of the largest in the county at that time, unless Lick Fork, in the southeast, might have been a little larger. There was very little to tronble or change the even tenor of the ways of the pioneers of Liberty township. They built their cabins, plowed their fields, and secured themselves tine homesteads. They went to mill and would be gone several days, tor the route led them to Richmond, Ray county, and to Liberty, in Clay county. This only lasted two years before a horse-mill was in operation but a few miles from there on the border of DeKalb county. There was also one or two hand-mills that did duty until the demand exceeded their capacity.

Liberty township that a wedding took place. Not until 1840, and then William Weiser stepped forward and claimed the hand of Mary Myers. It rwas in the fall of the year that the wedding took place. Mary was willine for the nuptials, and the ceremony was performed at the residence of the ride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Myers. 'Squire William M, -Prewett said the words which bound two loving hearts together,

The mother of the bride gave her a new iron pot, and the groom's parents furnished a bake-pan. The rest of the wedding outfit was gathered together by the new made shusband and wife. There wasn't as mueh style in those 'days as now, but for solid happiness and pure enjoyment the log cabins of those days eould Jargely discount the brown stone tronts of the present age,

John A. Creekmore was the first child born in Liberty towuship, and he 'first saw the light on March 20th, 1834. He was the son of H.N. and Ann Creekmore.

The first death in the township was that of Green Blakely, who died in December, 1888, and was bnried on what is known as the Tobias Miller farm.

Dr. William Livsic had the honor of being the first regular physician who settled in the township, but he remained only two years, leaving tor the West in 1840, Ile was a native of Virginia.

The first sermon was preached in 1835, by the Rev. Tames McMahan, at the house or cabin of Joli Smith, th first settler. There was no regular service, but the eabins of the settlers were always at the service of' the circuit riders, or any traveling minister who was willing to hold service.

The first school was tanght by Joseph Starling, and the school-house was situated on the east half of the northeast quarter of section eight. He had some fifteen pupils and received $2 per scholar for a three months session, He removed to Texas. The neighbors joined together to put up the schvolhouse, which was simply logs placed one on top of the other. The floor was mother earth, and the roof of clapboards kept to their places by weight poles. One end was a fire-place and the children gathered around, and when the fire got fairly under way their faces would leeone nearly parboiled while the chills danced a gallop up and down their backs. Still there was lots of fun to be had at the old log sehool-houses, and those who received their schooling at those primitive establishments have nothing but happy memories of their school days.

The inevitable epinning-wheel and rough loom, which were two of the necessities of pioneer lite, found a lodying place at Mr. Prewett's, and Mrs. Naney Prewett, as early as 1835, was using these very essential articles of domestic furniture. She was able to keep her family in the necessary wearing apparel in the shape of homespun. a fact, with the exception of a change of name, pioneer life in Liberty was. the same as in other sections of the county. The steady swing of the woodman's ax, and the hnm of the spinning-wheel was the work of husband' and wife. There were changes, tor the plow had to be used by one, and the meals had to be cooked by the other, and the dinner-horn was an ever welcome sound. Day in and day out the same routine went on. But the labor of the pioneer began to tell. The farm began to Jook like a farm; horses, cattle, sheep and hogs began to gather aera: The good wife lad her pet cow and ehiekens, and the rude cabin began to have its rough edges taken off and become more home-like. So time passed on, and Lit berty township. was steadily inereasing the area of her cultivated fields, her cabins growing thicker, with every promise of prosperity to all.

The township is well watered by Honey Creek in the south and southeast, and it is here that, perhaps, two-thirds of the timber in the township is found. South Big Creek gives plenty of water in the northern and western parts of the township. Larry Creek, in the northeast portion of the township, is not much of a streain, but a good wet weather branch, which empties, a couple of miles away, into the Grand River. The township is very evenly settled, and there are no towns within the limits of its territory. It is a tarmers' township, and they have exelnsive possession. There are six very neat frame school-houses, seven .school districts and twochurches.

The early days are yet remembered by many of the present residents of the township. Their only roads were made throngh the timber and open. prairie in the direction they wanted to go. In fact, they had no roads, but wagon tracks.

The Mormons, who made 'Di-Amon their headquarters, did a great deal of stealing from the old pioneers, and when the Mormon War broke out, numerous cabins were burned and the stock run off and killed. Honey and household goods the Mormons had a special liking for, and the Gentiles sutfered if the Mormons could compass in any way possession of these articles. For two years they lad to keep pretty close watch of their goods and chattles, and it was this thieving propensity of the low class of Mormons which flocked to the county, and the refusal of Smithand Rigdon to stop them, that finally caused their expulsion from the county. When the time came for the Mormons to go, there were a good many articles that the pioneers of Liberty township got back when the contents of the store-houses were brought forth. But with the Mormons gone, there was nothing to disturb the serenity of the people until the Givi War of 1561 broke out. Then for a whilethere was sorrow and gloom over the land.

Municival Affairs

The municipal affairs of the township have generally been economically managed. In fact, the principal mismanagement for the first thirty years of Daviess county, was through its county officials, not the township. " The townships were obliged to use economy to offset the losses sustained by the county. But the resources of Daviess county were too rieh to bankrupt, and in the deeade between 1870 and 1880 a change came, and Daviess county stands at the top round of the ladder of eredit. The people hate debt so that they are willing to be heavily taxed fur afew years to have tle curse removed, 'To-day there is more wealth and less debt in Liberty township, aecording to its population, than any other township in the county.

The first officials found recorded were J. A. Stigers, William Heyser, Henry Franks, and William M. Prewett: they were a sort of board of trustees, justices,ete. Samuel Weir was the first clerk, W. M. Prewett was the first assessor, and the first meeting of the town board was held at what is ealled Liberty Center school-house. The first supervisor law came into effect in 1872. In place of county judges, an act was passed giving each township an officer called a supervisor who was chairman of the town board and took the place in township matters of the formerly elected trustee. He also represented his township in the board of supervisors, who attended to the business of the county in the place of the county judges. This plan was found too cumbersome, and after two vears' trial the law was repealed and the judges and County Court reinstated, Then, again, there were five judges elected to help make up the County Court. but that, too, became cumbersome, and was changed.

The election of 1872, under the supervisor law, resulted in the following named townshipotticers: William Prewett, supervisor; Samucl Weir, clerk; George Henderson, assessor; A. C. Cope, collector; John Cooper, constable; Henry Franks and J. A. Stigers, justices of the peace.

1873 - Witliam Prewett, supervisor; James W. Stigers, clerk; A. C. Cope, collector; George Henderson, assessor; Henry Franks and J. A. Stigers, justices; Jesse A. Creekmore, constable. aa

1874 - William P. Heyser, trustee; James W. Stigers, clerk; William Prewett, assessor; A. Cc. Cope, collector; Jesse A. Creekmore, constable; Henry Franks, and J. A. Stigers, justices. 7 - 1875 - The same as 1874, excepting the justices, who were J. A. Stigers and George W. Morris.

1877 - William P. Heyser, trustee; A. J. Harmon, clerk; William Prewett, assessor; L. B. Noah, collector; Jesse A. Creekmore, constable; ae a. Stigers and George W. Morris, justices of the pence. As the law was hanged these were the last township officers elected until 1881.

T70 Hisiory Of Daviess Cotnty

1881 - William P. Heyser, trustee; Jesse A. Creekmore, constable and collector; George W. Morris, clerk and assessor; Gideon E. Gilreath and L. B. Noah, justices of the peace.

The poor-farm is loeated in this township about four and a half miles from Gallatin, the county seat, and there under the care of'a humane superintendent the panpers of Daviess county find a comfortable home, with that freedom of thonght and of action that takes away the sting of poverty and insures them from cold and hunger. The poor-tarm is becoming a model farm.

This church was first organized in 1856 and is located on the east half of the northwest quarter of section seven. The church is a neat frame building put up the same year of the church organization, but not wholly finished antil 1857. It was dedieated in July, 1857, and the dedication sermon was: delivered by the Rev. George Flint. The first ministers of the Union Chureh were Rev. George Flint and Rev. Benjamin Wheeler. The church cost $900 and has a very pretty location, being surrounded by well improved farms. There is some talk of building a larger church as the organization is inereasing in membership, but it is probable the present building will remain for a few years yet as their place of worship.

The chureh is in a flourishing condition at this time, the membership numbering sixty-live. It is comparatively out of debt, but a little more of energetic work is needed to extend its usefulness and for the greater exercise of its influence for good. With its present position and surroundings it has a splendid field for labor, and it should be fully used to extend its power for the good of the chureh and for the glory of God. The names of the original members of this influential pastorate are as follows: James Kineaid and wife, Robert Hanna and wife, James Hanna and wife, William Prewett and wife, T. P. Gilreath and wife, Tobias Miller and wife, H. N. Creekmore and wife, and anumber of others whose names have been forgotten. These are familiar names to those who remember the early settlers of Liberty township.

Crab Orchard Church

Some years before this church was organized quite a strong desire had been manilested to secure grounds and build a House of the Lord. Those who had come into that section of the township and settled, and who had lett their old homes in the East where they had never been deprived of church service, felt its loss severely. In the early times services had been held frequently at the houses of the settlers, but this had always been irregular and sometimes months would elapse between the times of holding service. What they wanted was a church, regular Sunday meeting and a day of rest from» the care and labors of the week - something of those pleasures and coimforts that they had Jett behind when they, like the Star of Empire, westward took their way.

In 1861, ainid war's alarms, Crab Orchard Chureh was organized and a chmreh erected which was dedicated to the Lord the same year. A very impressive sermon of dedication was delivered by the Rey. B. F, Kenney and an earnest heartfelt prayer went up for peace aud to mitigate the horrors of war. The chureh was a frame builling of medium size, cumtortably furnished, and cost, completed, $1,000. The church is located on the north half of the east half of the southeast quarter of section three. The names of the following original members are remembered: William Everly and wife, Joseph Koger and wife, Nathan Harmon and wife. The first pastor was the Rev. B. F. Kenny and he was followed by the Rev. James MeMahan. The church, financially, is in a prosperous condition aud the present membership numbers forty.

There is a small cemetery connected with the Union Chureh on section seven, and there is another one located on section sixteen, being on the north half of the east half of the southwest quarter, and known as the Creekinore Cemetery, and has very pleasant surroundings. These are all that are in the township.

Transportation

The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacifie Railroad runs entirely through the township, entering on the east side and then on reaching about the center turns and runs diagonally to the southwest corner of the township. It has one station called New Farmington where the cars stop when flagged.

Biographical Sketches William E, Brennon

This ceutleman was born in Virginia, Jaly 24, 182%. When he was ten years old his parents moved to Ohio and lived three years, and then eamejto Caldwell county, Missouri. There William grew up and resided till the fall of 1847, when he came to this county and has lived here ever since engaged in farming. He owns « fine farm of 280 acres in Liberty township, 240 of which are under fence. Tis farm is well watered with four living wells, and is suitably improved in every way.

Mr. Brennon was married, in Caldwell county, June 10. 1847, to Miss Sarah Hnghs. which has proven a happy and agreeable union, as husband and wife have always conenrred in the plans and interests of the family.

Vi2 History Of Daviess County

This gentleman was born in North Carolina, March 17, 1807. His parents moved to Tennessee when he was but six months old, and resided there two years. From there they moved to Christian county, Kentucky, and still later, moved to Iopkins county, where our subject grew to manhood. THe began farming there, and continued till 1841, when he came to Daviess county, and entered the land on which he now resides, the place being located in Liberty township, and containing 250 acres of splendid land, which he long ago improved inte a good and comfortable home. At the time of his coming, there were but few families in the township, and they were widely scattered. He built him a small log cabin and began cheerfully to improve the place which was to be the future home of his family. At that primitive day, Mr. Covington had to go as far as Trenton, a distance of twenty-five miles, to get Lreadstuffs for lis family, it sometimes taking two days for him to make the trip. He was married, in Hopkins county, Kentueky, January 29, 1835, to Miss M. T. B. Wilson. Eleven children were born of this union, of whom seven are still living: Eliza, Emeline, John H., Elizabeth, Philip E., Margaret O., and Mary still survive; while Narcissa A., Williain N., James and Georgiana are dead.

Jesse A. Creekmore

Is a native of Daviess county, and was born March 21, 1834, and here grew up and received his education. Ile began life as a farmer, and is still engaged in the same worthy voeation. He owns a place of 160 acres in Liberty township, which is well improved and arranged as a comfortable home. Mr. Creekmore is one of the earliest settlers in the township, and came tu it when but three or four families lived within its limita, and they were miles apart. All kinds of wild game, such as deer, turkeys, ete., was abundant, and went far towards supplying the settlers with food. Breadstuffs could not be obtained within less than fifty miles, it taking from four to five days to make the trip over the primitive roads of that early day.

Mr. Creekinore was married. on the 3d day of June, 1855, to Miss Amanda A. Baber. Nine children were born of this union, five of whom still survive.

The subject of this sketch was born in Johnson county, Tennessee, September 19, 1852. He continued to reside in the county of his birth till he was fourteen years old, when he went to Indiana, where he resided till the time of his coming to Missouri. His education was received in Indiana, and he tullowed the occupation of tilling the soil after leaving school. On coming to Daviess county, Mr. Eggers again engaged in farming, in which

HISTORY OF DAVIESS COUNTY. 773 ee ee a ; 3 Binciteet ; he continued os nntil the spring of 1875. At that time he be. « Sap ' yi Toa) . % ers e came possessed of a desire to ser the great western country, and aceordingly made a tour of some magnitude in the wilds of the West, visiting Montana Washington Territory, Oregon, Idaho, Caliturnia, Nevada, and numerous places of the mountainous west. The last place he visited was his old home and birthplace in Tennessee, where he remained till the spring of 1881. He then returned to this county and settled down, and owns a nicely improved farm of 140 aeres in Liberty township, well located, and adapted to the business of stuck-raising, having two splendid wells of never-tailing water. Mr. Eggers was married, in Daviess county, November 23, 1871, to Miss H 2 ; « '| u ed y ce ts « , 1 :. Christina Myers. They have had three children, one of whom, Elmore T. is still living, the date of his birth being October 6, 1874. Albert, the oldest child, born November 26, 1872, died on the 12th of February, 1874; Abner, Who was born August 20, 1881, died on the 26th of the same month, living scarcely long enough to be Christened by his loving parents, before he was taken from them by the unrelenting hand of Death, the grim reaper who spares not even the unoffending infant.

William P. Fisher

The subject of this sketch was born in Ripley, Brown county, Ohio, Sep- 'tember 9, 18¥%7. He remained at the place of his birth until thirteen years of age, when he accompanied his father, who removed to Shelby county, Tn- 'diana. There he finished his schooling, and, in the spring of 1851 came to Daviess county, where he las since made his home. He located in Liberty township, within one and one-fourth miles of Gallatin, where le has a splendid farm of some 260 acres, IIis residence is pleasantly situated, and, taken altogether, it is one of the best homesteads in Daviess county. He has been quite svecesstul in his farming operations and in the raising of stock, and stands among the most progressive farmers and stovk-raisers in the county, and well deserves the high reputation he bears. Mr. Fisher was married, in Shelby county, Indiana, to Miss Julia A. Chapman. The union has been a happy one, and five children gather around the pleasant fireside. They are all living, and are named Pauline, Nelson C., Isabel, Mary 1. and Washington C. Mr, Fisher is now tifty-four years of age, with a bright and prosperous future before him.

- The above named farmer and stock-raiser, was born February 19, 1520, and is a native of Pennsylvania. He enjoyed all the educational advantages then at hand in those early days, and remained in his native State until his twenty-second year. In the year 1842 he started out to seck ihis fortune and found a home in Ohio for eighteen years, learning and working at' the basket-making business for a number of years. In the fall of 1860, Mr. Fossinger again changed his residence, giving his preference to the Wolverine State. The next seven years he remained in Michigan and prospered fairly, but at the end of that time, in the fall of 1867, he coneluded that a milder climate, cheaper and richer lands, would suit him better, and at the date mentioned, Mr. Fossinger became a resident of Daviess county, settling on section nine, in Liberty township. He has now a comfortable home, a well improved farm of 140 aeres, and his residence, handsomely located and shaded by forest trees, where he leads a quiet and contented lite.

Mr. Fossinger was married, in Delaware county, Ohio, in the month of October, 1851, to Miss Lucinda Wiser. By this union they were blessed with six children; one, Cornelius, is dead, and five living; viz., Emeline, Angeline, Lusina, Barbara and Adam F.

Jacob Grove

Was born in Augusta county, Virginia, on the 19th of August, 1812. He was taken to Indiana by his parents, who removed to that State when Jacob was three years old, and there lived until after he became of age. In 1834, he went to Mississippi, and after a sojourn there, went to Illinois, where he began farming, continuing there until the fall of 1857. That was. the period of his coming to Daviess county, and he has resided here ever since.

Mr. Grove was married, in Illinois, in February, 1841, to Miss Leah Kindig. They are the parents of eleven children, of whom only four still survive: Simon, Mary M., Sebastian, and Eliza ave living at the time of this writing; while Sarah E., Samuel, Annie, and four infant children, are all dead.

Mr. Grove owns a place containing 150 aeres of good land, which he haswell improved. In is located in Liberty township, and is one of the most desirable farms in Daviess county.

Simon Rove

Was born in Woodford county, Illinois, April 6, 1842, and there received a good common school edneation. In the fall of 1857 he came to this State: and county. and has been a farmer in Daviess county ever since. He has a farm of 120 acres in Liberty township, which he has well fenced and improved. During the Civil War Mr. Grove was Union in principle, and February 27, 1864, enlisted in Company L, of the Twelfth Missouri Cavalry, and served till the close, participating in the battles of Nashville, Franklin, Spring Hill, Harpeth River, Selma, Colambus, Ebenezer Church, Thomas, Campbellville, and other tights and skirmishes. Immediately after his discharge he returned to Daviess county, and was there married,on the 20th of December, 1866, to Miss Sarah Reid, daughter of H. T. and May A. Reid.

Mr. and Mrs. Grove have three children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Dessie May, born November 6, - ; Simon, born August 30, 1876; and Charles 8., born December 9, 1879

In " Septeniber, 1871, Mr. Grove met vith a very unfortunate aecident, which necessitated the ampntation of his arm. While assisting his fatherin-law to thresh, his left arm was caught in the machiner y of the thresher

Is a native of Pennsylvania, born October 3, 1824. In the spring of 1844 he went to Chicago, Illinois, where he remained until the spring of 1854. He then went to California, where he engaged in teaming, continuing until 1863, when he went to the city of San Francisco, and was there employed in trucking for the Pacifie Distillery Company. In 1868 he returned to Chicago and remained until the following year, when he went to Jaekson county, Missouri, and lived at Kansas City noutil the spring of IS70. From there he came to this county and has resided here ever since, chiefly engaged in farming. He owns a farm of 220 acres, in Liberty township, for which himself and Dame Nature have done much in the way of adapting it to productiveness and a comfortable home.

Mr, Hartman was married, in San Francisco, May 20, 1866, to Miss Flora Auman. They are the parents of seven children; named, respectively, Alice, Anize, Emma, Adam A., Susannah, William L. and Ida May.

Mr. Henderson claims Missouri as his native State, having been born in Olay county, near the banks of the Great Muddy, Mareh 11,1834. Te had not, however, grown large enough to yet his first pair of boots before his father removed to Gentr y county, in 1836, the subject of this writing being then but two years old. Gentry county was then new, and young Hendeér. son's father was the first white man to rear a cabin within its borders. They remained there until 1840, when his father could resist no longer the rich and inviting lands of Daviess, and he removed to this county and settled. Here onr subject grew to manhood, receiving an excellent education, which he utilized by teaching school for about four years.

On December 29th, 1859, in the twenty-sixth year of his age, he was united in marriage to Miss Matilda MeBrayer, a native of Daviess county. By this marriage they had four children, one of whom, Jon A., is deceased, and three are living; viz., William E., Sarah M. and - J. He had the misfortune to Jose his wife, who died September 24, 1s78. <A kind and loving wite and mother, her death was a severe blow to the f fainily. Ever ready to bear the burden and trials of life, taking a prominent part in promoting the cause of Christ, a kind neighbor and devoted friend, she has gone to her reward. "She made home happy;" what higher praise ean be bestowed?

Mr. Henderson's business is that of a stock and grain broker. In 1874 he was elected a county judge, holding the office three years. Tlis prompt and straight-forward ways, both in office and in his dealing, has won hima deserved reputation, and he stands as one of the foremost citizens of the county.

William P. Heyser

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is a native of Kentucky, born July 19, 1840. He was reared and educated in his native State, and left there in 1857, locating in DeKalb county, this State, where he engaged in farming, residing there until 1864. In the spring of that year he went overland with teams to Virginia City, Montana, and there engaged in teaming and eattle-herding until 1867, when he returned to DeKalb county, Missouri. Mtr. Heyser came to Daviess county in 1870, and has resided here ever since, engaged in the laudable occupation of farming. IIe has a good farm of 280 acres in Liberty township, which he has well improved with a good residence, fencing, ete., and has it well adapted to stock-growing and feeding.

Mr. Heyser was married, in Daviess county, December 24, 1869, to Miss Sarah C. Miller. They are the parents of four children; named, respectively, Charles W., Frederick W., Ethel and Sallie. Mr. Ieyser is a good

Jacub Kaufman

Was born in New York, on the 3d of November, 1847, and was reared and educated in the State of his nativity. Ie began life for himself by engaging in lumbering, which he followed till his coming to this State and county, in the spring of 1865. Tere he engaged in farming, and owns a snug little farm of seventy-six acres in Liberty township, which affords ample support for himself and family.

Mr. Kaufman was married, in New York, on January 3d, 1868, to Miss Elizabeth Weber, by which union they have four children; namely, Julia A., William H., Herbert and Carrie.

This gentleman is a Kentuckian by nativity, born September 10, 1834. He came with his parents to this State and connty when he was eight years old, and here grew up and received his education. At the proper age of starting out for himself, Mr. Koger began farming for a livelihood, and is still engaged in that occupation, and stock- dealing. He owns a large, well improved 'farm ot 500 acres in Liberty township, on which he has a fine brick residence, beautifully located, and surrounded by fine forest and evergreen shade trees. During the Civil War Mr. Koger was Union in sentiment, and in 1852, enlisted in the State service on the Federal side, and served till the war elosed. [le has been twice married. First, in Daviess county he was wedded to Miss Elizabeth Netherton. Four children were born of this union, two of whom, Eunice FE. and Franklin B., are still living, while two infants are deceased. Ilis first wife died April 18, 1865, and hs married Miss Lydick, of Livingston county. They have had six children, of whom only two, * Doe." L. and Earl B., still survive. The other four are

R. 5. E. Lewis

The subject of this sketch was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, May 29, 1838, and was reared and educated in his native county. On starting in life for himself, Mr. Lewis commenced tarming and continued that and lumbering, till October, 1854. He then went to Champaign eounty, Minois, where he continued the lumber business till 1855. [rom there he went to Mahaska county, Lowa, but only made a short stay, when he went to Poweshiek county, aud engayed in shingle-making at Montezuma. In 1857, he came to Daviess county, where he still continues to reside, engaged in farming. He owns a farm of 230 acres of well improved land in Liberty township which he manages successfully and profitably.

Mr. Lewis was married, in Daviess county, November 28, 1856, to Miss M. E. Fary. Lis wite died September 15, 1863. On Mareh 15th, 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss N. A. Covington. She died, December 9, 1876. Mr. Lewis is the father of six children. He takes great interest in stock-raising, especially of horses (of which le has some fine specimens), averaging, in sales, from fifteen to twenty per annuin.

T. A. Martin

Is a native of Belmont county, Ohio, and was born November 9, 1842. His parents moved with him to Indiana when he was two years old, and he was reared and edueated in that State, and began life as 2 tarmer, and continned steadily in that calling till August, 1862, when he enlisted to help save the Union, in Company G, of the Seventy-second Indiana Volunteers. and served creditably till July, 1865, when he was honorably discharged, having participated in the battles of Hoover's Gap, Chickamauga, siege of Atlanta, and several other hard-fought battles and skirmishes. He came to Daviess county, Missouri in the fall of 1868, and has ever since resided here, engaged in farming. Ie owns a place of 120 acres of well improved land in Liberty township, being well watered and fenced, with peariy a mile ot he young hedye. The place has a tine orchard of one hundred apple trees an the same number of peach trees.

Mr. Martin was married, on the 5th of October, 1869, to Miss N. J. Rude. Six children have been born of this union, whose names are as follows: Bertha A., Eva, Addie, Thomas J., Isaac T. and Hugh, Mr. Martin is a good practical farmer and a worthy citizen.

Benjamin Matchett

Benjamin Matehett was born in Stickney, England, May 24, 1812. He grew up and was edueated in his native country, and began life asa railroad contractor, and assisted in building several roads in England. In 1855 he left the country of his birth and came to America, landing in New York. From there he went to Cornwall, Canada West, where he took a contract for laying track on the Grand Trunk Railway. In July, 1856, he went to La- Porte, Indiana, where he began farming, continuing there till the spring of 1868, and then coming to Missouri. He settled in Daviess county and soon afterward purchased a farm, and has been a farmer of this county ever since.

Mr. Matchett has been twice married. Tis first wite was a native of England, Miss Charlotte Morris, the date of their wedding being May 30, 1836. She died on the 30th of April, 1870. Mr. Matchett married, February 21, 1877, Mrs. Caroline Poynton. By his first union four children were born, of whom two, Benjamin and Elizabeth, are still living. He owns a farm of 175 acres of land in Liberty township, which he has well improved. Mr. Matchett was "boss" of the first job of putting on the new patent plates (now in common use) for fastening the ends of the track-rails together on railroads, a contract which he executed in a workman-like manner.

Benjamin Matchett, Jr

The subject of this sketch was born in Essex county, England, on the 3d of December, 1840, and continued to reside there till his fourteenth year, when his parents emigrated to America, bringing him with them, They landed in New York, but soon went to Cornwall, Canada. The father took a contract of track-laying on the Grand Trunk Railroad, in Canada, and Benjamin was his time-keeper, From there the latter went to Indiana, where he finished his education in a select school under John Loyd. In August, 1861, he enlisted, for national preservation, in Company OC, of the Twenty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. On arriving at Nolan, Kentucky, he was appointed spy in the service of Gen. McCook and served in that capacity and in the signal service till his discharge in 1863. Physical disability was the cause of his discharge, and he returned to Indiana. While serving as a spy, Mr. Matchett visited Bacon Creek, Mumfordville, Bowling Green and Chattanooga. On returning to Indiana he was appointed deputy provost marshal, under General William Wallace, which position he resigned in 1864. In the following spring he went to Kankakee county, Illinois, where he commenced farming, and continued until the fall of 1865. In the spring of 1866 he came to Daviess county, where he has ever since remained. For four years he enyaved in far Sen ane ; entered the ministry, and has been preaching ever _ a ne Mr. Matchett was married, in Indiana, December 12, 1863, to Miss Alida Munn, and is the father of six children. Mr. Matehett has labored as a minister of the glad tidings of gospel salvation in three States, and many "souls have been enrolled in the army of the Lord throngh his efforts. ,

John M Duugalil

Is a native of Scotland and was born in Isla, April LT, 1824. He was reared and educated in the land of his birth, and began farming fur a livelihood after leaving school. In the summer of 1847 he gave up farming to take a 'position in the eustom-house office under the United Kingdom. Mr. Me- Dougall served in that capacity till 1853, when he resigned his position and decided to better his fortunes in the land on the sunset side of the Atlantie. Accordingly, he sailed for America and landed in due time in the eity of New York. From there he went to Albany and got a position with Tredwell & Perry,in their foundry. In this place he remained till Mareh, 1854, when he went to Long Island and engaged in farming. He next appeared in Connecticut, where he worked in a stone-quarry. Leaving there he went to Canada and worked as superintendent of a saw-mill. Daviess county gained him as a citizen in the fall of 1566, when he settled and began 'farming. Ie now owns, in Liberty township, a good place of 120 acres.

Mr. MeDougall was married, in Scotland, in September, 1853, to Miss Janet Johnston, By this marriage they had tive children: John J., Archibald C., Ronald G., Ann I. and Janet B. Mrs. MeDougall died June 12, '1877. She was an estimable lady, and one honored and respected by her many friends who, with her hushand and children, now mourn the loss of a loving wife and devoted mother.

Lafayette F. Myers

This gentleman is a native of this county and was born June 1, 1544. When about cleven years old he went with his brother to Calitornia, and there grew up and was educated. He went into the stock business there, and was also engaged in freighting till the fall of 1566, In that year he re- _turned to his place of birth and has ever since resided here, engaged chiefly in farming and stock-raising. He owns a good farm of 280 acres in Liberty township, on which he has an elegant brick residence, beautifully located, and a large orchard with other improvements to correspond. The place is well stocked with fine breeds, especially with horses, including one fine stallion. : .

Mr. Myers was married, in Daviess county, November 12, 1868, to Miss Mary E. Shelby, a native of this State. They have four children; named,

George W. Morris

Was born in DeKalb county, Missouri, March 28, 1847. When he was a year old his parents moved to this county and here George was reared and educated. On reaching manhood he commenced farming and is still soengaged. He owns a farm of 120 acres of well improved "land in Liberty township, on which he and his family reside.

Mr. Morris was married, in Livingston county, this State, on September Qist, 1871, to Miss A. E. Lydick. Four children have resulted from this union; named, respectively, Kittie, Alma, Charles and William.

Mr. Morris was elected justice of the peace in 1875, and served till 1881, when he was elected assessor of the township. His residence is beautifully located and his farm is a well arranged place, well watered and fenced.

Lucien B. Noah

This subject is a native of Ohio, and was born August 23, 1829. At sixteen years old he came with his parents to Daviess county, Missouri, and lived here till he was grown and had completed his edneation. He then returned to his place of birth and there learned cabinet-making, at which he worked some four years. After this he began working at the carpenter's trade, and continued in that calling till 1861, when he commenced farming. In 1866, he, in addition to his farm business, became engaged in milling operations and still continues to push these enterprises. He owns a farm of 280 acres in Liberty township on which he has good improvements.

Mr. Noah was married, in Daviess county, July 31,1858, to Miss Cassandre Gisebert. Eleven ehildren have been born of this union, ten of whom still survive. The names of those living are Emma, Elwood, Martha, Charles, William, Daniel, Andrew, Mary, Nellie and Frank. The name of the decensed was Jennie.

H. T. Reid

Was born in Indiana, on the 25th of December, 1819. His parents removed to Kentucky when he was two years old, and in that State he was reared, and received a good common school education. He was reared a farmer, and began following that avocation when he started in business for himself. In the fall of 1849 Mr. Reid came to Daviess county, and here again enyaged in farming. Few farmers of Liberty township are more suce aah than he. His chief pride is that of stock-raising, principally of sheep and horses. The farm he owns contains 320 acres of fine land, most of which is in a high state of cultivation, and all well improved. He has it stocked with fine breeds of borses, sheep, ete., aud sells an annual lot of about ten head of horses and one hundred head of sheep.

Mr. Reid was married, in Kentucky, on November 3d, 1842, to Miss Mary A. Gillilan, who was a native of that State. Ten children were born of this union, seven of whom are living at this writing. Mary i., Naney J., Alex

Was born in North Carolina, but came to Kentucky with his parents when but an infant. In that State he grew to manhood, and presided there till 1849, then came to this State and county and has ever since resided here, engaged in farming. He owns a good farm of 103 acres, in Liberty township, which he has improved into a comfortable home and pat into a high state of cultivation.

Mr. Rogers was married, in this county, to Miss May J. Oxtord. They have eight children, seven of whom still survive. Charles, Theophilus, Levi B., Josephine, Arizona E., Robert B. and William are all living; and Mary J. is dead.

Is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Fulton county, that State, on the 23d of October, 1838. When he was thirteen years old his parents moved to Ohio, where he completed his education and grew to manhood. He chose farming as a life ealling, and engaged in that vocation in Ohio, and has followed it nearly ever since. In the spring of 1845 he went to Mahaska county, Iowa, and remained two years, then came to this State and county, and has been engaged in farming here ever since. He owns a good farm of 160 aeres, situated in Liberty township, tive miles southwest of Gallatin.

Mr. Stigers was married,in Towa, Oetober 19, 1868, to Miss Jennie Chadwick, a native of Indiana. They are the parents of three children, Charles C., Mary D. and Amos C. Mr. Stigers is a good practical farmer, and manages his enterprises successtully. He feeds about forty-tive head of cattle and one hundred head of hogs per year. He was elected justice of the peace in his township, and served two terms; and could have served another, for which he was elected, but declined, preferring to give his attention to his own private affairs.

Jacob Tingler

This highly esteemed resident of Daviess county was born in Guernsey county, Ohiv, January 30,1823. He received the usual edueation and on completing his studies served three years at the boot and shoe trade, Mr. Tingler at the end of that time went on a farm and remained in Ohio until the fall of 1840, when he removed with his wife to Steuben county, Indiana, having married in Hancock county, Ohio, two years before he left that State. lis wite was Miss Elizabeth J. Sailor, and they were joined in wedlock October 14. 1547. They resided there seventeen years or until the spring of 1866, when the fame of Missouri's rich soil and cheap lands reached them and they came to Daviess county and made it their home. He has a nice little home of forty acres, well improved, with a residence, situated on high ground, giving a very pleasant view of the surroundings, and muking their home attractive, Mr. Tingler and his wife are good citizens and kind neighbors.

Mr. and Mrs. Tinyler have ad six children; one died in its infancy and George when young, and tour are living. Their names are, Sarah L., Moses N., Lewis A. and Andrew J. Their home in Daviess county has proven a pleasant one.

Was born in Caldwell county, this State, on the 27th day of April, 1846, and was reared and educated in his native county. In the spring of 1865 he came to Daviess county and has resided here since, engaged in farming. He owns a farm in Liberty township containing 280 acres, well improved with suitable buildings, water, fencing, ete.. and both naturally and _artificially adapted to the stock business, which is the especial pride of Mr. Thompson. He ships or sells about sixty head of cattle per year and some fine breeds of sheep and hogs,

Mr, Thompson was married, in Daviess county, January 26, 1867, to Miss Maria H. Lynn. They have six children; named respectively, Minnie, Inez L., Willie G., James W., Bertie, and an unnamed infant. Mr. Thompson is a good practical farmer and an energetic man, respected by his neighbors and confided in as a straight-forward business man by all who have dealings with him,

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is a native of Ray county, this State, and was born on the Ist day of January, 1837. His parents moved to Daviess county when he was three years old and here he was reared and educated. Ile began life as a farmer and continued until 1868, when he engaged in the mill business, ranning a grist and saw-mill, with a earding machine attachment. In 1874 he resamed farming and is still so engaged. When the Civil War came on Mr. Vallandigham espoused the cause of the Confederacy, and enlisted in July, 1861, in Company F, of the regiment commanded by Col. Reeves, of Ray county. He served creditably till the general surrender in 1865, and participated in many hard fought battles and skirmishes, receiving a wound in the wrist at Pea Ridge which disabled him for five months.

Mr. Vallandighain was married, in Daviess county, Mareh 19, 1873, to Miss M. A. Parks. Five children have been born of this union, three of whom still survive. Henry C., Lewis H., Lillie W., George A. and Vernie are their names, the two latter heing now deceased. Mr. Vallandigham owns a farm of 164 acres of well improved land in Liberty township, on whieh he and his family reside. '

Joun J. Wample

The subject of this sketch was born in Virginia, in February, 1829, and was reared and educated in the same State. Te began farming for himself on coming of suitable age, and continued there till the spring of 1848, when he went to Tennessee. He remained there till 1851, when he eame to Daviess county, this State, and has lived here ever since, engaged in farming. He owns a place of eighty acres in Liberty township, on which he has a good residence and corresponding general improvements.

Mr. Wample was married, in Virginia, Angust 25, 1551, to Miss Elizabeth IIudle. They are the parents of two children, named Isaac E. and Mary J. Mr. Wample is a thrifty, energetic man and makes a good living for his family.

William Wilson

This gentleman is a native of Ireland, the date of his birth being the year 1800, He was reared in the country of his nativity and there received his edueation. On starting in life for himself Mr. Wilson became a farmer, and eontinued in that worthy avoeation during his residence in the old country. In the fall of 1847, he, with his funily, atarted to America, bent upon trying their fortunes in the great Western World. They landed in New Orleans, but made only a temporary stay, They then proceeded to southern Illinois, via St. Louis, and there Mr. Wilson again engaged in farming. In1851, he removeil to the northern part of the State and resided there till 1866, when he went to Kansas, where he remained till ISTO, when he came to this State and county, and has ever since continued to reside here, still engaged in farming and stock-raising.

Mr. Wilson was married, March 3, 1881, to Miss Mary Wilson, They have had five children by this union; named, respectively, Elizabeth, Samuel, John, Fannie, and Alexander. Mrs. Wilson died while the tamily lived in [llinois, leaving her five children and devoted husband te mourn her irreparable loss.

Mr. Wilson and brother own a good farm of 196 acres of fine land, located in Liberty township. Although he is now upwards of eighty-one years of age, Mr. Wilson is hale and hearty, and prospectively good for many years of usefulness before he shall be * gathered to his fathers."

Samuel Wilson

The subject of this sketch is a native of County Donegal, Ireland, and was there born in March, 1842. His parents left their native country when Samuel was about four years old, and emigrated to America. They first landed in New Orleans, but proceeded trom there to Illinois, where our subject was reared and educated. Mr, Wilson began life as a farmer in Illinois, and continued there till the spring of 1868, when he went to Kansas and remained till 1872. Tle then, with his father and brothers, came to Daviess county, where he still resides. He owns a farm of 196 acres of good land which he has well improved, and has a guod residence, located so as to command a fine view of the surrounding country. The place is well watered and fenced, having about 160 rods of tine young hedge. Mr. Wilson is a man of industrious habits, and is well respected by his neighbors and acquaintances.

Charles A. Worden

This gentleman was born in the State of Vermont, November 17, 1836, and was there partially educated. At twelve years old he went to Massachusetts, where he completed his education. On leaving school he began learning the carpenter's and cabinet-maker's trades, and worked thereat till 1860, when he commenced making maehinery for cotton-mills. In the fall of 1867 he went to Illinois and remained a tew months; then, in March 1868, came to Daviess county and engaged in farming, where he has continued to reside up to this writing.

Mr. Worden was married, in Gallatin, July 23, 1868, to Miss Sarah P. Lewis, a native of Irving, Massachusetts. He owns a good farm of 100 acres, on which he has good improvements; and his residence commands @ fine view of Gallatin and Winston.