Middleton Township

Middleton Township

The first public record found of the name of Middleton occurs under date of July 7, 1845, when James Pearman petitioned for a license to keep a dram shop in the town of Middleton, in Lafayette county, in the house owned by David K. Palmer. The county clerk was ordered to " issue a license authorizing the said James Pearman to keep a dramshop at the place aforesaid for six months from this date, upon the payment of the sum of $25.00 as a state tax and $18.75 county tax, and the ad valorem tax on the sum of $126.75, the amount of his stock subject to this tax." This item is of historic interest, as showing the liquor-license system in vogue at that time.

The next mention of Middleton is September 7, 1847, when it occurs incidentally in a petition for a road which was to " commence at the state road leading from Boonville to Lexington at or near where the said state road crosses the county line between Lafayette and Saline county, to run thence in a northwesterly direction to the town of Middleton, etc. But on July 1st, 1850, this town of Middleton had its name changed to Waverly; its boundaries were much enlarged, and it became an incorporated village. The petition for incorporation was signed by Charles M. Cowan and thirty four others, claiming to be more than two-thirds of the taxpaying inhabitants of the village. David Callahan, Lewis Fairchild, Elisha M. Edwards, Charles M. Cowan, and Alexander Skillen were appointed as the first board of trustees of the new corporation.

Middletonians are happy or not. The boundary lines of the new township were established as follows: " Commencing where the range line between Ranges No. 24 and 25 intersects the Missouri river, thence south with said range line to where the same intersects the township line July 4th, 1848: hence its birthday will always be celebrated, whether the But Middleton Township was born into this world of tribulation on between townships 49 and 50; thence east with said township line to Saline county; thence with the boundary line between Saline and Lafayette counties, north to the Missouri river; thence up said river with the meanders thereof to the place of beginning." And these boundaries have not since been changed.

Early Settlement

As far as reported, the first settlers who appeared in this neighborhood were Alexander Galbraith, from Kentucky, who purchased 200 acres of land on Sections 22 and 14, Township 51, Range 24; a Mr. Dustin who located on Section 24; John D. Thomas, from Kentucky, Littleberry Estes and Washington Shroyer, who settled near by. The first female child born in this settlement was Susan Estes, daughter of Littleberry Estes.

The first death which occurred was that of Mrs. Hugh Crawford, who was buried in the Estes grave yard. Dr. Buck, who died in Arkansas, was the first regular physician. The first minister, is reported to have been S. Bradley, of the Christian denomination.

The first school is asserted to have been taught in a church - (of which no other mention is made) by a Mr. Dillard, who now resides in Grain Valley. The tuition was $2.50 per scholar. The first weaving was done by Mrs. Alexander Galbraith.

is situated in the northern part of Middleton township, on the Missouri river, and was founded in 1845, by Washington W. Shroyer. It was originally known as " Middletown," and its present name was adopted in 1848. David Callahan was president of the first board of trustees. In 1854, a man named Thomas purchased some land adjoining the city on the east, and laid out a town, which he called St. Thomas. Mr. Thomas died shortly after the war, and St. Thomas was annexed to Waverly. It was incorporated July 1, 1850, and Judge Wm. Thomas was elected the first mayor. The petition for incorporation was signed by Charles M. Cowan and thirty-four others, tax-payers of the town. David Callahan, Lewis Fairchild, Elisha M. Edwards, Charles M. Cowan, and x^lexander Skillen were appointed as the first board of trustees of the new corporation. The first house was built by David K. Palmer, and has since been washed away by the angry waters of the Missouri. He also owned the first store. In 1S46, a frame school-house was built, at a cost of $140, which was also used for church purposes. The first religious services were held in this house, conducted by the Rev. Roth - Missionary Baptist. Mrs. Susan Shroyer taught the first school, which consisted of about twenty-two pupils, at a salary of $30 per month. The first wedding occurred in about i849, the high contracting parties being John Morrison and Miss Lucy Shroyer. In 1835, Jacob Shroyer, son of W. W. and Jane V« Shroyer, was born ; he being the first male child born within the city limits* Lucy Shroyer, born of the same parents, in 1833, was the first female child" The first death was that of an infant child of John Marshall. The first regular physician was Dr. P. H. Chambers, a native of Kentucky, who now resides in Lexington. The first cemetery, which is still in use, is located in the southeastern part of the town, on section 15. The present officers are as follows: Mayor, John E. Corder; councilmen, C. Krous, W. H. Landrum, A. S. Van Anglen, Judge W. H. Thomas, H. I. Chrisman, and John L. Oliver.

The Carriage Manufactory, of the Landrum Bros., is located on Washington street, and was established by them in 1873. The wood-work and blacksmithing department is 50x40; the painting and trimming department, 20x70, and the carriage repository, 26x75, is built of brick. Capital invested in grounds and buildings, $2,500; capital invested in machinery, $1,500; capital invested in incidentals, $1,920; total, $5,920; number of employees, 7.

In 1869 or 1870, a paper called the Waverly Express was published at Waverly, first by Chas. Patterson, then a Mr. Frazee, who was joined, in September, 1870, by W. H. Peters, from Illinois. It appears to have been democratic; but no further particulars were obtained.

Waverly Lodge, No. 114, was organized by Judge John F. Ryland, under dispensation dated June 15, 1849. The following were the first officers: Henry B. Harvey, W. M. ; Michael Stevenson, S. W.; G. W. Hereford, J. W.; W. W. Shroyer, treasurer; John S. Nowland, secretary; A. Franciscoe, S. D.; J. M. Lewis, J. D.; Joseph W. Cloudsley, tyler. Surrendered their charter January. 28, 1860, on account of war troubles, and were never rechartered.

Order Eastern Star. - Bethany chapter, No. 109, O. E. S., was instituted by H. G. Reynolds and G. W. Patron. The date of charter was July 28, 1875. The first officers were: J. B. Wood, W. P.; Mary Hawkins, W. M.; Willie A. Wood, Assistant M.

The present officers are: J. B. Wood, W. P.; A. E. Galbraith, W. M.; M. E. Gordon, secretary; M. E. Loper, treasurer; K. T. Kooper, Cond.; M. A. Wood, Ass't. Cond.; E. Smiley, Ada; E. P. Pelot, Ruth; R. Norfleet, Esther; Fanny Edwards, Martha; Bertie Thomas, Electa; Laura Landrum, Warden; R. C. Allen; sentinel. The present membership is seventy-two. Have a brick building in which they hold their lodges. M. A. Woods, M. E. Hawkins, and M. E. Galbraith are members of the grand lodge.

Middleton Local Aid Society was organized July 15, 1881, by Frank K. Doan. The names of the charter members are as follows: John S. Webb, L.J. Webb, Elder W. H. Blanks, B. F. McCord, A. McCord, Dr. Geo. O. Feagans, Davis S. Miller, Rev. J. M. Scott, J. M. Horler, M. E. Dethrige, John D. Masterson, William Blankinship, F. W. Pauling, J. W. Zook, and Moses Greenbaum. The officers are: J. T. Webb, president; J. M. Horler, vice-president; David S. Miller, secretary; A. McCord, treasurer; George O. Feagans, medical examiner; B. F. McCord, deputy; J. M. Scott, .

The town of Alma was founded by Captain Lysing and Jno. W. Woodson, on completion of the C. & A. Extension railroad in 1879, and incorporated in 1880. The first mayor was Dr. Thomas Field. The postoffice was established in 1879, the first postmaster being Perry Catron. Dr. Field built the first house and owned the first store. The first schoolhouse was built in the summer of 1880, at a cost of $750. The first school was taught by Miss Cassie Bascom, the number of pupils being thirtyfive, at a compensation of $45 per month. The first marriage was that of H. C. Clay to Miss Milburn, and was performed at Thomas Luke's, and by Thomas Luke, who was the first justice of the peace. The first male child born in the town of Alma was Mitchell, son of Geo Weston, and the first female child was Katie, daughter of William and Martha Buck, born in June 1879. Dr. Thomas Field was the first regular physician in Alma - since moved to Sedalia. The present town officers are: Stark, mayor; Martin Buck, Wm. Doblie, and Charles Mayviers, town board. The town is about equally divided between orignal Piatt & Corder's addition andjording's addition.

Three Groves Church was organized about the year 1871. The original members were Mrs. Boyd, Mrs. Hoard, Geo. Nethercutt, and some others. The church building was erected in 1880-81 ; it is of frame and cost $1,500. It was dedicated the first Sunday in May, 1881, by Rev. W. B. McFarland. Their pastors have been R. A. Shaffer, W. I. Brown, and W. B. McFarland. The present membership numbers forty. In connection with the church they have a fine Sunday-school.

Dr. J. B Wood

The subject of this sketch, a highly respected citizen and honored physician of Waverly, is the son of Wm. F. and Sarah E. Wood, who were among the early settlers of Lafayette county, formerly of Tennessee. The doctor was born in Lafayette county, Feb. 25, 1839. He received his education at Lexington and Chapel Hill College. Commenced the study of medicine when sixteen years old under Dr. S. W Brown. Afterwards attended St. Louis medical college where he graduated in class of 1859-60. Began practice of medicine in Waverly. When the war came on, he enlisted in the southern cause, and left Waverly with Gen. Shelby's company, as assistant surgeon of his regiment, and afterwards was promoted to surgeon. He was with Shelby through the entire war. Was in the battles of Lexington, Newtonia, Prairie Grove Springfield, Harstville, Helena, Little Rock, Jenkins Ferry and every raid made in Missouri. After the surrender of Shreveport, he returned to his home in Waverly and to the practice of his profession in partnership with Dr

^enCZ»-r0Zn' Wh° retir6d in 187L Jan' 10' 1867' he wa* carried to Miss Willie Demass, of Saline county. At the organization of the Lafavette county medical association, in November, 1879, was elected president which position he now holds. He is also a member of the masonic order and for many years has been worshipful master.

Capt. Wm. A. Redd

The subject of this sketch is a son of Walter and Rebecca Redd of Fayette county, Ky., where he was born and lived until grown to manhood. Received his education at Locust Grove academy, Kentucky After completing his education, he engaged in the mercantile business at Lexington. In 1856 he moved to Chicago and there he continued in the mercantile trade. From Chicago he removed to Lafayette county where he remained until the war broke out. He then enlisted in the confederacy and was captain and adjutant of Shelby's regiment, in which he remained throughout the war. In 1866 he was a planter in Alabama. In 1867 he returned to Lafayette county where he has since lived engaged in general merchandise. In May, 1859, he was married to Miss Mildred Taylor of Dover, Lafayette county. By this marriage he has three children fan ette M., Hubbard F. and Mary W. Capt Redd is one of Lafayette county's most enterprising men. In addition to his merchandise business he is carrying on a farm near Waverly in partnership with his brother' also has 1,000 head of cattle in Texas. ' land-holder and stock-dealer; is a native of Maryland, the son of Rigby and Mary (Aull) Hopkins. Mr. Hopkins was born April 7, 1815, and lived in his native state until the year 1845. He then came to Boone county, Missouri, where he settled upon a farm until 1854; he then came to Saline county, and in 1857 came to Lafayette county, Mo., here has engaged in merchandising for twenty years. He is the owner of 800 acres of Lafayette county's best land. In 1857 he was married to Miss Ann Corrin, an English'lady, who died Nov. 9, 1876. Mr. Hopkins is a publicspirited man and a strong man in the M. E church, south, of which he is a devout member.

John J. Hall

The subject of this sketch is a native of Kentucky, the son of Braxton P. and Catherine Hall, natives of the same state. He was born Nov, 26, 1814. At the age of seventeen his parents moved to Missouri, and settled in Saline county' where he and his parents lived upon the farm for several years. In 1834 run a store in Henry county, Mo., on the frontier. Thence to Miami where he engaged in merchandise for several years, then moved to Dover, in this county, where he was associated with Fletcher in the manufacture of rope. In 1845 he came to Waverly where he built a flouring mill. Afterwards resumed his favorite pursuit of merchandising until the war broke out. During the war he took his family of girls to Shelbyville, Kentucky, to college and remained with them. In 1866 he returned to Waverly, Mo, where he was elected mayor and justice of the peace which position he held till 1881, when he resigned both offices. In 1840 he was married to Miss Lucretia M. Craig, daughter of Dr. Robert Craig, natives of Virginia. By this marriage he had seven children, five of whom are now living: Blanche (Corder), Mary E. (Deartherage), J. E. (Mrs. Dr. Chin), Dixie L. (Andrew Francisco), Katie, (Dr. Bell.)

Senator E. M. Edwards

is a native of Cabell county, W. Va., the eldest son of Joseph and Sarah (McConnas) Edwards, who came to Johnson county in 1839, where they settled upon a farm for two years. They moved to Platte county, tnen to Marshall, Saline county, in 1847. In 1848 he came to Waverly and engaged in the mercantile business, and was elected justice of the peace; during this time he studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1861 His practice was chiefly in Lafayette and Saline counties. In 1876 he was elected to the state senate, and made chairman of the committee on permanent seat of government. Was re-elected in the year lb b0, over Col. Henry Chiles, C. C. Tevis, and W. C. Smith, republicans. He received the nomination over the democrats and defeated the republican nominee by 1,345 votes in Lafayette county. The second official term he was made a member of the committe on internal improvements, and chairman of the committee on claims. His chief attention has been directed towards correcting the defects and inconsistencies of the law. He was the first master of the lodge of A. F. & A. M. Was married March 19, 1843, to Miss Mary B. Lyon, of Logon county, Ky., and by her he had eleven children, three of whom are now living: G. W. H., Joseph L. and Wm. S. Mrs. Edwards died in August, 1870. He was again married, to Mrs. Fannie R., relict of Wm. Berriman, of Henry county, Ky. By this marriage he had two children, Frank and James E. R.

John E. Corder

farmer and merchant, and senior member of the firm of Corder & Redd, leading merchants of Waverly. Mr. Corder is a native of Rappahanock county, Virginia, and was born Aug 1, 1836, the third son of a family of eight children of Eliza and Sarah (Jeftres) Corder, who were natives of the same state. He spent his early life with his parents in Virginia, where he received his education. When at the age of twenty years he came west and located in Lafayette county, Mo. In the fall of 1856 he went to Kansas, and during her troubles was body guard for John M. Reid. When relieved he then returned to Lafayette county, and was employed by Corder & Co. In 1860 he was married; then left his bride for the field of battle. Was in Gen. Shelby's command, and fought in the battle of Newtonia, Prairie Grove, Helena, Prairie de Ann, Little Rock, Westport, Marshall, Springfield, Jenkins Ferry, and with Shelby in all his raids. After the war he returned to his wife, who was Rebecca Heaton daughter of Col. D. Heaton, a soldier of the war of 1812. He now became engaged in the cultivation of the soil, which he followed in connection with his mercantile business. Mr. Corder is a very enterprising man and is the possessor of about 1,000 acres of extra good land. His mariage was blessed with three children: Katie E., Leslie, and Frank Gordon. Mr. Corder holds the office of Justice of the peace of his township, also mayor of his town. These offices he holds with satisfaction to the people and credit to himself.

Thomas A. Groves

farmer and junior partner of the firm, owners of Lafayette county star mills, and is a native of this county. His parents were David and Eliza (tlutchings) Groves, they were from Tennessee and Kentucky, and came to this county in 1838. Thomas spent his early life with his parents, and received his education in the Masonic college at Lexington, and graduated in the years 1856 - 57. After graduating he merchandised for a short time, but abandoned that and went on to the farm. When the war came on he joined Gates' regiment, with which he remained till the fall of Vicksburg;he then joined Shelby's command, with whom he remained . through the war. After the war he returned to farm life. In November, 1866, he was marred to Miss Mary C, daughter of Col. G. B. Warren, of Dover; by this marriage he has two children: George Warren and David.

H. C. Francisco

stock and grain dealer, is a native of Saline county, Mo., born March 1st, 1845; the son of Andrew and Joann (Christie) Francisco, who were natives of Woodford county, Ky., and emigrated to Saline county, Mo., at an early day. H. C. was educated in Saline county, and at Chapel Hill college. When the war broke out he joined Taylor's company, and served in the trans-Mississippi department, serving through the war. Then he returned to Saline county, where he lived for two years, then moved to Waverly. In March, 1875, he was married to Miss Emma Thomas, daughter of Oscar and Serelda Thomas. By this marriage he has two children.

John S. Calloway

The subject of this sketch is a native of Missouri, born in Harrisonville, December 31st, 1844; educated in Bates county, where he was when the war broke out. He then enlisted in Peyton's regiment, and was with Price most of the time, serving under Holmes, E. K. Smith and Beaureguard; is the son of James H. and Mary (Martin) Calloway, of Tennessee.

J. W. Tucker

druggist, is a native of Maryland, the son of Walter and Nancy Tucker, natives of eastern Maryland. J. W. was born May 8th, 1816; educated at Brookville, Indiana; received his medical education in the Cincinnati medical college, of Ohio. After leaving college he practiced medicine in Livingston county, Mo., until the Mexican war broke out when he and Captain Slack raised a company of men, and the doctor was made First Lieutenant of that company, L, second regiment Missouri volunteers command by Gen. Sterling Price; was in the battle of Canada, and was discharged at Ft. Leavenworth in 1847; then returned home and engaged in the drug business, first at Carrollton, and then at Brunswick, and lastly at Waverly, in the year 1866.

Rev. J. M. Scott

pastor of O. S. Presbyterian church of the U. S. The subject of this sketch is a native of Hardy county, W. Va.; was born January 18, 1830. The son of Rev. W. M. and Nancy (Daniel) Scott, who lived and died in the old state of Virginia. Joseph M. received his collegiate education in Hampden, Sidney college, and graduated in the class of 1851-52. His theological instructions were receieved in the Union theological seminary and at the Danville theological seminary, of Kentucky. His first charge was Winchester, Ky., and afterwards he supplied the churches of Clear Creek and Green Springs, Ky. In 1865 he had a charge at Carlisle until 1871, when he moved to Carrollton, Mo., and lived three years. Then he moved to Jersey ville, Ills., where he was pastor of the second Presbyterian church for six years. He then came to Waverly where he has since resided. On the fifth Sabbath of July, 1881, he was installed pastor of the O. S. Presbyterian church. In 1857 he was married to Miss Josephine Coon, of Nicholasville, Ky., by whom he has one daughter, Anna M. (Guinn). In 1860 Mrs. Scott died, and in 1861 he was again married to Miss Nannie Parks, daughter of Col. T. S. Parks, of Nicholas county, Ky. This marriage was blessed with six children: Mabel, Lydia H., Lizzie D., Mattie P., Wm. S. and Thompson P.

Charles Kraus

dealer in hardware, tinware, and furniture. The subject of this sketch was born in Germany, September 10, 1848. His parents were John and Anna D. Kraus, who moved to America in the year 1850. His father was a soldier in the French revolution, and died in Lafayette county, Missouri, in the year 1874. Charles received his education in this county. Was occupied upon the farm for ten years. In 1870, he purchased the hardware store of S. W. Campbell, also the hardware of Mr. T. Patterson. The fact that Mr. Kraus, in his commencement of business, had nothing, speaks well for his energy and enterprise, and has become one of Waverly's most influential men. In 1878, he was married to Miss Anna M. Boof, who lived but a short time.

Landrum Brothers

William H. and Thomas R., carriage and buggy manufacturers, at Waverly. They are natives of Campbell county, Virginia. Their parents were John J. and Mary C. Landrum, and were to the manor born, and now reside in their native state. The brothers were educated in old Virginia, and came to Missouri in the year 1873, and settled in Waverly, where they have since lived. The oldest brother, William H., was married to Miss Laura Dinwiddie, by whom he has one child, Clayton.

James Rollins

city marshal. The subject of this sketch was one of Price's best soldiers, and is now a citizen of Waverly. He was born in the year 1840, the son of B. F. and Elizabeth Rollins, natives of Henry county, Kentucky. He came to Missouri in the year 1856, and located in Saline county, where he lived till the war came on. He then enlisted in Price's army, in 1861, and was with him until he returned to the trans-Mississippi department, then went into the flying artillery for a while, then with Jackson a short time, then under Forest. In 1870, was married to Miss Nannie Kaine, of Saline county. By her he has four children: Lizzie, John W., Anna M., and Essie Belle.

Thomas J. Fletcher

druggist. A native of Lafayette county, Missouri. Born September 19, 1838. His parents, George C. and Mary (Hall) Fletcher, were natives of Mason county, Kentucky, and moved to Saline county, Missouri, in 1832, where they resided for a short time, and then moved to Lafayette county. Thomas is one of four sons that lived to be grown to manhood. His chief business in life has been of a mercantile nature. In 1861, he opened a* drug store in Lexington, which he continued for eight years. In 1869, he came to Waverly, built a store building, and has been in the drug business ever since, in that town. In 1859, was married to Miss Fannie Whittlesey, daughter of P. R. and Salutia (Stone) Whittlesey, of New York. By this marriage he has seven children: Mary (Corder), George R., Christopher E., Henry W., Thomas J., Fannie W., and Willie K. Mr. Fletcher was a student of Shelby college four years. A graduate of Jones College, at St. Louis, in the close of the year 1869.

insurance agent, and senior member of the firm of Booton & Graves, proprietors of Lafayette County Star Mills. Mr. Booton was born October 1, 1835, in Culpepper county, Virginia, the son of William and Jane (Wood) Booton, who were also natives of Virginia. Mr. Booton spent his early life with his parents upon the farm. Received his education at the Missouri State University, where he graduated in the class of 1857. He came to Lafayette county in 1843, with his widowed mother, who died in 1854. After that time, he was engaged farming till 1872. He then engaged in merchandising, in Waverly, for two years, when he bought out the Starr Mills. November, 1865, he was married to Miss Sallie Neale, daughter of William Neale, formerly of Parkersburg, West Virginia. By this marriage Mr. Booton has one child, Southwood.

Dr. J. Warren

The subject of this sketch was a native of Lincoln county, Kentucky, and born October 12, 1816, the soi! of William and Lucretia (Taylor) Warren. His father a native of Virginia. His mother a native of Kentucky. She died in her native state in the year 1819. The doctor received his education at Central College, Danville and Transylvania College, Lexington, Kentucky, where he graduated in the year 1845. He then emigrated to Dover, Lafayette county, Mo., and engaged in the practice of medicine, until 1853. He then bought a farm in Cass county, Mo., which he cultivated with his servants until the war. came on, he then came to Lafayette county, Mo. Thence with his servants to Boone county, where he was when the slaves were made free. In June, 1865, he located at Columbia, where he practiced the medical profession five years. He then returned to Lafayette county, locating at Waverly, where he now resides. In September, 1849, he was married to Miss Isabelle Dickson, daughter of Rev. Wm. Dickson. By this marriage he has three living children: Anna C, (Shindler), Amanda Lee, and Lucy. Belle, (Dr. Trogan). The Warrens are of English decendants, and came to America in 1781, under act of the House of Burgesses, to settle land.

farmer, born November 20, 1796, in Lincoln county, Kentucky, and the son of Alexander Galbraith. In 1817, his parents emigrated to Howard county, Mo., where they resided for seven years, they then moved to Saline county, and from there to Lafayette county. Here Henry was married to Miss Elizabeth Thomas. She died in 1867.

Dr. Spencer W. Brown

The subject of this sketch is one of a family of eight children, his parents, James and Mary, (Palmore), who came to Missouri in 1831, from Buchanan county, Va. Spencer was educated at Fayette Central College, and received his diploma from the Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, Pa. In the year 1850, he came to Waverly from college and practiced the medical profession till the war broke out, he then joined the confederate army, under Shelby till he (Shelby), was made General, then he (Dr. Brown), was promoted surgeon of his regiment, afterwards brigade surgeon. At the close of the war he returned to Waverly and took up the practice of medicine in that place. This he abandoned in the year 1870 for a more retired life. In June 1856, he was married to Miss Elizabeth A. Houston, daughter of Col. David Houston, formerly of Virginia. By this marriage he has four children: Mary E., Spencer Lee, Benjamin H., and Wm. Palmore.

Prof. J. W. Carter

The subject of this sketch, is an old teacher, of considerable reputation. His parents, Curtis and Letitia, (Woodward) Carter, were Virginians bybirth, of Henry county, where the Professor was born and raised to manhood. He was educated under Alexander Campbell at Bethany College, where he graduated A. B., in 1850, and after five years teaching, the degree of A. M. was conferred. For three years following his graduation he taught school at Dover. In March, 1855, was called to Paris, Mo., to take charge of the Paris Female Seminary, which he did for three years. In 1857 he came to Waverly, where he taught school for six years, he then was recalled to Paris, where he remained for five years, and then came back to Waverly in 1868, where he has since been teaching. Nov. 12, 1850, he was married to Miss Margaret B. Campbell, niece of Alexander Campbell; daughter of Archibald and Elenor Campbell, natives of Ireland. By this marriage he has four children now living: J. Lee, Marian D., (N H. Gentry), Wm. H. and Joseph W. Prof. Carter is a true Christian man, having been a devoted member of the Christian church since his youth.

James Goodwin

dealer in farm implements, Waverly. The subject of this sketch is an old settler of Lafayette county, arriving here in the spring of 1840 from Rappahannock county, Va. James was born in Fauquier county, Va., January 9, 1804. His parents were John and Elizabeth Goodwin, who were natives of the county where James was born. The early life of James was devoted to tilling of the soil. After his first marriage, which occurred June 29, 1828, to Miss Elizabeth Corder, daughter of Judge V. Corder, he merchandised for 35 years, and on coming to Missouri he purchased a farm, which he farmed until the close of the war. By the above marriage they had five children: John T., George E., Eliza J., (Judge Hays) now dead, Elizabeth, and James W. After the death of his first wife he was married to Evelyn Corder, daughter of Rev. Martin, of Dover. By this marriage they have five children, Martin, Henry, Mary (Goggins) Martha, (Perry Cartrow). This wife having died he again was married to Miss Martha Marshall in 1849. By this wife he has five children: Franklin, Alice (Burnett), Walter, Albert, and Birdie.

Dr. Charles Smith

physician and surgeon, Waverly, Mo. The subject of this sketch is one of the most promising phvsicians of Lafayette county. A graduate of the Missouri medical college; graduated in the class of 1878-79. Returned to Waverly, where he spent his boyhood days to practice his learned pro- fession, at which he has been successful. Dr. Smith is a native of Lafayette county Mo, born December 27, 1855. His parents are George W and Susan Smith natives of Kentucky, and came to this county in W Dr. Smith is a Mason of good standing, also a member of A. O. U W and of the Lafayette County Medical Association, before which body he has read some fine papers, which reflected much credit upon him as a physician. r

Dr. George Feagans

DR. GEORGE FEAGANS, physician and surgeon of Waverly. The subject of this sketch is a native of Fauquier county Va^; born February 16, 1846. His parents, John R., and Elizabeth Wh.te) Feagans, were natives of Virginia, and came to Boone county, Mo., ,n 1856. Thence to Lafayette countv in 1860. George was educated at Haynes' high school, in Lexington, and his medical edu-

1869-70. Then he located at Waverly, where he practiced for some time be ore entermg Bellview medical college of New York, in which he graduated m 1874, and returned to Waverly to practice his profession, where he has an extensive practice. In October, 1877, he was married to Miss Lutie B. Warren, daughter of Dr. James M. and Belle (Dickson) Warren, formerly of Kentucky. '

N. P. Buck

N. P. BUCK, stock dealer and farmer. The subject of this sketch is the youngest son of a family of four, and the son of Dr. Perry G. and Rebecca (Thomas) Buck, who came to this county prior to 1820, from New York Dr Buck was married in this state soon after his advent here, and settled in Lexington, built the first house in the town. Mr. Buck, the subject of this sketch, was born m Lexington in 1832, and was educated at the Masonic college. In I860 he went to the eastern part of the county and engaged in farming. He now owns 740 acres of land, and raises corn and wheat extensively. Keeps about 300 head of cattle, which he fattens and ships to eastern markets. In November, 1869, he was married to Miss Margaret Pnchard, daughter of E. R. and Eliza Prichard, of Lexington, for-

B. F. McCORD, farmer Is a son of Wm. D. and Theodotia McCord, of Madison county, Ky and was born January 30, 1832, in the same county. He spent his early life with h,s father, who was the possessor of a large body of land and was engaged in loaning money. He received his education at Bethany College, Virginia. After he left college he came to Lafayette county

Mo., where he purchased land and has since lived. In 1862 he was married to Miss Alice J. Brown, daughter of B.J. Brown, of Richmond, Mo., president of the state senate, and who was killed at the battle of Springfield, Mo. This marriage was blessed with two children, Lizzie and Alice.

O. H. P. CATRON, P. O. Alma, Mo. Is an old resident of this county, having been born on the soil. His father, Stephen Catron, was born in Tennessee, and his mother in Kentucky, they came to this county in 1819, settling near Tabo Grove, then moving near Lexington; here O. H. P; was born in 1842, and educated at the Shelby college. In the war he joined Gen. Shelby's command, and was with him throughout the war. After the war he came home and went to farming until 1879, when he went to merchandising. February, 1867, he was married to Miss Martha E. Goodwin, daughter of James and Evelyn Goodwin, of this county. By this union he has one child living, Lee. He is a Mason of the Blue Lodge.

Water B. Hatfield

WATER B. HATFIELD, P O Alma, Mo. The subject of this sketch came to this county in April, 1881 ' from Pike county, Ills. His parents, Oliver B. and Mary Hatfield, were natives of Illinois. He was born April 1, 1858, in Morgan county, Ills., was raised in Springfield, and there educated. At the age of eighteen he began teaching, which vocation he followed until 1881, when he moved to this county. September 1, 1880, he was married to Miss Margaret M. Hunter, of Pittsfield, Ills. He is one of the most successful teachers.

P O Alma Mo. The subject of this sketch is a native of Virginia. When he was two years old his father moved to Missouri, and settled in this county. He was born September 18, 1845. His education was obtained in the common schools of Missouri. He has always been a farmer In October, 1868, he was married to Miss Hattie A. Switherman, of this county, and daughter of A.J. Switherman, and Julia, his wife, formerly of Virginia. In 1864 he enlisted under Gen. Shelby in confederate service. Is now mayor of Alma.

postoffice, Alma, Mo., of the firm of Hatfield & Withee .druggists Alma, Mo. Was born in Scott county, Ills., Feb. 18, 1852. His early life was spent on his father's farm; his education obtained in the Winchester high school and in the State Normal University, 111. For twelve years he taught in the public schools, and a good deal of his time has been devoted to writing for the public on educational subjects; and he is a writer of considerable note. Dec. 25, 1879, he was married to Miss Mary A. Shepherd, of Ills., formerly of Va.

John T. Goodwin

postoffice, Alma, Mo. Was born, raised and educated in Virginia, of which state both his father and mother, James and Elizabeth Goodwin, were natives. In 1839 he moved with his parents to Missouri, and settled in this county. When grown, he took a trip to California, where he remained two years, and then returned home to this county, where he has a fine farm of 320 acres, especially adapted to the grain and stock raising. Two years ago, he rented his farm out, moved to Alma and engaged in general merchandising. In Sept. 1859, was married to Miss Amanda Goggins, daughter of Christopher and Eliza Goggins, of Ky. Of this union there are five living children: Lilly, Eliza M., Bettie, James and Daisy.

postoffice, Alma, Mo. Was born in Morgan county, Ills. His father, C. C. Pasley, was from Tennessee, and his mother, Nancy E. (Crawford), was from Kentucky. His mother died while he was an infant. His father was wounded at the battle of Bellmont, killed by a train of cars at Springfield, Ills., leaving him an orphan at twelve years of age. He found a home with J. B. Thompson, of Morgan county, Ills., with whom he lived until he entered the State Normal University, at Bloomington, 111. Leaving college, he taught school for five years, and studied medicine as he could find the time, with Dr. J. A. Rea. In 1876, he entered the college of physicians and surgeons, at Keokuk, Iowa, from which he graduated in 1878. He then located at Alsey, 111., and practiced two years. By the advice of friends he was induced to locate at Alma, in this county, which he did, and has built up an extensive practice.

Robert W. Neal

postoffice, Alma, Mo., senior member of the firm of J. W. Davis & Co., dealers in general merchandise and agricultural implements. He is a Virginian by birth, born and raised in Parkersburg; born Aug. 15, 1825. His father, James Neal, was, during his early life, clerk of the circuit court, and his mother, Mary A. Neal, was a sister of Judge Wills, so well known in Missouri. They were both natives of Virginia, and in Virginia were laid to their eternal rest. In 1850, he came to this county and clerked for Taylor and Simpson, at Waverly, for two years. In 1858, he went to California, thence to Nevada, and from there to Oregon, being absent eighteen years. In 1870, he sailed to South America, and by Cape Horn, home. May, 1877, he was married to Miss Mary C. Lewis, daughter of Wetzell Lewis, formerly of Virginia.

P. O. Alma. Was born in Miller county. Mo., January 13, 1858, where his parents resided for many years. His early life was spent on a farm, and his education obtained in this county, and he is one of the most promising young men in Lafayette county. In February, 1879, he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. J. B. Wood of Waverly. His whole time and attention were devoted to his chosen profession, and he graduated in the class of 1880-81 at the St. Louis medical college. May, 1881, he located at Alma, where he is now practicing.

Daniel F. Jackson

Middleton township. Was born in Rappahannock county, Va., January 16, 1831, where he spent his early life up to 1857; he moved to Missouri in the fall of 1857, and settled on the farm where he now resides. At the beginning of the war he enlisted in Company C, First Missouri cavalry, under Gen. Shelby, and served until the close of the war, and took part in all the engagements the regiment was in, and was at the surrender at Shreveport. He was married April 15, 1853 to Miss Allie Griffin, a native of Virginia. By this marriage they have eight children: Daniel W., Frank, Stonewall, Richard, Eugenia, Joseph, Robert, and Claud.

James W. Goodwin

Middleton township. The subject of this sketch was born in Rappahannock county, Va., February 1, 1834, and came with his father, James Goodwin, to Marion county, this state, in 1839, where he lived until the fall of 1847, when he came to Lafayette, where he has since remained, and is one of the largest land owners in the county, having some 1,600 acres of the finest land. He was married December 6, 1857, to Lucy A. Corder, a native of Virginia, and a daughter of John and Sarah Corder, who came to this county in 1840. By this marriage they have four children: John G., Minnie, Sallie E., and Fannie; the two oldest are married. Mr. Goodwin is a member of the Presbyterian church.

James A. Jackson

was born in East Va., January 11, 1829, where he spent his early life, until he was twenty years old, when he moved to Missouri, and settled in this county, where he has since resided and engaged in farming and raising stock; and now owns 400 acres of land. He was married Nov. 20, 1855, to Eliza A. Corder, a native of Va. By this marriage they have seven children, John H., Sarah E., Daniel G., Elizabeth, James, Victoria and Thomas. Mr. Jackson is a member of the Presbyterian church, as is also Mrs. Jackson. He is one of the leading and most prosperous farmers in the county.

In the beginning of the 17th century there came from France to the United States, a father and three sons, who were banished for not embracing the Catholic religion, the faith of that country, and effects would have been confiscated but for a thoughtful strategy by which he managed to bring most of his property with him. The names of the three sons were: Theodore, Joseph and Daniel. At the time of the war of the revolution in 17J6, in the wilds of Pennsylvania, were built forts at different points, where men were posted. One of these was at the house of Joseph Prigmore, where it remained during the seven years of bloodshed. He soon after moved to Tennessee and raised a family of five boys and seven girls. The third child Benjamin moved to Missouri, in 1818, and raised a family of ten children. The youngest now living in Davis township, this county, being the father of the subject of this biography, W. H., who was born Aug. 23, 1857, and was married June 15, 1879, to Miss Fannie Clay, daughter of James and Mary Clay. Her mother dying Oct. 23, 1877. Mr. Prigmore now owns 80 acres of land, and is engaged in farming and raising stock. He is a member of the Christian church.

Grimes H. Dryden

was born in Marion county, Ind., Jan. 26, 1841, and came to Missouri the fall of 1846, and settled in Holt county Mo., and in 1848, moved to Atchison county, where he lived until the fall of 1865, when he came to Lafayette where he has since resided, and now owns one hundred acres of land- He was married April 21, 1867, to Eliza Ramey, her parents being early settlers of this county. By this marriage they have two children: Frank M. and John H. Mr. Dryden is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, also of the Christian church. He enlisted the September of 1861, in Co. B., 5th regiment under Col. Launders, and took a part in a number of engagements, and served until Feb. 1863, when he was discharged, and soon after taken prisoner and retained for two months, when he was exchanged.

Samuel P. Bascom

S. P. Bascom was born in Brown county Ohio, Aug. 35, 1827. At the age of seven he moved with his mother to Ky., his father having died when he was about six years old. Remaining there until he was about twenty-three, he then came to Missouri and settled in Lafayette county, where he has since remained. He was engaged in the mercantile business four years in Aullville, and in 1860 he was elected county assessor, and during the war was in the confederate army six months, in Col. Hiram Bledsoe's regiment. He then returned to the county, and has since been engaged in farming, buying and shipping cattle. He owns 80 acres of land, and cultivates 300 acres. He was married Dec. 17, 1851, to Lettia Dinwiddie. By this marriage they have the following children : Walker, now attending law school at Columbia, Cassie, Belle, Jennie, Frank, Samuel and Charles. Mr. Bascom is a half brother of Bishop Bascom of M. E. church south .

was born in Fauquier county Va., Dec. 4, 1832. He is a son of James G. Waters, also of Va., who died Feb. 4, 1842, at the age of 36. He spent his early life in his native state, and at the age of eighteen he moved to Missouri with his mother Emily Waters and brother Areopagus J. and sister Mary Penelope, and settled in Lafayette county, where he now resides, and is the owner of 500 acres of land dealing extensively in stock, making a specialty of fine sheep and hogs. He was married July 12, 1866, to Mary A. Thompson, who was born in Fauquier county, Va., near Manassas Gap, Sept., 2, 1842. She is a daughter of Land Thompson still living in Va., and Elizabeth who died at Woodlawn Va. Sept. 11, 1876, in the 63d year of her age. By this marriage they have five children: Mary E., born July 4, 1868; Lizzie D., born March 7, 1870; John E., born Feb. 7, 1872; Fannie Lee, born June 10, 1876; D. J., born June 30, 1880 ; and three deceased. Mr. Waters is a Master Mason member of Waverly lodge, No. 61, also a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, and has held office in the latter lodge since he first united, and is now their lecturer. Mrs. Waters is also a matron in the lodge ; they are both members of the M. E. church south.

Robert P. Metcalf

The subject of this sketch was born in Fleming county, Ky., May 4th, 1832, where he spent his early life. In 1857 he settled in Missouri, Howard county, where he remained one year and then moved to Pettis county, remaining there eight years; he then returned to Kentucky, staying there one year; he then returned to Lafayette county, where he has since lived, and now owns 240 acres of fine land. He was married November 20th, 1866, to Miss Lizzie Catron; by this marriage they have four children: Carrie C, John P., Robert. F. and Christopher C. Mr. Metcalf is one of the most enterprising farmers in this part of the county; himself and wife are members of the Old School Presbyterian Church.

was born in Boyle county, Kentucky, August 15th, 1833. He spent his early life in his native state until he was twenty years old; in 1856 he came to Missouri, and first settled in Howard county, where he remained about one year; from there he moved to Saline, and soon after to Lafayette, and subsequently returned to Saline, where he remained until the spring of 1876, when he returned to this county, and now owns 290 acres of land, and follows farming and stock raising. In 1856 he married Miss Sallie Houchins, a native of Kentucky; they have eight children: Mollie J., John W., Sallie A., Thomas J., Minnie, Whitford B., William E. and Tilda. Mr. and Mrs. Vanarsdall are members of the Christian church.

Capt. Sam F. Taylor

deceased, was born in Clark county, Ky., October 8th, 1821, where he spent his early life, and was deputy clerk of the circuit court under his father; he then succeeded his father to the office, a position he held for some eight years. He was married September 14th, 1843, to Miss Fannie Simpson, a daughter of Judge Simpson, of Clark county. Mr. Taylor continued in office until 1848, when he resigned, and in the fall of 1849 he, with his wife and three children moved to Missouri, and settled in Lafayette county, where he, in partnership with his brother-in-law, R. C. Simpson, entered a large tract of land and engaged in raising hemp. In 1858 he was elected to the legislature, and filled that position with credit for two years. In the fall of 1860 he was elected county judge; in the fall of '61, after the battle of Lexington, he raised a company and joined Gen. Price's command and served as captain until the battle of Corinth, Mississippi, when he was killed, being shot through the heart while storming the enemy's breastworks. At the time of his death he owned about 1800 acres of land, which he leit his widow and six children : Mary, now Mrs. W. D. Lewis, living in Kansas City; Samuel F., now in Idaho; Isaac P., Lizzie B., now Mrs. Yantis, in Saline county; Edward G., now practicing law in Kansas City, and John M., now attending the State University. Mrs. Taylor was again married February 27th, 1867, to W. W. Battaile, a native of Virginia, who came to this county in 1842, and is now living in Middleton township, engaged in farming and stock raising, making a specialty of sheep raising.

Menoah Beamer

was born in Grayson county, Va., June 7th, 1818, where he spent his early life until he was twenty-one years old; he then moved to Missouri in 1839, and first settled in Caldwell county ; returning to Virginia in 1840 he remained one year, when he returned to Lafayette county; in 1849 he went to California and remained two years. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted in August, '61, in Capt. Taylor's company and served about one year; he then got transferred in 1862 to King's battery, and served about one year in that. He now owns about eleven hundred acres of land, making a specialty of breeding fine trotting stock. During the fall of '81 he took about $,1800 in premiums on horses alone at the county fairs, showing nine horses; he also breeds fine-blooded stock, having a fine herd of short-horns. He was married March 28th, 1843, to Miss Mary Owens, a daughter of Robert Owens, of Saline county; she dying Nov. 24th, 18T3, leaving seven children, he was again married December 18th, 1874, to Miss S. L. Heutcherson, a native of Va.; by this marriage they have three children: Paschal, Samuel C. and Hattie I.

was born in West Virginia, August 21, 1848. At the age of eighteen he came to Missouri with his parents, and settled in this county, where he has since resided, and been engaged in farming, and is now owner of a coal mine, which he is working. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of land. Was married August 15, 1869, to Miss Elizabeth Hackley, a native of this county. By this marriage they have seven children: Mabel L., Mary M., Floyd J., Earl H., William A., John S., and Frederick M. Mr. Smitherman is a member of the Baptist Church, and Mrs. S. of the Christian church.

Thomas R. James

deceased, was born in Mason county, Kentucky, November 6, 1818. He was a son of Berryman and Mary James. His parents moved to Clay county, Indiana, when he was about five years old, where he remained until 1838, he then, with his brother, J. M., emigrated to the territory of Iowa. From there he came to Missouri, in 1840, and first settled in Lexington, where he lived four years, being married, October 3, 1813, to Miss M. H. Wallace. In 1844 he moved to Henry county, where he resided six years. He then returned to Waverly, this county, where he lived until his death, April 17, 1880. In early life he learned the carpenter trade, which he followed a number of years. Duuring the war he had charge of the ware-houses in Waverly. In 1844 he joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and was a devout Christian and an active temperance worker, having signed the pledge in 1839, and kept it faithfully. He was the father of eight children, four sons and four daughters, six of whom are now living: Frank, now in Colorado; Rovelah, now Mrs. Ledford, living in Waverly; Mary Wallace, George W., Elizabeth C, and Susie A. The oldest child, Russell, was killed on a scout, near Mt. Vernon, Missouri, October 2, 1862. W. C, the third child, was killed at

Fayettesville, Arkansas, June 2, 1866. He was generally known as Babe Anderson during the war, as he was a mere boy, and always by the side of Bill Anderson.

Henry S. Vanangler

P. O. Waverly, Missouri. Was born in the city of New Brunswick, New Jersey, October 16, 1819. His father, Cornelius Vanangler, was of Holland descent - his fathers being among the early settlers of New York, over two hundred years ago. His father moved to New Brunswick in the year 1799. People then had, in accordance with the ordinance, make oath to obtain the rights of citizenship. The subject of this sketch lost his father when only three years old, and moved with his mother to Kentucky, in 1826. In 1835 he engaged as clerk in a store. In 1840 he came to Missouri, and taught school for several years, and then went into the mercantile business in Waverly and in Dover, in this county, in which he was very successful, until the war began. He closed his business, but did not enter either army. Since the war, he has followed farming - dealing largely in fruit, and in bees. He has forty acres in orchard, and over one hundred stands of bees - shipping several tons of honey annually. He has a model farm of 400 acres of land, and is a model farmer, possessing the confidence of his neighbors. In the fall of 1876 he was elected to the legislature, and served one term, He is the author of many poems, evincing much literary taste and ability. He has never married.

James Younger

deceased. Was born in Logan county, Kentucky, Oct. 6, 1833. His father, Wm. C. Younger, was also a native of Kentucky. He lived in his native county until ten years old, when he went to Simpson county, Ky., and lived with John Ennis until he was eighteen - his parents both dying while he was very young. He then went to Warren county, Ky., where he married, Dec. 29, 1853, Miss Louisa A. Phelps, of Warren county, Ky. He lived in Warren county about four years, and then, in 1857, came to this county and settled at Waverly for some years. He then purchased a farm and went to farming in Middleton township. He did not join either army in the war, and had accumulated quite a handsome property at the time of his death, which took place July 6, 1881. He left a widow and the following children, living: Annie Belle, now Mrs. Edward Downs; Betty J., now Mrs. John Thornton; Charles H., Josephine, Georgia, James C. and Sallie Frances. Mr. Younger was a member of the Baptist church, as is also his widow. He was a member of the Grange and was one of the best farmers in this section.

Thomas A. Catron

P. O. Waverly, Mo. Was born in this county, Oct. 27, 1847, and is son of Stephen and Elizabeth Catron, who are natives of Kentucky, and who came to this state in 1820, settling first near Glasgow, and then in 1822 near Lexington, in this county. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm and has followed that occupation all his life. He has now 250 acres of well stocked and well improved land and is -one of the most influential farmers in that vicinity. He was married Dec. 27, 1871, to Miss Leu Callaway, daughter of James and Minerva Callaway, of Cass county, Mo. By this union he has three children : May, Eddie and Mattie L. He is a member of the M. E. Church South, and also of the Masonic Lodge at Waverly.

James F. Larkin

P. O. Waverly, Mo. Was born in County Galway, Ireland, April, 1812, where he was raised and educated. He came to the United States in 1836 and spent nine years traveling over the States. He was married in Page county, Va., June 3d, 1845, to Miss Mary J. Poisal. Her grandfather served seven years in the Revolutionary war. In 1853 he moved to Missouri and settled in this county, where he has since lived, and now owns 440 acres of land and devotes his attention to farming and raising stock. He has ten children: Thomas S., John F., Edward K., James F., Annie, now Mrs. W. T. Maddox, of Corder; Michael, Francis P., Patrick Henry, Joseph and Peter. He is a member of the Catholic church. He took no active part in the war; called himself a Union man, but was not molested by anybody.

J. Polk Corder

postoffice Alma, Mo. Was born in Rappahanock Co., Va., April 1, 1843. His father, Elias Corder, and his mother, Sarah (Jeffries) Corder, were also natives of Virginia, his father holding the office of justice of the peace for a number of years, and died in 1879. His mother still lives in Virginia. The subject of this sketch was raised and educated in his native county, and lived there until the beginning of the war. Two days after the battle of Bull Run he enlisted in Co. G, 49th Va. Inft, and served under Gen. Lee until the close of the war, and was in the battles of Seven Pines, Fair Oaks - where he was wounded and captured and was in prison four months at Fort Delaware; was then exchanged, and was in the battles of Fredericksburg, Wilderness, Gettysburg, Cold Harbor - where he was again wounded in the leg and arm both. When able for duty he again joined his regiment, and was at the seige of Petersburg, and was with Gen. Early's brigade at the time of the surrender at Appomattox. After the war he came to Missouri and settled in this county, where he now lives, owning 460 acres of land. He was married April 17, 1870, to Miss Sarah F. Corder, daughter of John Corder, a native of Virginia, who came to this county in 1838. They have three children - Willie J., Mary L. and Blanche.

Charles J. Lewis

P. O. Alma, Mo. Was born in Wood county, Va., June 25, 1834, and is the son of George B. Lewis, a native of Loudon county, Va., and for several years sheriff of Wood county, Va. He moved to this county in 1850, settled in Middleton township, and for some years was one of the judges of the County Court. He died Oct. 26, 1864. Charles was raised on his father's farm. August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. " B " 1st Mo. Cav., under Gen. Shelby, and served to the end of the war. He was wounded at Westport. After the war he came home and turned his whole attention to farming, and now has 430 acres of land. He was married Nov. 28, 1872, to Miss Lillian H. Lake, daughter of Thomas M. and Almira H. Lake, of Fauquier county, Va., and by this union has three children: Charles M., George V. and Leon H. He is a member of the Grange.

Col. John Donaldson

postoffice Waverly, Mo. Was born in Newry, County Down, Ireland Oct. 17, 1822. His father was also John Donaldson. He was raised and educated in his native county and lived there until twenty-four years old, engaged in the mercantile business. In 1846 he came to this country and lived in Tennessee for some time. For a number of years he was engaged in the mercantile business in Lexington. In 1861 he enlisted in one of the first companies of the state guard, and remained in the confederate army to the end. He was married July 30, 1857, to Miss Bettie M. Webb, daughter of Capt. John Webb, of this county. She died March 8, 1878, leaving two children - Pinkie, now Mrs. McGrew, of St. Louis, and Willie W. He has a magnificent farm of 1,000 acres near Waverly.

Christopher C. Catron

postoffice Waverly, Mo. Was born near Lexington, in this county, June 30, 1837. His father, Stephen Catron, came to Missouri in 1820, and settled in this county in 1822, and married Elizabeth Smith, a native of Kentucky. They had six children, five boys and one girl, of whom the subject of this sketch is the second son. He was raised and educated in this county. At the age of twenty years he went to Kansas, and engaged in merchandising for several years. In 1862 he enlisted in the 1st Mo. Cav. under Gen. Shelby, and served to the end of the war, surrendering in the last organized confederate command. After the war he reterned home, and turned his attention to farming, which he has followed ever since. He has now a splendid farm of 340 acres. He was married Nov. 6, 1860, to Miss Eliza E. Shroyer, daughter of Wm. W. and Jane V. Shroyer, of this county, natives of Kentucky. By this union he has three children - Lucy M., Fannie E. and Jessie. He is a member of the Waverly lodge of Masons, and also a member of the Grange, and master of the county Grange.

Source changes here: from Young's History of Lafayette County, Missouri, by Young, William, published 1910; 1,641 words in this source stream.

Middleton Township

Middleton is the extreme northeastern sub-division of Lafayette county, and the first place the public record speaks of this township is dated July 7, 1845, wnen James Pearman petitioned for a license to keep a dram shop (saloon) in the town of Middleton, in Lafayette county, in the house of David K. Palmer. He was granted such permit for the "sum of twenty-five dollars as a state tax and eighteen dollars and seventy-five cents county tax, and the ad valorem tax on the sum of one hundred and twenty-six dollars and seventyfive cents, the amount of his stock subject to this tax."

The next mention of this township is in September, 1847, when a road petition was presented the county court, in which the name Middleton appears. But this seems to have reference to the village of Middleton, which was changed to Waverly about July 1, 1850, when its bounds were greatly enlarged and the place was legally incorporated.

The boundary lines of Middleton township were defined and recorded July 4, 1848. The record reads: "Commencing where the range line between ranges 24 and 25 intersects the Missouri river; thence south with said range line to where the same intersects the township line between townships 49 and 50 ; thence east with said township line to Saline county ; thence with the boundary line between Saline and Lafayette counties, north to the Missouri river ; thence up said river with the meanderings thereof to the place of beginning." These boundaries have never been changed.

The township has two railroad systems within its borders, the River division of the Missouri Pacific and the Chicago & Alton lines, the former in the extreme northern part and the latter in the extreme southern sections.

Early Settlement

The first settlement in this township was made by pioneers including the following: Col. John Dennis Thomas, of Kentucky, settled where Waverly now stands in 1822 and was the founder of St. Thomas, which was later called Waverly, the two plats having been merged into one incorporation. Notely

Thomas, a brother of the Colonel, raised the first crop of hemp in this part of the country and took the same to Old Franklin, near Boonville, where he sold it for seven dollars a hundred pounds. This was the beginning of the hemp growing industry in Lafayette county and which was the chief crop until the breaking out of the Civil war. Other early settlers were Alexander Galbraith, from Kentucky, who purchased two hundred acres of land on sections 22 and 14, township 51, range 24. Mr. Dustin located on section 24 and John D. Thomas, Littleberry Estes and Washington Shroyer of Kentucky settled near by.

The first female child born in the township was Susan Estes, daughter of Littleberry Estes and wife. The first death was that of Mrs. Hugh Crawford, who was buried in the Estes graveyard. Doctor Buck, who died in Arkansas, was the first physician. It is supposed that the first minister was Rev. S. Bradley, of the Christian denomination.

The first cloth was woven by Mrs. Alexander Galbraith. Mr. Dillard taught one of the pioneer schools of Lafayette county, if not indeed the first in this township. It was a private school, at which two dollars and fifty cents per pupil was charged for one term.

Gen. Joseph Shelby's family held a large tract of land, known even unto this day as the "Shelby Tract," a portion of which is now the property of the Yancey brothers, the same being situated about five miles to the southwest of Waverly. This township has prospered and developed until today its surface is one beautiful garden spot of most excellent farming land, well tilled and of the highest price in all this section. Orchards are to be seen in all their beauty, here and there, while the great fields of waving grain and corn make the landscape ever a feast to the eye of the beholder. The pioneer sleeps the long sleep of death - "The workmen fall but the work goes on."

Towns Of Waverly And Alma

Waverly is situated in the northeastern part of Middleton township, not far distant from the waters of the ever-changing Missouri. It was originally founded in 1845 by Washington Shroyer and named "Middletown," its present name, Waverly, being adopted about 1848. In 1850, or possibly a little later, Col. John D. Thomas bought land adjoining the town on the east and there he platted "St. Thomas." Soon after the Civil war Mr. Thomas died and St. Thomas was annexed to Waverly. It was incorporated in 1850 and judge William Thomas was elected its first mayor. The first house was built by David K. Palmer, and was many years since washed away by the angry waters of the Missouri river. He also had the first store. In 1846 a frame school house was erected, costing one hundred and forty dollars ; it was also used for church purposes. A Missionary Baptist named Roth preached the first sermon in the town. Mrs. Susan Shroyer taught the first school and received as her wages thirty dollars a month. The marriage of John Morrison to Lucy Shroyer in 1849 was the first wedding in the community. In 1835 Jacob Shroyer, son of W. W. and Jane Shroyer, was born, that being the first birth to record in the limits of the place. His sister, Lucy Shroyer, born in 1833, was the first female born in town. Dr. P. H. Chambers was the first regular physician in the community. He came from Kentucky and subsequently removed to Lexington, Missouri.

The history of the newspapers, churches, lodges and schools will appear in separate chapters in the general sections of this volume, hence will not be treated in this connection.

Industrial Development

While Waverly has usually been considered as existing by reason of its retail trade, yet it has from time to time been noted somewhat for its manufacturing enterprises. Landrum Brothers located there in 1873 and engaged in the manufacture of fine wagons and kindred goods. They invested a capital of almost three thousand dollars in buildings ; in machinery, one thousand five hundred dollars; incidentals, two thousand dollars, or a total of almost six thousand dollars. Seven men were employed as workmen. In 1888 W. H. Landrum went to Kansas and remained three years, then returned and resumed his work in the factory, but his brother later established a farm implement business at Waverly. W. H. still occupies the old works, but with the cheaper factory-made grades of wagon work, he turned his attention more especially to the making of fine buggies and carriages. He also does much repair work, has suitable machinery and handles many threshing machines, engines, etc., and does repairs on the same.

Postoffice History

A postoffice was established here at a very early date. The following have served as postmasters for a greater part of the years clown to the present : David Miller, Charles Patterson, Quinn Parrent, Mary James, Mary Henry, George Bickford, Mrs. Francisco, Herman Oelschlager and the present postmaster, Henry A. Hoener.

Municipal Incorporation

Waverly, as has been indicated, was at first called Middleton, and it was changed in 1850 to Waverly, when it was incorporated as a village. The petition for such incorporation was signed by Charles M. Cowan and thirty-four others, claiming to be more than two-thirds of the tax-payers of the village. David Callahan, Lewis Fairchild, Elisha M. Edwards, Charles M. Cowan and Alexander Skillen were appointed as the first board of trustees of the new incorporation. Judge William Thomas was elected the first mayor. Others serving in such capacity are Charles H. Collins, E. W. Edwards, John Hall, William A. Redd, John E. Corder, Aldrich Corder, Scott Thomas, M. E. Alderman, Isaac Fulkerson, and possibly a few more whose names have not been omitted on purpose.

The Town Of Alma

Alma, situated within the southern portion of Middleton township, is located in section 28, township 50, range 24, and was platted and incorporated in 1879-80 on the new line of the Chicago & Alton railway. Its founder was Captain Lysing and John W. Woodson. It was incorporated in 1880 with Dr. Thomas Field as its mayor. A postoffice had been established at this point in 1879, with Perry Catron as postmaster. Doctor Field built the first house and conducted the pioneer store of the village. The first school house was erected in 1880 at a cost of seven hundred dollars, Carrie Bascom teaching the first term of school. Thirty pupils attended and the teacher's wages was forty-five dollars per month. The first marriage in the town was that of H. C. Clay to Miss Milburn, Thomas Luke, a justice of the peace, performing the ceremony at his house.

The present church organizations of Alma are the Lutheran, German Methodist Episcopal (North), Presbyterian, all having good buildings. The lodges are narrowed down to the single fraternity of Woodmen of America.

The only considerable loss ever sustained here by fire was that affected by lightning. The place has no regular fire protection, save through its several street cisterns and a mutual company, unorganized.

A neat, substantial city building was erected in 1909, made of modern concrete, and provided with a jail. The same cost the village one thousand four hundred dollars.

The postoffice, which is of the fourth class, was established in 1879, and the postmasters serving have been as follows : Perry Catron, R. W. Neal, J. G. Goodwin, Miss Betta Goodwin, E. W. Erdmann, and the present incumbent, P. H. Koppenbrink, who was commissioned in March, 1905, by President Roosevelt. There are now two rural free delivery routes, the first being established in 1902 and is twenty-five miles long; the second is the same length and was established one year later. The only robbery of this office was a few years since, when a mail sack was taken from the depot.