Madison Township (part 1 of 2)

Madison Township

Madison Township is one of the thirteen municipalities comprising Grnndy county, and is six miles square, or a congressional township, with the exception of the small portion that lies in the northeast corner, north aad east of Thompson River, which contains six hundred and twenty and threefourths acres of land and is a part of Harrison townsliip.

Madison is on the west side of the county, is hounded on the north hy Taylor and Harrison townships; on the east by Thompson River and Trenton township ; on the south by Jetferson, and on the west by the Daviess county line. Her southern line is five miles north of the southern boundary of tlie county. Madison township has twenty-two thousand four hundred and nineteen and one-fourth acres of land, very nearly equally divided between timber and prairie. That portion lying on the bordei- of Thompson River is somewhat rough and broken, but plenty of good building stone will be found there. This is, however, but a small, very small, portion of the township. The land, like all of Grundy county is rich and fertile, and while not considered the richest in soil in the county, there is nothing to complain of

Population And Wealth

"Wlien Grundy county was first organized or the time when Mercer county was made separate from the jurisdiction of Grundy, Madison was one of the original seven townships, a plat of which will be found in this work. Originally, the first township name the territory of Madison had was " Sugar Creek," and was given her April 7, 1837, and it remained as Sugar Creek township until February 1839, when it was changed to Madison, in honor of ex-president James Madison. Madison, at that time, included the present township of Taylor within her boundary, and this continued until the new township) organization law passed and was accepted by the vote of a majority of the people of the county. In 1870, while it constituted one of the seven divisions, Madison was the third township in population. In 1875, after tlie division, and with the township of Taylor taken from her territory she became the eighth in population and the fifth in wealth. In 1880 she had gained two points and was the sixth in population and in wealth. The assessed valuation of the township in 1874 was $213,271.

Thompson Kiver in the northeast is the principal one, but it runs but a short distance on her border. Hickory Creek waters the southwest and Coon Creek the northwestern portion of the township, while Wolf Creek comes in at the southeastern corner, and, with its branches, rises in the vicinity of Edinburg.

Old Settlers

In the settlement of Grundy county, both the east and west sides were settled closely together. Dr. Wm. P. Thompson was the first white settler in Grundy county, west of the Grand Kiver, and he settled in Madison township near Thompson's Kiver in 1834. John Scott came with him, also Harvej' Meeks. Milton V. Thompson, now living in Edinburg, and part of the time on some one of his farms in Taylor township, is the son of the late Dr. "Wm. P. Thompson, and was some seven years old when he came to this county with his father. At present Milton V. Thompson is the oldest living white settler in Grundy count}^ as well as Madison and Tajdor townships, both of which he calls his home. Dr. Wm. P. Thompson was the first judge of the Livingston coi;nty court, elected from what is now Grundy county. He was elected from Sugar Creek township, now Madison, and was presiding justice of Livingston County Court from February, 1839, until and including the February term of 1841, when a new court was elected in Livingston to take the place of those outside of the county. The doctor was the first justice of the peace for the township and the first doctor in the township and in the county, the only brigadier-general who ever called Grundy county his home, and probably had more square miles included within his practice as a physician than any doctor who ever lived in the State of Missouri. Then there was Burt Masters who supposed he was a resident of Grundy county and used to be occasionally around the Thompson settlement, a good farmer who, on the county line being run, found himself in Livingston countj' less than a half-mile from the line.

The rush of 1835 was a fair one for Madison township. That year came George Peery, with his wife and three children, two of whom are living, Dr. Archibald Peery and Mrs. Louisa Moore, and Humphrey Best. Then came Evans Peei'y and his son Wm. N. Peei-y, Robert Peery, Thos. Carnes, Elder McCammon, Isaac J. Harvey, Wm. Metcalf, Philip Wild, George Bunch, John M. Graham and sons, Wm. Kenfro and K. F. Keith, all came in 1835-36-37, also, Thomas Hamilton and the Slingers on Hickory Creek, besides others whose names were not remembered. Not only the first settler on the soil of Grundy is placed to the credit of Madison township, but it has also the credit of the first white child born on its soil. Emory Wild, son of Philip and Sallie Wild was born one and one-half miles northeast of Edinburg, July 12, 1836. Daniel, Philip and Wm. Asbbrook settled in the southwest part of the township, while John Shaw, Lewis Phillips, Elisha Inman, Wm. C. Harvey, Absalom Harvey, James and Minor Wynn and James Applegate and sons, were all settlers on or before the year 1840, besides many others who arrived in the last named year. Beli Gentry's name was overlooked, he was a good farm worker and one who was noted for using vigorous English a little oftener and easier than any man in the township, with Wm. Cox, John, William and Matthew Gibson, the Longs, all came in 1839. Matthew Gibson was a justice of the peace. These were the men who started the work of making the wilderness a home of peace and plenty for future generations and well did they fulfill their self-imposed task.

This township also turned out liberally to induce the Mormons to leave the country, just over their border, and who had proved very unwelcome neighbors. They had, also, rallied to the call of General Thompson when the Heatherly gang made their false alarm of an outbreak of an Indian war, and so these settlers had their patriotism tried.

Saved Theie Scalps

And right here we will mention a little incident of how the prospect that tomahawks and scalping-knives might be doing their bloody work, was felt by at least one family. There is no question that the settlers felt a cold chill pass up and down their spinal columns at the first news, and just here is where it caught Mr. George Bunch. George had been attending mill and looking after a farm, and wasn't at all anxious to become a second Daniel Boone. The night following the. news was an anxious one among the settlers, of which George Bunch, wife and several cliildren were one or more. Quite a storm came up that night, and the wind broke off a limb of a tree near his cabin, and it broke with a sharp sna]? that sounded for all the world like the crack of a rifle. George heard it and with a bound was out of bed and on his. feet, and with blankets wrapped around them the family were hurried out into the open prairie and hid in the grass. The rain came down and the grass seemed damp, but it was so much better than being scalped that George was happy. Just as he thought that he was safe, however, the baby, not used to the sudden change, set up a yell that nearly took the hair all off of Bunch's head in its rise and his sudden terror. "For God's sake," said Bunch, "wife, stop that crying or we will all be scalped!" The poor wife and motlier was frightened and tried her best to stop the child, and as she could not, she spoke, "0 George, I can't!" George whispered back in awful desperation to " choke it," but it stopped before the mother had to resort to extreme measures. It is hardly necessary to saj' that Geoi-ge and his family saved their scalps, but it leaked out about the choking business, aaid it was a good many years before George Bunch was done with being greeted, "Choke it, George!"

Advancing

The march of civilization goes on step by step, and the first advance made in tliat line was in 1837, when the citizens began to put aside their mud and stick chimneys and make them of stone. Mr. Humphrey Best started this innovation, and had a stone chimney put in his house. Mr. Ira Norris was the architect and builder, and Humphrey helped carry the stone. The neighbors all around came and looked at it, and it was generally conceded that it was real nice, a great improvement, and that Mr. Best was a rising man.

The first deatli in Madison township, if not, as has been heretofore stated, an old lady who died at Dr. Wm. P. Thompson's, was a Mrs. Martin Wynn, who died early in tlie year 1837, and was buried at Trenton, or rather, in those days, Lomax Store.

The first cloth wove was by Mrs. Nancy Harris. The second justice of the peace was Mr. Evans Peery, Dr. Thompson being first. The first three doctors were Dr. Wm. P. Thompson, Dr. Jos. Cooper and Dr. Archibald Peery. The very first sermon j^reached in Madison township, and supposed to have been reall}^ the first in the county, was at the house of George Peery, early in 1835, and was by the Kev. Thos. T. Ashby.

The Fiest Maeriage

The first wedding in Madison township, and this, also, is believed to have been tlie first in Grundy county, was that of Mjlton L. Moore, to Miss Louisa Peery, daughter of George Peery, all of Madison township. This event occurred April 6, 1837. At the time of the wedding the young couple took a short wedding tour, which was a common occurrence in those days. This tour, however, was cut short bj' the fact that the young husband's farm was only two miles from the old home, but they went on horseback, all the same. The outfit was regal for those days. To be sure the cabin was only partly fioored, and the window-sash and glass hadn't arrived, nor had the Cliarter Oak cook stove come to hand, but such little inconveniences were not thought worth while to worry over, for the skillet was there, and, we are sorry to record, was cracked, and the bake-pan and some tinware, such as cups and plates, and they went right to^ housekeeping. Their parlor, bed-room, sitting-room and kitchen was arranged so that they could be tlu'own all into one room, making their cabin a large and commodious building, inside, and as they generally in the start united all these rooms into one, it was mighty convenient, besides it looked more sociable, and there weren't so niany rooms to sweep up, either. And this was the way the belle of Madison township went to housekeeping, and such, we are assured was her housekeeping outfit. The lady is alive and well to-day, a noble specimen of the woman-pioneer, and an honor to the county. May she live long in the land with family and friends around her.

The first school taught in Madison towmship was by Miss Louisa Peery, in the winter of 1835-36, the lady above spoken of She had been well educated and taught successfully. This school is thought to have been the first one in Grundy county. It was a log building about one mile rfortheast of Edinbui-g, on what was known as Philip Wild's farm. It was 14x14 and built by "Wild, Peery, Scott and Thompson.

The second school taught was by Pobt. Moss, since removed to Livingston county, in 1838, in a little log aftair, about one- fourth mile north of Wm. N. Peery's present place of residence, a little over two miles west of north of Edinburg.

The first election held upon the soil of Madison, was in May, 1837, and it was held at the house of Wm. Peery, aud, as the order for the election read, " in and for Sugar Creek township." The judges at this election were Wm. P. Thompson, George Bunch and Philip Wild. The elections were the next year held at the house of Philip Wild, it being designated as the voting precinct for said Sugar Creek township.

The first organized church in the township was the Coon Creek Baptist Church. It was the usual log building, with puncheon seats and the windows open to the weather. This church was organized in December, 1844, and Elder Wm. McCammon was its first preacher and its last, that is the elder is still in charge of this church, and has been its steady pastor for seven and thirty years; yet in all that time his M'ork has been more one of love than of emoluments. In fact, a ten dollar bill would more than cover his cash receipts for that thirty-seven years of faithfull}' performing God's holy work. IIow it would improve, and what a glorious world this would be if there were more Wm. McCamraons? The Southern Methodist located in Edinburg was the second church in tlie township.

There are several fiouring-mills in Madison township, also in Taylor, and a fine mill at Jamesport, in Daviess county, and why these are all mentioned here is because they were all built by one man and his sons, James A. Graham. Mr. Graham is still alive, and a resident in the southwest part of the township, about one half mile from the Daviess county line, but he is one of the oldest settlors of Madison township. Of these old settlers all were more or less identified with the official affairs of the township. Wm. N. Peery has been a justice of the peace and on the school board for years; his father, Evans, was a justice of the peace. Wni. and Dr. Archibald have held trusts, and the latter is still living. Jno. P. Winters came in 1840, and he held the assessorship; Wild, Bunch, Dunkerson, Gibson, and Harvey, all held office, while the rest of the old settlers have all been prominent men, and those still living stand among the foremost of the present day. In " regard to the Mexican War, the company commanded by Maj. J. C. Griffin, got a goodly number from Madison township. The California excitement was really intense in that township, and a large number left. Many returned fairly provided with the wealth of the golden land. Others remained there being satisfied with the country. The unfortunate civil war found Madison township pretty equall}' divided as to sentiment. Whatever may have been thought of the final result of that fearful struggle, by the people of Madison township, the predominant feeling now is, that there is no time for bitterness, the present requiring their undivided attention. And thus the war is little talked about, the desire being to pass it by and dwell in the present and future of our countrj-, not in its past turmoil and strife.

Atrs. Absalom Harvey, another of the pioneers of Madison, is still living at the age of eighty -five, but at present is not in good health and unable to give the incidents of her early life, which was full of interest. Isaac J. Harvey, her son, who built the first store in Edinburg, is now a resident of California. Milton L. Moore, whose marriage is recorded in these pages, went to California in 1850 and remained three j'ears, and died on his way home. Thos. Carnes is living now; an honored citizen of Trenton. Many of the old settlers, and in fact nearly all, have passed the portals of the pearly gates, and but few are left. Madison township has thus kept pace with hei- sisters in nearly every department of progress. Her schools and churches have grown with her growth. Her farmers are nearh- all in good circumstances, her soil is still rich and fruitful, and there are yet some thousands of acres that should receive the care of the husbandman. It is a good township to settle in - land ranges from ten to twenty dollars per acre, according to location and improvements. Stock raising is demanding more attention of late; the people are liberal and progressive. From 1870 her people have voted time after time in favor of taking $25,000 stock in a railroad. Up to this ' time she has failed to get her " heart's desire," but the day is near at hand when her hopes will be realized. The Quincy, Missouri & Pacific Railroad, now at Trenton, will pass through this township from east to west near its center. This will give her all the railroads she will need, as no part of the township can be possiblj' over four or five miles from a station. The settlements the past five years show no particularly favored spot, all parts of the township seem to have progressed alike. The late Jesse Miller, of this township, was once county jiidsje, his wife is now living, and has given some very interesting accounts of the early times.

Mineeal Speings

Missouri is prolific in her mineral waters whose life and health-giving properties are having a wide reputation. Many springs have been discovered the past year, a chemical analysis of which has shown them to possess wonderful curative properties. Those in Saline and Flatte counties have had their virtues tried aud are found to have all those qualities whicli have such remedial effect upon all sorts of chronic diseases. During the presentmonth a mineral spring of undoubted health-giving qualities has been found on the farm of Dr. U. T. Green within half a mile of Edinburg, and some five miles west of Trenton. They are pleasantly situated on the edge of a woodland with a beautiful undulating prairie reaching out for miles around. The springs are capable of being handsomely improved. The waters are said to have great curative qualities, and of a sufficient quantity to make them a pleasant resort for many invalids, while those wlio are in health will find them of great benefit. These springs are to be utilized and another year a hotel and other accommodations will be found by those who wish to partake of their healing waters.

There are four small towns in Grundy county, of which Edinburg is the oldest and is third in size, her present population being about 20t.'. The census gave her a population in 1880 of 174. in this record of population there is nothing to suggest a metropolitan city or people, in fact Edinburg is a small village with the usual village attractions, but with a cultured and refined people, some very pretty residences and grounds and a handsome location. Edinburg is situated on the edge of a beautiful and undulating prairie, is surrounded by a rich farming community, and is itself something farm like in its features and make up. Quite a number of its residences have back yards that cover a good many acres of ground, and grow prosperous fields of cereal crops. It is about four and a half miles west of Trenton, the county seat, and has two roads leading to that town. The town was first located in 1838, and Isaac J. Harvey may be considered its founder. He built both the first store and house on the present site of the town, and on the spot where now stands the more modern structure of Woodruff & Shafer. Harvey ran his store a number of years. A.s a large portion of the settlers were farmers there was nothing to give Edinburg any great start as a town, and the one store was about all it could afford for many years. What is known as the Thompson settlement, the Peery's and the Witten's gave about all that was of note to Edinburg in its early days. There was really nothing of moment here until 1850 when "Edina," the poetical name given to its Scottish namesake, made a forward march in the estab- lishment of Grand River College, and from their determined efforts in the cause of education did this beautiful country village take its name.

There is nothing in the history of Grundy county that can be more proudly referred to than the inception and progress of this grand institution of learning, the fame of whicli has spread over man}' States, and more es- . pecially can the people of Madison take pride, for it is to them and their personal effort which has given to the county and this small village of Edinburg a name for culture and rehnement, and a lavish expenditure of money in the cause of education, which is the foundation and at the same time the citadel of American freedom, the education of the people. The history of Grand Eiver College will be among the brightest and best of the manj' marvels which gives to Grundy county the high station among the most enlightened of her sisters. It was early in the year 1850 that serious talk began to be heard of a more extended means of education than was then vouchsafed to the people of Madison. Still their facilities were equal to any of the neighboring townships. At that time there was no school fund and the education of the children was all by private schools. Those who could afford their children schooling did so. Still there was a yearning for something besides "arithmetic, reading and writing," and that with for a higher and more thorough course of educational training took shape and form in the inauguration of Grand River College.

Grand River College was lirst organized in August, 1850, and its first teacher was John O. Martin. Mr. I. B. Allen was the founder and first gave it life. The following contract shows that Mr. Allen took the responsibility of starting a school which has since become famous for its great success in imparting education, and for its thoroughness in every department. Its list of graduates tells of this wonderful success. The contract reads as follows :

"The undersigned agrees and promises to have taught in the Grand River Academy any of the following branches of study for five months, at the following prices per scholar; to-wit, orthography, reading, writing, arithmetic commenced, at six dollars; English grammar, modern and ancient geography and arithmetic completed, at eight dollars; logic, rhetoric, natural, ancient and modern history, natural, mental and modern philosophy, at ten dollars; chemistry, botany, astronomy, geometry, algebra, surveying, bookkeeping, Latin and Greek languages, at twelve dollars. For fuel per winter session, fifty cents per scholar.

" We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, promise to pay I. B. Allen, at the close of the first session of the Grand River Academy, the foregoing rates of tuition for each scholar affixed to our respective names.

In the fall of 1851 Professor John Ordway, of Massachusetts, became the principal of the school, and held the position until the destruction of the school by fire in December, 1853. Mrs. Bryan continued as associate teacher. Mr. M. McKean and Miss Flora Belle Chamberlin were added as assistants.

At this time Grand River Academy was the only school, public or private, in north Missouri, and there was no other place within many miles where even the rudiments of an education were taught.

There was a boarding department in the old building and pupils were boarded at one dollar and a half per week, and the citizens also furnished board to the pupils at nominal prices. The people were determined to foster the school, which in the short time it had been under way had been such a great success. They felt proud of it, and all si-emed to work together and do all they could to promote its welfare.

Chaptee Two

Grand River College stands at the head of all institutions of learning, as being the first in the State to open its doors to women giving them equal privileges with men. It proved to be a successful advance, which has with justice been adopted since in many other institutes, and Grand River claims the credit and honor of inaugurating this just and desirable movement. Many ladies have graduated from its halls.

The college continued to prosper until December 25, 1853, when it was destroyed by fire, caused by a defective flue. The fire was first discovered by Thomas Carnes, who gave the alarm in time for the inmates to escape, but too late to save much from the burning building. The building was insured, and the money received for the insurance was divided among the stockholders. This closed the career of the old Grand River College. The site of the old college was about one quarter of a mile north of the present buildings, and was built by a Mr. Edgar.

The New College

Matters remained very quiet for two or three years, when the subject was again broached for the rebuilding and the reorganization of the college. It took shape and form in the year 1858, when a new building was erected by

John T. Witten and William Peery. These gentlemen, with the assistance of Dr. John Cullers, then a representative in the legislature from Grundy county, secured a charter from that body the last of February. The charter Was as follows:

" Section 1. That William Peery and John T. Witten, and such others as they may associate with them, and their successors and assigns, are hereby constituted a body politic and corporate, to be known by the name of Grand River College, who may have perpetual succession, and use a common seal and alter it at will, and may, in their corporate capacity, sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, defend and be defended, in any court whatsoever.

" Sec. 2. That said corporation shall have power to receive by gift, grant, devise, or otherwise, and shall hold to them and their successors for the use of said college free from all taxation, any lands, tenements, money, goods, or chattels, which may be purchased, devised or given to them, or in any way belonging to said school, and may sell, put out at interest, lend or otherwise dispose of the same on such terms as may be agreed on, and in such manner as, to them, may seem most conducive to the advantages of the school.

"Sec. 3. That said corporation shall have power to demand, sue for and recover any money or property ah'eady subscribed, or which may hereafter be subscribed to said school.

" Sec. 4. That section seven of article seven of ' an act to provide for the organization, support and government of public schools in the State of Missouri,' approved December 12, 1855, shall apply to the funds of this school.

" Sec. 5. That said corporation shall have full power and authority to confer such honors and degrees as are usually granted and conferred in seminaries and colleges in the United States, and to prescribe and fix the form and manner of attesting said honors and degrees.

" Sec. 6. That so much of an act entitled ' an act concerning corporations,' approved November 23, 1855, as may be construed to limit the existence of this corporation to a period of twenty years, and so much thereof as may be construed to authorize the suspension, alteration or repeal of this charter without the consent of the trustees, and all other acts which conflict with this act shall not aft'ect the charter hereby granted. And this act shall take efiect and be in force from and after its passage.

Chapter Three Why Successful

The successful inauguration of the New Grand River College was due to a proposition made by Messrs. Peery and Witten to the citizens, which was to the effect that if they would secure tifty scholarships at twenty dollars each for six months, they would build a .$3,000 school building, or if they would increase the scholarships to 100 they would put up a college building to cost $6,000, and continue the school six years. The liberality of the people and their hearty cooperation was evinced by accepting the latter proposition, and a $6,000 college building was erected, and Edinburg became the seat of one of the most successful and prosperous collegiate institutes in the State, if not in the country. The first few years after the completion of the new building and its inauguration, were dark and gloomy ones. The civil war coming on caused much trouble and distress in all kinds of business. The term of 1859-60 was opened by the employment of Prof. John S. Tucker, his first assistant being Miss Annie Chamberlain. During this session a difficulty arose in the management, and the friends of the college divided, one party sustaining the directory, and the other Prof. Tucker. The latter was not sustained, and he retired from the college. The board of trustees who had been appointed for the new college were all personally anxious for its success, and gave much time and means gratuitously to keep it in'order. The board was composed of the following gentlemen: Wm. JS". Peery, A. Harvey, Waddy L. Curran, Thos. Brown, Elkano Payne, Minor Wynn, John F. Witten and Wm. Peery. Mr. Wm. C. Harvey being one of the most active of its friends from its new start.

Dr. .James F. Beuner

was the next principal employed, taking the place of Prof. Tucker, and Miss Dolly May was chosen as Jiis first assistant. The school continued until the spring of 1861, when Dr. Bruner resigned and joined the federal forces in the civil war, then just commencing. Prof. Bruner's resignation was followed by the selection of Prof. Bassett as jjrincipal, wlio had as strong rebel proclivities as his predecessor had for the Union. The school continued to the end of the school term, in June, when it closed. This ended the college course until the close of the war. During the civil strife the State militia used the college building for their headquarters, the State troops having an encampment near. This suspension was a serious blow to the college, and proved quite a loss to a large number of its patrons, especially those who had by money and labor been instrumental in inaugurating the new departure. It is said that the use of the building by the State troops while encamped here was never paid for.

The closing of the war, in the spring of 186.5, caused the people to take new life, and the four years of carnage was in part obliterated by the re- newal of those enterprises, which at the beginning of the strife were under way, at the place of leaving oif - making a blank line for the intervening time. This is what took place with the college. In September, 1866, through the instrumentality of the citizens of Edinburg and the trustees, the college was again opened, with encouraging prospects. Profs. Shaw and Lewis undertook its management. They were educated gentlemen and good teachers, and the start was one of excellent promise, but a promise not just then destined to be fulfilled. They taught one year, when they gave it up. During the time that the college existed it had received the public school fund toward its support, and those persons who wanted to get the benefit of that fund had to send their children to the Grand Eiver College. The «lose of the term in June left the college again without a faculty, and the future which had looked so promising the year before, had now become one of gloom and despondency. Still, as it is always darkest just before day, the gloom of June and July gave way to a bright and glorious September.

The Dawn Of Life

In September, 1866, Mr. John E. Vertrees, of Illinois, a graduate of Shurtleff College, a talented and educated young man, who seemed to have about him the air and manner of a successful teacher and manager, hearing <)f the vacancy came to Edinburg and rented the G-rand River College for one year for the sum of $250. Matters did not assume at once a very flattering look, and the energy and perseverance of the new professor were pretty severely tried. The failnre of Messrs. Shaw and Lewis when hope had been so high, had caused so much despondency as well as distrust, that the new teacher and proprietor did not meet with that encouragement so much needed in the opening session. Promises of grer.t reduction in the terms for the course resulted in bringing just fourteen pupils at the opening. But Prof. Vertrees came to stay. His assistant was Miss A. A. Ayer, ofSt. Johnsbury, Vermont, a lady of rare accomplishment and grace of bearing. The motto of both was "success," and they did their utmost. The few pupils who had entered began to show improvement surpassingly great for so short a time, and then, somehow, they began to talk about their teachers, and all this talk was of constant praise. The school began to look up. The interest of the people, which had flagged and had been so dampening in the start, took a new turn and by the time the school term closed in June, 1867, Grand Kiver College had a\^kened into renewed life, and success was assured.

A New Association

At the close of the above term it was decided by a meeting of public spirited gentlemen to form a joint stock company to be called the "Grand River College Association." The company was formed, the college grounds and buildings purchased and put in repair, and the property in its new shape and ownership was offered to Prof. Vertrees free of rent for five years upon the sole condition that he would keep up and maintain the school. The proposition was accepted. Ln the meantime Miss A. A. Ayer became Mrs. Vertrees, and when the fall term opened Mrs. Yertrees took the position of first assistant to her husband. The organization of the college and the trust imposed was placed in the hands of a Board of Trustees, the following names constituting the board: Wm. N. Peery, Stephen Peery, "Wm. C. Harvey, K. T. Short and John E. Vertrees. The board organized by electing John E. Vertrees, president; Stephen Peery, vice-president; Dr. E. T. Short, secretary, and Wm. 1\. Peery, treasurer. Opposition to the new order of things was made, but not of a serious nature, and the school continued with a general and steady progress. It was made a particular feature to train young men and young women for the profession of teachers and in that specialty the college was very successful. The five years of lease was drawing successfully to its close, and among the teachers who rendered efticient service in the good work were. Miss Helen Bernard and H. S. Burgin; Mrs. L. M. Abbott and Miss Ella Johnson, music teachers; Mrs. Wilburn, Miss Kosanna Markey, "Wm. N. Hendrickson, D. W. Monroe, Chas. Duff, Miss Ollie Johnson and Miss Ella Peery.

"When the lease expired, in July, 1872, no arrangements were made for its continuance, but Prof. Vertrees continued another short school year and in 1873 took possession again under a four year's lease. Grand River College had, up to the year 1876, been a private school. That year. Prof. Vertrees consenting, his lease having yet another year to run, the property was turned over to the Baptists of North Missouri. Being more particularly placed in the care of the North Grand River, West Fork, Gentry and Mt. Moriah Baptist associations.

The Baptists Take Ohaege

The Baptists came into possession of the property upon the following conditions: that the property with all its rights and privileges should be theirs upon their adoption of it, and expending upon the property as a sort of guarantee of their good faith, the sum of $3,500; the agreement was complied with and the Baptists took control. Prof. Vertrees had thus continued in charge of the college as principal for ten years. To say that it had acquired a name high in the role of successful educational institutions would be but doing justice to the fair name of the principal and his talented associates. Prof. Vertrees assumed charge of the school the first year under the Baptist's organization.

The Baptist Boaed

It would be well to add here that Livingston and Linn Baptist associations were added to the four first mentioned who accepted the property and trust, and the six associations mentioned each elected two members, and the twelve members were to elect a thirteenth who was to be a resident of Edinburg. The board then, in the year 1878, was composed of the following members: "West Fork Association, Rev. J. H. Burrows and Rev. D. C,. Brown; Xorth Grand River, H. H. Burkeholder and Rev. H. H. Turner; Mt. Moriah Association, Rev. T. S. McKenney and A. Adkisson;; Gentry Association, Rev. S. R. Dillon and J. T. Daniel; Linn Association, Rev. E. J. Scott and Rev. J. Gains; Livingston Association, Rev. W. W. Walden and W. T. Harper. At the time the charge was assumed the Baptist associations proposed to raise $5,000 to add to the efficiency of the college in its educational department as well as make substantial repairs. In 1878 nearly $1,800 had been expended. Rev. John Woodward and Rev. P. McCoUum were financial agents of the college in the order named. The fall term of the institution opened again with Prof. Vertrees as principal, although strenuous efforts had been made to supersede him. In February, 1879, however. Prof. Vertrees resigned his position as principal after thirteen years of constant and successful work. We give his letter as a part of the history of the college:

Sir - I hereby present to you, and through you to the Board of Trustees my resignation as principal of Grand River College, to take effect at the close of the scholastic year, or sooner if you find it convenient to supply the place. I wish to assure you that my interest in the Grand River College has not in the least abated nor is my faith in her success weakened. There can be no doubt that the prospects of the school are brighter than ever before. Already is the success of the school secureii beyond a doubt. I wish to express to you my sincere thanks for the uniform courtesy that I have received from you and your predecessors, and also for the confidence placed in me during the thirteen years it has been my privilege to officiate as principal of Grand River College. Very Respectfully,

The scholastic year ending June, 1878, was one of great success to the college. The faculty was increased, and the corps of teachers who had given it such a prosperous year are deserving of meution. The following is the list: Prof J. E. Vertrees, principal; Prof H. C. Adams, first assistant; Mrs. N. E. Connor, second assistant; Prof. R. L. Deeds, principal of the primay department. The executive committee issued an address to the Baptist churches of North Missouri, and after giving the financial condition of the college, spoke in high terms of the ability and earnest work of its corps of teachers from its able head, Prof. Yertrees, down.

The fall term opened auspiciously. The position of principal of the school was offered to Prof. R. S. Duncan, who declined, and the executive committee then selected Prof. Thomas H. Storts, of Kentucky, to fill the position. He accepted, and entered upon his duties in August, 1879. E. B. McVeigh, A. B., a graduate of Dennison University, Ohio, was chosen first assistant, and Miss Ella Peery, of the class of '79 was selected as teacher for the female department, and Miss Flora Storts as music teacher.

The friends of the college worked with zeal and energy, and the new administration started out with every prospect of success. Kev. P. McCollum was continued as financial agent.

During the last two years a paper known as the Educational Monthly had been conducted in the interest of the school. Prof. Storts took charge of the paper and changed its name to Grand River College Coiorant.

A house was erected on the eastern part of the college campus as a residence for the president. It was intended also for a home for the young ladies who should come there to board. This is a large, well-built, commodious house.

During the year 1880-81 the school was not quite so prosperous as the year before, but arrangements were made to largely increase its field of usefulness.

At the annual meeting in June, 1881, the office of president of the faculty was created, and John E. Vertrees was chosen to fill the place. Prof. P. B. McVeigh was continued as instructor of languages, and Mrs. Cornelia Hall was selected as teacher of the primary department. The board also decided to begin the work of endowment, and ordered that the president be relieved from active duty of teaching and devote himself as far as practicable to raising fund for endowtnent. A system of scholarships, was agreed upon, and they are now offered for sale.

In April, 1880, the title of the property known as the Grand Eiver College was formally passed to the board of trustees, in trust, for the Baptists of north Missouri, for educational purposes.

Boaed Of Teustbes

Officers of Board^Hon. A. H. Burkeholder, president; Eev. Israel Christie, vice-president; L. H. Shafer.treasurer; Prof. E. B. McVeigh, secretary.

A Home Institution

Perhaps the best claim this famous institution of learning has to confidence and esteem is the home support it has always received. Few of the citizens of Grundy or surrounding counties ever cared to send their children to any other school so long as Grand Eiver College could open its doors to the pupils who sought admission within its famous portals, and the city of Trenton can show a large list of its most prominent merchants and business men - in fact, in every department or avocation of life - who claim Grand Eiver College as their alma mater.

Business

The store of Isaac Harvey continued for several years; he had also a farm. It is not clear who followed Mr. Harvey. Peery & Carnes are supposed to have opened in 1851. In 1852 O. G. Newton started the first blacksmith shop, and he had a competitor in a man by the name of Mills. They did a good business for those days. That same year Forkner, Peery & Co. started a store, Fielding and James Peery composing the firm with Forkner, and

Abner McFarland inl853 ; Mitchell Peery bad a store in operation in 1854r-55. Thos. Peery and Absalom Harvey opened a store in 1858. John Peery opened a travelers' home or hotel the same year, 1858. James A. Woodress came in 1856, and Dr. R. W. Witten in 1852. Next to go into the mercantile business were Archibald Thompson and Wm. Peery. George Harvey started a grocery in 1859, and Robert Hntton was in business in 1859 and continued until 1862. The credit of the first hotel is given to Hugh Mills, but he ran no omnibus line in connection. This was sometime previous to 1850. The first church organized was the Southern Methodist in 1854, a log building. The Methodist Church North was built in 1869, and its first pastor was the Rev. Holes.

The fact in regard to the business of Edinbu rg in old times is, that it was good. The west side of the river liad been settled as long as any other, and not until the troubles of 1861 commenced did she lose much of her greatness. But the growth of Trenton, especially since the railroads gave it extra life, has not added to the building up of Edinburg. L. M. Abbott opened a store but concluded after a year to sell to Gannaway & Adkisson. Then Woodress & Abbott joined forces and started in business in 1866, and among the names of those who did business for a short time are Chas. Witten, A. Calhoun, Dr. Johnson, Ward & Gannaway, Wynn & Mc- Dougal. In the meantime Woodress & Abbott dissolved partnership, and started as Woodress & Albin. Woodress then sold to Albin and after a while Wm. Albin thought he would sell back to Woodress and did so. After running awhile Mr. Woodress formed a new partnership in 1873, taking in a young man, Mr. Shafer, and since then the firm has been Woodress & Shafer; the latter attends to the business and is a son-in-law "of Mr. Woodress.

Incorporated

It was not to be expected that Edinburg would long remain an isolated village so far as being incorporated was concerned. They had a good many merchants and other people, had the only college in the count}', the crash of 1873 had come and gone and there was absolutely nothing on hand to do but to be incorporated with certain raetes and bounds so that an Edinburg town lot could be told from a Madison township farm. This was an important consideration, so a meeting was called, the importance of beino' an incorporated town explained and it was unanimously decided that the dignity of the town could only be sustained by having it incorporated. A petition was drawn up and the work for this important measure was commenced. There was little or no opposition to the scheme and it was numerously signed by the men of Edinburg. The petition as drawn up and signed is as follows:

Petition To Incoepokate The Town Of Edinbueg

" To the Honorable County Court of Grundy county, Missouri: - We, the undersigned citizens and tax-payers of Edinburg, Grundy county, Missouri, hereby petition your honorable body to incorporate the town of Edinburg, in Grundy county, Missouri, and thereby give us the powers and privileges of a corporation in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri, the metes and bounds of said corporation to be as follows; to-wit, Beginning at a stake three rods south of the northwest corner of the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 15, in township 61, range 25; thence north one hundred and eight (108) rods, to a stake; thence east eighty rods to a stake; thence south eighty-eight rods to a stake; thence east twenty-five rods to a stake; thence south twenty rods to a stake; thence west one hundred and five rods, to the place of beginning; the same to include the town of Edinburg. " Signed :

"Now at this day come John E. Vertrees and others, citizens and tax-payers of the town of Edinburg, and file their petition, asking to have the town of Edinburg incorporated, which petition was granted, and it is ordered that said town be incorporated, and that L. H. Shafer, John E. Vertrees, William Albin, Dr. R W. Witten and Wesley Sparks be appointed trustees for said town."

There has been but little since the incorporation of the town to make history. It will never become a large city, but as it is, it has something worthy of its care and pride, and that is the college. Let the people of Madison township foster and sustain Grand River College, and make it worthy of all praise. Its name has gone forth, and with it a fair reputation that will bring it a heritage that cannot be takea away, and will increase from generation to generation.

The present business of Edinburg is conducted by Woodress & Shafer, general dry goods, groceries, etc.; John H. George, groceries, cigars and tobacco; John Ward, drug store, and also landlord of the Ward House; John J. Botsford, wagon manufacturer and blacksmith. He has a fine establishment on the site of the old Newton shop, keeps three hands besides himself, and has a new and commodious establishment, and a reputation which is well and favorably known far beyond the limits of Grundy county, and of great value to Edinburg. He succeeded his father, Amos, in the wagon department. N. B. Hunt started a wagon manufactory in 1856, and he was followed by the above, Mr. Amos Botsford, and he by his son.

Edinburg Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 394, was organized February 22, 1880. The first officers of the lodge were L. H. Shafer, JST. G. ; John Crowder, V. G.; John E. Yertrees, treasurer, and James Witten, secretary. They elect their officers every six month. The order had seventeen charter members. Its present ofiicers are James Witten, N. G.; John H. George, V. G.; W. W. Barnes, secretary, and Wm. Harding, treasurer. The order has now forty-five members, and is in a flourishing condition. Meetings are held weekly.

A cornet band was organized in the fall of 1878, and since that time has become not only proficient in its musical education and training, but very popular with the citizens, and is considered one of the permanent institutions of the town. It numbers ten members, as follows: A. B. Barnes and C. D. Thompson, E-flat; Lee McNaught, B-flat; Otto Crowder, 2d B-flat; James E. Gates, first alto; James F. Godwin, second alto; Oliver Watkins, tenor; Geo. F. Witten, baritone; John H. George, bass; David E. Dick, bass-drum, and Wm. Dent, tenor-drum.

This closes the record of Madison township, and of the beautiful town of Edinburg, up to the year 1881, both growing, with a bright and prosperous futui'e before them. The ofiicers of the township at the present time are James A. Godwin, assessor and clerk; Samuel K. Witten, trustee; William Harding, collector, and L. H. Shafer and Thomas Bosley, justices of the peace. L. H. Shafer, postmaster.

Biographical Sketches Eev. William Baldwin

William Baldwin was born in Preble county, Ohio, January 15, 1812, where he lived until he was about sixteen years of age, when his father moved to Montgomery county, Indiana, where he grew to manhood. He embraced religion in his early days, and afterward began preaching. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Harrison, September 6, 1832. Was ordained elder in 1838, and had charge of several churches in his native county; also carried on a farm, which he sold out in 1856, and came to Daviess county, Missouri, where he has made his home most of the time since. Two years ago, in 1879, he came to Grundy county and settled on the farm where he now lives. Elder Baldwin preached in several churches in this county while he lived in Daviess county; he officiated at nearly all tlie marriages of Elder McOammon's children, besides a great many others in this county; filled the pulpit in the Union Church on Coon Creek while Elder McCammon's lungs were affected, part of the time during the war. There are four i>reachers now laboring for the Master who were brought to repentance through his labors in the good cause ; namely, John. L. Netherton, James Poe, Joseph Wood and DeWitt Brown. He baptized the first three. He has conducted several successful revivals during his labors, has baptized as high as thirty-six persons at one going into the water, and has baptized forty persons a year for three years. He still preaches occasionally now, but has no church in charge. His first wife died September 19, 1850. They had eight children: Mary H., Alzina A., Sarah E., JSfancy J., Zerilda C, Samantha E., Martha E. and John W. Mary H., Alzina A., Sarah E. and Zerilda 0. are dead. He married Mrs. Mary Worley, November 6, 1851. They had three children : Eobert L., Emma A. and Samuel F. Eobert L. and Samuel F. are dead. Elder Baldwin was assessor under the old township law, and was on the school board for several years.

Judge Chakles P. Beandom

Charles P. Brandoni was born in Eappahanock county, Virginia, September 7, 1834, where he lived and grew to manhood, and attended the district schools during the winter months, and worked on the farm in the spring and summer. He was living with his father when he married the first time, Miss Betty C. White, August 24, 1854, and continued to reside with him nntil October 7, 1855, when he moved to Greene county, Ohio, and remained until September, 1856. At this time he went into debt for a pair of horses, harness and wagon and some furniture, all of which he loaded into his wagon, and with his wife and one child started for Missom-i. He landed near Gallatin, Daviess county, where he remained until the spring of 1857, then moved on a farm near Edinbnrg where he remained nntil the sf)ring of

1859. His wife was killed by lightning August 9th, the same year, and he lay in bed sick with a fever at the time the bolt struck his house, breaking every window in it and tearing up clothing and bedding; the house was nearly rended to pieces; his family had just got up from the dinner table where every dish was turned upside down, and his wife had come to his bedside to ask him what he wanted to eat, when the lightning struck her, and she fell dead by the bed ; it also tore the sheet and pillow-cases that hung over the bed into strings. Judge Brandom thinks his life was saved by his lying on a feather bed. This misfortune about broke him up, besides robbing him of his dearly beloved wife. He remained here until January,

1860, when he took his only child and went back to Greene county, Ohio, where his wife's relatives lived, and stayed there about one yeai", then returned to his father's, who was in Daviess county, with whom he remained until he married again, his second wife being Miss Lodey McCammon, daughter of William McCammon, whom he married July 24, 1862. The spring of 1863 he moved on a farm his father-in-law gave him in Grundy county, where he still lives. By hard work and good management he has accumulated considerable property, and now owns twelve hundred acres of land, all told, in this county, and one of the finest farm houses in the county, has a very large barn, and in fact the-outbuildings are good and his farm is all fenced. He deals in cattle and stock generally, and has a large herd of cattle feeding for market, besides sheep, horses, mules and other stock too numerous to mention. He was elected county judge in 1877; has been one of the school board for a number of years; is one of the directors of the Grand River College now; and was township trustee xmder theold township law until it was repealed. Mr. and Mrs. Brandom are members of the Baptist Church. They have had six children, beside Olivia Belle, his first wife's child. Their names are Sylvester W., Eleonora I., Edna Earl, Oriola, Lora Leota and William M. Edna E. and William M. are dead.

John Jacob Botsford

Was born in Andrew county, Missouri, July 28, 1853, where he lived until he was about two years of age, when his father moved to Hancock county, Indiana. There he remained about two years, when his father moved back to Missouri and located in Edinburg, where he has since resided. He was educated in the Grand Kiver College. In 1871 he was apprenticed to a blacksmith in Chillicothe, Missouri, where he worked for three years; after that went to Moberly, Missouri, and worked in the blacksmith department of the railroad shops at that place for several years, then thought he would start out and see the world. He traveled through Kentucky, Tennessee and Illinois, and in 1875 returned to Edinburg, bought out the blacksmith shop, and embarked in business for himself. By attending strictly to business he has been enabled to enlarge his shop to double its former capacity, and has built a new wagon and paint shop, until his establishment is now about four times as large as when he started. He manufactures wagons, spring wagons and carriages, and does general blacksmithing, emploj'ing from three to four men. He is a good business man and a credit to the town. Mr. Botsford married Miss Mary Ann A. Witten, August 3, 1876. His wife died June 4, 1881, leaving two little boys, Claude Thompson and Homer Parmlee.

William W. Barnes

Was born in Belmont county, Ohio, August 5, 1839, where he lived until he was four years of age, when his father moved to Monroe county, same State, where he was educated and grew to manhood, and followed farming and school teaching. He married Miss Amanda J. Dumm, February 12, 1860, and settled on a farm, where he was when the war broke out. He enlisted in the Ohio State militia, and his company was called out several times, twice to go after the great raider, John Morgan, who was captured on the farm of his wife's uncle. Remaining in the militia until about the close of the war, he moved to Grundy county, Missouri, in April, 1865, and since then has followed farming, teaching school during the winter; after having taught nine terms in succession in his own district, he gave up teaching and devoted all his time to farming. In the fall of 1880 he embarked in the fine stock business, dealing in short-horn Durham cattle and Norman horses, and owns the thorough-bred bull Paris, registered in the American Herd-book, volume 21, also two ISTorman mares. It is his intentiori to go to Kentucky this winter to purchase some pure Short-Horn heifers, and at the same time to buy some full blood Norman mai'es for breeding. He has a fine farm of one hundred and fort}' acres, and intends to devote his time to breeding blooded stock and improving the live stock of this county. He invites the farmers of this and adjoining counties to call and see his stock.

Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have six children; namely, John B., Wilbur L., Lewis E"., Frank Carl, Essie and Bessie, twins. They are members of the M. E. Church.

Josiah Barnes

Was born in Belmont county, Ohio, August 23, 1815, where he lived about thirty years. He married Miss Susannah D. Barnes, in October, 1842, and moved to Monroe count}', same State, in 1845. They had five children. His wife died in 1852, and he married Miss Mary Elizabeth Driggs, October 17, 1854. They resided in Monroe county until 1865, when he moved to Grundy county, Missouri, and settled on a farm near Edinburg, where he still resides. Mr. Barnes was township trustee in his native county but has not held any ofiice since he came to this county. Some years since he was asked to write up this county, giving the statistics of the ampunt of grain, etc., raised in the county, fo]- the State Agricultural Society, and spent a good deal of time hunting up such information as was wanted; he could not find any two men who could tell him the same thing, but procured most of his information from Major John C. Griffin, of Trenton. He has been the father of ten children in all: William W., Abel Benson, Mary Elizabeth, Lydia Ellen, and babe not named, by bis present wife; and Benjamin Allen, Milton Orion, Maggie Belle, Ellsworth Eugene (dead), and Milo Kingsley, by his first wife. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes, and two children, are members of the M. E. Church. He has been church steward for thirty-six years.

Daniel Baintee

Was born in Fayette county, Ohio, October 28, 1825, where he lived until he was about twenty years of age, wlien he went to Henry county, Indiana, where he married Miss Charlotta Corry, September 22, 1850. They lived there on a farm until the fall of 1856, then moved to Grundy county, and located on a farm about one and one-half miles from Edinburg. In 1861 he joined the home-guards, under Col. Shanklin and Major DeBolt. His companj^ held themselves in readiness to go whenever they were called on, which was very often, in fact every time that any raiding was done north of the Missouri River; they were called on several times to hunt Quantrell and his band out of this part of the country. He remained in the service until the war was over, when he settled down to farming until the fall of 1866, when he moved to Edinburg, kept a boarding house and run his farm. About five years ago he " hung out his sign," and commenced to keep hotel, which he is still conducting, and keeps a first-class place where man and beast can find the best of accommodations. Mrs. B. presides over the culinary department to the satisfaction of all comers. Mr. Bainter was appointed postmaster under President Grant during his first term, which position he held for several 3'ears, then resigned in favor of Mr. Shaffer, the present postmaster, because he could not spare the time to attend to the office. He was elected town constable for several years. Mr. and Mrs. Bainter have eight children; viz., William Henry, Sarah Elizabeth, Thomas Albert, John Milton, Mary Eliza, Pen-y Anderson, Ella Belle, and Eddie McGilbert; William Henry, and Sarah E., Avere born in Indiana, the rest were born in Grundy county. Sarah Elizabeth, Thomas Albert, John Milton, Mary Eliza, Perry Anderson, and Ella Belle are all dead.

Was born in Tazewell county, Yirginia, May 1, 1841, where he lived until eleven years of age, then moved to Grundy county, Missouri, in 1852, where he located on the farm he still lives on. He went back to Virginia in 1861, and enlisted in the Confederate army, where he served during the war. Mr. Curran married Miss Nancy Wilson, April 24, 1862. They lived in the "Old Dominion" until 1868, then moved back to Missouri, where he went to farming again on the old place. His wife died October 10, 1874, leaving eight children. January 18, 1875, he married Miss Josephine J. Ketron. She was born in Carroll county, Missouri, October 5, 1842, and her parents came to this county when she was about six years old. They have had four children. The names of his first wife's children are William E., Hugh W., Charles F., Sarah O., Mary V., John J., E. M., Myrtle B.; and those of his second wife, !Nancy V., Luvenia J., Thomas and Thompson, twins; Mary Y. and Thompson are dead.

Was born in Vermillion county, Illinois, Novem ber 24, 1838, where he lived until he was about seven teen years of age, when his father moved to Daviess county, Missouri. He married Miss iN^ancy J. Moore, October 11, 1860, and moved on his farm, where he lived until 1865, when he went into the mercantile business in Bancroft. He remained about two years, then sold out and went back on the farm where he stayed about two years, when he bought an interest in a grist-mill, in company with Mr. Graham; the firm was Graham & Froman, and he remained about two years, and then sold out to his brother. From there he went to Gallatin, and bought an interest in a grist and saw-mill, remained about one year, sold out again, rented his mother-in-law's farm, which he has cultivated ever sinc6. He has been on the school board for several years. Mr. and Mrs. Froman had nine children, Lena, Linnie, Leona, Emma, James E., Harry T., Clyde M., Anna E., and Nancy J. ; Lena, Leona, and Anna E., are dead. Mrs. Froman died December 23, 1880.

Theophilus P. Fulkerson was born in Grundy county, Missouri, April 6, 1845, where he has lived ever since. He was a student of the old Grand Eiver College and attended the first school ever taught in it, under John O. Martin, continuing until the school-house burned, when he went to the district school taught by Morgan P. Scott. He worked on the farm during the summer and went to school in the winter, and when about twelve years old, he and his brother ran a carding-machine in Edinburg. For two summers he attended tlie sessions of the new Grand River College, under Mr. Wheeler. July 16, 1863, he enlisted in company K, First Missouri cavalry, Capt. H. F. Peery; they did duty all over the State and were in several skirmishes; he was mustered out in 1865, and then settled down to farming again. He married Miss Sarah J. Fulkerson, July 4, 1869. They had two children, and Mrs. F. died February 21, 18T4. March 2, 1876, he married Miss Phylena Emeline Hudson. They have had two children. The names of the children by botli marriages are: Fred C, Fannie (dead) Ira, and one not named. Mr. and Mrs. Fulkerson are members of the M. E. Church. He owns a farm of three hundred and twenty acres.

William P. Gates

"Was born in Tazewell county, Virginia, Maj' 6, 1833, where he gi*ew to manhood. His early years were filled with many hardships. His lather died when he was about seven years old, and he being the eldest child, was bound out to a preacher and lawyer, with whom he staid until he was about twelve years of age; was then turned out of house and hom.e owing to the death of his employer's wife. He returned home, as his mother had married again, and remained there about two years. Was again bound out, to a farmer, with whom he lived until eighteen years of age, when he left him to try to get an education, as he had never been to school a day in his lifef. He went to live with a farmer, working for his board night and morning and such time as he had to spare from school; attended school for three months, and had to walk five miles every morning and night to and from school. This was about all the schooling he ever received, and as he had lived around enough to learn that a man without an education in this world was not much respected, determined to have a little education, and used to ask people to help him to read; in that way he acquired what education he has. He learned the shoemaker's trade and employed men to work for him ; used to study of nights and they would help him. This was done principally after he came to this county. To-day he is one of the best informed men in the county where he lives, and has followed up his thirst for knowledge until he has got to be a great reader, and keeps "posted" in the general news of the country. Mr. Gates married Miss Mary A. Harper, August 4, 1853. In 1856 he concluded to go West, sold ofi" about all he had, except some bedding and clothing, which he got a neighbor to haul to the Ohio River for him, as they were coming West in company; he and and his wife walking. He carried his seven months old child on his back one hundred miles, from his native county to the Big Sandy Kiver at Prestonsburg, Kentucky, where he and his father-in-law bought a flat-boat, which took about all the money he had, some $11. They then floated down the Big Sandy to the mouth, where thej^ took a steamboat up the Ohio River to Guyandotte, where he had to stop and go to work, as his money was all gone. He worked on the wire suspension bridge, being built there at that time, receiving one dollar per day and boarding himself, and thought that he had found a " bonanza," as he had never received but fifty cents a day where he came from. He worked here about forty-five days, then got another job and worked there all summer to get enough to take his family on to Missouri. Leaving there October 22d, he landed at Brunswick, Missouri, November 22d, being on the river one month, and landing there with only one gold dollar to his name. However, he had friends in Grundy county, where he came the same fall, and has been ever since, except about one year spent in Daviess county. He has followed farming most of the time since he came, onl}' working at his trade in winter. In 186i he moved to Edinburg, where he still lives. Was enrolled in the Missouri militia the same jear and served twentj'-three days. Mr. Gates is respected by all who know hipi. Ml', and Mrs. Gates have five children, two of whom were born in Virginia and the others in this county: Thomas H., Louisa J., Althea J., William B. and James E. There are but two living, William B. and James E.

William T. Gannaway

Was born in Harding county, Kentucky, February 8, 1831, where he lived about ten years, when his mother moved to LaKue county, the same State, where he lived about five years and then went to Breckinridge county, Kentucky. Here he lived some six years, then moved to Macon eounty, Missouri, in 1852, remaining about two years, when he went to Gentry Missouri. He lived there nine years, and spent the winter of 1862 and 1863 in Nebi-aska. In the spring of 1863 he went to Montana, remaining there one year; came back to Iowa and spent the winter of 1864 and 1865. In the spring of the last named year he engaged in freighting on the plains, which he followed that season, then came to this county. He the mercantile business in Edinburg, continuing until August, 1871, when he sold out and went to Gentryville, and again embarked in the mercantile business, carried it on fourteen months, and again came back to Grundy county and located on the farm where he now lives, near Edinburg, and engaged in general farming. He has been postmaster in Gentryville and Edinburg.

Mr. Gannaway married Miss Mary Olivia Wynn, September 28, 1871. She was born in Grundy county, March 22, 1846, in the house she still lives in, was the daughter of Minor Wynn, and is a member of the M. E. Church (South). They have had three children; named, Leona, Bertha and Martha Emma. Leona and Martha Emma are dead. Mr. Gannaway owns a farm of two hundred acres.

John M. Graham

Was born in Belmont county, Ohio, May 5, 1804, where he lived about two years, when his mother died and an uncle took him to Fayette county, Pennsylvania. He lived there until he was about twenty-one years of age, was educated and learned the spinning wlieel business, which he followed for a number of years, then moved to White county, Illinois. In 1825 he and his brother started for that State, and having no money to pay their fare they got a skifi" and rowed themselves down the Monongahela and Ohio rivers from above Pittsburgh to Mt. Vernon, Indiana, about 1,000 miles; they left tlie river at this point and footed it across Posey county to the Wabash River, where he paid out the last dime he had in the world to get across the ferry; they footed it to where their elder brother had gone nine years before. Mr.

Graham married Miss Kebecca Phillips, February 15, 1826. He lived on a farm and made spinning-wheels, and speculated on the river; loaded a flatboat with pork and lard and took it down to New Orleans, met with a good sale and did well, was very successful in his speculations and amassed considerable property before he left Illinois. He came to Missouri in the summer of 1845, and settled in Grundy county, where he has made his home ever since. Mr. Graham was one of the early settlers of this county, and he has ever been a valuable acquisition to the county. He came here with a respectable capital, about $10,000, which he invested in machinery and other improvements (he held an interest in seven mills at one time in this and adjoining counties, holding from one-third to two-thirds interest in each of them), and industries to the great advantage of this then newly settled region. He embarked in the mercantile business in Trenton, took Mr. James Austin into partnership with him, carried on business for a sl^ort time and then sold out tu Ashley Gulley. In 184:6 he and Mr. Phillips went into the sheep business, and he sent his sou to Clarke county, Ohio, to buy them, who bought 1,019 head, which he drove through to Missouri. They followed this business a few years, then abandoned it, as it did not pay, washed wool in St. Louis bringing only twenty-two and one-third cents per pound. He afterwards outfitted nine men to go to California, his three sons among the number; they went in the early excitement. This proved another bad investment. He has retired from all business. Mr. Graham served as postmaster for twenty years, part of the time in Illinois. His wife was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, October 15, 1803, and was reared in West Virginia. Her parents moved to White county,. Illinois, where she lived about twenty-nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Graham have had nine children; namely, Nancy H., James, William, John M., Emily, George, Alfred, Oliver and Kobert. Nancy H. and Robert aredead.

William Graham

Was born in White county, Illinois, September 27, 1830, where he lived until he was about fifteen years of age, when he came with his father to Missouri, where he has lived most of the time since. He went to California in 1850, and remained about two years, when he came back to stay with his parents. He married Miss Bathsheba E. Patton, April 28, 1853, and located on a farm where he lived about ten years, after which he embarked in the mercantile business at Gentryville, Missouri, continuing ten years, then sold out and came back to the farm, where he still remains. His wife was born in Montgomery county, Virginia, January 3, 1835, where her parents lived until 1843, when her mother moved to Missouri, where sh& has lived ever since.

Mason Gullet

Was born in Garrett county, Kentucky, October 12, 1820, and lived there about five j'ears wlien his father moved to Jessamine county same State. There he learned the blacksmith's trade with Alex. Hamilton. He afterward moved to Johnson county, Indiana, where he went into partnership with George Creasey and they worked together until 1865, when he moved to Grundy county, Missouri, and located on the farm Avhere he still lives. He has a shop on his farm where he does work for his neighbors, running his farm in connection with the shop. Mr. and Mrs. GuUey have had seven children, named, Mary Frances (dead), Wm. Jordan, James A.', Martha, Benjamin, Jessie W., and Ashley. Four are married and live near them. Mr. Gulley owns a well cultivated farm of eighty-three acres.

William C. Haevey

William Cox Harvey was born in Henry county, Indiana, November 12, 1826, where he lived until he was sixteen years of age. His father moved to Grundy county, Missouri, and he has since lived on the farm that his father located on. He was county assessor from 1848 to 1852; was next elected sheriif and collector in 1854, holding the office two terms, up to 1856; and from that time to 1858 was again assessor, and could have any office in the county he wanted. He was an old line Whig, and ran against two Whig candidates; he would not go before the convention as a candidate because he had a good many Democratic friends, and so ran independent and beat tliem both, for sheriff. Mr. Harvey is a man of very little learning, and had to hire clerks to do his writing, as he could write only enough to sign his name; but he was a man of fine perception, and knew if there was anything wrong about his books by hearing his clerks read them to him. To-day he has no enemies tliat he is aware of, notwithstanding he has bought tax titles and dealt in real estate ever since he retired from office. He sold all the swamp land in the county while he was sheriff", and in all his dealings was never accused of wronging the county out of a cent; he ran for assessor and was elected under the old township law, holding the office about one 3'ear; was again elected by one hundred to six or seven votes; could command the suffrage of the county to-day for almost any office he would ask for. He has been identified with the Grand Kiver College ever since it was started, and has held several offices in connection with it, and is for anything that will improve the town and county in which he lives. Mr. Harvey married Miss Elizabeth C. Peery in 1854. They have had six children ; viz., Absalom Evans, Eleanor, Stephen I., Sarah, Anna N. and Martlia L. Absalom E., Eleanor and Sarah are dead.

Mr. Harvey buys and sells real estate, is a large breeder of mules, and does a general farming and stock-raising business. He is a remarkable man, generous to a fanlt, and a good neighbor and citizen. To know him once is to know him always. He is always a friend to the poor and needy.

Absalom Harvey

"Was born in Eandolph county, North Carolina, June 13, 1791, where lie lived until he was about thirteen years of age. His father then moved to tlie Territory of Indiana, where he resided about thirty-four years. He lived on a farm and used to buy hogs and drive them to Cincinnati, Ohio, to market, following the business about fifteen years. He served in the War of 1812, under General Harrison. At the close of the war he married Miss Eleanor Julian, October 5, 1813, and settled on a farm in Wayne count}', Indiana, where he lived until 1820, then moved to Blue Eiver, Henry coimty, same State, and lived there twenty years. In the fall of 1842 he moved to Grundy county, Missouri, where he settled on the farm now owned by his son in Edinburg. He was a noted hunter and used to indulge in the sport a great deal, and kept several hounds; he used to take his dogs and go up the country and start up a deer in the woods on the spot which is now Main Street, Edinburg. The deer went through the place snorting, and when the town was started it was originally called " Bucksnort," owing to this snorting as soon as they got into the town, and was so called for a long time, when the people became possessed of the idea that it was not a nice name, and it was changed. They wanted to call it Harve}'- ville, but Mr. Harvey would not have it that way, so an old Scotchman, named McFarland, had the naming of it, and he called it Edinburg after the classical city in Scotland where he came from. Mr. Harvey very frequently went with the Indians on their hunting excursions, as they had to have a white man with tliem to keep from being molested on tliose hunting tours. His death occurred September 17, 1872. He was a kind husband and father, beloved by all who knew him. He was grandfather to thirty-four children, and great-grandfather to sixteen children. His wife still survives. She was born in Eandolph county, North Carolina, October 9, 1796. She lived with her parents, Isaac and Sarah Julian, until she was married. She has been a pioneer all of her life and helped to settle up two new Territories before coming to this county. Their family consisted of eight children; named, respectively, Jennie, Isaac J., Sarah L., Evans, William C, Elizabeth E., Sophronia J. and a babe not named. She is grandmother to thirtyseven children, great-grandmother to twenty-nine childi-en, and great-greatgrandmother to three children. She is a woman of many sterling qualities. Her eldest son came from California to visit her in 1871:, and she accompanied him back, as she wanted to see those of her grandchildren she had never seen; she remained about three months. She was reai-ed a Quaker, but not liking that creed, felt as though she ought to join some church, and so united with the Baptist Church, and still remains an active member.

Jacob H. Kackley

"Was born June 5, 1836, in Jessamine county, Kentucky. He is the third child of James and Eliza Kackley, who migrated from Kentucky to Missouri in 1844. Jacob H. Kackley lived with his parents, working on the farm, until he grew to manhood, at which time he commenced to farm on his own resources. August 3, 1861, he enlisted in the Twenty-second regiment of Missouri volunteers, under Col. Merrill. He served about three years, and was discharged September 23, 1864. December 25, 1864, he married Miss Mary Embry, daughter of George Embry, all of Grundy county. She died August 31, 1865, and March 20, 1866, he married Miss Nancy Lucas, daughter of James Lucas, then residents of Grundy county. By his second wife Mr. K. is the father of five children, whose names are, Alice M., Walter S., Ella M., Izetta and Orie J. Mr. Kackley is now one of the most prosperous farmers of Grundy county.

William M Gammon

"Was born in Clay county, Kentucky, January 4, 1811, where he resided until grown, and attended school a short time, but received most of his education since he came to Missouri. He used to study at night by the light of the fire-place, after lie had done a hard days' work. He married Miss Kosanna Oxford, March 13, 1834. In 1837 he moved to Grundy county, Missouri, then called Livingston county, where he still lives on the farm he first settled on. Their post-oflice then was Spring Hill, about twenty miles distant. His father and mother were members of the M. E. Church, but he took a dislike to the church when he was a boy, for in those days they had what were called circuit riders, and they used to ride up to his father's house and call him, "liere, William, you take my horse and take good care of him, feed, water and clean him off." Then when he would go to the house, if it happened to be cold weather, they would order him to bring in some dry wood and build up a fire, and William you do this and that, when they were great big strapping fellows and did nothing but eat and drink. Every quarter they would ride up to his father's and sa}', " Brother McGammon, we want so much money to-day, as your part towards paying us for preaching"; and his father and mother would scrape up every cent they could find, and they denied themselves a good many necessaries of life to pay those men, who were better able to work than his father. Such things as these disgusted him, and he said that if ever he preached he would never charge people anything as long as he was able to work. He joined the Baptist Church, was ordained elder in that society in September, 1843; when the Union Church on Cook Creek was built in 1844, was called to take charge of it, which position he has held ever since, except one year. The church then called him again, which call he has accepted and will con- tinue to hold as long as he lives. The elder has never received but $7.50 cash for his services since he took charge of the church. His church members offered to pay him something for preaching, but he told them that they were as poor as he was, and he could work on his farm and make a living for himself and family, and if they had anything to give, to give it to the widows and orphans who needed it, as he did not want any pay for doing his Master's work. The elder used to hunt up neigliborhoods where there were no appointments, and would send them word that he would be there on Sunday to preach to them, and they would all turn out to hear the word of God, as it was seldom they got a chance in those daj's to listen to a preacher. He has organized several churches in this and adjoining counties, and has been a self-appointed missionary, doing good where he could without ^laj^, often riding on horseback fifteen miles on Saturday morning and preaching twice on that day and the same on Sunday, then return home and go to plowing on Monday morning. The elder had a good business woman for a wife who looked after his farm when he was away; was very saving and wf)uld not let anything go to waste, and he attributes his success in this world, pecuniarily, to his wife's management. She was born in Buncombe county, North Carolina, August 6, 1811. She was as good as she was saving, and never saw any one suffer for want of anything she had to give, but gave it freely. She reared a large family of children; namely, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Locky, William Henry, Rosanna, Sarah, Cornelia and Minerva Frances. The first two were born in Kentucky, and the rest were born on this farm, married here, and live within a radius of ten miles. William Henry and Cornelia are dead. Mrs. McCammon died August li, 1874. In 1880 the elder made a division of his property among his children, so they all have good homes; he gave up all work at that time thinking that as he was getting old he would do no labor the rest of his days, but his church insisted he should continue to preach for them. This he has consented to do, and will as long as he is able. He lives with his youngest daughter and husband, who have the old homestead.

Judge William Metcalf

William Metcalf was born in Eock Castle county, Kentucky. His parents moved to Laurel county while he was quite young, and his early manhood was spent in that county, where he remained until 1835, when he came to Missouri. He stopped for a short time in Randolph county, then moved to Macon county, this State. There he remained a short time and moved to Grundy county, then called Livingston, in 1838. Mr. Metcalf served out the unexpired term of Ashley Gulley as sheriff, when Mr. Gulley was in the Mexican War in 1847, and was elected to the office of sheriff in 1850; was appointed to serve out the unexpired term of James Sutton as assessor of this county; was appointed county judge to serve out an unexpired term, which he resigned owing to some misunderstanding between him and the other two judges; was afterwards appointed to serve out the unexpired term of Judge Casey Tate; was elected to tlie office afterwards. He was twice married; his first wife was Miss Elizabeth Elkins, whom he married in January, 1827. They had eight children: Elmira, Stephen, Leanna, Eeuben, Mary Ann, Daniel (who was the first white male child born in this county; was born June 13, 1838), Wm. Henry, Sarah Elizabeth. His wife died December 26, 1843, and he remained a widower about one year when he married Mrs. Abigail Bowman. They had three children; viz., Pernecia Ann, Amos C, and Edwin B. The judge was a delegate to the State convention to elect delegates to the national convention that nominated Abraham Lincoln the second time. He was an old line Whig in his young daj's. He died March 31, 1878, and it was said that during his residence in this county he had been elected to various public offices within the gift of his fellow citizens, and notably engaged in enterprises affecting the welfare of the people, and for more than thirty -five years had been a member of the Baptist Church. Judge Metcalf's integrity stands unquestioned, his conviction of duty, his principles, his course in life, are commendable, and he always lived evenly and conscientiously toward his neighbors and fellow men. As he exemplified the upright, straightforward man in all dealings, and as a father and citizen, we all know that a good man has gone from our midst.

Amos C. Metcalf

"Was born in Grundy county, Missouri, January 24, 1848, on the farm that he still lives on and owns. He attended the district school in his younger days; attended the Grand Eiver College, and also went to Prof. R. C. Norton, at Trenton. Mr. Metcalf married Miss Mary E. Tate, October 8, 1871, and settled oh the farm. His wife was born in Grundy county, September 3, 1853, on a part of the farm her husband now owns. They have had five children: Amy A., Nettie, Edwin, William and Alma M. Amy A. and William are dead.

Mes. Lauvisa B. Mooee

Lauvisa Peery was born in Tazewell county, Yirginia, December 17, 1811, where she resided until she was about twenty-four years of age, when she came to Missouri with her father, who settled on a farm near Edinburg. She was educated in her native county, and taught the first school in Grundy county, then called Livingston county, in the summer of 1836. She taught in a small log house, with a floor of linden bark, weighted to to hold it from warping. She taught one term that year. She was married to Milton L. Moore, April 6, 1837, and moved on a farm about one and one-half miles north of Edinburg, where they lived about two years, when they sold out and bought a farm adjoining her father's farm, where she still lives. She joined the M. E. Church when she was about sixteen years of age, and still i-emains an active member. Her husband died leaving her with eiglit children. She taught school one term after she was married, while her husband was in California. She has kept boarders, run her farm, and educated her children. Her eldest daughter married Prof. John Morse Ordway, second president of the old Grand River College, now professor of chemistry in Boston, Massachusetts. Her second daughter married John D. Froman, a farmer, who has run Mrs. Moore's farm for several years. She is very hale looking, and intelligent, and it is a ])leasure to sit and listen to her stories of old times, and what they did in the early settlement of this connty. Her children were named as follows: Virginia, Nancy Jane, Sarah Amanda, a babe not named, Elbert, James Fickling, Liither Brown and George Henry. Sarah Amanda, Luther Brown and George Henry are living. Her husband, Milton L. Moore, was born in Tazewell county, Virginia, June 6, 1807, where he lived about twenty-three years. He learned the bricklayer's trade, which he followed until he was married, and some little after. His farm took most of his time and he gave up work at his trade. He came to Grundy county in the fall of 1836, and lived here until the gold fever broke out in California in the spring of 1850, when he thought he would try his fortune in that land of gold, and remained there until 1853, when he started for home, but only got as far as Lake Nicaragua, where he died.

Bukl Masters

Was born in Garrard county, Kentucky, January 14, 1818. His father left there when he was quite small and came to Chariton county, Missouri, where he lived until 1834, when he came to Livingston county, then called Carroll where he settled on a farm at the head of Clear Creek. He remained there and married Miss Nancy Harris, January 28, 1844, and lived on his father's place about two years, when he moved to Gees Creek, Grundy county, lived there until 1854, when he moved on the farm that he is still living on, about two and one-lialf miles south of Edinburg, and has followed farming and hunting ever since. He has hunted all over this county when there were but few settlers. Mr. Masters took a trijj with his team down to Jasper county, Missouri, and back, in 1879; he enjoj's very good health. Mr. and Mrs. M. had twelve children; viz., Mary, Charlotte, Columbus, George Washington, babe not named, Nancy Jane, Burl, Martha, Benjamin F., Elizabeth, Hester Ann and Eva; all are living excepting Columbus, George Washington, babe, Burt, Martha and Nancy Jane. Mr. Masters owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres.

William P. Miller

Was born in Bath county. Kentucky, November 20, 1822, where he lived about two years, when his mother took him to Mercer county, the same , State, where lie was reared bj^ a man named Curry. When sixteen years of age he made a trip to South Carolina with a drove of hogs, and on his return went to Cincinnati, Ohio. He engaged in steamboating from there to New Orleans for some time. Next he went to Schuyler county, Illinois, and stopped about eighteen months, then moved to Gentrj^ county, Missouri, in 1841, where he made his home for several years. He learned the plasterer's trade, which he followed in various places in the State. He helped to cut the liemp off the ground where the old port of St. Joseph was built in August, 1843, and by Christmas there were about three hundred families living there. He left Gentry and went to Chariton county, whei-e he married Miss B. M. Moore, and rented a farm and fanned for three years. Came to Grundy county in 1849, and lived on the old Wild farm that winter, when he took up a claim in Mercer county, which he sold tlie same fall, then wintered in Daviess county as houses- were scarce in this county. In the spring of 1851 he built a cabin on the bluifs this side of Trenton, which he gave up, as other parties claimed it; then he rented a farm in the southwest corner of the county, of Jesse Harris, where he lived one year; rented a farm in Livingston county, where he stayed two years; took up a claim over in Daviess county, and lived there about six years, then sold out; went back to Livingston county, remained about one year; came back to this county, about six miles east of Trenton; stayed there about two years; then began moving, stopping a while in Livingston and Grundy counties; moved on a farm northeast of Trenton and lived there about seventeen months; next moved on a farm near Lindley; then left and went into Sullivan county, near Lindley, where he bought a farm; lived there about six years; sold out and came back to this county and bought the old Warner farm, where he still lives. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have had nine children : Maiy Jane, Cerilda E., Sarah E., James T., William Henry, Nancy Ann, Oliver G. S., Arviley, Miriam, and a babe not named. Cerilda E., and Sarah E., are dead.