Marion Township

Marion Township

Under a dispensation of April 28, 1858, granted by Bro. and Rev. William N. Irish, Dist. D. G. M., who was present and organized Easton Lodge, No. loi, A. F. and A. M., in their hall in the town of Easton, Buchanan County, Missouri, by appointing Bros. Daniel Conway, W. M.; Hugh McClinto.ck, Sen. W.; Absalom Kerns, Jun. W.; Jordan J. PuUins, Treas.; John Long, Secy; Silas H. Kerns, Sen. D.; L. D. Dowell, Jun. D.; Adam Kerns, Tyler, duly installing them as such.

On the 28th day of May, 1858, a charter was granted or issued to said lodge, and on August nth following, the following named officers were duly installed under their charter: Daniel Conway, W. M.; Absalom Kerns, Sen. W.; Joab Shultz, Jun. W.; J. J. PuUins, Treas.; John Long, Secy; Silas Kerns, Sen. D.; L. D. Dowell, Jun. D.; Adam Kerns, Secy and Treas. Daniel Conway, Hugh McClintock and Absalom Kerns were charter officers.

The following named have been W. Masters of this lodge : Daniel Conway, Absalom Kerns, Isham S. Talbot, John L. Stoneman, W. F. Forbis, Joseph Robinson, C. W. Benight, George W. Leftwich, George T. Black.

The following named persons have been secretaries : John Long, Elijah McCrary, C. W. Benight, Joseph Evans, Joseph Robinson, Chesley Wyatt, W. F. Forbis, James B. Leftwich.

Birt, Boyer & Co

dealers in general merchandise, Easton. George F. Birt, of this firm, was born April 19, 1857, in DeKalb County, Missouri, where he was principally reared and educated, spending his boyhood days on a farm. Came to Buchanan County in the fall of 1874, and entered as clerk in the same store in which he is now interested. After working four years in this capacity, he became a partner. In January, 1881, a new partnership was formed. They have a complete stock of general merchandise and also deal in agricultural implements. Mr. B. was married February i, 1 88 1, to Miss Laura Gibson, a native of this county, born in January, 1858. They are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

blacksmith and inventor, San Antonio, was born August 13, 185 1, in Lawrence County, Ohio, and was taken to Nodaway County, Missouri, when aboiat five years of age. He spent his boyhood days on a farm, and received a common school education. His father was killed in 1861, and since that time P. R. has taken care of himself. He commenced to learn the blacksmith trade in 1872, and has worked at it since. He moved to San Antonio February 10, 1879, and now has a neat and well arranged shop. He has displayed quite a taste for inventing, and already has two patents. His field roller, known as the Blackford and Davis Roller, is a novelty in design. His patent stalk cutter is something new, and, like the roller, gives vast advantages over other machinery. He also has a new idea in the shape of a three-horse whiffletree. His machinery has met with the approval of some of the best farmers in the state. He was married November 23, 1875, to Miss Sarah S. Owens, a native of Nodaway, County, Missouri, born in 1857. They have had three children, Henry, Ira and Delbert. Himself and wife are members of the Cumberland Church.

Isaac N. Brooks

farmer and stock raiser, section 19, postoffice Easton, was born July 15, 1819, in Madison County, Kentucky, and accompanied his parents to Orange County, Indiana, in, 1827, and he remained there until 1833, when he emigrated West, and settled in what is now known as Johnson County, Missouri. In 1837, he took a trip through the Platte Purchase. He and his father took up claims on Contrary Creek, in 1838, and engaged in the cattle business. They moved to Platte County in 1839, and here Isaac has made his home and in Buchanan County since. He is.a pioneer of this country, and relates many interesting reminiscences of his early struggles. In 1852, he opened a general store at Platte River Postoffice, which he continued to keep for three years. He made two trips to Texas, one in 1861, and the other in 1862, and came to this county to reside permanently, in 1865. He engaged in clerking in various stores, for three years, in St. Joseph, and then commenced the livery business, running the Allen House in connection. This he followed for three years. For two years he kept the Buchanan County Jail. He filled the position of Street Commissioner of St. Joseph three years - longer than any other person has done, and resigned on the 8th of February, 1 88 1, and moved to his farm. This consists of 155 acres of well improved and well watered land. Mr. B. is a member of the Knights Templar No. 4, and of Mitchell Chapter of St. Joseph, and was one of the charter members in the Chapter. He has been twice married : First, in 1841, to Miss Elizabeth Owens, who was the second white child born in Liberty, Clay County, Missouri. Her birth was March 18, 1824. She died January 10, 1874, leaving eight children : Lydia, William G., Sandford O., Brydon F., Isaac J., Rosalie, Florence and Mollie. He was married again, November 5, 1879, to Miss B. Denney, a native of Ohio, born November 17, 1846. She is a member of the Congregational Church.

Judge Lewis F. Carpenter

was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, January 21, 18 18. His father, Matthew Carpenter, was a representative man in that country. He was a soldier in the war of 18 12, and a descendant of some of the earliest settlers of the Old Dominion. His mother's maiden name was Harriet Benson. She was of French descent. Lewis F. was the eldest of a family of eight children, and was raised in his native county, where he received such education as was attainable in that day and county. At the age of seventeen, he went to Front Royal in Warren County, Virginia, where he spent seven years learning the wagon-making trade. September 28, 1843, he married Miss Elizabeth Varner, a native of Page County, Virginia. In the fall of 1854, he left for the West, and on the 9th of November of the same year arrived in St. Joseph, where he remained till the following spring, when he purchased 254 acres of land in the northeast corner of the county. Of this he has made one of the best improved farms in the county. Few men have contributed more materially to the growth and development of the same. In politics he is a Democrat, having voted that ticket since 1840, when he cast his first vote for President Van Buren. He has raised a family of ten children, nine sons and one daughter : Wm. H., Dr. Stephen F., a representative physician of St. Joseph ; Daniel E., a farmer of Andrew County ; Thos. J. and Robert S., residents of St. Joseph ; John A., Franklin P., Eddie, Burr H. and Mary E. Carpenter. In the fall of 1880, Lewis F. Carpenter was elected Judge of the County Court of Buchanan County, and bears the reputation of a capable and popular official.

Warren Davis

farmer and stock raiser, section 36, postoffice Easton, was born February 19, 1843, in Marion Township, Buchanan County, Missouri. His parents, who were natives of Ohio, came to this county in 1842. Warren spent his boyhood days on a farm and received his education in the schools of this county. He owns a fine farm of lOO acres, improved and well stocked, and also has a good orchard. He has filled the position of school director and clerk for several terms. Was married, in January, 1865, to Miss Isabella Glen, a daughter of Hugh Glen, one of the oldest pioneers in the county. She was born in 1842. They have five children, Cora A., Aleck G., Missouri L., Effie L., and Joseph W. They are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Clark Deppin

farmer and stock raiser, section 10, postoffice Riverton, was born November S, 1839, in Ohio, and was brought to this county by his parents when about one year old, and has been reared here as a farmer. He here received his education. His landed estate consists of 348 acres of well improved land. He was married October 8, 1861, to Miss Frances Pierce, a native of Springfield, Illinois, born August 31, 1843. They have four children living, Maggie E., William A., Annie M., Mary C; lost seven. Himself and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

George W. Homan

farmer and stock raiser, section 25, postoffice Easton, was born May 28, 1841, in Baltimore County, Maryland, and spent his boyhood days on a farm, receiving a common school education. Learned the carpenter's trade in his youth and has followed it considerably during life. During, the late war he belonged to General Sherman's construction corps, and went with him to Atlanta, Georgia; then returned and afterwards joined him in South Carolina. He emigrated west in the spring of 1865, and settled in this county, where he has since remained, and now owns a fine farm of 120 acres, which is well improved and stocked. Mr. H. has filled the officd of school director several terms. Was married, January 5, 1867, to Miss Delilah Missemer, a native of Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, born in November, 1844. They have five children, Harry, Charlie, Raymond, George and Emmitt. Mrs. H. is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. H. belongs to the Methodist denomination.

Jacob Hoppel

proprietor of the Easton House, Easton, was born February 7, 1834, in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, and there was principally reared and received his education. He was raised on a farm. During the late war he enlisted in Company G, Forty-fourth Missouri Infantry in 1864, and took part in the battles of Nashville, Mobile, Spanish Fort, Fort Blakley and many other minor engagements. He came to this county April 15, 1861, and has here made his home since, being engaged in farming most of the time. He took charge of the Easton House on the 4th of April, 1 88 1, and at present is doing a fair business. He ^is also interested in the sale of agricultural implements, and has a stock on hand suitable to the wants of the farmers. He holds the position of street commissioner of Easton. Mr. H. was married in November, 1874, to Miss Mary Miller, a native of Ohio. She was born May 23, 1853. They have two children living, Cora and Elmer L. Mrs. H. is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

H. B. Iba

postmaster and boot and shoemaker, Easton, was born March 13, 1836, in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. His father was a farmer and shoemaker, and H. B. learned the trade when a boy. Spent his youthful days on the farm, and received his education in the schools of that county, first engaging in teaching in 1855. Taught two years, and afterwards went to Philadelphia in 1864, and remained there one year. Returning to his native county, he taught a year. Emigrated west in the spring of 1866, and arrived in Easton in April, and has made this his home since, except the year 1875, which he spent in St. Joseph. He holds the position of postmaster. Was married January 13,. 1856, to Miss Lavina S. Barkey, a native of the same place as himself She was born in April, 1836. They have three children living, Calvin F., Lizzie B. and Henry. Himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Iba is the only one of the original Trustees of the church of Easton now remaining.

George M. Kerns

farmer and stock raiser, section 4, postoffice Easton, was born August 31, 1844, in Clinton County, Missouri, and was principally reared as a farmer, and there received his education. During the late war, he displayed his patriotism by enlisting in the State Militia, serving for eighteen months, and took part in several small skirmishes. At the close of the war he again turned his attention to farming. In January, 1870, he settled on the place which he now occupies, and since that time has been a resident of this county. His landed estate consists of 160 acres, where he resides, and 80 acres in DeKalb County, all improved. He has always shown a commendable spirit in forwarding the interests of the county. December 23, 1874, he was married to Miss Keziah Strowd, a native of Indiana, born in 1845. They have had four children : Florence B., David F., Helen and Alice. Mrs. K. is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

John F. Keys

dealer in general merchandise, Easton, was born January i, 1839, in Harrison County, Va., and was brought to Platte County, Mo., when quite young, and to this county in 1843. Here he was reared as a farmer, and also engaged in teaching for some time. He commenced the mercantile business at Easton, September 14, 1857, and has continued it since.. He carries a complete stock of mechandise, and receives a good patronage. Himself and partner shipped the first bill of goods over this end the St. Joseph & Hannibal Railroad, from St. Joseph to Easton, ii? 1858. Mr. K. has filled the position of school director for several terms. Is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity, and has held all of the different offices of the lodge. Was married, in August, 1855, to Mrs. Fannie Lewnbeck, daughter of Chester Woodward. She was a native of -Clay County, Missouri, and was born in May, 1842. She died in 1878, Jeaving five children : Claude M., Vallie V., Stella, Herman and Ada. She had two children by her former husband, Clara and Joel. Mr. K. is -a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

J-etired, Easton, is of Irish descent, and was born in Howard County, Missouri, January 5, 1820. His father came there from North Carolina in 1817, and subsequently removed to Johnson County, where Elijah was princjpally raised. In 1837 he settled in the Platte Purchase, being -among the first settlers to come into Andrew County after it was given up by the Indians. In 1844 he moved to Rochester and engaged in Arming, and in 185 1 came to Marion Township, Buchanan County, pur- chasing four hundred acres of land,'on a part of which now stands the town of Easton. This was laid out by him in 1854. He was engaged extensively in merchandising there and at neighboring villages untiE retiring from an active business life. He has been identified with theinterests of Easton from the commencement of the growth of the place. Mr. McCrary was married in 1849 to Miss Nancy J. Martin, a native of Kentucky, born in 1829. They have six children living, L. M., Benjamin, E. D., Nancy J. (now Mrs. J. M. Gibson), Emma (now M.rs. S. D. Chandler), and Albina. Four are deceased. Mr. McCrary is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in which he has held the position of deacon.

of the firm of McCrary Brothers, dealers in general merchandise, Easton, is the third son of Elijah McCrary, and was born May 7, 1856, in this county, and has been reared here as a farmer. When fifteen years off age he commenced clerking with his father, and when twenty-one yearsold, and on the ist of January, 1880, his father turned the business over to the boys. They are doing a thriving business, arrd also have a storeat Agency. E. U. runs the lines at this place, while his- brother is at Agency. Our subject was married on the 4th of October, i874,to Miss- Genomy Smith, of St. Joseph. She was born June 11, 1855', in Virginia.- They have two children - Mittie and Don.

George Marker

retired merchant, Easton, was born February 14,, 1839,, in Buchanam County, Missouri, and spent his boyhood days on. a farm, and here received his education. In the fall of 1857, he went to California,, and. engaged in mining and farming, and removed from there to Oregon and engaged in buying and selling stock. Finally located in Washington. Territory : thence to Idaho, and returned to this state in 1864, where he engaged in freighting between St. Joseph and Denver for about one year. He then purchased a farm, upon which he settled. In 1866, he was married to Miss Rebecca Clark, a native of this county, born March 4, 1847. She died on the 8th of February, 1878, leaving one child, Lgnora B. Four are deceased. He moved to Easton in 1873, and. engaged in the mercantile business, continuing therein until the spring^ of 1 88 1. He owns a residence and a store building in Easton. He was. married again in September, 1880, to Miss Nancy J. Leftwich.. She was. born in 1851, and is a member of the Christian Church.

Mary Quigley

an early settler of this vicinity, was born March 16, 183 1, in County Tipperary, Ireland, and came to the United States in 185 1, settling in New York City. There she formed the acquaintance of M. C. Quigley,. and they were married before the close- of the year. He was a native of County Wakesiord, Ireland, and was born in 18 1.9. They came west to Chicago in 1852, remaining for two. years, and then moved to Racine,, Wisconsin ; thence to Alton, Illinois, and finally to Iowa, where they remained for three years, coming- to Missouri,, in August, 1859. They resided one year at Cameron, thea came to this county. Mr. Q. followed railroading, and while he worked on, the section, his wife attended to, operating the tank. He was accidentally killed while in the employ of the railroad company, in 1864. Since his death, Mrs. Quigley has kept the position and has raised a family of six. children, the eldest of which was only ten years of age at that time. She displays great energy, and the length of time she has held the position (some twenty-two years) is ample proof of the esteem in which she is held by the railroad comparty. The family consists of Margaret J., Mary F., Elizabeth A., James E.,., Michael H. and Credelia J. She is a member of the Catholic Church.

farmer and stock raiser, section 33, postoffice Easton, was born August 4, 1833, in Mason County, Kentucky, and was raised, there as a farmer and received an excellent common school education. He came west in, and traveled over this western county until the breaking out of the war in 1861, when he enlisted in the Southern army, and belonged to I-andis' Battery of St. Joseph. He took part in the second, battle of Corinth,, the battle of luka Springs, Grand Gulf, Champion's Hill and the siege of Vicksburg, and at the latter was taken prisoner and held until 1865. He then returned to this county and engaged in agricultural pursuits,, and now owns a fine farm of 151 acres, well improved. Mr. K. has filled the positions of school director and road supervisor several terms. Was married, February 7, 1865, to Miss Lydia R. Reid, a daughter of Walker. G. Reid. She was born January 29, 1846, in this county, and was educated at the Convent of the Sacred Heart, of St. Joseph, and received: her diploma. They have five children: Allen G., Lorena, Leota, Wil^- liam I., and Walker. They lost one. Himself and wife are members of the Christian Church, in which he formerly held the position of elder.

Joseph Robinson

During the late war he enlisted May 2, 1861, and served for twenty months, taking part in the battles of Cheek Mountain, Kernstown, McDowell, and the seven days' fight around Richmond. Then turned his attention to railroading. He came to Missouri in 1867 and has since Ijeen engaged in the railroad business. He owns 240 acres of fine land .adjoining the town of Easton. This is one of the finest stock farms in the county, and also has a handsome residence in the village. In principle, as well as in purse, Mr. B. is one of the solid men of the county. He was married July 3, 1863, to Miss Mary A. Leftwich, a native of Vir- .;ginia, born in 1844. They have a family of four children, Mary L., -Georgia, Dolman, and Jessie ; lost, three. Mrs. R. is a member of the 'Christian Church. Mr. R. is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has held the position of Master of Easton Lodge, No. lor, for four years, farmer, section 32, postofifice Easton, is a native of Kentucky, and was born in 18 17. He had but very slender educational advantages. He -emigrated to Missouri in 1844, locating in Platte County, whence he removed to Buchanan County in 1851. He was married in 1844 to Miss Elizabeth Minor, a native of Kentucky. They have had six children, two of whom are dead. When Mr. Shortridge came to Missouri, in 1840, there was no one in these parts except Robidoux and a few age,nts. St. Joseph was a wheat-field at that time, and where the wheat then grew is now the bed of the river. He sustained losses by the war of -over four thousand dollars, principally in corn and bacon, of which he was robbed. He was arrested and put in prison at St. Joseph, where he was fed by friends. He got nothing from any other source, and was taken out twice to be hung. Through his own intercession he was ;saved, with about forty others. He was called out at home and threatened to be shot, made no' concealment of his politics, but said he was trying to attend to his own business. He has all through life donated liberally to churches and school houses. He is a Mason and member of the Christian Church. Mr. Shortridge and his son, W. P., Jr., are perfecting a new grain drill which will be far superior to anything on the market. They challenge the world with the Shortridge drill. It is a -complete combination of wheat drill, corn marker, wheat roller and -cultivator.

William H. Slaybaugh

farmer and stock raiser, section 18, postoffice Easton, was born August 14, 1837, in Buchanan County, Missouri, and has made this his home through life. Received his education in the old log school house, and lias made agricultural pursuits his occupation through life. During the

:late war he served for three years with Company H, Fourth Missouri Cavalry. Assisted in driving Price from Missouri on his raid in 1864, .and was wounded at the battle on the Blue ; also took part in the battles of Mine Run and Little Miami, which was the last buchwhacker fight in the State. Owns a fine farm of 74 acres, which is well cultivated. He has filled the positions of road overseer and clerk of the district. Was married in 1865, to Miss Lizzie C. Missemer, a native of Pennsylvania. They have five children living - Minnie, Cyrus, Katie, Thomas and Andrew. Lost one. Mrs. S. is a member of the New School Presbyterian Church.

Allen Stroud

farmer and stock raiser, section 16, post office Easton, was born October 14, 1810, in Dearborn County, Indiana, and was reared as a farmer until twenty-one years of age, there receiving his education. He moved to Vanderburg County, Indiana, in 183 1, and resided there for thirty-four years, engaged in farming and stock raising. From that place he came to Buchanan County, Missouri, in 1865. He owns 140 acres of land well improved and stocked. Mr. S. made what he owns by honesty, industry and fair dealing. He has been twice married, first on the 4th -of July, 1833, to Miss Jane Smith, a native of Rochester, New Jersey. She died on the 9th of January, 1880, leaving a family of seven children, three of whom are still living : Helen E., (now Mrs. D. L. Hawkins) Kizia, (now Mrs. Monroe Kerns) and Joshua. He was married again January 11, 1881, to Mrs. Ellen McClain, a native of this state. They are members of the Free Baptist Church. His son-in-law, D. L. -Hawkins, resides with him.

Dr. I. S. Talbot

-was born in Carroll County, Kentucky, July 15, 1833. His grandfather - who served through the Revolutionary war - located in that state in the time of Boone. The doctor's father was born in Kentucky, as was -also his mother. Our subject was the youngest son of eight children, and in 1843 came with his father to Missouri, locating in Marion Township, Buchanan County. He here attended the common schools, and for two years was a student at Chapel Hill College, in Lafayette County. Having resolved to become a physician, in 1853, he began the study of -medicine with Dr. B. F. Donaldson. In 1854, he began practicing, and for some time was in partnership with him. In April, 1856, he estab- -lished himself in practice at Easton, being the first physician to locate Ihere. During the late war he served a short time under General Price, holding the position of first lieutenant. Dr. Talbot's landed estate -consists of 375 acres, adjoining the town of Easton. He has been twice married. First, in July, 1854, to Miss Evaline Donaldson; she died in August, 1869, leaving six children, five of whom are livingi George W., Andrew J., Mary J., Laura, and E. M. He was married, again on the i8th of May, 1871, to Mary C. Mayham. By this unioni they have three children: I. W., E. L., and C. A. M. They lost one:. Mrs. T. is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and also of the Masonic fraternity, and holds the position of treasurer of Easton Lodge No. loi.

J. W. Taylor

merchant and postmaster, San Antonio, was born September 15, 1852, in Muskingum County, Ohio, and was taken to Iowa by his parents, when about two years of age. Came from there to this county in thespring of 1865, and has made this his home ever since. Spent his boyhood days on a farm, receiving his education in the schools of this vicinity, and when fourteen years of age he left home and worked by the month until twenty-two years old. Then married, and commencedfarming on his own account. On the 14th of August, 1880, he purchased the store at this place, which is well filled with a general stock of goods, and' Mr. Taylor has secured a liberal patronage. Was married October 8,. 1874, to Matilda Simmons, a native of this county, born September 23,, 1856. They have three children^Ira P., Ida L. and Delia P. Mrs. T_ is a member of the M. E. Church.

William T. Tuck

dealer in groceries and provisions, Easton, was born August 22, 1844, in* Jackson County, Alabama, and was brought to this county by his parents ini 1852, and has here made his home since. He spent his boyhood dayson a farm. During the late war he enlisted in the Eighteenth Missouri,. Company K, in February 1862, and served until July, 1865. He took part in the engagements of Island No. 10, Shiloh, first and second battles of Corinth, Mississippi, and was with Sherman on his " March to the Sea,"' and many other minor engagements. He returned to this county in the spring of 1866, and engaged in the mercantile business, in which he hassince been engaged. Mr. T. married, in 1867, Miss Levana Lawlis; a native of this county, born in 1849. They have five children living:. Emma, Maud, Efifie, Edna and Jessie ; lost one. Himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

Herman H. Vondenbosch

dealer in general merchandise, and postmaster, Hirlingen, was- born. January 26, 1852, in Holland, and accompanied his parents to the United

States when abouttwelve years of age. They settled in Mercer County, Ohio, and here he was principally reared, receiving his education at St. Mary's of Dayton, Ohio. After completing his schooling he engaged in teaching in that vicinity for eight years. He emigrated west in the spring of 1878 a;nd arrived in this county in April of that year. Started his present business in the winter of 1880. He owns one acre of land and has a neat store and also a residence. He has won a large patronage and has been influential in securing a post office at this place and appointed postmaster. He has quite a musical talent and gives lessons to a choir in Easton. He was married September 14, 1875, to Miss Catharine Droxler, a native of Ohio, born November 25, 1857. They have two children, Catharine M. and Peter P. Himself and wife are active members of St. Mary's Church of this township.

Maurice Wogan

farmer and stock raiser, sectipn 24, postoffice Easton, was born December '12, 182Q, in County Kings, Ireland, and was reared there as a farmer,' until twenty-two years of age. He came to America in 1842, landed at New York City, and went to Litchfield, Connecticut ; remained there eighteen years, engaged in farming. Then removed to Fremont County, Nebraska, and was among its early pioneers there. After twelve years, he came to Buchanan County, Missouri, and settled on the place he now occupies. His landed estate consists of 380 acres of fine farm land, well improved and stocked. Mr. W. has filled his present position of school 'director and road supervisor several terms. In 1852, he was married to Miss Ann Bloomer. She is also a native of Ireland. They have ten children : John, Joseph, Mary (.now Mrs. Diegnan), Ellen, Michael, Sarah, Katie, Esther, Maurice and Tresa. Himself and family are members e>{ the Catholic Church.

Waller Young

formerly Senator from the Second District, was born in Bath County, Kentucky, in 1843, and remained in the State until ten years of age, when he came to Missouri, locatin-g in Buchanan County, where, excepting at short intervals, he has since resided. He attended college at Platte City, Missouri, until the icommencement of the late war, when he -went to Virginia, joined General Marshall's army, and remained in the Tanks until the last echo of the Southern guns died away. He then returned to Missouri, determined to acquire for himself in the civil of life "a respectable position, and if energy would accomplish anything, a prominent place among the people of his State. After graduating at the law school of Louisville, Kentucky, he practiced in St.

Joseph with marked success. Having a natural propensity for politics^ and a clear and discriminating judgment, he early foresaw that the onlymeans whereby the people of Missouri could be relieved from theoppressions of the Radical party was by producing dissensions in their ranks by forming a Liberal party, based upon the principle of enfranchising all citizens of the State without distinction ; hence we find him. taking an active part in the campaign that elected Brown governor. He was a delegate to the State convention in 1872, and did more tonominate Governor Woodson than any man in the convention. He was appointed private secretary of Governor Woodson, and after serving a short time resigned. In 1874 he was nominated as a Democratic candidate for the State Senate, and was elected by 1,900 majority - the largest Democratic majority the district ever gave. He was chairman of the Committee on Claims, and a member of the committees on Internal Improvements, Swamp Lands, and Lunatic Asylum. Mr. Young" bids fair to become one of the most prominent men in the State, and possesses all the qualities essential to a great man - intelligence, capability, principle, and honesty. In the past few years he has taken but little active part in politics.