Longwood Township

Longwood Township

Situated in the northwestern part of the township is the pleasant little village of Longwood, with 125 inhabitants. From this place the township takes its name. It has several stores, shops, one church building and a good school house in course of erection. Mail is received daily from Sedalia. The town has no railroad, but had it one giving rapid communication with its neighboring towns, it would be one of the most pleasant little places in which to make a home, that it has been the writer's privilege to visit. It is just at the edge of a splendid stretch of timber, and on high, rolling ground, and everything in the way of pleasant scenery around it to make it attractive. Its business men are: James Roberts, postmaster, and general merchandise. Mr. Roberts has been postmaster ontinuously tor the past twenty years. Sale & Hoffman, dry goods, (S^ B. Sale the senior partner is a senior member of a St. Louis firm.) Daniel E. Wilcox, dry goods, groceries and drugs; A. B. Caton, dry goods, groceries and drugs; John Sinchaugh, saddler; S. G. Hanley, blacksmith; A. C. Chaney, blacksmith; Jacob Eappel, shoemaker; J. A. Rawlette, bricklayer; E. G. Frazier, M. E. Minisler, R. Slomer, carpenters; Judge I). E. Ore ar, notary public; John Morris, carpenter; Henry Barnhoft', carpenter.

Lucretius Baker

Was born in Clay County, Ky., in the year 1809. His parents were natives of Virginia, both of whom died in the State of Kentucky, his father aged eighty-six and his mother forty-five years. Mr. Baker was married in 1835, to Miss Nancy Rout, who onl}^ lived ten years. In the year 1846, he was again married to Miss Lydia Montgomery, of Kentucky, her father being a native of Maryland, and her mother of England. He is the father of six children, one son and five daughters, all of whom are married except two, and residing in the county. One of his daughters is the wife of Henry Y. Fields, County Clerk of Pettis County, Missouri. Mr. B. came to Pettis County in 18.55, and purchased a magnificent farm of 400 acres, lying fifteen miles north of the city ot Sedalia, near what is known as the Independence and Boonville trail. This farm was formerly owned bv Dr. Ferris, and it was at this place that the first post-office was established, bearing the name of Longwood. He has disposed of a part of his land, but has retained 264 acres, 220 acres of which is in a high state of cultivation, well improved with good fences, a large and commodious dwelling, in the center of a magnificent lawn, and surrounded by a growth of magnificent shade trees. The lawn, garden, vinevard and orchard indicate the presence and care of a master in fruit and garden culture, and landscaping. He has forty acres of fine timber,, quite a portion of which is black walnut. His farm consists of what is termed mulatto soil, high rolling prairie, and divided into oblong fields of a convenient size for farming and grazing purposes. He grows from fifty to one hundred acres of com, and from thirty to fifty acres of wheat, averaging from sixteen to twenty-five bushels to the acre. The place is watered by good wells and ponds. Mr. B. is a popular and influential man, characterized by sterling sense, unimpeachable integrity, and commands a high appreciation by all who know him.

Albert Capen

father at the age of ninety-five, and his mother at the age of sixty-five years. Mr. C. was married in Massachusetts, in ISoS, to Mary J. Nichols, which union gave them three children, one son and two daughters. His wife died in Massachusetts, in 1844, and in the year 1849, he emigrated to Longwood Township. He was engaged for quite a while in freighting from Fort Leavenworth, Kan., to different places in the Far West. He was the first township assessor of this towmship, and is now acting as deputy assessor, having in his charge four townships in the northern part of the county, which position he has held for quite a number of years, faithfully discharging his duties, and has gained the good will and respect of all, by his close application to business and his fair and impartial dealings with his fellow-men.

The subject of this sketch was born in Clarke County, Ky., Dec. 25, 1813. His father and mother were natives of that State. His father served as a soldier in the war of 1812. His grandparents came to the State of Missouri in 1822. His grandmother died at the ripe old age of 105 3^ears, and is buried in Clay County, of this State. She was living in the State of INIaryland during the war of the Revolution. She and her husband were among the first settlers of Kentucky, as well as of Missouri. Mr. Chaney came to Cooper County, Mo., in 1823. After his parents' death he was bound out as an apprentice to the hatter's trade, to Petter B. Harris, of Howard County, Mo., at which trade he served nine years. He was married in the year 1838 to Miss Eliza Hieronymus, of Howard County, whose parents were natives of Simpson County, Ky. He has seven sons and two daughters living; four sons and tw^o daughters married. He settled in Pettis County in 1838, and entered eighty acres of land at one dollar and a-quarter per acre, forty acres of w^hich is under cultivation, well improved, with good fences and buildings, good water and well stocked. At the time of his coming to Missouri there were only eight houses in the city of Boonville. A great number of Indians were still in the country, and he w-as well acquainted with young Daniel Boone, who had located in Boone and Howard Counties at a very -early date. He is an old gentleman of intelligence, a popular man in his community, and his long experience here gives him a very high appreciation for the country and people.

Residence at Green Lawn Academy; post-office, Longwood. He is one of the pioneer doctors of Pettis County, and was born in Virginia, on April 11, 1827. His father was a prominent man in Virginia. He moved to Saline County, Mo., in 1839, and there owned a large farm. ^The sub- ject of this sketch came with his father to Missouri, and has since lived in the State. His grandfather was an officer in the Revolutionary War; was also in the war of" 1812. In 1855-6 he was in Louisville, Ky. He graduated in the spring of 1856 at the Medical College at Louisville, Ky. He then went to Illinois, where he practiced his profession for a few years; then returned to Missouri and practiced in the northeast part of the State, retiring in 1858 to the old homestead in Saline County. About the year 1860 he moved to Longwood, where he practiced during the war, his field of labor being from the Lamine to Houstonia, and some five or ten miles around. He has changed locations a few times, but has been all the time in the county. He was married in 1851 to Miss Mary K. Ward. By this union they have been blessed with five children, three of whom are dead. The two Hving are: James S., who is now studying medicine, and Minnie L.

William T. Done

Lives about ten miles north of Sedalia, owns a splendid farm of 180 acres, formerly owned by J. S. Ritenour, all under a good and substantial rail fence, 140 acres in cultivation, and forty acres of good timber. He has a fine forty-acre field of wheat which promises a rich yield. He has a fine flock of 170 head of sheep, as well as a good line of cattle and horses. Mr. D. is from Indiana, although his parents were natives of Kentucky. He served as a soldier in the late war, having enlisted in the year 1864, at the age of fifteen years, in the Seventieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, commanded b}' Col. Merrell, and assigned to Company D, Capt. Tansy, commanding. Was with Sherman's arm}- on its march to the Sea, passing through Atlanta down to Savannah, Columbia, S. C, through Virginia, and continued with his regiment until mustered out. He was married in the ^'ear 1878, and has one child, Georgiana, born July 30, 1880. His wife is the daughter of Mrs. Emih' A. Smith, who was born in the State of New York in 1830. Mrs. Smith's parents were natives of the same State. Her father died at the age of fifty years, and her mother at the age of seventv-seven. Mrs. S. removed to the State of Illinois in 1855, and was married the following year to Mr. J. B. Smith, and is mother of four daughters, all of whom are dead except Mrs. Done, with whom she now resides. They emigrated to Kansas in the year 1859, and her husband died May 15, ]868. She is a lady of high culture, of genial temperament, and a lad}' of much taste and refinement.

David Duly

Farmer. Post-office, Hughesville. The subject of this sketch is a native of the Banner State, Ohio, and was born in 1845, and when he was about six years of age , moved with his parents to Allen County, Ind., where he was developed to manhood. He was married in 1870, to Miss Rebecca Stirlen, daughter of W, C. Stirlen, a prominent farmer of this county, who died Jan. 14, 1882. This union has been blessed with two children, one boy and one girl, 'Elizabeth and David. In 1872 he emigrated to Missouri, locating in St. Charles county, where he remained one year, then moved to his present location, where he owns a fine farm of 185 acres of fine land, and good improvements on the same. He is a much honored and esteemed citizen.

Nathan V. Gorrell

Farmer and stock dealer. Post-office, Thornleigh. He is one of Pettis County's noble citizens, and was born in Todd Count}', Kentucky, in 1848, and when he was about four years of age he moved with his parents to Pettis County, Mo., where he has since lived. He was married November 28, 1872. This union has blessed them with one child. His sister has one child, named Van Sterling, born March 26, 1880. In 187^ he nioved to his present location where he owns a fine farm of 120 acres, and has one of the deepest wells in the county, which is 243 feet deep. The subject of this sketch is a son of Captain J. B. Gorrell, who was one of the leading citizens of Pettis County in his day, and who was born Feb. 14, 1815, in Todd County, Kentucky. He was there educated and developed to manhood. He was married in his native countv in 1837 to Miss Mary H. Tebb. She was a native of Virginia. This union was blessed with eleven children, two now dead, Benjamin and Jennie. The nine living are as follows: William, James T., Nancy E., John B., Nathan V., Abraham H., Jacob H., Joseph B. and Susan F. In 1852 Mr. Gorrell came to Pettis County, Mo., and in 1855 moved to the old homestead, where he and his faithful wife spent their days. He then bought 350 acres of fine land, all of which he left in a good state of cultivation. When our country was involved in war he offered his service, and was elected Captain of Militia, and in which capacity he did good service. His wife was called to her long home April 20, 1880, and soon after he was called to his long home, Sept. 13, 1881.

Farmer and stock dealer; post-office, Thornleigh. One of the enterprising business men of Pettis County is Mr. Gorrell, who was born Feb. 15, 1818, in Todd County, Kentucky. He was there educated and grew^ to manhood. He was married in his native county in 1837 to Miss Sarah E. Miller, and this union has blessed them with ten children: Clay R., William, Renenom, Charles, Taylor, Annie Nancy, Mary F., George A., Mandy B. and Pernal H. In 1852 he came to Pettis County, Mo., and settled on what was, at that time, wild prairie, with quite limited means, but through his good habits and continued industry, he has become one of Pettis County's honored citizens. He now owns a fine farm of 640 acres, as fine land as there is in Pettis County and in first class trim. He is a worthy member of the M. E. Church, and is one of its liberal contributors and supporters.

Daniel M. Gray

Was born in Middlesex County, Ontario, Jan. 27, 1838. His father, John Gray, was a native of Scotland, born near Inverness, and who moved to Canada in 181*J, and is still living in Middlesex County, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. His mother, whose maiden name was Jeannette McCall, was also a native of Scotland, born in 1796, at Inverness; she died in 1879. Daniel remained in his native county until he was fourteen years of age, when he started out in the world to make a home for himself, coming to Port Huron, Michigan, where he learned the blacksmith trade. In the fall of 1855 he came to Iowa, settling in Decorah, Winneshiek County, where he worked at his trade for three years, when he came to Missouri, stopping in La Plata, Macon County, until the spring of 1859, when he made an extended tour of the State, finally stopping at Longwood, where he worked at his trade until 1863. He has since made it his home, with the exception of a few months spent in Illinois, and a 3'ear or two in Texas, where he traded extensively in cattle. He engaged in manufacturing and shipping tobacco at Longwood, sending it to Texas and other parts of the country, realizing handsome profits. He was married April 27, 1864, to Miss F. M. Martin, of Pettis County, Mo., a daughter of Hon. Thompson G. Martin, of Virginia. They have five children, viz: Addie J., born Feb. 22, 1865; Sidney T., born Jan. 18, 1867; John W., born Feb. 27, 1869; Martin Porter, born April 30, 1872, and Mary, born March 27, 1875. Mr. Gray is a member^of the A. F. & A. M. order, and also of the I. O. O. F. He is at present Secretary of the former, and N. G. of the latter. He is an enterprising, progressive farmer, and as pleasant and agreeable a gentleman as one would wish to meet.

Farmer, section 25. Among the many pioneers of Pettis County, none is deserving of more special notice than the subject of this brief sketch, who was born May 4, 1822, in Franklin County, Virginia, and when he was about sixteen years ot age he emigrated with his brother to Pettis County, Mo., 1838, where the subject of this sketch remained until 1841; he then returned to Franklin County, Va., and returned to Missouri in 1842, and was married in St. Charles County, Mo., April 15, 1842, to

Miss Lucy Pasley. She is a native of Franklin County, Va., and a lady who devotes her time to make home happy. This union has blessed them with eight children, all of whom are now living, and whose names are as follows: J. R., Betsy B., now Mrs. R. J. Bradley; John T., now in Sedalia; Berry, Daniel G., now in Mexico; Lucy M., now Mrs. C. Goodsby; Rodes D. and William, now at home. Mr. Greer entered part of his land, 280 acres, in IS-l-i, and has lived on it since 1861. Mr. Greer has seen many changes come and go to Pettis County, but he has always kept pace with its progress. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and has been for some years among its liberal contributors and supporters.

The subject of this sketch was born in 1830 in Franklin County, Va.", of which State his parents were natives. His father died at the age of eighty-five years, and his mother at the age of eighty-three years. Mr. Greer was married in March, 1869, to Miss E. M. Head, whose father was a native of Virginia and mother a native of Missouri. She has one sister living in Pettis County. They have one son and five daughters, viz.: Ida J., born April 29, 1870; Claude, born Sept. 4, 1871; Pearl Lelia, born Sept. 12, 1872; Katie, born Sept. 22, 187-1; Oliver, born Feb. 1, 1878, and Jane born March 13, 1880. He owns a iine farm twelve miles north of Sedalia, consisting of 136 acres, admirably improved, with good fences, buildings, and well watered, grows from forty to fifty acres of corn, as well as wheat, oats and rye. Feeds from 200 to 300 sheep, 150 head of cattle, and from forty to fifty head of hogs, and is continually buying and selling stock of all kinds; has a good line of horses and mules, led by the famous Jack, " Joe Marshall." He is a discreet and successful farmer and stock dealer, and is rendering invaluable service to the live stock industry of the community, and a gentleman of good business sense, liberal views and an influential man.

A. J. Harvey

Post-office, Thornleigh. Farmer and stock dealer and one of the enterprising business men of Pettis Countv. Was born in the year 1835, in Saline County, Mo., and when he was about eighteen years of age he came to Pettis County, where he has since lived. He then located on his present farm, which consists of 240 acres of fine land with first class buildings. He is a member of the Methodist Church, South, and is a faithful member. He was married in April, 1863, to Miss Nancy J. Gorrell. This union was blessed with four children, all of whom are now living, viz.: Mary J. F., Sylvester E., Arthur W., Seluda V. It may be said of Mr. Harvey, that he is one of the leading men of his township.

William Hoffman

The subject of this sketch was born in the State of Tennessee, and emigrated to Pettis County, Mo., in the year of 1858. His father is a native of Virginia, and his mother of Tennessee, both of whom are still living, although quite aged, his father being seventy-eight and his mother seventv-four. Mr. H. on arriving in the State identified himself with the teachers of the county, and zealously engaged in that profession in Heath's Creek Township, meriting the highest praise and commendations of his patrons. He continued teaching until the war came on, when he donned the suit of gray, and was regularly mustered into the service as a fully equipped Confederate soldier, and faithfully discharged the duties of such, with a consciousness of the justness of the cause, until the close of the war. After his return, he again engaged in teaching until the year 1875, when he entered upon the duties of clerk in the mercantile establishment of S. B. Sale of Longwood, Pettis County, Mo., in which capacity he continued until Jan. 1, 1883, when he was accorded an interest in the busmess under the present firm name of Sale & Hoffman, the senior member of which, Mr. Isaac Sale, is now a resident of St. Louis. They have a first class custom and a large stock of goods, consisting of dry goods, groceries, clothing, boots and shoes, hats and caps, hardware, queensware, tinware, clocks, saddlery, notions, &c., all of which are caretully arranged in the very best of order, and present a neat and tidy appearance in every respect. Mr. H. was married in 1869 to Miss Sallie L. Martin, who is a native of Virginia ; her mother, aged about seventy years, residmg with her. Mr. H. is a man of high culture and first class business capacity, energetic and ambitious, of unbounded generosity, one of the leading influential men of the community, standing high in the respect and esteem of all who know him.

Charles O. Jones

The subject of this sketch was born in Henry County, Ky., March 9, 1814. His parents were natives of Virginia. His father died at an early age; but his mother lived to the ripe old age of seventy years. He was married in Kentucky in the year 1839 to Sarah Bacon, whose parents were both natives of Virginia. He has two sons and one daughter, all grown and living in Pettis County. He emigrated to this county in 18-1:5 and settled on the farm owned by Nathan Nubles, consisting of 144 acres, well improved, with good hedge and rail fences, good building, well watered by " Green's Branch" running through it, and in a good state of cultivation, grows wheat, corn and oats, and handles a good line of cattle, hogs, horses and mules. Mr. J. is a consistent member of the Christian Church, with which church he has been connected for a number of years as a leading and useful member of great popularity ; is a gentleman of gen-

J. R. Kemp

Born Oct. 13, 1839, on the farm which his father entered in Longwood Township, Pettis County, Mo., about the year 1834, ten miles north of Sedalia, on the Sedalia and Arrow Rock road. His father and mother were natives of Franklin County, Ky. His mother died Dec. 20, 1858, aged fifty-nine, and his father died Aug. 13, 1868, aged seventy-four years. They were both buried in the family graveyard on the old place. Mr. Kemp was married in July, 1863, to Miss Susan Phillips, whose parents resided in Saline County, Mo. Her parents w^ere natives of Green County, Ky. Mr. and Mrs. Kemp have four children, two sons and two daughters: Mary Lee, born May 24, 1864; Austin M., born Sept. 19, 1866; Laura A., born Sept. 1, 1870; and Pearly E., born Aug. 16, 1876. He has a fine farm of 130 acres, 120 acres under fence, in a good state of cultivation, and fine pasture; ten acres of good timber; well improved with fences and buildings, with fine, thrifty young orchard of apple and peach trees; grows from thirty to forty acres of corn, twenty to thirty acres of wheat, and keeps a good supply of stock continually on hands. He is a man of close application, liberal intelligence and first-class managing ability.

William Lowry

Stock-raiser and farmer. Prominent among many enterprising citizens of this county should be mentioned the name of the subject of this brief sketch, who is a native of Virginia; was born in Prince William County, on the 3d of November, 1814. His father, Joseph Lowry, was also a native of that State. His paternal grandfather, George Lowry, was born in Castle Lowry, Ireland, and was a member of one of the old feudal families of that age. In 1818 Mr. Joseph Lowry, the father of our subject, moved to the southern part of Kentucky, where he made his home many years. When our subject attained his fifteenth vear, he engaged in river life on t'he Mississippi, and was for many years captain, actively engaged in trading in Western products in Southern cities and towns. In 1852 he located at Louisville, Ky., and engaged in the manufacture of tobacco, and soon became the largest manufacturer of that staple in the Southwest. During five years in that business he accumulated a profit amounting to $100,000, when his factory was destroyed by fire in 1858. He then conceived an idea of coming to Missouri to retrieve his losses, and in 1858 he came to Pettis Count}', bringing with him a family of forty slaves and $45,000 in money. He purchased a large tract of land and continued to make extensive improvements until 1863, when, owing to the disturbed

State of business, he conceived the idea of an extensive trade in produce and freighting in the Rocky Mountains, in which he was engaged about four years. Since then Mr. Lowry has given his entire attention to the pursuits of an extensive stock and farming business, and has built up an immense industry in this Hne. He has been closely identified with the development of the county, and has done much in supporting all enterprises that would enhance the welfare of its people. He was one of the active workers in securing railroad facilities to the people of this district, and was among the first and most persistent workers for the roads. He always took an active part in encouraging emigration, and has been the means of bringing many good citizens to the county. Politically he is a Greenbacker, and an able advocate of its true principles, frequently nominated by that party for high offices. He was married in 1838, in Covington, Ky., to Miss E. Hardin, a native of that State. She is the daughter of Jacob Hardin, one of the founders of Covington. They have raised eight children: John J.; Elizabeth H., now Mrs. W. S. Deardofi', of this count}' ; William; Jeanette, wife of J. B. Mockabee; Anna Belle; Clayton F. ; Allie, wife of Dr. O. A. Jones, and Jefterson D. They lost two in infancy. Mr. Lowry and sons are now conducting a large stock business. Their farm consists of upwards of 1,000 acres, and is well improved, with large comfortable dwelling, commodious barns and sheds, six wells of never failing water, two windmills, steam engine, and in fact everything bespeaks the man of enterprise and industry. For a detailed description of his business operations and farm, see sketch in Chapter XII, page 366. Mr. Lowry is a man virtuall}' self-made and self-educated, a man of great financial ability, strong intellect, a deep and profound thinker, and an extraordinary business capacity. The whole course of his life has been turned in one channel - the pursuits of legitimate and honorable trade. He has accomplished much, and it can be truthfully said that no man in Pettis County is held in higher esteem by honorable people than the subject of this sketch. .

J. W. Marshall

Post-office, Hughesville. Farmer and stock raiser. The subject of this sketch is a native of Nelson County, Ky. He was there educated and raised to majority. His father, Joseph B., was a native of Kentucky, and a prominent farmer in that State. The subject of this sketch came to Pettis County, Mo., in 1869, and in 1871 he bought his present farm of 120 acres of first-class land. In 1881 he gave two acres of land to build the M. E. Church, which was erected in the same year. He is a devoted member of the same. He now deals in cattle and sheep mostly. He goes southwest and purchases stock and brings them to the county and sells them to men who feed stock.

Stock dealer and feeder. Hughesville. Prominent among the manv enterprising citizens of Pettis County who have won a reputation for integrity of character and business capacity' should be mentioned the name of W. McClure and sons, who are among the largest and most extensive stock feeders and dealers in the county. The subject of this sketch, "W. McClure, is a native of Rockbridge County, Va.; was born near Lexington, on the 16th day of June, 1818. There his early days were spent until he attained his 17th year, when he went to Ross County, Ohio, locating near Chillicothe. From there he went to New Orleans, La., and thence to Oldham County, Ky., where he was married in 1840 to Miss Lucinda Bohanan, a daughter of Rev. Abraham Bohanan, an eminent minister of that county. In 1841 he came to Missouri, locating in St. Louis County with his 3^oung wife, where he remained a few years, when he moved to Montgomery County, and was there largely engaged in farming and stock trading for several years. He was at that time the leading stock dealer in Northern Missouri. During the late civil war he suffered the loss of a large amount of property and means. Since then has been doing business in Cooper and Saline Counties, and in 1876 he came to Pettis County. Since coming to the county Mr. McClure has brought about a great change in the stock interests here. He has done a business of great magnitude which ranked among the most extensive stock trades in Western Missouri. During those seasons he has fed from five hundred to seven hundred head of beef cattle, as well as dealing extensively in mules and horses. During the past year he has employed about one thousand acres of corn and blue grass pasture, a good portion of which has been cultivated by himself and sons. Their sales for the present season will aggregate upwards of $55,000, which is in striking contrast with the stock business of this locality at the commencement of the past decade. He is associated with his three enterprising sons, John, D. W. and Ben F., all of whom inherit their father's sound business judgment and stirring disposition. Although quite advanced in years, Mr. McClure is still actively engaged in the duties of his business. And it can be truthfully said that no citizen of Pettis County is held in higher estimation as a business man and citizen for his many sterling qualities. He is closely identified with the interests of the county, and has done much for the advancement of its business interests. He is now located on a farm adjoining the town of Hughesville, where can be seen a. part of his large herds. His home is well appointed, and is among the most comfortable in his locality. Surrounded by commodious barns, extensive feed lots and pastures; and in fact, everything about his place is indicative of the man of enterprise and industry.

Was born in Warren County, 111., in the year 1S53, his parents being natives of Pennsylvania. His father is still living in t^ie State of Illinois, and is about sixty-eight years of age. His mother died Feb. 21, 1882, at the age of sixty-two years. His father's family consisted of six children, four sons and two daughters, one of the sons living in Towa, and the rest in Illinois, except the subject of this sketch, who was married, Oct. 1, 1878, in Logan County, Ohio, to Miss Mary J. Bower, whose mother was born, Dec. 13, 1822, and is still living in Ohio. He has one daughter, Maida M. L., born, July 8, 1879. He settled in Pettis County, Mo., during the year of 1881, ten miles north ofSedalia, on a fine farm of eighty-two acres, all of which is under fence, sixty acres in cultivation and twenty acres of good timber. Good fences and good buildings, first class out buildings and a magnificent cellar, which he has made there since his coming to the place, has a fine orchard, and is one of our most enterprising young men of the county, a man of candor, manliness, strong sense and high mental gifts, and is in the best sense an acquisition to the county, of which he speaks in the highest praise. He is a devout member of the Baptist Church, and his wife is an exemplary member of the Christian Church, both being highly esteemed for their piety and unlimited charity.

Rev. John Montgomery

Was born in Danville, Boyle County, Kentucky, in the year 1810. His father was a native of Maryland, and his mother of England. His father died at the age of forty-five, and his mother, at the age of sixty-six years. In the family there were three sons and four daughters, all of whom are dead, except the subject of this sketch. Mr. M. was married at Frankfort, Ky., in the year 181:4, to Miss Kate Rennick, w^ho was the daughter of Col. Alex. Rennick. Her grandmother was the first white child that was born in the State of Kentucky, at Harrod's Station, where the first settlement was made; her name being McAfee, and was the wife of Willis A. Lee, of Virginia, Mr. and Mrs. M. have a family of nine children, four sons and five daughters, all of whom are now grown, one being married. He emigrated to Pettis County, Mo., in the year 1857, and located thirteen miles north of Sedalia, on a farm formerly owned by Mr. L. Baker, near what is known as the Independence and Boonville trail. He owns tw^o hundred and thirty acres of fine land, one hundred and ninety of which is under fence and in cultivation, forty acres of timber, well watered by a magnificent spring, two good wells, and Heath's Creek running through the northern part. Has a good orchard of apple, peach, pear and plum trees, the pear trees bearing a crop for twenty-five years in succession. He grows from seventy to eightv acres of corn, the balance of his farm devoted to small grain, timothy and clover. His farm is well fenced with rails, and is 'divided into fields of twenty acres. He handles quite a number of cattle and ho^s. He disposes of thirty to forty head of cattle every year, all of his own raising, having brought a good line of breeding cows with*him from the State of Kentucky. Mr. M. was educated at Center College, in Danville, Ky., and pursued the study of theology, at Princeton, New Jersey. He entered upon his pastoral work at Harrodsburg, Ky., where he remained for twenty years, when he was called to Missouri. He was the first Old School Presbyterian minister in the county, and organized every church in the county belonging to that denomination . During the war he was President of Westminster College, located at Fulton, in Callaway County, Mo. He has been an active, working minister, of generous culture and fine ability, and although he has retired from active duties, 3'et continues to preach, as occasion demands. He is a live, progressive man, has a well stored mind, broad views, genial nature and alw^ays and everj'where is a polished and aftable gentleman.

George S. Priest

Farmer; post-office, Thornleigh. He is one of the old settlers of Pettis County, coming here in 1838, and locating where he now resides. He was born June 25, 1803, in Bourbon County, Ky., and when quite small he moved to Logan County, Ky., where he was educated and grew to manhood. He was married in 1823 to Miss Elizabeth Rush. By this union they have ten children, nine of whom are now living. When Mr. Priest came to Pettis Count}- he was a poor man, but by his industry and good management, he now owns a fine farm of 1,000 acres of as good land as there is in the county.

William Ricks

Farmer and stock raiser; post-office, Thornleigh. He is one of the successful farmers of Pettis County, and a native of Nelson County, Kv. Was born October, 1828. His father's name was William, and his mother's Susan. His lather died when he w^as quite young, and in 1841, the subject of this sketch, in company with his mother, came to Pettis County, Mo. In 1848 Mr. Ricks went to Mexico, returning the same year; then went to California, where he was engaged in mining until 1854, at which time he returned to Pettis County and purchased a piece of land, on which he now resides. His mother has lived with him since his return, until her death. She was a worthy member of the M. E. Church, South. Mr. Ricks was married in 1855, to Miss Mary J. Harvey. Bv this union they have been blessed with fourteen children. Two are dead: Susan B., aged about sixteen years, and Herbert, aged nine months. The jiames of the twelve living are as follows: Marion T.,

Dewitt M., James L. M., Henry M., Lulu, Selinda E., William H., Emmet Lee, John V., Joseph C, May and Clara. Mr. Ricks now owns a fine farm of 250 acres of prairie land, well improved, and he is one of the successful farmers of this township. He is a n»ember of the M. E. Church, South.

Rein Hart Slcemer

Was born in Germany, July 31, 1832. Came to Pettis County, Mo., in the year 1858, and is now residing in the town of Longwood. He is a * thorough mechanic, and a first-class workman in wood, being one of the foremost builders in this region. His jobbing operations cover some of the finest structures in the town and country. He keeps constantl}' on hand a good stock of undertaker's goods, which are the products of his own skill and manufacture. He also does fine work in the line of furniture, and is steadily, but surely, building up a substantial and self-sustaining trade. He has an extensive supply of tools adapted to all kinds of the finest work of mechanism, and is kept constantly busy by the man}- calls for work from the people of the community. He was married in Louisville, Ky., and has a family of six children, two sons and four daughters. Mr. S. is a useful man, and highly respected by all who know him.

Farmer; post-office, Thornleigh. One of Pettis County's noble sons, and has been from 1868 on the present farm where he now lives. His father was one of the pioneers of this county, and was a much honored and esteemed citizen. The subject of tiiis sketch has seen many changes come and go to this county, but he has always kept pace with its progress, and now as his reward he owns a fine farm of sixt3^-five acres. He is a much honored and esteemed citizen. He was married Oct. 5, 1870, to Miss N. Talbert; she was the daughter of a pioneer preacher of this county. This union has blessed them with four children, Florence M., James M., Susie F., Hiram M.

Cap. George Lower

Farmer and stock raiser; post-office, Longwood. One of the enterprising business men of Pettis County, and no one is deserving of more special notice than the subject of this brief and incomplete sketch. He is a native of Germany, and was born April 10, 1810. He was there educated and grew, to manhood. His father was a much honored citizen and very w^ealthy. Mr. Lower conducted a large manufactory in Germany, but when the people rebelled against the Government, he was a rebel and a spy, and for that reason he was compelled to come to America. He was married in 1833, to Miss Mary Augustus, and from this union they had two children in Germany, Henry and Charles; he emigrated to America in 1837, landing at New York City; he went from there to Kentucky where he lived about seventeen years ; Katharine and Nancy were born after he came to Kentucky. His wife died about the year 1840, and he was again married in 1842, to Miss Margaret Host. This union has blessed them with eight children, seven boys and one girl, George, Jacob, Charles, Nathan, Lewis, William, Jesse and Mary. When Mr. Lower landed in Kentucty he did not have a dollar, as he was robbed on the boat, but in all this trouble he rose, step by step, and in 1854 he emigrated to Pettis County, Mo., locating where he now lives; he then purchased 700 acres, and as he got able he bought more land until he owned a farm of 2,000 acres. Then his children began to do for themselves, and he gave them all a good home. He has given his children on an average about 200 acres each. His second wife was called to her long home in the winter of 1865. He was again married in December, 1866, to Miss Mary Deis, and this union was blessed with one child, Lewis. When our country ,vas involved in war Mr. Lower espoused the cause of the Union and was appointed Captian of militia, but after he did his duty, he resigned his commission and returned to work on the farm. He is a man who always takes pride in doing good for his fellow men.

Samuel Stirlen

Farmer and stock-raiser. Post-office, Hughesville. One of the enterprising, moving men of Longwood township, and who is a son of W. C. Stirlen, and was a native of Westmoreland County, Penn., and was born in 1824, and died at his home in Pettis County, Mo., January 14, 1882. When he was about six years of age he moved with his parents to Ohio, where he was educated and grew to manhood. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a worthy member. He was married in 1845 to Miss Martha Sparman. She is a lady of fine taste and a kind mother and devoted wife. This union was made happy by twelve children, and all are a credit to their parents. He moved to Allen County, Ind., in 1851 ; there he remained until 1872, then he moved to Pettis County, Missouri, where he bought a fine farm of 400 acres, on which he lived until his death. The subject of this sketch is now the one who takes care of the old home, with the assistance of three brothers.

Hiram Swope

Post-office, Thornleigh. Born Aug. 14, 1819, in Kentucky. His father, Jesse Swope, came to Missouri in 1819, when Hiram was quite small, and settled in Howard County, subsequently moving to present neighborhood, in Pettis County, in 1822, when the section was called Sahne County, dving at his home at a good old age, in 1874. Hiram was brought up when schools were poor and very few; however, he learned some, and writes a fair hand. He married Miss Elizabeth Greer, daughter of Benjamin Greer, a farmer. The fruits of this union were seven children, two of whom are dead. Three are married. During the rebellion Mr. Svvope served in the State Militia. In his time he was a great hunter, and killed on an average two deer a day. His father usuall}-- put up 500 pounds of bear bacon each 3^ear. His father, Jesse, killed eleven panthers the tirst year he settled in Pettis County. In those days the people went to Boonville to mill. At that time there were but five families between Mr. Swope's residence and Boonville. Marlins, Jenkins, Bowles and N. A. Newbill were early settlers. The last named taught school in 1829, in a log hut. Elections were held at the residence of Jesse Swope for several years. Hiram had five boys, Jesse, James, John W., Hiram, M. K. The subject of this sketch was one of eleven children, viz: Sarah, Orpha, Christina, Poll}', Rebecca, Meridith, Hiram, Joseph, Milton and Mai. K. Five are lining. Milton resides on Blackwater, Grover township, Johnson County, Mo. The subject of this sketch is a farmer who has long been identified with Pettis County.

Philip H. Wheeler

" Cedar Avenue," is a superb and magnificent estate of 242 acres owned by Philip H. Wheeler, who was born April 29, 1829, in the State of North Carolina, whose parents were also natives of that State. His father died in the year 1875, aged sixty-nine years, and his mother in 1877, aged seventy-one years. Mr. W. was married in the State of Illinois in the year 1853, to Frances Johnson, whose parents were natives of Ohio. They have five sons and one daughter, all grown and living in Pettis County. Mr. W. came to Pettis County in the year 1855, and settled in Blackwater township, and remained there until a few 3^ears since, when he sold out and removed to the above named farm. This fine farm is situated about ten miles north of the city of Sedalia, in the midst of a beautiful rolling prairie district, admirably improved, with wells, ponds, hedge and rail fences, good orchards of apple, peach and pear trees, with quite a quantity of small fruits, and grows 100 acres of corn, 110 acres of wheat and thirty acres of oats; has a good line of horses, mules, cattle, and hogs. This farm, with its forty-acre timber lot is one of the most fertile and productive in this region, and one of the most attractive' and valuable estates in this township. Mr. Wheeler is gradualh^ improving and beautifying his farm, and is one of the most popular and influential men in his community; is a thriving, earnest, successful farmer, of liberal culture, sound sense, genial temperament, and is a strong, clear-sighted, influential man, highly esteemed by all.