Locust Creek Township (part 2 of 3)

Judge Carlos Boardman

attorney, Linneus. Judge Boardman was born in Rutland county, Ycrmont, November 29, 1818. His father was Charles G. Boardman, a gentleman of English descent, whose father was in the marine service of the Colonies, during the Revolutionary War. Judge Boardman's mother was Submit Watkins a lady of Puritan extraction. He resided in Rutland county until he was twenty-three j'ears old. He received his education in the common schools and at Middlebury (Vermont) University, graduating from the latter institution in the class of 18'1:2, receiving the degree of A. B., an honor well earned and merited by four years of untiring energy and application. Soon after leaving college, in the spring of 1843, he came to Howard county, Missouri, and engaged in teaching for about eighteen months. He began the stud}' of law in the office of Hon. John B. Clark, Sr., of Fayette, and was the pupil of that able and distinguished gentleman during the years 1844 and 1845. In the latter year he was admitted to the bar at Fayette. In the ensuing fall he came to Linneus and began the practice of law and has assiduously devoted himself to his profession since that time, being the senior member of the bar of the place. He was the first county attorney and public administrator of Linn county, after its organization, holding the two offices at the same time, for a period of ten years, or until the outbreak of the civil war. Judge Boardman himself took no active or })rominent part in the war, and never left the county during its continuance. In ] 866, he was elected judge of the Probate Court, running on the Republican ticket, and served one term of four years. In 1872, he was elected prosecuting attorney on the same ticket and served two years. Ui)on the expiration of his term he again resumed the regular practice of law, and has continued in his profession ever since. Judge Boardman was married in the fall of 1852, to Miss Maria Thing, daughter of Samuel Thing, formerly of Linneus, now deceased. They had two sons, who died in youth. He is a member of Jackson Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Linneus. Judge Boardman is universally recognized as one of the best informed lawyers in this section of Missouri, He is still an untirino- student, and his knowlege of history and general literature equals his legal attainments. Perhaps no other citizen of the county is so well versed in Shaksperian literature and the writings of Dickens and other authors as he^ and no better citizen lives anywhere than Judge Carlos Boardman.

Thomas E. Brawner

editor jSwZZe/m, Linneus, Missouri, was born in Richmond, Kentucky, in 1836, and is the son of George and Ann (Turner) Brawner, the latter a daughter of Edward Turner, of Madison county, Kentucky. Thomas E. was the fourth child and eldest son of a family of nine children. When, he was but one year old his father removed to Missouri, first settling in. Clay county, where he remained about four years. He then removed to Grundy county, where he resided for four years, and then located at Brunswick, in Chariton county, where the subject of this sketch was principally reared and received his education. In 1850 he entered the ofiice of the Brunswicke7\ a newspaper then managed by Hon. John H. Blue, one of the pioneers of Central Missouri. At this time be had not completed his education, and attended the Brunswick Seminary after he had begun to learn the art of printing. In 1852 he went to Columbia, and was employed in the office of the Statesman, (founded by Colonel William F. Switzler,) until the spring of 1857, when he went to Milan, Sullivan county, and established the Mila7i ^wrw^ey, a paper Democratic in politics but thoroughly devoted to the local interests of the town and county. He successfully conducted this journal until 1859, when he was induced to come to Linneus and establish the Linneus Bulletin. Upon the breaking out of the civil war, the following year, he sold the Bulletin to a Mr. Williams, and havingalways been a Democrat,and a supporter of Stephen A. Douglas in the campaign of 1860, entered the United States service in Captain Rice Morris's company, F, Twenty-third Missouri Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Colonel Jacob Tindall. He was mustered in November 22, 1861, and elected and commissioned first lieutenant of his company. He served till April 6, 1862, when he was captured at the battle of Pittsburg Landing and held seven months, at Montgomery, Alabama, and Madison, Georgia. The following November he was exchanged and returned to Linneus, where he engaged in merchandizing nntil after the close of the war. During the same period he served as constable and also as deputy under Sheriff" Cave. In June, 18T1, he again resumed the publication of a Democratic paper at Linneus, still called the Bulletin. He conducted this enterprise successfully until June, 1873, when he formed a copartnership with Mr. G. W. Tyler, and the two have been associated in the management of the paper

Mr. Bravvner has been thrice married. He first married Miss Lizzie Neet, at Lexington, Missouri, in 1858. By this marriage he has one son, now livinor at Lexinorton. Mrs. Brawner died while her husband was in the army. His second wife was Miss Lizzie Stanley, who only lived a short time. He was again married in March, 1865, to Miss llnldali Gibson, nee Barton.

Mr. Brawner had one son by his second marriage, who died in infancy. By his last marriage he has had three children, all boys, two of whom are still living.

I'Kanuis Marion Boles

Mr. Boles is the son of James K and Elizabeth (Cook) Boles, and he was born in Yellow Creek township two miles north of St. Catharine, on the eighth day of December, 1843. The father came to Linn county from Kentucky in October, 1840, and settled on the farm where Marion was born. The latter L'rew to manhood in Linn county, and here received his education. The civil war came on when Marion was about eighteen years old, and he entered the Union service in Company I of the Twenty-third Missouri Volunteer Infantry regiment commanded by Colonel Morton, and company by Marion Cave. His regiment was assigned to the Fourteenth Army Corps, commanded by Jefferson C. Davis. Mr. Boles saw the most of his service in Georgia and the Carolinas, and was in Sherman's " March to the Sea " and the battles therein. He was in the service from August, 1862, till the close, and was mustered out at Washington, and disbanded at St. Louis. After making a short western tour he returned to Linn county, and has been here constantly since that time, farming in spring and summer, and teaching in winter, till he was elected constable of Locust Creek township in 1872. For eight years he served as constable, and six years of the time, he was deputy, under Sheriffs Chesround and Phillips. Mr. Boles received the nomination for sheriff' on the Democratic ticket in 1880, and at the ensuing election was duly elected over his Eepublican and Greenback competitors. Mr. Boles's efhcient service had rendered him quite popular as a deputy, and he was complimented by many votes from all parties, and outran his ticket by nearly three hundred, receiving a majority of three hundred and twenty-seven.

Mr. Boles was married on the twentj-iiinth day of September, 1878, to Miss Ella Crowlej, daughter of Charles Crowley, deceased. They have one daughter.

Mr. Boles belongs to the Masonic and Odd Fellows' orders at Linnens. Politicall}' he is a Democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for General George B. McClellan, while still in the service, at Kingston, Georgia. There v;ere but two others of his company who voted as he did, it being by no means popular to support any Democrat. Mr. Boles has proved an eflScient officer, and at this writing his term is unexpired.

Robert S. Boyles

The gentleman whose name leads this sketch, and who has been for many years one of the business men of Linneus, is a native of Ohio, and was born on a farm in Perry count}' July 1, 1837. His parents were John and Christina (Munn) Boyles, both natives of Pennsylvania. When Robert was eleven years old, his father moved with his family to Hancock count}', same State, and there Robert grew up and received his education. His early schooling was received in the common schools, where the foundation of his education was laid. He subsequently attended the high school at Finley, Ohio, and in 1858 attended the normal school at Lebanon. He taught school after completing his own education, following that vocation in Ohio and Iowa till the outbreak of the Rebellion. When the war came up, Mr. Boyles being Union in sentiment enlisted for the national preservation, in Company 1, of the Fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He served fourteen months, when he was discharged because of physical disability. He had participated in several small fights or skirmishes but no heavy battles. He went back to Ohio after his discharge, and engaged in farming till the organization of the Ohio National Guards in 1864. Mr. Boyles recruited Company G, of the One Hundred and Forty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, of "which he was elected captain, and entered with his company into the hundred-day service. They served about four months, and were discharged. In 1866, Mr. Boyles came to Linn county, Missouri, and most of that time has lived in Linneus where he has been engaged first in the livery business, and subsequently in the mercantile business. At this writing he is sole proprietor of the general grocery house, firm style of "R. S. Boyles," having recently bought out his old partner, Dr. E. F. Perkins. His house does a good trade in that line with an increasing patronage as the country grows.

Mr. Boyles was married in December, 1863, to Miss Helen M. Dyche, of McComb, Ohio, daughter of John Dyche, Esq. They are the parents of four children living, and two deceased. Mr. Boyles is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but Mrs. Boyles belongs to the Missionary Baptist Church. He also belongs to the A. O. U. W. lodge of Linneus.

Mr. Boyles is a gentleman of staid business principles, his motto being to <3eal fairly by all men, and so live as to merit the confidence and patronage of his fellow men.

This gentleman is the son of James H. and Nancy (Keller) Bradley, and was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on the eleventh of October, 1829. His parents were native Kentuckians, who moved to Indiana in about 1827. They moved back to Lexington, Kentucky, in 1831, and there the family resided till 184:0, when they moved to Olay count}', Missouri, and located at Liberty. At that place John grew to manhood, and received his education. The last schooling he had was at Camden Point, in Platte county. Mr. Bradley had been reared to farming as a vocation, and followed that calling till 1850. In that year he, like thousands of others, determined to try his fortune in the newly discovered gold lields of California. He crossed the plains with a wagon train, and stopped at Placerville, and remained two years, engaged in mining and trading. He was more fortunate than many others, and managed to make more money. In the spring of 1853, he returned to Missouri, making the tour by water, via Panama and New Orleans. He located at Plattsburg, in Clinton county, and there began selling goods, which he continued till the civil war. He then went to Nebraska and remained till 1866, wh.en he came to Linneus in this county, and has resided here ever since. For the first six years Mr. Bradley sold drugs, after starting in business here, and since that time has been constantly in the grocery business. The firm he is now connected with is that of Bradley <fe Phillips, his partner being ex Sheriff John P. Phillips. They carry a complete stock of general groceries, queensware, etc., and aim to deal fairly by all.

Mr. Bradley was married September 29, 1861, to Miss Rosalie L. Perkins, daughter of the llev. William Perkins, deceased, formerly of Linn count}'. Tiiey are both church members, Mr. Bradley belonging to the Christian Church since 1849, and Mrs. Bradley to the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He also belongs to the A. O. U. W. lodge, of Linneus. Politically, Mr. Bradley votes the Democratic ticket, but is nothing of a political agitator.

Thomas Benton Bowyer

Mr. Bowyer was born on Locust Creek, one and a half miles west of Linneus, near where the Bowyer bridge formerly stood, on the twenty-fifth day of December, 1^33. He is the son of William and Martha (Tyre) Bowyer, the latter a daughter of Frederick Tyre, formerly of North Carolina.

-William Bowyer was a native of Tennessee, and came with his father, Henry Bowyer, to Missouri, and settled in Howard county. It was while living in Howard county that he was married to Miss Tyre, and they had one son and one daughter, before moving fr"om there. He had been on some hunting expeditions up in Linn county (then part of Chariton) and became so impressed with tlie value of the lands here that he resolved to make it his future home. Accordingly, in January, 1831, Mr. Bowyer came with his family, and struck camp on Locust Creek. His brother came with them but had left his family back in Howard. After fixing the familj^ comfortably, the two Bowyers went back to Howard to bring the family of the brother.

The country was still the abode of the red man, and the husband and brother had not been long gone till the Indians began to infest the camp, much to the discomfort of Mrs. Bowyer. There were in the camp, besides Mrs. Bowyer and her two children, a brother, Lewis Tyre, aged sixteen, and a young colored girl of eleven. The family were relieved in course of time by the return of the Bowyer brothers.

Four white families lived in this county at the time Thomas B. Bowyer was born. His education was such as the county and town of Linneus then afforded. The first school he attended was taught by Mr. Thomas T. Woodruff, a gentleman still living in Linneus.

Our subject was raised a farmer, and has always followed that occupation, and has always lived in Linn county. He was married on the third day of October, 1855, to Miss Mary A. Alexander, daughter of Edward Alexander, an old settler of this county, now deceased. They have seven children living, all single, and two dead.

From having spent his entire life in Linn county, Mr. Bowyer is possessed of many facts and incidents pertaining to the early history of the county, and the historians are indebted to him for much information compiled in this volume.

Edward B. Banks

Mr. Banks was born in Washington county, Indiana, on the fifteenth day of April, 1842. He is the son of William and Eunice (Standish) Banks, daughter of Silas Standish, the latter a relative of the Miles Standish who figured in the early history of New England. Edward Banks was raised in Washington county and there received his education, working on the farm of his father in summer and attending school in winter. At eighteen years of age he enlisted in the defense of the Union in Company D of the

Histouy Of Linn Oodntv

Tliirty-ei^liili Indiana Volunteer Infantry, regiment cominauded bv Colonel Scribner, and company by Captain John I>. Glover. Most of the time his regiment was witli the "Army of the Cumberland," and he served fifteen months, and was then discharged at Nashville, Tennessee, on account of physical disability. Returning home he at once began buying horses and mules for the government. He continued to reside in Indiana till 1871, and then moved to Linn county, Missouri, and bought a farm three miles south of Linneus, on which he lived nearly three years. Selling this farm he came to Linneus and engaged in the livery business with Mr. McDaniels and was in that line fur two years. He then began dealing in live stock, buying and shipping, till the spring of 1881. After quitting the livery business Mr. Banks bought a herd of Short-Horn breed of cattle and placed them on his farm near Linneus. Soon afterward he bought a half interest in the book, stationery, and grocery house of Frank Branson, Esq., and the firm does a thriving business in their line.

Mr. Banks was married on January 19th, 1865, to Miss Dora C. Campbell, daughter of Robert A. Campbell, and a native of Kentucky. They were married in Washington county, Indiana, and have four sons and two daughters, all living.

Mr. Banks belongs to no church but Mrs. Banks is a member of the Christian Church. He belongs to the A. O. U. "W. at Linneus. Politically, Mr. Banks is a conservative Republican and believes in liberty^ personal, political, and religious. He made his own start in the world and has amassed a comfortable competency. His standing in business circles may be surmised fi'om the fact that he has never had his commercial paper protested, returned, or refused. On moving to Missouri he was desirous of settling in a good county, and, in pursuance of good judgment, chose Linn. He "brought his knitting'' and has come to stay; and has been and will be identified with whatever conduces to the growth and prosperity of the town and county.

This gentleman, who in his lifetime was one of the leading business men of Linn county, was of pure Hebrew extraction, and was born in Baden, Germany, March 9, 1837. His parents were Jacob and Henrietta Brandenbergcr, both natives of the same country as himself. Mr. B. was reared and educated in Germany and there began his business career as aclerkin the city of Manheim. He retained that clerkship nine years and then, in ISG-i, came to America to try his fortnne in the great western world. After a short sojourn in New York and Dayton, Ohio, he came to Linn county, Missouri, and began merchandizing at Linneus in partnership with H. Emanuel. This was in 1871 and from that time forward his business was confined to this county. Jacob Berj bought out the interest of

Emanuel after three years, and the tirm then continued as S. Brandenberger & Co. till they were burned out in January, 1879. From that time Mr. B: conducted the business as sole proprietor till the time of his death. He wa& married at Chillicothe, Missouri, May 29, 1871, to Miss Johanna Berj, also of Hebrew blood, and a native of Bavaria.

Mr. Brandenberger died at his home in Linneus on the first day of November, 1881. He was a member of the Jewish Church and belonged to three secret orders; viz., Masonic, Odd Fellow and A. O. U. W. He had made faithful provision for his family by insuring in the Masonic Mutual Life and in the Northwestern life insurance companies, beside the usual benefit of the Workmen's order. His remains were escorted in state by the ordersto which he belonged as far as Laclede, and there the Odd Fellows of St. Joseph took charge and escorted him to that city, where he was buried by them in the Jewish cemetery assisted by the members of his church. The lodges to which he had belonged passed resolutions condoning his loss, and the Linneus ^wZZ(g^!^7i of the succeeding issue said of him: " S. Brandenberger passed away from earth at his residence, in this city, at about five o'clock Tuesday evening. He had resided in Linneus for twelve years, and was one of the best citizens the town ever had. He did much for the advancement of the city, and was always greatly respected as a man of integrity and high moral character. His death will be greatly^regretted by his many friends * * *." Mr. B. left a wife and five children to mourn his loss. He was a man whose sterling business qualities endeared him tO' the people, and his loss to the community is one not easily supplied.

Hon. James A. Clark

The old and prominent citizen whose biography we here outline, presents a name that has been well known to the Missouri bar for many years, and one that has been prominently connected with legal and political aftairs in the State since she was admitted in 1821.

James A. Clark was born in Estell county, Kentucky, on the twenty-secsecond day of February, 1805. His parents were Bennett and Martha Clark, the maiden name of the latter being Bullock, a daughter of Patterson'BuUock of Virginia, where both the parents of Judge Clark were born. His grandfather on the paternal side was Robert Clark, a gentleman who was in Kentucky when that State was admitted, and served in the convention that formed the constitution of the State.

The father, Bennett Clark, served Montgomery county in the Kentucky legislature, and after his removal to Missouri, in 1817, was elected to serve in the first State senate ever convened, James Clark, brother of Bennett and uncle of James A., served as governor of Kentucky long before the civil war, and died before his ofiicial term expired. He had been judge of the Circuit Court, judge of the Supreme Court, and had also served in Congress, hav- ing been elected to succeed Henry Clay when that eminent gentleman was appointed Secretary of State under the second Adams. He was elected several consecutive terms. In Virginia the family was, if anything, more prominent than in Kentucky, and every Missourian is more or less familiar with the honorable record of Generals John B. Clark, senior and junior, both of whom held rank in the Confederate army indicated by their titles, and both of whom have represented Missouri in Congress, the old general also having served in the C'onfederate congress. From the above may have been seen that the original Clark family of Virginia have been prominent in every State to which its scions have immigrated.

Judge James A. Clark came to this State with his father in 1817, and settled in Howard county, where he grew to manhood, and received such an education as the schools of that primitive period afforded.

At the age of twenty he began the study of law in the office of Hon. Peyton II. Hayden, a distinguished lawyer of Boonville, Missouri. He remained the pupil of Mr. Hayden for about two years, and was then licensed at the Howard county bar to practice in all the courts of this State. This was in 1827, and he soon afterwards went to Galena, Illinois, and was licensed to practice in the State courts there and in the courts of the United States. He returned to Missouri in 1833, and moved to Linn county, then a part of Chariton county. He opened a farm a mile north of the present site of Linneus. When not in attendance at the courts. Judge Clark spent his time on this farm and in hunting the wild game with which this new country then abounded. In that calling he became quite proficient, and many a wild buck of the forest succumbed before his deadly aim. The world knew Judge Clark as a successful lawyer, and this history bears record that he was also a successful hunter.

Judge Clark was residing here when Linn county was organized, in 1836, and he was iier first representative in the legislature in 1838. During that session the Eleventh Judicial Circuit was formed, and Judge Thomas E. Birch, of Richmond, was appointed to fill the circuit bench. He died before the first year of his term had expired, and Judge Clark was appointed to fill the vacancy. Under the law at that time judges were appointed to serve during "good behavior." Judge Clark behaved as long as that was the law, and was then twice elected by the people, after the law was altered. He served altogether over twenty years, till the civil war begun. At that time Judge Clark refused to take the oath required by the Gamble government of Missouri, and went out of office. He recommended his friend, Judge Jacob Smith, who was willing to take the required oath. Smith was accordingly appointed, and he and Judge Clark continued the warmest of personal friends, till the former was killed.

moved to Monticello, in tlie same count}', where lie continued to live till 1878, all the time engaged in the practice of the law from the time he quit the bench. He moved back to Linneus in 1878, and has resided here ever since.

Judge Clark was first married in March, 1833, to Miss Martha A. Lewis, of Howard count}', daughter of Edmund Lewis. This lady died July 15, 1845, and Judge Clark was again married January 5, 1847, to Miss Mary Jane Lewis, a sister of his former.wife. By the first marriage he had two dauo-hters, both of whom are dead. Three children were born of the second marriage, one son and two daughters, one of the latter being dead. The other daughter lives with her father. James A. Clark, junior, is the only son of Judge Clark, and he resides at Linneus, where he is in the practice of the law.

Judge Clark formerly belonged to the Masonic fraternity, but has not been in fellowship with any lodge of late years. He was the founder of the lodge at Keytesville in about 184-7.

We have thus condensed the biography of a pioneer settler which, written in full, would fill a large volume. The old landmarks are passing away, and the time will soon come when Judge Clark will close his long, useful, and eventful life, and be gathered to his fathers.

Mr. Craig is a native of Kentucky and was born in Yersailles, Woodford county, that State, on the eighth day of September, 1844. His father, Mr. Herman B. Craig, also a native Kentuckian, was a saddler by trade and was in that business, operating a saddle and harness shop in Versailles. The family continued to live there till our subject was about eleven years old, when in 1855 they moved to Missouri and settled at Linneus, the county seat of Linn county. This county has been the home of the Craig family since that date, and here John H. grew up and was educated. At the age of fifteen he began learning the saddle and harnessmaking trade under his father and worked with him till the spring of 1874, with the exception of 1864-65. Li April, 1864, Mr. Craig left Linneus and made a trip overland to California with a four-mule team, his destination being Sacramento, which city he reached in July of that year. He was there nearly two years and was engaged in mining near Nevada City. In the fall of 1865 Mr. Craig came back to Linneus, making the return trip by water and across the "Isthmus," thence by water to New York City. He again went in business with his father till 1874 when he moved to Brooktield and opened a shop there and engaged in the saddlery business, in which he continued till 1878. In the summer of tiiat year he received the nomination on the Democratic ticket for county recorder and at the ensuing election was duly elected over his two competitors, one a Republican and the other a Green- backer. Soon after his election he closed out his business in Brookfield, and in January, 1879, assumed the duties of the recorder's office. At this writing Mr. Craig's official term is unexpired, it being a four years' office. Mr. Craig was married on April 21st, 1871, to Miss Mary H. Waters daughter of Mr. R. G. Waters of Linn county. They have three children, all boys and all living. Mr. Craig is a member of the Masonic fraternity and also of the A. O. U. W. Politically, Mr. Craig has always been a Democrat and never voted an}' other ticket, having come of a race of Democrats on both the paternal and maternal sides. Though still young in years Mr, Craig has made an efficient officer and won for himself many warm personal and political friends.

Elias Chesround

This gentleman is a native of Pennsylvania and was born and reared in Washington county, that State. He is the son of Peter and Elizabeth (Stacker) Chesround, the latter a daughter of Mr. Lewis Stacker, of Pennsylvania. The date of Mr. Chesround's birth was the twenty-ninth day of April, 1821. His mother was the second wife of Peter Chesround. Though married after he was sixty years old he raised a family of twelve children, of whom Elias was the eleventh child and youngest son. His father lived to be ninety-seven years old and after the death of his second wife, when he was past ninety, Elias saddled the old gentleman's horse for him to go courting again.

Elias received his education in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and lived there till 1851, and then made the trip to California by water and the "Panama," goingasan adventurerduring the gold excitement of that period. He spent two years in that State, most of the time engaged in mining. He was more fortunate than most gold-seekers and made his trip pay well. In 1853 he returned to his home in Pennsylvania, and soon afterward sold out and moved to Illinois where he lived fourteeen years engaged in farming, seven years in La Salle and seven in Putnam counties.

Mr. Chesround left Ilh'nois and moved to Linn county, Missouri, in the fall of 1867, having previously purchased and prepared a farm adjacent to Linneus, part of which (since sold) laid in the corporate limits on the north. This farm is still the home of Mr. Chesround. In the summer of 1874 Mr. Chesround received the nomination on the "people's ticket" to make the race for sheriff. At the ensuing election he was duly elected over his Democratic competitor, Cary, of Brookfield. Mr. Chesround served one term, and though strongly urged by his friends to make the race a second time he refused to do so, preferring the quiet of his farm to any official service.

Mr. Chesround was married at twenty-one years of age, on the eighteenth day of May, 1842, to Miss Lavinia Bumgardner, of Pennsylvania. They have no children. Mr. (Chesround is a member of the Freemasons' order aud belongs to Jackson Lodge at Linneus. Politically, Mr. Chesround is a Democrat and has always been, never having voted any other ticket, and the most of the votes that elected him sheriff were Democratic votes.

Cykus F. Collins

This gentleman is a native of Ohio, and was born in Mansfield, Richland county, on the first day of September, 184:6. He was reared in tlie county of his birth and there received his education, chiefly in the Belleville graded school. When about twenty-one years old he began learning the trade of millwright, under his brother-in-law, J. F. Lash, whose biography also appears in this work. He worked at that business some time after mastering^ its details, and subsequently ran the lumber yard of Captain Lash, at Linneus, Missouri, for about a year. Soon after this, in 1871, he bought a steam saw-mill in Richland county, Ohio, which he operated in partnership with his brother till 1880. At the same time he engaged in mill-building and other vocations, his saw-mill not requiring his entire time. In October^ 1880, Mr. Collins came back to Linneus, and engaged in the hardware business with Mr. Lash, under the firm name of Lash & Collins. The house has done a good business since they have been its proprietors, and they carry as complete a stock in their line as any in the county. Their motto in business is " live and let live," and no house undersells them, considering the quality of goods they handle, as they always supply their stock witli the best quality. Mr. Collins was married in his native State on December 30th, 18T5, to Miss Mary Ann Maglott, also a native of Richland county. They have one son, named William Franklin, born in May, 1878. Mr. Collins and wife were members of the Evangelical Association in Ohio, but as there is no organization here, they are for the present not members.

Mr. Collins is a young gentleman of good business habits, and ambitious, and he aims so to deal with his fellow men as to build up a well-merited reputation as a solid business man.

Thomas Crampton, Jr

Mr. Crampton was born in Yorkshire, England, in May, 1845. lie isthe son of Thomas Crampton, Sr., who resides at St. Catharine, and has been a citizen of Linn county for over twenty -five years. Our subject was educated partly in England and partly in America, having come here with his parents in 1855. Formerly he was engaged in merchandising with his father and brothers till he came to Linneus. Since the first coming of the family to tiiis country Thomas has lived here, excepting three years that he spent in Stockton, Cedar county, from 1868 till 1873. Mr. Crampton's first occupation in Linneus was that of deputy under Collector James Tooey, from the time that gentleman took charge of the ofiice in 1878. At one time Mr. Crampton's friends of St. Catliarine and I'ellow Creek township wanted to run liim for count}- assessor, "but he declined. Later, however, in 1878, he consented to make the race for circuit clerk, and was put on the Democratic ticket as the nominee of that party. He was defeated, however, by his Republican opponent, Mr. Fred "W. Powers. As a testimonial of Mr. Crampton's popularity, he received a majority of one hundred and sixteen in his home (Yellow Creek) township, the usual majority being fifty Republican.

The real estate firm of which Mr. Crampton is a member is the only firm of the kind in Linneus, and they have a superior set of complete abstract books. Mr. Crampton is a member of the Masonic fraternity, though he belongs to no church, nor to any other secret order. Politically he is a Democrat, and always supports the party ticket. lie cast his first vote in 1870, when Missouri was just struggling to her feet from the oppression of the Draconian outrage. Mr. Crampton has lost every president he ever voted for, but has gained every State governor.

Judge Thornton T. Easlet

Judge Easley is another of the old settlers of Linneus and Linn county, having come here as early as September, 1843. He is a native of Kentucky, and was born in Shelby county that State on the seventh day of May, 1818. The family is supposed to be of Scotch-Irish origin, Joseph Easley, great-grandfather of our subject having settled in ISTorth Carolina in an early day. Joseph Easley, a son of the original Joseph, and grandfather of Thornton T., was born in the Blue Ridge Mountains near the line between North Carolina and Yirginia. He raised a family of some thirteen children, of whom Woodson Easley was second child and oldest son, and he became the father of Thornton T. Woodson Easley was married to Miss Sallie Tinsley, who bore him ten children, of whom Thornton Tinsley was the oldest son. He continued to live in Shelby county, Missouri, where he was born, till he was eighteen years old, and there received his education. In 1837 he went in January to Frankfort, and there began learning the carpenter's trade under James F. Dryden. He was apprenticed to him and served three years and four months. He then being master of a good trade started out to seek his own fortune, and in February, 1840, came to St. Louis, Missouri, where he worked at his trade and assisted in finishing the Planters' House. From St. Louis he went to Clarke county, Missouri, and followed his trade at Waterloo, the county seat. He was there till 1843, when he came to Linneus, Linn county, Missouri, and has been a citizen here ever since. In 1857 Mr. Easley was elected judge of the Probate Court, having no opposition. He served one term of four years, or until the civil war began. When that dark and bloody period of our country's history was inaugurated, Judge

Easley laid aside the habiliments of peace and marched to the defense of the Union in the Twenty-third Regiment Missouri Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Colonel Jacob Tindall. Judge Easley was commissioned quartermaster and commissary of this regiment by Governor Gamble, and served two years and resigned in order to come home to his family, who ranch needed his care.

His oldest son, George, Woodson Easley, was adjutant in this regiment when his father resigned, having been promoted from a private. Judge Easley did not re-enter the service.

After the war he was elected justice of the peace as a Republican in a township (Locust Creek) that had been a hundred Democratic majority. He served as justice before the war from 1844 to 1860, and has been in the same office ever since the war, altogether about thirty-four years.

Judge Easley was married on the fourteenth of March, 1841, in Clarke county, Missouri, to Miss Almeda Alexander, daughter of Edmund and Eliza Alexander.

Judge E. and wife have had ten children, two of whom died in infancy. The others are living at this writing, the eldest being Hon. George W. Easley, now attorney for the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad at Hannibal Missouri.

Judge Easley has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1848. Politically, he is a Republican, though formerly an old line Whig, and subsequently took a prominent stand among the "Know-Nothings." He made the race for representative of the county in 1854 on the Whig ticket, but was defeated by John Botts, Democrat, by forty-nine votes. Judge Easley has been in Linn county long enough to learn that it is one of the best counties in the world, all things considered, and will doubtless end his days in the county of his adoption.

George England

This gentleman has certainly a right to be considered *'a true-born Englishman," since he is a native of the " bright little, tight little island," whose name is his surname, and whose patron saint (he who killed the dragon) furnished him with his Christian name. He was born near Yarmouth, I^^orfolkshire, April 6, 1838. At the age of eleven he came with his father to America, coming to Orleans county, New York. Here he worked with his parent and earned money to bring over his mother and the other members of the family. Mr. England continned to reside in Orleans county until in 1864, when he removed to Niagara county, New York. November 27, 1867, he came to this county and located where he now lives, on the south half of section six, township fifty-eight, range nineteen. When he first settled here the country was all new and unbroken; there was not even a fence in sight. The land even abounded in plenty of game, and often deer bounded over the prairie in plain view of Mr. England's door. At once be set abont reclaiming the wilderness and making it to bring forth abundantly - "blossoming as the rose." At first he met with ill luck and disaster. Crops failed and other circumstances were harmful. He lost his land; and was once more without a home. But he did not lose heart, and set bravely to work. Ilis native Englisli pluck, combined with his acquired Yankee shrewdness, stood him in good hand, and enabled him not only to redeem and recover his land, but to improve it until there is not a more comfortable or valuable farm home of its extent in Linn county. Last fall Mr. England completed a handsome and commodious residence, beautifully situated and elegantly finished, making a model farmer's home. At the same time he built a substantial barn, with ample room for his grain and stock. His situation is now one to be envied - even by many of his neighbors, who have been in the county and owned their farms much longer than he, but who are content to live in the old fashion and follow generally in the worn-out ruts of old fogyism. In all of his fortunes, good or bad, Mr. England has had the sympathy and support of his excellent wife, nee Jane BradshaM-, like her husband a native of "' merrie England," born in Lincolnshire, March 5, 1838. Mr. and Mrs'. England were married in Orleans county, Kew York, November 7, 1860. They are the proud parents of two promising children: Harry Lincoln England, born February 6, 1S64, now a bright manly young fellow, and Allie Mary England, born July 16, 1866, now a handsome, matured, and accomplished young lady beyond her years. Tiie two young people are general favorites in the community, and their residence is quite often the scene of social parties and receptions. The England family is one of enterprise, spirit, culture, and refinement, as well as of hospitalitj- and generosity. In politics Mr. England is a " perpendicular " Republican; his first vote was given for Abraham Lincoln, in 1860. He held the office of road overseer in his district for five or six years, very acceptably. He is a member of the order of Patrons of Husbandry. Mr. and Mrs. England are not members of any church organization, but believe in religion, especially in that kind which practices good works instead of following blind unreasoning faith.

Thomas H. Flood

Mr. Flood is a native Missourian, and was born near Glasgow, in Howard county, on the tenth of January, 1835. His father was Mr. John G. Flood, a gentleman who came to Linn county in 1833, and was the first assessor the county ever had. He was also judge of the County Court long before the war, and was subsequently clerk of the Circuit Court, as may be seen by reference to the official history of the county, elsewhere published in this work. Mr. Flood's mother was Frances H, Russell, a daughter of Mr. Thomas Russell formerly of Linn county, now deceased, a Yirginian who came to Missouri in 1831, and to Linn county in about 1836.

There were five children of the Flood family, of which Thomas H. was the oldest. He was raised and educated in Linn county, and at fourteen years of age entered the general merchandise house of Moberly & Halliburton, at Brunswick. He was with this house about three years, his father having bought the interest of Halliburton,

In 1852, he clerked for a general merchandise and drug house at Carrollton, remaining there till January, 1856, when he came to Linneus, and engaged with Griller & Hoyle as book-keeper, and was with them till 1860. While doing business for this firm, he was elected county treasurer in 1856, then in his twenty-second year. He ran on the Democratic ticket, and held the ofiice while still keeping the books of the firm with which he was engaged. He was, in 1858, elected as his own successor on the same ticket, without opposition, and went out of ofiice at the close of his second term. He was again elected, in 1878 to the same office, by the same party, and reelected in 1880, which makes his present term unexpired at this writing.

Mr. Flood was married on the twelfth of November, 1857, to Miss Adelia J. Goslin, daughter of Mr. Harrison Goslin, of Mason county, Kentucky, now a citizen of Linn county, Missouri. They have had three sons and four daughters; two sons and one daughter are dead.

Mr. Flood has made an efficient officer, and is thoroughly conversant with the duties of his office. Having lived in Linn from his infancy, he is identified in sentiment with her best interests every way, and expects always to live here.

Major Luther Thomas Forman

Maj. L. T. Forman is a native of "old Kentucky," born in Bourbon county, August 21, 1825. The Christian names of his parents were Joseph and Margaret. His mother's maiden name was Barbee. About the year 1831 Joseph Fcrman removed to Marion county, Missouri; from thence to Monroe county, and from thence to Spring Hill, Livingston county, his son Lutlier accompanying him. In 1846 the latter came to Linn county, settling on section thirty-two, township fifty seven, range twenty one. (See early history of Parson Creek township.) In April of the same year he married Miss Eliza Hobbs, who died in the fall of 1852. In the early days of California Major Fonnan made a trip thereto, but did not better his fortunes to any considerable extent. He has engaged in different avocations in life, but fanning and stock-raising have been his chief occupations, and since his settlement therein Linn county has been his permanent home.

Major Forman has been thrice married. His second wife was Miss Araminta Brown, daughter of Colonel Meredith Brown, one of the most prominent of the early pioneers of this county. Ilis second marriage occurred in the spring of 1853. Nine years thereafter, in 1862, his wife died, and in 1863 he was united to Mrs. Emily Graham, who is still living. The Major is the father of eleven children living; viz., Charles H., Benjamin L., and John by his second wife, and Joseph W., William Ernest {alias Peter Cooper), Maggie, Katie Frances, Lida E., Virginia, Estella, and Lilian Maude. Three are married, Charles H., Benjamin L., and Maggie, the latter now Mrs. Hill.

Upon the breaking out of the civil war Major Forman avowed himself an unconditional Union man, ready to light for his opinions if necessary. His Union neighbors were scarce, but they all looked to him for counsel and advice and regarded him as their leader. He assisted in defending their property from the predatory incursions of certain Confederates, and on one occasion at least pursued and chastised a party of the latter. In August, 1862, he entered the Federal service as captain of " Forman's company" of Missouri Militia, composed mostly of men from Parson Creek and Clay townships, and afterwards known as Company F, Sixty-second Kegimeut Enrolled Missouri Militia. Of this regiment Captain Forman was promoted to be major, January 26, 1863. In the fall of the same year he was compelled to resign. While in the service, both as captain or major, he did a great deal of work. His company and a portion of the regiment under his command made several scouting expeditions through this, Chariton, Carroll, and Livingston counties after the irregular Confederate organizations of Jim Jackson, Clifton Holtzclaw, Logan Ballew, and others, and did much toward suppressing and dispersing their bands. In August? 1862, shortly after he had received his commission as captain in the militia, occurred the memorable raid and dispersion of a large body of newly-recruited Confederate Missourians under Colonel Poindexter. After the dispersion two stragglers came to the Major's residence, and refusing to come in and surrender, or to halt when ordered, but on the contrary attempting to escape, he tired on and killed one of them, named Frank Hart. There were witnesses to this affair, and upon their testimony and taking all the facts into consideration, even the father of young Hart justified the Major's action in the premises. (See war history of Parson Creek township.)

Prior to the civil war Mr. Forman was an old line Whig. After the war he acted for many years with the liepublican party, and was at different times the candidate of that organization for important offices. Once he was the nominee of his party for representative, against Hon. A. "W, Myers, of Brookfield, the successful candidate, and bad the Republicans of that township laid aside local pride and voted the straight ticket he would have been elected; but, as it was, there being three candidates in the field, he was defeated. At another time he was the Republican nominee for probate judge, and again defeated, the Democratic candidate being elected by a small majority. Of late years Major Forman has been an active, zealous member of the National Greenback party.

Mr. and Mrs. Forman are both members of the Christian Church. They have a neat little home in this township on a small farm of about one hundred acres, and have a farm of six hundred and fourteen acres in Parson Creek township, which is rented. They are also rich in the possession of a family of five interesting children, who promise to be not only the props and stays of their parents in future years, but honorable and useful members of society as well. Although not compelled to, the Major does work hard almost every day. He accommodated his friends some years since by becoming their indorser, and had to pay some thousands of dollars for hi& generous disposition. He has been a great hunter, killing scores of deer in this county, besides other game, and twice visiting the great plains of Nebraska on buffklo hunts. Of late years he has not been able to indulge in his favorite sport.

The thirteenth honafide settler in Linn county was the gentleman above named, who came to the county in the year 1839 with his brother Silas, and located in Locust Creek township. Charles Anderson Fore was born in Prince Edward county, Yirginia, September 9, 1814. In 1831 he came to Chariton county and eight years later, as before stated, removed to Linn. By the provisions of the act of the legislature organizing this county the first term of the County Court was lield at Silas Fore's and met in Mr. F.'s blacksmith shop. Charles A. Fore took a prominent part in the early settlement of the county and was well known throughout its borders till the day of his death. When he first came he was twenty-five years of age, and an admirable specimen of strong and vigorous manhood. The country was full of game and he was a great hunter.

Mr. Fore's adventures as a hunter and a pioneer would fill a volume. Two of his adventures are given as samples of his experiences. On one occasion he and his brother Silas went bee hunting over on Turkey Creek. Mr. Fore had with him a bull-dog, a savage animal, but one that obeyed him implicitly. On the flat along Turkey Creek the dog started a large panther. The animal ran past Mr. Fore and a few yards away sprang up a tree some feet from the ground. The dog pursued the panther and caught it by one of its hams, preventing it from ascending the tree any higher. Mr. Fore caught up a heavy walnut club and, running up, dealt it a few powerful blows, felling the ferocious animal to the ground and killed it. Fearful that the panther's mate was in the vicinity, and not caring to risk another encounter he called to his brother to come with his gun. The latter came but no other panther, and the bee hunt was soon resumed. The panther measured nine feet in length.

At another time Mr. Fore was hunting down on Elk Branch in the vicinity of where the city of Brookfield now stands, lie sighted a large bull elk. Hiding in the tall grass he leveled his rifle at the huge monster and fired. The ball hit its mark but did not fatally wound the animal, which started toward the point from whence the hunter had fired. Mr. F. hastily retreated, keeping hid in the grass, loading his gun as he ran, and gained a position behind a gopher hill. lie again fired and hit the animal. Again the elk charged and again Mr. Fore retreated, gained another cover and fired. After repeating this operation two or three times he at last had the satisfaction of seeing his game stagger and fall to the earth dead. Only the high grass and his coolness and courage saved Mr. Fore's life, for had the elk caught him it would either have impaled him with its formidable antlers or crushed him to death under its powerful hoofs.

Mr. Fore took part in an expedition to the north part of the county to rescue Holland's daughter from the Indians (as was supposed). This incident is given elsewhere in this volume, and narrates how the ycung lady was terrified at the sight of some friendly Indians sharpening their hunting knives on lier father's grindstone. She fled to the woods to save her life, as she thought, was found by the Indians, who took her to their camp and restored her safe and sound to her friends.

September 18, 1839, Mr. Fore married Miss Mary Lane; she died December 3, 1859. He married Mrs. Minerva Baker, May 3, 1860. By his first marriage Mr. Fore became the father of five children; viz., Mary Catharine, now the wife of William Ashbrook; David William, James Henry, Susan Jane, and Ann Eliza. Susan Jane died April 23, 1854. INo children were born of the second marriage.

Mr. Fure did a great deal of business for the public during his lifetime. For about twenty years he ofiiciated as a magistrate; was deputy sherifi'for a number of years and filled various other positions, all with credit to himself and to the general satisfaction of the people. He was a man universally esteemed - genial, warm-hearted, hospitable, and public spirited. He was of fine imposing appearance, and of commanding presence, of dignified demeanor in his latter days, and always a choice specimen of noble manhood.

On the ninth of August, 1881, Charles A. Fore departed this life full of years and not afraid to die. His remains were laid away in the Fore burying-ground where they rest well. He was a consistent member of the Bap- tist Church and belonged to the order of Odd Fellows, The latter organization passed appropriate and highly eulogistic resolutions as a tribute to his memory, and the entire community deplored his loss, although he had lived out nearly 'the allotted time to good men.

William H. Garrett

The subject of this sketch is the son of Murdoch T. and Ann (Smith) Garrett, and was born in Montgomerj'^ county, Kentucky, on the twentyfourth day of June, 1820. His father was a native Yirginian, and came, when a small boy, to Kentucky, in the early settlement days of that State. The mother was born in Kentucky, and was the daughter of Enoch Smith, one of the early settlers of that country. William H. was reared on the farm, and received his education in Mount Sterling graded schools, located at the county seat of Montgomery. He began farming with his father on coming of age, and never left his parents till he was thirty-live years old. The whole family emigrated to this State in the spring of 1844, and settled in Boone county, where they lived till 1856, when they moved to Linn county. Mr. Garrett was first married, March 1, 1849, to Miss Missouri F. Hickman, daughter of John Hickman, Esq., of Boone county. About that time the whole country was in a turmoil of excitement over the discovery of gold in California, and bright visions of wealth and opulence began to dazzle the minds of the adventurous spirits of Missouri. Mr. Garrett was caught in the whirlpool, and leaving his young wife in the care of a family named Estis, he crossed the plains to the gold fields of California. He arrived at Sacramento August 5, 1850, and made that city his headquarters while he remained in the State. He spent two years in the Golden State, during which he was chiefly engaged in freighting, stockdealing, and running a " hay yard." Success attended his efforts in California. On arriving there he had but ten dollars, and on his return to this State in 1852 he brought back about twenty-five hundred dollars. With this he bought a farm in Linn county, and that investment became the nucleus of his present possessions. His first wife died in Linneus, in January, 1867, and he was subsequently married to Miss Mary E. Dinwiddle, a native of Kentucky, and daughter of Samuel and Pattie Dinwiddle, of Boone county. No children have been born of this last union, though by the first marriage Mr. Garrett is the father of six children, five of whom, two sons and three daughters, still survive, the daughters being all married. Mr. Garrett has been a citizen of Linn county since 1852, and at this writing resides on his farm one mile north of Linneus. The place contains 367 acres of well. improved land, with good residence, barn, and out-houses. He has a new steam saw-mill on his farm, erected with a design, chietly, of working up his own timber. He has on his farm one of the finest quarries of hard sandstone in the county, the first stratum being about thirty inches thick and only about two feet below the surface. Below this is another stratum, and perhaps thicker than the first. Mr. Garrett and wife both belong to the Christian Church, and his three daughters belong to the same. The first Mrs. Garrett was also a member of that church. Mr. Garrett belongs to the I. O. O. F. lodge atLinneus. He is a man of varied experience, with a mind practically expanded by long contact with men. An old settler and substantial citizen, Mr. Garrett is a worthy member of society and an important factor in the community.

Jacob Gartner

born in Bavaria, Germany, April 15, 1837. His parents were John and Barbara Gartner, the latter being still alive and now a resident of St. Louis. Jacob was reared and educated in his native country, and came to America with his parents in 1833. After a brief stay in Philadelphia, the family located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where they resided for several years. There Jacob learned the trade of jeweler and watchmaker, the gentleman to whom he was apprenticed being a French artizan named Much, a very skillful and accomplished workman. After three and a half years of close application as an apprentice, Mr. G. set out for himself, having thoroughly mastered the details of his trade. He went to Canada and there traveled as a provincial workman, spending five years. He established a shop in Liberty, Illinois, in 1864, remaining there for two years. He managed to escape serving in the war bj' paying a substitute to go in his place. This was done by a club of the citizens of Liberty township, Adams county, Illinois. After leaving Liberty Mr. Gartner came to Linneus in 1S66, and again established himself in business, opening a shop and jewelry store. Since that time he has been a citizen of Linn county. Mr. G. was married April 4, 1867, to Miss Jane A. Ross, daughter of' Jacob Ross, of Benton township, Linn county. They have had seven children, three of whom are living: AUie, Charlie F., and Rosie. The deceased were Mary, Birdie, Clara, and Herman. Mr. and Mrs. Gartner are members of the German Lutheran Church. He is also a member of the Masonic order, and belongs to Jackson Lodge No. 82, at Linneus, where he owns property and has settled permanently. Mr. Gartner has lived in Linneus about sixteen years, and has become greatly attached to the people.

Abraham Iiines

was born in Virginia, October 12, 1818. His parentscame to Missouri when he was an infant and settled on a farm in Howard county. Young Hines remained on the farm, receiving few educational advantages at the early day school. He came to Linn county in 1841, and purchased eighty acres of wild land four miles east of where Brookfield now is and where he still lives. By subse* quent purchases Mr. Hines has increased the size of his farm to six huniiQ HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.

dred acres, all of which is improved. In 1850 he with an ox team crossed the plains to California, where he mined on the American River some six years, when having realized enough to pay him for his venture, in 1856 rereturned to Missouri, via Panama and New York City, where he resumed farming and with farming he also engaged extensively in stock-raising, breeding and selling improved blooded stock.

In February, 1836, he married Miss Susan Shifflett of Howard county, Missouri. They have had but one child, Anna Eliza, who died in Linn county, in 1853, at the age of nine years. Mr. Hines and wife are members of the old Primitive Baptist Church of Liberty, Linn county.

Barton A. Jones

The subject of this sketch was born in Henry county, Kentucky, two miles from New Castle on the 12th of July, 1837. His father, Mr. M. M. Jones, was a fai'mer in that county and Barton A., or Alexander as the family called him, lived on the farm till he was of age. When he was sixteen years old his father moved with his family and slaves to Missouri, and settled near Marshall, in Saline county. Mr. Jones received his education partly at Newcastle, Kentucky, and partly at University of Missouri, at Columbia. He entered college in the fall of 1857, and remained three years, till the civil war put a quietUvS on that institution. Mr. Jones first began life for himself as a teacher in Boone county, Missouri. During the war he spent his time partly in Saline county, at his home and partly in Illinois and Kentucky. He went to Kentucky in the spring of 1863, and taught school in his old district where he first attended school. He taught several months in that State and then returned to Illinois, where his parents had removed to escape the war troubles of Missouri. They were both old and decrepit, and Alexander remained with them till their death. The mother died first, in the fall of 1866, and the father in the spring of 1867. Mr. Jones taught a term or two in Illinois in 1869, and in 1870 was elected principal of the Winchester public school in Pike county, Illinois - a position requiring the assistance of nine teachers. After that he returned to Missouri, and in the spring of 1870 began farming in Boone county. He raised one crop and sold out in the fall, and then came to Linneus, Linn county. He had met Mr. W. H. Garrett of Linneus, who visited Boone county, and through his solicitation, Mr. Jones was induced to come to Linneus and take charge of the public school, which he conducted for five years. This biographer had the honor to be Mr. Jones's successor in that school, and can bear witness to his success as a teacher, as judged from the advanced condition of the school when Mr. Jones left.

Brookfield had begun to lead Linneus, and being unwilling that the latter should outstrip her even in school facilities, negotiations were opened by which he was induced to take charire of the school at Brookfield.

In 1875, he was elected county commissioner and was reelected in 1S77. In July, 1S7S, he was nominated by the Democratic convention as their candidate for county clerk, and was elected over his Ilej)ublican opponent in a county where the parties were nearly evenly balanced. He accordingly assumed the duties of the clerk's office in January, 1879.

Mr. Jones was married on the twenty-fourth of December, 1868, to Miss Maria Arnold, daughter of Dr. M. R. Arnold of Boone county, Missouri. They have four children living and one dead.

Mr. Jones is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and also of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Politically, he is a Democrat and votes no other ticket. At time of this writing Mr. Jones's term of office is unexpired. He has many warm personal friends here and at Brookfield, and the same is true of all parts of the county.

James F. Kelley

is the son of Francis and Mary B. Kelley, both of whom were Kentuckians. James was born in Callaway county, Missouri, May 27, 1837. He was partly reared in his native county, living there until he was about five years old. His parents then removed to Linn county, and settled near Linneus. Here James grew to manhood and received his education. He began life as a farmer and continued in that occupation for several years. In 1862, he learned the art of taking pictures and was engaged in that business three or four years. In December, 1880 he purchased an interest in a livery stable at Linneus, and has been in that business ever since, the firm being Westgate, Kelley & Pounds. Mr. Kelley was first married in January, 1866, to Miss Mary J. White. They had one child who died, and Mrs. Kelley also died in July, 1862. Mr. Kelley was subsequently married to Margaret J. {7iee Fonlier) Lambert, of Linn county. Mrs. Kelley has been the mother of twins twice and of triplets once, making seven children at three births. The triplets are still living. One pair of twins, and one of the first pair died. Mr. Kelley has eight children living. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He belongs to no secret order.

John Jackson Kniffin

Mr. Kniffin comes from the good old Knickerbocker stock which had so much to do with the settlement and development of the State of New York, and is so celebrated in song and story. He was born at Yonkers, Westchester county, Xew York, November 24, 1820. His father's name was John. His grandfather, Jacob Kniffin, was a native of Holland, and one of the Knickerbockers, so-called. Jacob Kniffin was a soldier for tlie Colonies in the Kevolutionary War. He died at the extraordinary age of one hundred and three. The ancestors of the subject hereof were remarkable for their longevity, as well as the probity and general excellence of their lives. His maternal grandmother died aged ninety-eight. In early life Mr. Kniffin worked at the hatter's trade, but since leaving New York he has followed farming and stock-raising. In 1845 Mr. Kniffin removed to Madison, Wisconsin, and there resided for twenty-three years. la the fall of 1868 he came to Linn county and located where he now lives, on section seventeen, township fifty-eight, range nineteen. November 3, 1845, he married Miss Eliza Keeler, a native of Danbury, Connecticut, born January 4, 1816. They have had born to them four children: Oscar N., born in 184Y; John "W., born in 1849; Ida Frances, born in 1852, died in 1870; and Mariettas., born in 1856. The two sons are married. Oscar lives in his father's house, and John resides near by. Oscar married Miss Catharine Arkansas Lindley, a native of Wisconsin; John was married to Miss Alice A. Potter, a native of Scott county, New York. The living daughter, Miss Marietta, resides with her parents. In politics Mr. Kniffin has always been an anti-Democrat. His first presidential vote was given for General Harrison, in 1840. He was an old line Whig, and, upon the death of that party, became a Republican, and is still of that political faith. He has voted at every presidential election since 1840 but one, that of 1868, and was en route to Missouri at that time. During the civil war Mr. Kniffin lost three brothers in the Union army. When he first came to Linn county he was warned to leave by a Mr. Neeceand another man, because he admitted that he was an" Abolitionist," but he refused to go, and drove his would-be "bull-dozers" off' the premises. Mr. and Mrs. Kniffin and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Kniffin farm comprises about four hundred and twenty acres of valuable land in Linn county. There is a commodious, comfortable residence, with four acres of apple orchard, comprising the best varieties of fruit, such as the Fall Pippin, Baldwin, Janet, Northern Sp3', Ben Davis, and Jonathan. There are also a number of cherry trees, and all kinds of small fruits. Mr. Kniffin engages extensively in stockraising, and expects to increase his business in that direction. He now has about one hundred and forty head of sheep, including a dozen or more firstclass Merinos, and about seventy-five head of cattle. While in Wisconsin Mr. Kniffin was a justice of the peace for some years, and also town superintendent. Since coming to Missouri he has sought no office, but has steadily striven to provide for himself a comfortable home, in which with his family he could pass his declining years in peace, and in this he has succeeded.

John F. Lash

Captain Lash was born in Centre county, near Butler, Pennsylvania, on the twenty-fourth day of February, 1838. His father, Mr. David Lash, was manager of a mill in that county. The first work John F. ever did was at this mill. The father removed to Mount Vernon, Ohio, when John F. was ten years old, and he received the principal part of his education in that place. At tlie age of nineteen he began learning the trade of millwright, and has worked at that business many years. His father had failed in business a short time befor this, and advised each of his sons to learn some safe trade.

"When the war of the Rebellion broke out, Mr. Lash enlisted on the nineteenth of May, 1801, in Company B, of the Second Illinois Regiment of Light Artillery. While serving in the light artillery he was in several minor engagements, but was in no heavy battles. He was transferred to the heavy artillery service at St. Louis in 1862. Soon after this he participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing and Corinth, Mississippi, and a number of smaller engagements. In March, 1863, he was promoted and commissioned as captain, and assigned to the quartermaster's department, with the rank of a staff officer under Quartermaster General T. C. Bunton. Captain Lash held this rank till after the surrender, spending two years and nine months of the time at Columbns, Kentucky. He was discharged at St. Louis, in April, 1865, and returned to Ohio. There he embarked in the grocery business, but was forced back ou his trade of millwright from being burned out without insurance, just one month to a day from the day he began. He followed the occupation of mill-building, working in different towns in the States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri, and has built, as a contractor, many mills and factories. He came to Linn county, Missouri, in July, 1870, and lived the first two years at Meadville, removing to Linneus in July, 1872. Here he bought an interest in a flouring-mill, in partnership with three other gentlemen, and was in this business for about two years.

The lumber business was Captain Lash's next enterprise, which he has made a complete success, and is still in that line of business. He added the farming implement trade to his other enterprises, and is the only firm carrying anything like a stock in this line in Linneus. He is also interested in the hardware house of Lash & Collins, and their stock in that line is complete. Mr. Lash handles the Studebaker, Rogers, and John Burg & Sons wagons; he also handles the Furst & Bradley plows, the Canton Clipper and the Weir plows and cultivators, besides Champion reapers and mowers, corn -planters, rakes, etc.

Captain Lash was married on the eighth day of April, 1869, at Bellville, Ohio, to Miss Catharine C. Collins, daughter of Archibald Collins, of Ohio. Thev have two daughters and one son.

Tne only secret order Captain Laish belongs to is that of the A. O. U. W. Politically, he is a conservative Republican, though he cares far more for his business affairs than for political agitation.

This gentleman is a native of Boone county, Indiana, and was there born on the eleventh day of December, 1849. He is the son of Jesse and Elizabeth (Jolly) Lane, the latter a daughter of John Jolly, Esq., of Kentucky. Dr. Lane's paternal grandfather was Jesse Lane, senior. The Doctor's parents reared a family of six children, of whom he was the thiid. The father followed the business of farming, a calling in which he took great pride. Our subject worked on the farm, taking great delight in all kindu of agricultural labor, till he was nineteen years old. During this period he attended school regularly every winter at what was known as the " Murphy school-house," in his locality. At the age of nineteen, in the years 1869-70, he attended Asbur}' University, a theological institution under the control of the Methodist Episcopal Church and then presided over by Bishop Bowman. After attending two years at this college. Dr. Lane concluded himself better adapted to some other profession than that of theology, and accordingly " stepped down and out " and engaged in school teaching for two terms. His ambition now tended toward the medical profession, the inspiration toward that calling having been caught while frequently attending a dissecting-room in the same building where he had his study. Subsequent to his school teaching he taught writing-school, at the same time industriously reading medicine. His reading was first ^under the surveillance of Dr. Thomas H. Lane, a cousin of his, and subsequently under the able tutelage of Dr. George Nelson Duzan, of Zionsville, now filling a chair in the Indianapolis College of Physicians and Sui-geons. In 1872-73 he attended lectures at the Bellevue Hospital and Medical College in New York City, and in 1873-74 took a course at Rush Medical College in Chicago, graduating from the latter in the spring of 1874, and receiving a diploma with the degree of M. D. At once returning to Zionsville, he went into partnership with his old preceptor. Dr. Duzah, and practiced with him till Dr. Lane came west in 1876. In March of that year he came to Linneus, Linn county, Missouri, and, for the first two years, practiced in partnership with Dr. P. H. Perkins. Since then he has enjoyed a lucrative practice without any partner, and few gentlemen of his profession have been blessed with better success than he. On coming to Linneus, Dr. Lane had a cash capital of seven dollars and fifty cents, all told. He has never got a dollar that was not squarely earned, and has received small assistance from any source, even the acquiring of his education being largely the result of his own unaided efforts.

Dr. Lane was married in February, 1875, to Mrs. Laura Parr, a widow lady whose maiden name was Burrow, a daughter of Green Burrow, Esq., of Greencastle, Indiana. Mrs. Lane died June 3, 1881. They had one child, a son, named Harry, born on December 26th, 1875. He, also, died

November 26, 1881, a few months after the death of his mother. Dr. Lane bore the grief of his great deprivations with the fortitude of a ^philosopher, and throiigli all had the sympathy of the entire community. Since the death of his wife and son. Dr. Lane has been housekeeping with his wife's mother and sister.

Dr. Lane is a member of the A. O. U. W., and in Indiana was a member of the lied Men's order. Though not a member of any temperance society, he never in his life took a drink of liquor, nor did he ever use tobacco in any way. Temperate in his habits, full of energy and vitality, with a thorough medical education, and self-reliance that comes with success already attained, there is for Dr. Lane a future of great usefulness, the prospects of which are fully merited. What he has accomplished may be the legacy of any ambitious young man of ability who is willing to lead the life of labor and self-denial that has characterized the subject of this brief sketch.

William S. Mc Clanahan

Mr. McClanahan was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, five miles from Paris, on the eighteenth day of December, 1800. His father, Mr. Thomas McClanahan, was an early settler of that State, and was in the fort with Daniel J>oone when they had to protect themselves from the wild men of the forest. He (the father) had been a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and fought under Colonel Thomas Marshall, who was an uncle of Thomas.

The mother of William S. was Nancy Green, a daughter of a gentleman of that name who came from England. She was married to Thomas Mc- Clanahan in Virginia, and was with him in the fort above mentioned. They raised a family of nine children, three sons and six daughters; and lost two in their youth, one son and one daughter. Of these, Mr. McClanahan was n-ext to the youngest child, and is the only one left living. When William was but two years old, his father moved to Logan county, and settled in v;hat is now Simpson county, Kentucky. Our subject there received his education, and continued to reside there till he was about twenty-two, and then, in September, 1822, left there and went to West Virginia, and settled on a farm in Nicholas (now Braxton) county. Here he was married, on the eighteenth day of Marqh, 1823, to Miss Elizabeth M. Triplett, a daughter of Mr. Hedgman Triplett, of Nicholas county. Mr. McClanahan lived in West Virginia till May, 1836, when he sold out and came to Missouri, and lived in Boone county till the fall of 1848, when he removed to Livingston county, and remained a short time. Mr. McClanahan purchased land in Linn county, in Jackson (now Clay) township, in 1849, and moved on to it in February, 1850. lie has been a citizen of this county ever since that time. In 1853, he was appointed and commissioned as county surveyor by Governor Sterling Price, to iill the unexpired term of James P. Withrow, resigned. He was elected to serve in the same office in 1856^ making him the incumbent for one whole term and part of another.

In the fall of 1862 he was nominated on the Republican ticket for county clerk, and at the following election was duly elected. In this office he served nine years, having been reelected. He moved to Linneus soon after his election in 1862, and has been a resident of the town ever since. The city honored him with the mayorality in 1872-73.

Mr. McClanahan and wife had eight children, seven of whom lived to be grown, the youngest son dying in his sixteenth year. Two sons and four daughters are still living, and all married except one daughter.

Mr. McClanahan belongs to the Baptist Church, and his wife, who died in October, 1867, was a member of the same. All but one of the children are church members, but not all Baptists.

Mr. McClanahan has been a Freemason since 1852, and now belongs to Jackson Lodge, in Linneus. Politically, Mr. McClanahan was formerly a Whig, but at the disintegration of that party became a Republican. He was never, however, an agitating politician, and always managed to live peaceably with his neighbors.

Bereyman H. Mullins

The old and recently deceased citizen whose name heads this sketch will be remembered by many as an old settler of Liim county, having settled here as long ago as 1811:. Berryman H. Mullins was a native of Virginia, born near Petersburg, on the third day of March, 1802. He was the son of Thomas Mullins, a Yirginia farmer who moved to Washington (now Marion) county, Kentucky, when Berryman was bnt a small boy. In that State Mr. Mullins grew to manhood, and received a good common school education. He began life as a farmer, and followed that worthy calling throughout his long and somewhat eventful life. As already stated, he came to Linn county in April, 1814, and settled in Locust Creek township on the place where he died, three miles southeast of Linneus.

Judge Moore, and the Beckets, James Pendleton, and a few others had settled in that neighborhood. Churches there were none, and the schoolhouses, erected by the settlers, were of the most primitive sort, built of logs, and seated with benches made of slabs with the flat side up. Mr. Mullins and the rest of those early settlers battled with the wilds till they made for themselves comfortable homes, supplied with all the necessaries- of lite in a new country. Here, then, Mr. Mullins made his liorae, and he never moved from it duriiii^ his life, lie was married in Kentucky when he was twenty-eight years old, to Miss Susannah Jane Crews, who still survives, living with her son and daughter on the old homestead, aged, at this writing, seventy-two. Mr. and Mrs. Mullins were the parents of eight children, five sons and three daughters. All of the daughters and two of the sons are still living, and all reside in Linn county, except Mrs. Baker, who lives at Kirkville, this State.

Mr. Mullins, though not a member of any church, was a man of scrupulous morals and rigid integrity, and was everywhere known as a worthy and upright citizen. Politically, he was formerly a Whig, but at the dissolution of that party became a Kepublican, and ever since voted that ticket. Mr. Mullins died on his farm in his eightieth year, on the twenty-sixth of November, 1S81. Though dead in the flesh, he is not dead in the hearts of his family and relatives, and in the tender memories of his many friends.

Major A. W. Mullins

This gentleman is the son of Berryman H. and Susannah Jane Mullins, and was born in Kentuck}' on the twelfth of April, 1835. He came to this State and county with his father in 1844, and was reared on the old Mullins' hortiestead, three miles from Linneus (see biography of B. H. Mullins). He was educated wholly in this State, laying the foundation in the common schools of Linn county and completing his course at McGee College in Macon county, which institution he attended during the years 1854, 1855, and 1856. His legal education was also acquired in this State. Immediately on leaving college he began reading law under the able preceptorship of Judge Jacob Smith. He was admitted to the bar at Linneus in October, 1857, by Judge James A. Clark, whose biography appears in this work.

Mr. Mullins at once began the practice in Linneus, and though his legal business has steadily grown and enlarged, frequently requiring his appearance in the State Supreme Court and in the Federal courts, yet he has never moved his office from Linneus, preferring to live and practice among those he has known from boyhood. He has tilled official positions, both civil and military. In 1862 he was elected to represent Linn county in the State legislature, and was again elected in 1866, having skipped one term, making him altogether four years in that office. In 1865, between his legislative terms, he was appointed county treasurer to till the unexpired term of Hoyle, resigned. On the expiration of his second term in the General Assembly, he was elected to the position of county treasurer and served two years longer. He had enlisted as a private, in the winter of 1862, in Col. McFerrin's regiment of First Missouri State Militia, but was soon commissioned major of the same regiment by Governor Gamble. He therefore had to obtain leave of absence from the military during his attendance at Jefferson while a member of the legislature. For fuller details of Major Mullins' military career the reader is referred to the war history department of this work. In 1877 Major Mullins was appointed by President Grant to the position of United States Attorney for the western district of Missouri. He filled this office for nearly a year, when his resignation, which had been previously tendered, was accepted by the department, and he was succeeded by Colonel Waters, a gentleman he himself had recommended to the government. Since then Major Mullins has had no official connection whatever. He was married on the tenth day of January, 1863, to Miss Nerissa Smith, a daughter of his old preceptor in the law. Mr. and Mrs. Mullins are the parents of seven children, five of whom, three sons and two daughters, still survive. Those deceased were both boys.

Major Mullins belongs to no church or secret order, and carries no insurance either on life or property, preferring to take his own risks, financially, as well as otherwise. He owns fine property, mostly in real estate, lying in Linn and adjoining counties. He is a successful lawyer, and has so gained and retained the confidence of the people that his business keeps him constantly engaged; and his knowledge of law is such that the mere verbal opinion of few attorneys goes farther with the courts than that of Major A. W. Mullins. Politically, Major Mullins is a staunch Republican, and is recognized as one of the leaders of that great party in his congressional district and in the State at large; and though his party here is in the minority, few campaigns are planned and executed, either in State or national affairs, without the personal cooperation of Major Mullins.

The subject of this sketch was born in Anderson county, Tennessee, on the twelfth of September, 1837. He is the fifth child and fourth son of Joseph C. Moore, whose biography also appears in this work. He was nearly six years old when his father moved to Missouri and settled in Linn county, and he grew up and received his education wholly in this county, and has ahvays lived here since his first coming. At about twenty years of age he began farming for himself, and has always followed that most essential of all vocations. His father had given him 160 acres of unimproved land, which Jeremiah at once began clearing up and improving into a home. This land is a part of the fine farm owned by Mr. Moore. The place is in Locust Creek township, and is about four miles east of Linneus, in one of the best sections of Linn county. It now contains 480 acres, and is well improved, with a neat and commodious two-story frame residence, and other improvements to correspond. Mr. Moore's chief j)ride in farming is that of stock-raising and feeding; and this biographer saw some fine specimens of western cattle when he visited the farm.

Mr. Moore "was married, on the third day of October. 1858, to Miss Frances M. Rollins, daughter of Oscar F. and P]liza Ann Rollins, of Linn county.

Mrs. Moore was born in Howard county, Missouri, March 2, 1842. She came with her parents to this county in 1845, and here grew up and received her education, and in her seventeenth year was married to Mr. Moore. They are the parents of eight children, seven of whom, four daughters and tliree sons, still survive. The deceased child was a daughter, who died when a little over a year old. Mrs. Moore belongs to the Missionary Baptist Church, holds membership at New (larden. Mr. Moore belongs to no secret order, nor any organization of any kind. Politicall}', Mr. Moore is a Democrat, and votes no other ticket.

During the civil war his sympathies were with the cause of the Confederacy, and he enlisted in 1863, to serve three years in the Southern army. He got off from his long term by entering the courier service, and served three months, and then availed himself of the exemption privilege and came home. During his career as courier he made some narrow escapes. Once, when bearing dispatches from Price and Marmaduke to Quantrell, in Missouri, he was pursued b}' a party of 400 Federals, who chased him to the brink of the Muddy Missouri. Mr. Moore was alone, and knew he would be summarily shot if caught with papers addressed to Quantrell. The bloodthirsty enemy, 400 strong, were close on his heels, and the dark and turbid river before him. In that instant of imminent deadly peril which makes men heroes, Mr. Moore forced his unwilling horse into the water and swam safe to the opposite shore, though lead rained like hail upon the water around him. This occurred at twelve o'clock in the day (twelfth of September, 1864) on which Mr. Moore was twenty-seven years old, and is one of the most remarkable escapes on record, as Mr. Moore was not hurt, only having his clothing cut by the rapid fusilade from the Federal guns. Mr. Moore was the fifth courier who attempted that perilous feat, and the only one who succeeded, and he delivered his papers safely to Captain Quantrell and Major Perkins. Soon after this he came home, and never again entered the service.

The old and prominent citizen whose name heads this sketch, though no longer among the living, will be remembered by many as one of the early settlers in Locust Creek township. Joseph C. Moore was born in Alabama, on the first day of May, 1791. He was the son of James Moore, a gentleman who had served as a captain in the war of the Revolution, and moved to Alabama in an early day. Joseph was reared in the State of his birth, and there received his education. When quite a young man he enlisted in the War of 1812, to serve five years, or during the war. He served out his full term of enlistment, M'hicli carried him over and bej'ond the period of the war. He went to North Carolina in 1817, wiiither his father had removed M^hile Joseph was in the army. They soon moved to Tennessee, where James Moore, the father, died. In 1842 Mr. Moore came to Missouri, and settled on tlie place where he died, two and one-half miles east of Linneus. He had received a government " land patent," which he located in government land in Locust Creek township, and consisted of one hundred and sixty acres. He was first married in Tennessee, in about the year 1828, to Miss Jane Pate, daughter of Jeremiah Pate, of Tennessee. She died in 1846, and Mr. Moore was again married early in 1848 to Miss Sophia Root, daughter of David Poot, of Linn county. She also is dead, having survived hei' husband but a few days. Six children were born to Mr. Moore by his first marriage, four of whom still survive, named, respectively: Nancy (Root), Jeremiali, William L., and James A. Those deceased are John iNT. and Joseph Moore, and were the oldest children. By his second man-iage Mr. Moore had four children, named Jane (deceased), Ann, Martha, and Leco (Taggort) Moore. Nancy, the only daughter of the first marriage still living, is now the wife of James Root, a farmer of Yolo county, California.

William L. and Jamos A. Moore are two of the most enterprising farmers and stock men of the county. They live near the old homestead, and are both men of property, and own good well improved farms.

Joseph C. Moore died at his home east of Linneus on the nineteenth day of May, 1873. He was a member of the Methodist Church, and had been for- over forty years. When the churcli split in 1844 he went into the southern wing of that great body and remained staunch in that faith till the day of his death. He was a man well known in the county, and honored by all as a good and true man and a worthy member of society. He took pains in the moral training of his family tb.at tliey too might become worthy and useful citizens.

John T. Nickerson

Mr. Nickerson is another subject to the manor born, and first saw the light in Liini county on the fifth day of March, 1847. He is the son of Allen and Emma A. Kickerson, the maiden name of the latter being Long, a native of Howard county. Mr. Nickerson was reared on the old Nickerson homestead, six miles north of Bucklin, and his early life was spent in farm work. His education was obtained partly in liis native county, and partly at the Missouri State Normal School, at Kirksville, from which he graduated in June, 1872. He first began teaching in Baker township, in his twenty-first year. Since lie began teaching, he has been thus engaged almost constantly during the fall and winter montlis, except when attending school liimself

For three years lie was not teacliinor, being then engaged in the drug business at Bucklin, which, however, he sold out in the spring of 1878. At the spring election of school atl'airs in 1881, Mr. Nickerson was elected commissioner of public schools for Linn county. His only opponent was a gentleman of the same politics as himself, both being Democrats. In the fall of the same year he became principal of the Linneus public school, a graded institution requiring live teachers.

Mr. iSMckerson was married on the nineteenth of December, 1876, to Miss Edith M. Whittaker, daughter of Judge Thomas Whittaker, of Bucklin. They luive one daughter, born in 1877. Mr. Nickerson and lad}' are both members of the Baptist Church. He also belongs to the A. O. U. W. and to the Good Templars. As above stated, Mr. Nickerson is a Democrat as was his father before him. At this writing his oflticial term and his principalship of the Linneus school are both unexpired.

Benjamin Joseph Northcott

This gentleman was born in Menard county, Illinois, January 7, 1842. He is the son of Rev. B. F. Korthcott, of the M. E. Church, who came to Linn county in 1854, and who still resides at Browning. Mr. Northcott's mother was Elizabeth M. Christy, and there were nine children born to his parents, of whom he, Joseph, is the eldest. Only five of these are living now.

Joseph had a spell of fever when he was but three years old, which produced paralysis of the left leg, and necessitated his going on crutches all his life. He was a puny child, but as he grew older and took more exercise, he became robust and has enjoyed good health most of his life. In 1854 he came with his father to Missouri, and lived in Linn county till February, 1857, and then moved back to Adams county, Illinois, and remained till April, 1863, when he again moved to Linn and settled in the north part of the county, near Enterprise, where the Rev. JSTorthcott had -entered large bodies of land. In the spring of 1865 Mr. Northcott came to Linneus, then acting as clerk of the probate court under Judge James F. Jones. His literary education was received principally at Quincy College, Illinois. His legal education was acquired under the able preceptorship of Maj. A. W. Mulliiis, of Linneus, and he was admitted to the bar in October, 1866. Immediately he began the practice in Linneus and has been thus engaged ever since. Mr. Northcott was the first superintendent of schools appointed in Linn county when the legislature created that office in 1866, and he organized the first teachers' institute ever held in the county. He was elected to serve a second term after the expiration of his appointed term. He served as magistrate by appointment in the years 1869-70. In 1870 and again in 1880, he assisted in taking the census enumeration of the county. The first law partner he ever had was his father, and his next was Mr. Charles W. Bigger, with whom he is still associated. Mr. Northcott was married March 3, 1867, at Miami, Missouri, to Miss Lida C. Ball, daughter of John G. Ball, Esq. They have three sons and one daughter, all living.