Union Township (part 1 of 2)

Union Township

some early, others at more recent dates: B. F. Johnson, 1866, from Tennessee; Philip Knight, 1844, native of Jasper county; D. O. Lowery, 1866, from Caldwell county, Ky. ; S. G. Whitlock, 1858, from Tennessee; William Spence came to this part of the county in 1837; Joseph Stoltz from Illinois, was an early settler on Center Creek, near the eastern line of the township. He and his brother came in 1836 or 1837. John Haskins was the first settler on the prairie that afterwards bore his name, coming in 1833. Churches. - To this township belongs the honor of having the first church edifice in Jasper county, namely, the old Freedom Baptist Church, situated on the southwest corner of section one on the bank of Jones Creek.

Freedom Baptist Church was built in the spring of 1841, and now stands in a good state of preservation, though no services have been held for two years. The house was built of hewed logs and chinked with mortar. Its length is thirty-four feet, width, twenty-four feet, and height to the apex of the roof, twenty feet; there is one door and two windows in the south end, one door in the east end, and two windows in the north end. The pulpitplatform is set back in the west wall six feet deep, and is eight feet wide, one foot high, and is built around with logs like the other walls of the church. The ceiling is eight feet from the floor, being in easy reach of a tall man anywhere in the church. In the center was placed the stove, whose pipe went vertically to the brick chimney above. At first a double stone chimney occupied the center of the house, with the pulpit on one side facing the chimney. The flooring is of oak and ash inch planks, the board doors swing on 6trap hinges, and are fastened with a wooden button. The church was built among the giant forest trees, only a few of which now remain standing; just a tew rods in the rear of the church is a cemetery. Those who aided in the construction of this primitive and revered house of worship were Samuel Spence, Daniel Spence, Jerry Gillstrap, Ephraim Jenkins, Jacob Hammer, Lewis Jones, John Jones, William Clow, James Jones, Woodson Angel, and one or two others. The logs were for the most part cut on the premises of those who aided in its construction and hauled by ox-team. Greenville Spencer was the man who organized this band of Christians and preached the word of life to those assembled there. Here, too, was the Bcence of many Baptist camp meetings, when for forty miles around the saints and sinners assembled, often thousands in numbers, and dwelt in booths for a week or more. For upwards of forty years the walls of that house of God, made dear to hundreds of souls, echoed to the voice of prayer and praise, and now many of the early settlers shed tears of genuine sorrow when they gaze upon the declining glory of that sacred spot. They remember that within those walls they listened to the reading of God's Word and the message of salvation to a sinful and dying world. In those days everybody attended church and gave heed with the deepest reverence to the gospel of free grace proclaimed in simplicity and earnestness.

The cemetery in the rear of the church contains about one hundred graves, and here rest the remains of some of the early settlers, also those who have been called away at a more recent date. Some of the slabs are without inscriptions, while some are marked by a common flat stone taken from the adjoining creek, others are without mark or monument, while some are marked by chiseled white marble slabs. Benj. D. Murry, died Oct. 4, 1856, aged twenty-eight years; Martha Ann Murry, died Oct. 24, 1856, aged eight years; Laura E. Ellis, aged eighteen; Elizabeth, wife of J. H. Spencer, died March 10, 1872, aged twenty-nine years; Daniel Bryant, died Sept. 15, 1858, aged fifty-five years; Frances E., wife of Philip Knight, died Jan. 7, 1881, aged twenty-nine years.

The Central Christian Church was organized by elder Carr. The house of worship was built in the spring of 1880, on the northeast quarter of section twelve, about one mile east of the old Freedom Baptist Church. The early members were Dr. D. F. Moss and wife, John Knight and wife, B. F. Paxton and wife, H. Fenton and wife, David Moss and wife, Wm. Hickson and wife, J. R. Moss and wife, and Jeflerson Hall and wife. The new house of worship is neat and convenient, 36x44, seating four hundred, and cost $1,275. The following named persons were prominent in building this church: D. F. Paxton, John Kinney, Hiram Fenton, David Moss, J. R.

Moss, and D. F. Moss. It was dedicated on the fourth Lord's day in April, 1880, by elder L. Z. Burr, just eight weeks from the day the project was entered upon. Elders Burr, Watson, Oarr, Harmon, and others, have presided over this branch of God's people. There was a church organization of Disciples at Fidelity, a few miles west in Jackson township, and some of these members formerly attended there. At present this church has a membership of one hundred and thirty-two, and the sabbath-school numbers fifty, with Mrs. Sarah Lunday, superintendent, and T. McKelvey, secretary. The officers of the church are elders B. F. Paxton, Elias Marshal, and D. F. Moss; deacons, John Kinney and Horatio Brown.

Emanuel Evangelical Church is situated about two miles east of the Jackson township line, about midway in the township from north to south, on land formerly owned by Andrew McKelvey. It is a beautiful structure, with tall spire glistening in the sunlight, a sentinel in the midst of a beautiful cultivated prairie. The church is finished inside and out in the most tasty manner, the best modern seats, pulpit, chandeliers, stove, and large bell. This is truly a beautiful picture, standing near the sacred fane and beholding the fields and farm-houses on eyery side. The church cost $1,700, and will comfortably seat 300 persons. A good sabbath-school of about sixty members meets here every Sunday under the supervision of Isaac Givler.

The schools and school-houses of this township are in excellent condition. Several of the school-houses cost from $1,000 to $1,200 each. Most of them are now new and in good repair. The early schools were widely different from those now conducted in this township. A post-office was established in the winter of 1883 at the ford on Center Creek, called Flornoy, with Mrs. S. A. Norris appointed postmistress. At this point is situated the water-power mill of Mr, Norris, called Pleasant Grove Mills. This township is most emphatically a farming community, though stock of all kinds and of the very best breeds is raised in abundance. Fine horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs are exported in great numbers. Nearly every farmer has a fine orchard of d.fi'erent kinds of fruit, and it may be truly said that probably no township in Jasper county is better fitted by nature nor cultivation for horticultural purposes than Union township. Among the large and successful farmers are Thomas Grieb, John Royer, David Moss, Dr. D. F. Moss, David K. Hood, A. W. Onstott, and others. This township, being situated between Carthage and Sarcoxie, has excellent railroad and commercial facilities. Station privileges are also enjoyed at Knights and at Reeds, on the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad, which runs through the north part of the township. Cave Spring, on Jenkins Creek, is an interesting

CHARLES BISSELL, farmer and fruit-grower, post-oflSce Carthage. The subject of this sketch was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., March 20 1815, where he was reared to manhood, and acquired a good common school education. Was married March 29, 1836, to Miss Julia A. Allen, of the same county and state. Moved to St. Lawrence, Ncm- York, in 1842, and engaged as a carpenter and builder, having mastered that business in his youth. Immigrated west in 1867, locating in Marion, Linn county, Iowa, where he lived two years. Became a resident of Jasper county, Mo., in 1869, locating at Carthage, where he followed contracting and building until 1875, when he moved to where he now lives, and became a tiller of the soil. His farm consists of forty acres, beautifully situated, two miles from Reeds station, and has natural groves of timber on the east and north. Mr. Bissell is turning his attention to horticulture, and has the largest and best orchard in the township, consisting of apples, peaches, pears, cherries of many varieties and good quality, and small fruits in great abundance; also a vineyard which yields large quantities of grapes of excellent quality. He is operating an evaporating kiln which turns out fruits and berries in much better condition than sun-dried fruits. He has a family of three sons and two daughters: Clara A., now Mrs. J. H. Madock, of Gouverneur, N. Y. ; Caroline, now Mrs. Allen Young, of Jasper county, Mo.; Charles V. and Elliott H., contractors and builders, of Carthage, Mo., and Fred, at home on the farm. The elder son served in a New York volunteer regiment during the war of the Rebellion.

PHILIP BORGER (deceased) was a native of Germany; came with his parents to the United States when but two years old; settled in St. Clair county. 111., where they engaged at farming. Here our subject attained his manhood ; went overland to California in 1850, and engaged at mining and freighting, and subsequently at stock-raising. He was married in Sacramento, Cal., to Miss Mary Devault, who was born on board a German emigrant ship on the Atlantic Ocean. Of this marriage there are five children living: George W., Philip, Elizabeth, wife of James Smith; Henry, born in Colorado; and Mary A., born in Jasper county. Mo. During the last years of his residence at the Golden Gate Mr. Borger was proprietor of a brewery in Jackson, Amador county, which was destroyed by fire in 1868. He then, with what means he had saved, came east via Panama and New York. Stopping for a brief visit with old-time friends in Illinois, he came to Jasper county. Mo., and purchased a tract of unimproved land, where he died Feb. 9, 1872. He was during life a man of much energy, business tact, and sagacity. His widow and family still reside on the farm, and are quite prosperous. Tiie eldest son, George W., was married Dec. 3, 1883, to Miss Rosanna Hall, a native of Missouri, daughter of Jefferson Hall, a resident of Jasper county.

JOHN L. BRADLEY, farmer and blacksmith, section 31, post-office Carthage, was born in Sangamon county. 111., Dec. 20, 1846. His father, Wm. Bradley, was a native of- North Carolina, who moved to Sangamon county. 111., at an early day. He came to Jasper county. Mo., in 1854, and settled on the farm where the subject of our sketch now lives, where he died in April, 1878, aged sixty-five years; he was during life a quiet, unassuming man and a good citizen. John, our subject, was here educated at the pioneer schools. In his youth he learned the blacksmith's trade, which business he has since carried on in connection with his farming. "Was married here Dec. 24, 1874, to Miss E. M. Mears, a native of Polk county, Mo. Of this union there are three children : William H., Isaac E., and Gracie. His farm, situated on Center Creek, is nicely sheltered on the north by a grove of natural timber. It contains ninety-five acres of good land. Mr. Bradley is a good citizen and a trustworthy mechanic.

EDWARD BUCKBEE, farmer and stock-raiser, section 14, post-office Carthage, is a native of the Empire State, born in Livingston county, Nov. 6, 1834. When be was but six years old his parents immigrated to Ohio, where he attained his manhood and acquired a common school education, and also learned the carpenter's trade. At the age of twenty-one he immigrated to Missouri, locating in Livingston count}', where he engaged as a carpenter and builder. He was married there Feb. 27, 1859, to Miss Sarah Baruett, a native of Hancock county, 111. Her parents were natives of Kentucky, and settled in Illinois at an early day. Our subject served under the Stars and Stripes during the war of the Rebellion, first becoming a member of Captain Stall's company of Colonel Shanklin's regiment of Guards, and was called into active service on several occasions. He enlisted in October, 1862, in Company H, Sixth Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia, going into active service. He participated in many skirmishes and engagements of a minor character, and during this service Mr. Buckbee got his first sight of Jasper county, and being impressed with its many advantages determined, " When this cruel war is over," to cast his lot here. So, almost before the echo of the last gun had ceased to reverberate or the smoke of battle had entirely cleared away he became a citizen of Jasper county, locating on Spring River, seven miles below Carthage, on what is known as the Chester farm, one of the first settled farms in the county, where he lived four years. He then purchased the farm where he now lives, which was then unimproved, but is now in a good state of cultivation, finely situated^ two miles from the good City of Carthage. A fine spring bubbles forth about the center of the farm,afibrding a constant supply of clear pure water. He has a family of two sons and three daughters. Their names are: Samuel, born Oct. 31, 1860; Marietta, born Feb. 3, 1865; Alice, born Sept. 26, 1867; T. Benton, born Jan. 7, 1873; and Daisy B., born Jane 4, 1875.

GEORGE BURGOON, farmer and fruit-grower, section 14, post-oflSce Carthage, was born in Ohio, Dec. 23,1832. When a child his parents immigrated to Iowa, and settled at Allen Grove, in Scott county. In 1852 he sold out and went to Texas, settling in Tarrant county of the Lone Star State, where our subject was married Oct. 26, 1856, to Miss Letta J. Fortener, a native of Arkansas. At the breaking out of the civil war, though not in perfect accord with the secession movement, his interests were in the South, and his wife and family were in sympathy with the movement, and Mr. Burgoon reluctantl}' took up arms under the Palmetto Flag', being a member of Company A, Nineteenth Texas Cavalry, known as Bufibrd's Texas Rangers. He participated in many campaigns, skirmishes, and engagements of different kinds. He served under Marmaduke in the Cape Girardeau raid, many brushes in Arkansas, and in the Red River campaign, where they had skirmishes and running fights for many consecutive days. His regiment was disbanded in Texas in May, 1865. Returning to his home in Tarrant county, he disposed of the residue of his property, and with his family came to Washington county. Ark., and stayed but a few months and then returned to Texas. Remaining there one year he came to Jasper county, Mo., in 1867, and has since been a permanent resident of this county. His farm consists of sixtj^ acres, nicely situated two and a half miles from and in full view of the City of Carthage, on high and rolling ground. He has erected a cozy substantial stone house, and made many other material improvements. BLis family consists of four children: Alice, wife of Hiram Phillips; Florence R., wife of J. R. Hill; Mollie and Georgia.

GEORGE W. CLUBB, farmer, section 17, post-oflBce Carthage, is a son of Peter W. Clubb, an old settler of Jasper county. Our subject was born in Union township, Jasper county, Nov. 7, 1854, and here he has spent his entire life. His education was obtained in the common schools of his native county. He was married April 7, 1879, to Miss Jenire Shephard, a native of Texas. They are the parents of one child, Murty May. His farm consists of forty acres, nicely situated, four miles southeast from Carthage, sheltered on three sides by groves of native timber. Be is a 3'oung man of good sense and industrious habits, and is making his little farm have every appearance of a home.

WILLIAM M. CLUBB, farmer, section 29, post-office Carthage, was born in Lawrence county, Ark., Dec. 5, 1812. When but six years old he came with his parents to Jasper county, Mo., settling in Union township, where he was reared and educated. At the breaking out of the civil war our subject was of strong Union sentiments, and did good service for Uncle Sam during the late unpleasantness. He was a member of Captain Kemper's company of the Kinth Reo^iment Enrolled Missouri State Militia. Subsequently he enlisted in Company M, Thirteenth Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, going into active service in the Department of the West, in the campaigns against the hostile Sioux Indians. He was in many skirmishes and some pitched battles during his service on the plains, and participated in the campaign against Price in Missouri and Kansas, and in all the engagements of that time. He was present at the house of Dr. Stemmons, in McDonald township, when the house was attacked in 1862; saw the Doctor and Lanton Duncan killed, and was himself severely wounded, but managed to escape, with several others. He was discharged from the United States service in January, 1866, and then went to Cole county. Mo., where he was married to Miss Mary E. McDonald, a native of Callaway county. Mo., on July 15th of the same year. The following year he returned to Jasper county, and has since been a permanent resident. His family consists of four children: James W., William M., Mary A., and Henry A. His father, Peter Clubb, was a native of Kentucky, and served during the war in the Ninth Regiment of the Missouri State Militia, and died while in the service on Sept. 17th, 1863.

MARQUIS L. DAYIS, farmer and stock raiser, post-office Carthage, was born in Madison county, Ky., April 12, 1823. In 1828 his parents immigrated to Missouri and settled in Cole county, where our subject was reared. His father met with severe losses in his native state, and was now unable to work, consequently Marquis being the eldest child soon assumed the responsibility of providing for the family, thus proving himself a dutiful son and brother. He remained with his parents until 1854, when he went overland to California and engaged in farming and stock-raising with varying success, until 1858, when he returned to Cole count}^ Mo., where on Jan. 8th, 1859, he was married to Miss Nancy Sailing, a native of Missouri, and moved to Bourbon county, Kan., the same year engaging in farming and stock-raising. His wife died Nov. 1, 1862. aged thirty. He was married a second time, to Miss Louisa Cayle, in Kansas, October 16, 1863. Of this union there are four children. Mr. Davis became a resident of Jasper county in 1867; he purchased and improved the farm upon which he now lives, situated on Center Creek, seven miles from Carthage, consisting of 160 acres, with 100 acres in cultivation. He has during his day raised and marketed many hundred head of cattle, but is now turning his attention to sheep-raising, of which he owns a good flock. He also owns another farm of eighty-eight acres, well improved, on North Fork in Medoc township. Mr. Davis is an industrious, energetic farmer, and takes an interest in public affairs and the good of the community.

WILLIAM DUDMAN, farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Carthage, was born in Sussex, Eng., Dec. 18, 1822. When Mr. Dudman was an infant his parents immigrated to the United States, landing in New York in the spring of 1833. His father was a miller and cast about for a situation in that business, going to Bourbon county, Ky., from there to Charlestown, Clark county, Ind., and was drowned in Crawford county, when our subject was yet of tender years, leaving a family of four children. His mother not having the means to rear and educate him properly, he was adopted into the family of^Absalom Wood, of Crawford county, Ind., where he was reared and received a limited education at the subscription schools. He also acquired the gun and locksmith trade, and on attaining his majority he went to Clay county. 111., and opened a gun-shop near Xenia, investing his savings in land. He was married there in 1842 to Miss Sally Beatly, a native of South Carolina. She died in 1852, leaving seven children. From this time Mr. Dudman turned his entire attention to farming, and he owned and improved a farm of 300 acres. He was married the second time in this county March 25, 1857, to Mrs. Eliza Stipp, a native of Indiana. In 1870 Mr. Dudman sold his farm in Illinois, and immigrated to southwest Missouri, and settled in Newton county, where he engaged in stock-dealing quite extensively. He became a citizen of Jasper county in 1878, purchasing the fine farm he now owns and occupies, consisting of 530 acres of good ground, which contains some mineral, and is situated on Center Creek. He has recently turned his attention to raising and selling mules. His wife died in this county Jan. 1, 1879, leaving four children. Mr. Dudman was originally an Andrew Jackson Democrat, but has recently become identified with the Greenback, or anti-monopoly party. He is a self-made man, starting in life a poor boy, and by bis own efibrts and the blessings of a kind Providence to-day owns one of the best farms in Jasper county. He takes an active interest in affairs pertaining to the welfare of the county and public at large, is a good business man, and a highly respected citizen.

CHARLES EDWARDS (deceased) was a native of England, born Feb. 16, 1840. At the age of ten he immigrated with his parents to the United States, and settled in Hancock county, Ohio, where he lived for many years.

Did good service for his adopted country during the war of the Rebellion, enlisting in 1861 in Company E of the Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, and was in active service upward of four years, participating in many hard fought engagements. He is spoken of by his late comrades as brave almost to recklessness, ana generous to a fault. He was mustered out with his regiment after the surrender of the Confederates in 1865, and, returning to his home in Ohio, was joined in marriage Dec. 25th of the same year with Miss Ruth Long, a native of Hancock county, Ohio. He came to Jasper county. Mo, in 1868, and bought and improved the farm upon which his family still reside, and where he died Feb. 1, 1883. He was during life an industrious, enterprising citizen, a kind husband and father, and a sincere Christian gentleman. "Was for many years identified with the church of the United Brethren, and was ever active in its interests; was a member of the first congregation organized in the county, and assisted in the maintenance of the sabbath schools. He left an interesting family of two sons and three daughters: Eliza J., Mary E., Joseph, John F., and Clara Belle. His widow manages the farm and is a lady of many admirable traits of character and more than ordinary intelligence; she enjoys the unqualified esteem of her neighbors.

WILLIAM K. EELLS, farmer and stock-raiser, section 27, post-oflBce Reeds. Subject is a native of the Keystone State, born in Crawford county, Jan. ^3, 1851. When he was yet an infant his parents immigrated west and settled in Allamakee county, Iowa, where they lived till 1867, when they moved to Jasper county, Mo., locating where subject now lives. His father died one year later, since which time our subject has managed the farm profitably. He was married Jan. 23, 1873, to Miss Josephine Davis, a natire of Illinois, daughter of Morgan L. and Catharine Davis, of Jasper county. Of this union there are two interesting children, a son and daughter: Katie, born Feb. 23, 1875; and Ward, born Aug. 16, 1878. Since the property has fallen into his hands Mr. Eells has succeeded in adding considerably to his possessions, as well as making many material improvements. The farm now consists of 240 acres, 175 under cultivation; also seventy-five acres in section 35, supposed to contain valuable mineral deposits. Mr. Eells is an enterprising, go-ahead business-man, and though young in years has made rapid strides towards wealth, and is fast taking rank among the solid men of Jasper county. He has two brothers and one sister. His brother Luther is superintendent of public schools in Iowa; Sidney, a resident of Joplin, Mo.; and Mary, wife of G. H. Hutchinson.

eighteen, he immigrated with his parents to southwest Missouri, and settled where he now lives in Jasper county. His parents were natives of South Carolina; settled in Park county, Ind.,at an early day; both died and are buried in Jasper county. His father, Robert Foster, died in 1865 at the age of seventy-three; his mother 'died Oct. 10, 1882, aged seventy-six. Onr subject occupies the old homestead. Not being subject to military duty he remained in the county during the Rebellion, and therefore had to endure all the hardships and privations incident to those trying times; their horses, mules, wagons, grain, bedding, etc., were taken from them. At the close of the war, though jnuch reduced in circumstances, he made a new start. His parents being old and decrepit, and his brothers being driven off by the war, he was obliged to provide for them; he proved a dutiful son, working for their maintenance and comfort under many difficulties and often dangers. He was married Feb. IT, 1876, to Miss Susan Fisher, also a native of Indiana, daughter of Jesse Fisher, a resident of Jasper county. They have two children: Minnie Estella and Mintie Belle. His farm consists of 127 acres, seventy acres under cultivation, well situated, on Jenkins Creek, and admirably adapted to stock-raising. Mr. Foster is a quiet, unassuming man and an industrious citizen; is getting a good start in life, and is in fair circumstances.

SAMUEL W. FULLER, farmer and stock-raiser, section 25, post-office Carthage. Mr. Fuller is a native of Jasper county, Mo., born July 6, 1846. He is a son of John L. Fuller, who is a native of Wayne county, Mo., coming to Jasper in 1843 and locating on Center Creek, having married a short time before coming here. His wife, Martha Fuller, nee Ragan, was a daughter of John Ragan, now of Benton county. Ark., was for many years a resident of this county. During the war of the Rebellion Mr. Fuller was a member of Well's Arkansas Battalion, C. S. A. He was killed in a skirmish in Arkansas in 1864, leaving a family of five sons and one daughter, the second of which is the subject of this sketch. S. W. Fuller was reared in Jasper county and when of sufficient age also became a member of Well's Arkansas Battalion, C. S. A., and was in active service about one year. His regiment surrendered on the Red River. He lived one year in Texas, then re-located in Benton county. Ark., where he lived until 1877, when he returned to his first love, Jasper county. Mo. On the 14th of October, 1878, he was married to Miss Laura Allen, of Barton county, a native of South Carolina. They have two children, a son and a daughter respectively, Walters., born Oct. 6, 1849; and Sinia Effie, born Oct. 29, 1882. His farm consisting of 160 acres, is well situated six miles southeast of Carthage, upon which Mr. Fuller is making many material improvements, with the intention of making this a permanent and pleasant home. He takes an active interest in the public weal. His mother is still a member of the household, as is also one sister who is a widow lady. Mr. Fuller has taken care of the family since the death of his father.

THOS. H. GRIEB, farmer and stock-raiser, section 6, post-office Carthage. The subject of this sketch is a native of the Keystone State, born in Bucks county, Dec. 21, 1822. His parents moved to Clinton county when he was but an infant, where he was reared and received the advantages of a good business education. At the age of twenty-one he engaged at the mercantile business at T^dersville, Pa., also operated a grist and flouring mill, and managed a farm, and was successful linancially. In 1868 he made a trip to southwest Missouri, and being so favorably impressed with the prospects here that on his return he disposed of his entire interests there and became a resident of Jasper county the following year. He purchased a tract of land and with true Pennsylvania thrift proceeded to make improvements. He has succeeded in making one of the finest farms in the county. He has built a fine commodious farm residence, monster barn, etc. The homestead consists of 320 acres, beautifully situated. Maguificient groves of native timber afford shade and shelter and lend beauty and variety to the landscape. Mr. Grieb was married in his native state, Dec. 2, 1855, to Miss Mary A. Royer, also a native of Pennsylvania. She died in Jasper county, March 14, 1875, leaving four daughters and five sons: Minerva, wife of Gibson Horton, Rachel E., Alfred C, Anson A., Thomas V., Sada A., Edgar R., Arie, and Loren. Mr. Grieb is justly considered one of Jasper county's most important citizens. His landed interests consists of 820 acres. He has ever taken an active interest in public affairs and that which pertains to the public good.

DAVID K. HOOD, farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Reeds. Among the most prominent of the old settlers of this county is the subject of this brief sketch. His father, Thos. Hood, was a Virginian by birth, but settled in South Carolina at an early day. He was married in Edgefield of that state, to Miss Martha Onsby, a native of South Carolina, of an old Southern family. They lived for several years in Greenville, S. C, and immigrated to east Tennessee about the year 1813. They made their first settlement in Roane county, and subsequentl}^ moved to Monroe county, where he died in 1820. His widow survived him for many years, and died at the home of her son (our subject), in Jasper county, Mo., in July, 1870, at the advanced age of ninety-six years. Our subject was the youngest of the family, and was born in Roane county, Tenn., Sept., 26, 1814. He moved with the family, when quite young, to Monroe county, where he was reared to manhood, and acquired a limited education. At the age of fifteen be was apprenticed to the saddle and harness-maker's trade at Philadelphia, Tenn., which business be followed for twenty-two years. He was married in Maury county, Tenn., Aug. 16, 1840, to Miss Martha J. Kinzer, a native of Tennessee. She died in March, 1852, leaving four children: Norris C, Joel T., Virginia T., wife of J. T>. Davis; and Michael K., deceased. He was married a second time in Wayne county, Tenn., June 30, 1853, to Miss Susan J. Morris, who was a native of Tennessee. Of this union there were born eleven children, eight of whom are now living: Missouri C, wife of Joseph E.. Robinson of Dade county; David K., died Dec. 26, 1881, aged 24; Daniel W., now of Dade county; Sarah E., wife of Wm. Hackney of Jasper county; Thos. S., Henry C, Cora C, John H., and Edward E. Mr. Hood became a resident of Jasper county, Mo., in 1853, and purchased the farm upon which he now lives, since which time he has turned his entire attention to farming and stock-raising. When the Civil War broke out, Mr. Hood, though born and reared in the South and imbued with proslavery ideas, besides being himself the owner of slaves, still loved the Union, and was willing to sacrifice self-interests to its ]>reservation. Outrages were rife in his immediate neighborhood, and being determined to remain neutral he moved his family to Ft. Scott, Kan., in May, 1862, but not finding a suitable location, returned the following year and raised a crop. One Sunday evening in October, 1862, a squad of Federal cavalry rode up to his house, and he knowing them to be friends, received them. His wife was preparing supper for them when another squad of mounted men rode up and called for him, he went out, and while talking to the officer in charge, a scout that was with the first squad that came, discovered that tliey were rebels and opened fire upon them. They had quite a lively skirmish in his door-yard. The following day Mr. Hood loaded up his wagons, and with what cattle he had left after repeated raids, moved his family to Cooper county. Mo., where he remained until peace was restored, when he returned to his home in Jasper county, since which time he has met with some severe reverses. Financially, he has been quite prosperous. His possessions consist of 606 acres of land. Rock Spring, a tributary to Center Creek, flows from his stock-yard. In politics, Mr. Hood was formerly an old line Whig. He has been identified with the anti-monopoly party since its organization. His principles and wishes now are "for the unitj^ of the American people without contentions, except that noble contention as to shall do the greatest good for humanity and the country's weal."

with his parents to Jasper county, Mo. At the breaking out of the civil war he became a member of Captain Craven's Company of (iiiards, subsequently he enlisted in Company I, First Regiment Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, and went into active service as body guard to General Herron. Afterwards he composed a part of General Davidson's cavalry division, and marched from Pilot Knob, Mo., to Little Rock, Ark., and was at the battles of Prairie Grove, Little Rock, Jenkins' Ferry, and many others of less importa,uce in Arkansas and Missouri; was mustered out June 15, 1865, and rejturned to his home in Jasper county in August of the same year. He was married Feb. 27, 1867, to Miss Winnie F., daughter of Robert and Lavinia Whittaker. From this union there are two sons and three daughters: Marietta, born Jan. 3, 1868; Eunice H., born March 26, 1869; Almeda O., born Oct. 30, 1870; Ira Y., born Jan. 19, 1872; and Constant B., born Nov. 28, 1878. He moved upon the farm where he now lives in 1872; it is situated on Center Creek, two miles southwest from Reeds. For the past four years Mr. Hood has turned his attention to bee culture, and now owns an apiary of thirty-five colonies. He uses an improved hive of his own invention, designed especially to protect the bees from the inclemency of the weather. Evidently it is a valuable adjunct to bee-keeping, as his bees are healthy and remarkably productive.

ISRAEL HOOFJSTAGLE, farmer and stock-raiser, post-ofUce Carthage, was born in Union county. Pa., July 15, 1828, and was there reared to manhood, and in his youth learned the trade of house carpenter, at which business he worked many years. He was married in Snyder county. Pa., in 1856, to Miss Matilda Keller, also a native of the Keystone State, Of this marriage there are eight children: William H., John J., Daniel, Mary E., Susan, Harvey, Fanny C, and Thomas E. He immigrated west in 1876, settled in Jasper county, Mo., and purchased 132 acres of land, which he has improved, and also increased his stock of wordly goods. His farm now consists of 172 acres, upon which are some very good improvements, two good dwelling-houses, barns, orchards, etc. During the first years of his residence here he worked at his trade in connection with his farming operations. The fine farm buildiiigs of Messrs, Grieb and Royer are evidence of his handiwork. He is now so situated as to enjoy life and the fruits of his labors.

BRADLEY HOWARD, farmer and stock-raiser, post-oflSce Sarcoxie, was born in Ray county, Tenn., Oct. 19, 1821, and there lived until thirteen years old. He was a farmer's son, and most of his time was spent on the farm and going to school, thus acquiring a common school education. In 1834 his father moved to the Hiawatha Purchase, Bradley county, Tenn., where he died in Jane, 1836. Our subject remained here with the family until Nov., 1850, when he left them and came to Jasper county, Mo., and staid here one year, going thence to Texas. He traveled overland throuo-h Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and back to his home in Tennessee, and returned to southwest Missouri in 1853 and located near the north line of Newton county. He was married in Jasper county, Dec. 20, 1854, to Miss Sarah A. Gray, a native of Virginia, daughter of Edward Gray, one of the pioneer settlers of Jasper county, now a resident of Newton county. He bought and moved on the farm where he now lives in 1857. Being strongly opposed to the war he undertook to observe a strict neutrality, and did so far as refraining from service in either army, but that, however, did not protect his property. He then owned a good farm, well stocked; his live stock was taken by Federal officers, and himself hunted like a wild beast. The family remained on the farm the greater part of these trying days, and often months elapsed without hearing aught from them. During this time he visited many parts of the country, and was in Cook county, Texas, when the glad news reached him that the war was ended. He then returned to the wreck of his home in Jasper county. His family having gone to Kansas near the close of the war joined him here the following September, and by their united efforts they managed to get a new start. His wife died Dec. 3, 1872, leaving a family of four children. In 1874 hia house, with its contents, was destroyed by fire, and all was lost, Mr. Howard at the time being in the Indian Territory. Notwithstanding these severe reverses, he has by persevering industry accumulated a nice home. His farm consists of 260 acres of as good land as Jasper county can boast, romantically situated near the head of Jenkins Creek, upon which he keeps a good herd of cattle, also a number of horses and mules. Mr. Howard has traveled quite extensively, and thinks southwest Missouri ahead of all other portions of the country in natural advantages.

CHARLES W. JOHNSON, farmer and stock-raiser, postofiice Carthage, was born in Washington county, Ark., Jan. 1, 1839, and was there reared to manhood. In his youthful days he was of delicate health. During the war, though of strong union sentiment, himself and two brothers were conscripted into the Confederate service. He was discharged shortly on account of poor health, and his brothers managed to escape with much difficulty. In 1862 the entire family fled to Kansas, and located near Fort Scott, where our subject was engaged in freighting for United States Government contractors. While at that business he was attacked on Cabin Creek by the Rebel Gen. Cooper, and the entire train of about 100 teams and wagons was captured. This was one of the richest hauls the Confeder- ates made in the Southwest. Our subject and his brothers sustained a loss of several hundred dollars. In the spring of 1866 he became a resident of Jasper county. He was married here Nov. 20, 1867, to Miss Dicy Ralston, a native of Jasper county, Mo., daughter of Nathan Ralston, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have two children, Martha L. and Carl N. His farm consists of 128 acres, 100 of which are in cultivation; it is well situated and is live and a half miles from Carthage.

BENJAMIN F. JOHNSON (deceased), farmer and stock-raiser, section 32, post-office Carthage, was born in east Tennessee Oct. 14, 1803, and was one of twins, the other a sister. Their father died when they were infants and the subject of this sketch acquired his education at the subscription schools of their locality; his youth was spent on a farm. After the death of his father the family moved to Campbell county, and when he attained his nineteenth year he moved to Anderson county and engaged in farming; was married there Nov. 12, 1826, to Miss Martha M. Oliver, also a native of Tennessee. He held the office of sheriff of the county eighteen years; emigrated to Washington county, Ark., in 1829, settled near Cane Hill, and remained there until 1861; he was one of the pioneers of that county. Though born and living all his life in slave states was never favorable to the doctrine of slavery, and strongly opposed by voice and vote the ordinance of secession, which made him so man}' bitter political enemies that he thought best to seek safety in some adjoining state. His live stock, grain, and provisions were taken away by the enemies of himself and country. Two sons, though strong Union men, were conscripted into the Confederate service, but did not long remain there. In June, 1861, he went to Kansas. His wife and youngest daughter returned to their home in Arkansas, in November, 1865, with a view of settling up their affairs, being himself sick and unable to return with them; he joined them there Jan. 27, 1866. His wife's health had now given away, and two days after his return she breathed her last, in the lifty-seventh year of her age. During her life she was a very estimable lady, a kind indulgent mother and a true wife; was for many years a faithful member of the M. E. Church and died in the hope and coniidence of a blessed immortality, leaving a family of four sons and seven daughters. The year after his wife's death he sold out in Arkansas and become a resident of Jasper county. Mo., and three years later settled where he now lives. Was maried in this county Sept. 28, 1868, to Mrs. Elizabeth Barker, a native of Arkansas. Of this union there are two sons. Mrs. J. is the mother of four children by her former marriage. Since his residence here, though meeting with some reverses, has been in the main prosperous; his farm consists of 170 acres, 160 improved. Mr. J., for a man of advanced age, is robust and active, thinks his good health and spirits is greatly due to his temperate methods of living, having never used tobacco in any form, or stimulants of any kind. Is very intelligent, of good judgment, and strong religious proclivities, has been an active and consistent member of the M. E. Church for upward of fifty years, and is now a faithful and earnest worker in the cause of religion.

JOHN KINNEY, farmer and stock- raiser, section 8, post-ofiice Sarcoxie. Mr. Kinney is a native of Ohio, was born in Stark county, April 25, 1820, and there reared to manhood. He was married in his native county in June, 1841, to Miss Elizabeth Swieheart, a native of Pennsylvania, who was reared and educated in Stark county, Ohio. In 1844 he moved to Wyandotte county, where he bought and improved a farm upon which he lived six years. In 1850 he went to Holt county, Mo., from there to Taylor county, Iowa, in 1852, where he lived several years; was there during the dark days of the Rebellion. From there he moved to Labette county, Kan., in 1866, where he lived until 1871, when he became a citizen of Jasper county. Mo., and bought the farm on which he now lives, consisting of eighty acres, well improved, with good buildings, orchard, etc. His family consists of five sons and three daughters. Three of his sons served during the war of the Rebellion in an Iowa Volunteer Regiment. Mr. Kinney is a self-made man, commencing without means, and by perseverence, industry, enterprise and energy has accumulated a competency. He now owns 260 acres of good land in this and adjoining counties. Himself and family are consistent members of the Church of Christ; he is a man of sterling worth in the community in which he lives.

J. C. LEWIS, farmer and stock-raiser, a native of Jasper county, Mo., born Sept. 4, 1847, was reared and educated on Center Creek. His father, Hiddons Lewis came here from Indiana at an early dav. Mr. Hiddons Lewis lived on Center Creek where he died in 1853. During the war our subject, though young, was for the Union; his eldest brother went into the Union army, thus leaving him and his brother, John, with the care of the family. They moved to Oregon for protection, and were there when that place was destroyed by Shelby's command in 1864. Was married March 4, 1877, to Miss Nettie Breeze, a native of 111. Of this union there are two children: Martha V. and Rhoda J.; Mr. Lewis is working his interest in the Lewis estate, 200 acres, situated five miles southeast of Carthage.

DANIEL O. LOWERY, farmer and stock-raiser, section 28, post-oflice Reeds, is a native of Kentucky, born in Colwell county, Dec. 23, 1828, was there reared to manhood and received his education. His father was a farmer, and our subject spent his youth in assisting in the farm duties. At the age of twenty-three he emigrated to Illinois, located in Macoupin county, where he engaged in farming four years, then moved to Macon coiinty, where he lived nine years; also lived one year in Montgomery county. Became a resident of Jasper county, Mo., in 1866. Purchased farm upon which he lives, consisting of 200 acres, upon which he has made many fine improvements; erected a fine commodious frame house, unsurpassed by any between Sarcoxie and Carthage, with yard and lawn filled with shade and ornamental trees, flowers, and shrubs; a magnificent climbing rose covers the entire front of the house. The value of the property is further enhanced by good orchard and vineyard. Mr. Lowery was marlied in Green county. 111., in 1853, to Miss Mary E. Fentress, a native of that county. She died in Jasper county. Mo., April 26, 1881, leaving a family of four. Their names are James, William, Henry, and Minnie. She was, during life, a very estimable lady, a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and was ever active in the cause of Christianity, Mr. Lowery is well known and highly respected by the residents of southwest Missouri. Is in well-to-do circumstances, enterprising, progressive, and takes a lively interest in the schools of his county, and has been for many years a school officer.

THOMAS B. MAKTIlSr, farmer and stock-raiser, section 14, post-office Carthage. Is a native of Great Britain, born in the town of Ramsey, Isle of Man, Feb. 15, 1835; was there reared to manhood and acquired a business education. At the age of seventeen, was apprenticed to the boot and shoe maker's trade, which business he followed in his native Isle, as also in many of the manufacturing cities of England. Immigrated to the United States in 1855, locating in the city of Peoria, 111., where he lived five years, then moved to Fairbury, Livingston county, where he engaged at farming. Was married in that place in Dec, 1862, to Miss Catharine Truman, a native of Champlain county, 111. Of this union there are seven children: Lucy Mona, Horace W., Arthur P., Maud, Percy T., Blanche A., and Harry T. He moved to Champaign county in 1863, lived there two years; then in Fairbury two years; from there went to Nebraska, where he engaged in farming quite extensively; owned a farm of 1,400 acres in Gage county; not liking the country he disposed of his farm, as also some city property. Made a visit to southwest Mo., in 1868, and being favorably impressed with the beauty of the scenery and mildness of the climate, he determined to make Jasper county his future home. The following spring moved his avails here and engaged in farming and stock-raising; has handled stock quite extensively; was for some years the most important shipper at Carthage. His farm consists of 240 acres, admirably situated, four miles from Carthage. The value of the premises is enhanced by good substantial buildings, a beautiful lawn in front of the house, shaded by magnificent forest trees. Keeps from 100 to 200 head of stock; also horses, mules, and swine in goodly numbers. Mr. Martin is a fine vocalist, and has ever taken deep interest in instructing the young in that most desirable accomplishment.

THOMAS MOTTLEY, dealer in groceries and provisions, Knight's Station, is a native of Kentucky, born in Allen county, March 4, 1843. He immigrated with his parents to southwest Missouri in 1849, settling near Carthage, in Jasper county, where his father died in 1852. Our subject jived with his mother on the farm until 1857, when they returned to Kentucky. At the breaking out of the civil war he enlisted in Company F, l^inth Kegiment of Kentucky Yolunteer Infantry, and participated at the battle of Murfreesborough, Tenn., and several skirmishes. Subsequently he became a member of Company C, Seventy-sixth Regiment of Missouri State Militia, and was engaged in scouting service principally in southwest Missouri. He was severely injured by a fall from his horse during a night attack at Lebanon, Mo., and was mustered out at Springfield, Mo., in 1865, when he came to Jasper county. He was married Oct. 8, 1870, to Miss Anna Clark, a native of Ohio. She died July 10, 1871. He was again married Dec. 14, 1879, to Miss Sarah Head, a native of Johnson county, Mo. She died Jan. 16, 1880. He married his present wife, Mrs. N. J. D. Allen, a native of Madison county. 111., Aug. 28, 1881. He came to his present place of residence in 1880, where he engaged at blacksmithing and wagon-work, having learned and worked at the business in his younger days. Engaged in the grocery and provision trade in 1882, and carries a good stock in his line for a country store, to which he has recently added medicines, wood and willow-ware, etc., and finds the business profitable. Is well-known and respected in his locality. He also owns a fruit farm of twenty acres on section 21, well stocked with good and choice fruits.

DR. DAVID F. MOSS, physician and surgeon, post-ofiice Carthage. Subject of this sketch is one of the oldest physicians now resident in the county, and is a native of Indiana, born in Washington county, Oct. 6, 1813. He was educated at Bloomington, in that state, and adopted the study of medicine at the age of twenty-three, in the office of Dr. Talbot, of Greencastle, Ind., and attended lectures at the Eclectic School of Physicians and Surgeons at Cincinnati, Ohio. Commenced practice under his old preceptor at Greencastle, Ind., and then in Clinton county, Ind., in 1842. He was married in Montgomery county, Ind., Feb. 30, 1839, to Miss Margaret A. Daugherty, a native of Kentucky. Immigrated to southwest Missouri in

1852, and located in the northern portion of Jasper county, and engaged in the practice of his profession in this and adjoining counties, investing largely in real estate, so that at the breaking out of the civil war his landed interest was considerable. He was a Union man in principle, and suffered many indignities and severe loss of property, and was present on the field during the battle of Carthage, but not an active participant. He was taken prisoner three different times, and his life repeatedly threatened. He fled to Kansas for an asylum for his family, going himself into the service as assistant surgeon of the Sixth Kansas Regiment, and was a very valuable adjunct to the command, being familiar with the entire southwestern country, and was frequently called upon to act as guide in the movement of troops, in addition to his duties on the medical staff. Was also connected with the United States Army hospital at Fort Scott, Kan. Participated at the battles of Newtonia, Cane Hill, and many skirmishes and forages; was ever present at the call of duty, and was indefatigable in his exertions in behalf of the cause and his professional attendance upon the men. He was mustered out in the spring of 1865, and returned to Jasper county in September of the same year, finding his property here in a distressing condition, his buildings, fences, etc., burned and destroyed. To add to these discouraging circumstances, previous to the war he had been security for raany of his neighbors in large amounts of money, loaned out by the county known as the " Swamp Land Fund." During the war period the principals having scattered to all points many of them were killed during the troubles. The Doctor was obliged to refund to the county as security, which circumstance embarrassed him greatly, coming, as it did, at that particular time, and in connection with other important losses. N^otwithstanding all these reverses, the Doctor is possessed of a fine property. The homestead consists of 440 acres, delightfully and healthfully situated near the confluence of Jenkins and Jones creeks. A fine spring of water gushes forth within a few feet of the house; ':lie soil is unsurpassed for fertility or productiveness, and sheltered on all sides by groves of native timber His son Samuel L., the only one of his ofi"spring now living, is a farmer and respected citizen of the couuty, and is enterprising, public spirited, and prosperous. He was married Nov. 12, 1876, to Miss Georgia Elliott, a native of Missouri. They are the parents of two children: Murtie E. and Gertie 1. The Doctor, during his long residence in the county, has been identified with every move that tended to its progress or improvement. Though one of the heaviest tax-payers he took an active interest in obtaining railroad aid for the first railroad to pass through the county.

ELIAS MOSS, farmer and stock-raiser, sections 12 and 13, post-office Carthage, born in Putnam county, Ind., May 1, 1830. In 1840 his parents immigrated to southwest Missouri, settled on Jenkins Creek and improved the farm now owned by W. H. Foster, wliere he lived until 1848, when he went into the government employ as a freighter. He started from Independence, Mo., with a wagon train, driving a team of twelve oxen through to southern California; engaged at mining for five years with varyipg success, and during that time visited Oregon, Old Mexico, Cuba, South America and Chili, and returned via New York in 1855, and engazed in farming near Jones Creek. He was married Feb. 21, 1856, to Miss Ethalinda Westfield, a native of Ohio. Of this union there are eleven children living, four of them married and are residents of Jasper county. During the war of the Rebellion Mr. Moss was a Union man and strongly opposed the ordinances of secession. Knowing from observation the struggle was going to be a protracted one, he moved his family to Kansas, locating at Ft. Scott. While there he was a member of the Seventh Regiment Kansas E. M. Subsequently he enlisted in Company E, of the Fourteenth Kansas Cavalry. He was engaged in a number of battles and skirmishes, running fights, etc. He returned to his home in Jasper county, in September, 1865. Himself and James A. Westfall and theti- families were the first to return. Their trip through the country, though a happy one, was very lonesome, and the utter desolation on every hand was really appalling. Where once were happy homes there was nothing but bare chimneys, standing like sentinels guarding blackened ruins; fertile fields were lying waste, and fences razed to the ground. He re-commenced his farming operations and the following year harvested a good crop. The influx of population made a jrood market, since which time he has been reasonably prosperous. His real estate possessions now consist of 200 acres of good land, 115 of which are in a good state of cultivation; situated on Jones Creek. The farm is abundantly supplied with springs of pure water. Mr. Moss has seen the rise and progress of Jasper county, and takes a just pride in its advancement and many advantages. He has had much experience in his day and thinks Jasper county superior to any other within his knowledge.

P. Y. MULLEN, farmer, post-office Carthage. The subject of this sketch was born in Scott county. 111., Sept. 12, 1848. His mother died when he was but an infant. A few years later his father started with a drove of cattle intending to go to California, but reaching Benton county. Ark., he disposed of his stock and concluded to remain there, where he died in 1855, leaving our subject an orphan at the tender age of seven. He then lived a while in the family of his uncle; then went back to Scott county. 111., with the family of K D. Wear, an old and esteemed friend of his father's. Subsequently he went into the family of another uncle in McDonough county, 111., where he remained until he was thirteen years of age, when he enlisted as a drummer in Company D, Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Regiment, going into active service. At the battle of Port Gibson his drum got lost, and picking up the rifle and cartridge box of a disabled comrade, he entered the'ranks of his company and participated in the fight, his conduct exciting the admiration of his comrades and officers. Notwithstanding his extreme youth he was permitted to remain in the company and was afterwards promoted to the rank of sergeant for bravery and meritorious conduct. He was engaged in the battles of Raymond, Jackson, Champion's Hill, Black River, siege and capture of Vicksburg, where he received a wound which disabled him for active service; he was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps, where he held his rank, and did guard duty at Indianapolis, Ind,, in the Fifth Regiment, U. S. Veteran Reserve. He was mustered out July 4, 1865. He then spent some time visiting in the states of New York and Connecticut, returning to McDonough county, 111., in 18G6, and engaged at farming. He was married there Sept. 13, 1874, to Miss Martha E. Wade, a native of Schuyler county. 111., a very pleasant and agreeable lady. Five years after their marriage they immigrated to Allen county, Kan., where they lived until 1881. They then became residents of Jasper county. Mo., settling in Union township, where the true worth of Mr. Mullen was sure to be appreciated in that intelligent community, as he was shortly called upon to exercise the functions of an important elective office. He is also an officer of the county grange. Looking back upon the career of this gentleman it must be admitted as something uncommon. Left an orphan at a very early age and becoming a soldier at an age when most youths require the utmost parental care to shape their young minds for the duties of life, his lot was cast among men of every social grade. Nothing but the inherent good qualities of his character was brought to the surface by these dangerous associations.

SAMUEL A. NORRIS, proprietor Pleasant Grove Mills, post-office Flornoy, was born in Perry county, Ohio, Oct. 28, 1829. His early life was spent in this and the adjoining county of Fairfield, where he received a common school education. He was married in Franklin county, Ohio, Dec. 3, 1853, to Miss Hannah Reece, a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, who was reared and educated in Franklin county of that state, a lady of more than ordinary intelligence and business capacity. Of this union there were born two children: Laura, died in 1875, aged 19; and William L., who is now a resident and business man of Carthage, Mo. Mr. Morris owned and operated a flouring-mill in Franklin connty, Ohio, three years. Engaged at brick-making in Fairfield county, that state, two years; also contracting and building at YanWert, Ohio, with good success. Became a member of a joint-stock company and erected a woolen mill at that place, which proved unsuccessful, his losses during a period of five years being upward of |8,000. Came to Jasper county. Mo., in 1880, purchased a site on Center Creek, and immediately commenced the erection of the Pleasant Mills, which was put in operation in September, 1881. It is well arranged for merchant or custom work, situated in the very finest wheat-producing locality in the country; has three run of burs for both corn and wheat. He also established a mercantile house for the convenience of the section. A post-office - Flornoy - is established here, receiving a semi-weekly mail. He also invested in real estate, owning 135 acres, to which he gives a portion of his time and attention. Mr. Norris is a public-spirited, worthy citizen.

A. W. ONSTOTT, farmer and stock-raiser, section 7, post-ofiice Carthage. The subject of this sketch is a native of Jasper county, a son of Judge John Onstott, so well and favorably known in southwest Missouri. He was born at the Onstott homestead on Center Creek Aug. 27, 1849. His youth was spent on the farm assisting in the farm duties, and acquiring an education by the methods then in vogue by the early settlers for the improvement and development of the mind of youth. During the war times, being a mere lad, he was excused from taking an active part, yet his experiences were manifold, his father being obliged to leave the county for his own safety, leaving our subject as the virtual head of the family. It is a fact well-known that his mother and sisters carried the county funds (in specie) attached to their persons during all these uncertain years. Of course their loss in property was very severe. Quantrell's band, numbering some 400 men, at one time camped near the house. He well remembers the James and Younger brothers, who were then mere striplings, but famous as desperate and dare-devil fighters. Our subject, being the only lad in the community, was frequently called upon to assist the women in performing the last sad rites for some poor fellow who had met death, perhaps in his own door-way, at the hanis of some band of desperadoes. Sometimes bushwhackers, and often Missouri or Kansas militia, would murder some one in cold blood; the women and children were obliged to bury them, there being no men in the vicinity. After Judge Onstott's property had been repeatedly raided, their house and outbuildings were burned by order of one Captain Sullivan, of the Missouri State Militia. The entire family were obliged to leave the county, going to Pettis county, where they remained one year. They returned to Jasper county in the summer of 1865, and were the first family to return to this part of the county. It is impossible for pen to portray the desolation which met them on every hand. Where erstwhile were happy homes owls hooted from the bare chimneys which stood like ghostly sentinels over blackened ruins. The once fertile fields were weed-grown and desolate. After remaining a short time here our subject went to Texas and spent two years in the Kansas and Texas cattle trade. He then farmed and speculated in live stock in this county until 1874, when he went to the mountains of Colorado and took a government freight contract; also prospected for mineral. He returned to his native county in 1875, and was married Nov. 28th of the same year to Miss Mattie D. Corwine, a native of Ohio, daughter of George Corwine, a well known and highly respected resident of Jasper county. They are the parents of one child, an interesting daughter, Jessie C, born Oct. 16, 1879. The year after his marriage Mr. Onstott engaged at farming, and with eminent success. His farm consists of 200 acres, nicely situated on the border of Jenkins Creek timber. A magnificent lawn, shaded with grand old forest trees, occupies the south front of the dwelling. They have a pleasant home, and Mr. Onstott and lady are people blessed witli a disposition to make it a happy one, surrounded as they are with all tlie comforts and many of the luxuries of life. " The stranger within their gates " is treated to hospitality the most abundant; not of the narrow, stinted sort, but the real, unaffected, generous, openhearted, old-fashioned hospitality such as existed in the days of our fathers. B. T. PARKER, farmer and stock-raiser, section 17, post-office Carthage. He is a native of the Hoosier State, born in Knox county, Jan. 12, 1832; was there reared to manhood and received a common school education; was a farmer's son and has followed that business through life. Was married Oct. 23, 1857, to Miss Mary J. HoUingsworth, also a native of Indiana. They are the parents of five sons, Francis M., born Aug. 3, 1858; Charles A., born Oct. 8, 1859; John, born March 17, 1861; William B., born Nov. 8, 1865; and Harland, born Jan. 12, 1879. Mr. Parker became a citizen of Jasper county. Mo., in 1869. Purchased the farm upon which he lives; consists of eighty -one acres of well improved land, situated four and onehalf miles southeast of Carthage; well watered and calculated for stockraising; also owns forty -five acres of woodland. His remote ancestors were Germans; his grandfather settled in Kentucky at an early day. His father was a pioneer settler of Knox county, Ind., where he still resides, aged and respected. Reared a family of four sons and eight daughters. The ancesof Mrs. Parker were the Hollingsworths of South Carolina, a very old and respected family of the Palmetto State; her maternal ancestry were also

B. F. PAXTON, farmer and stock-raiser, section 8, post-office Sarcoxie, a native of Kentucky, born in Adair county, Dec. 2, 1829, and was there reared to the age of nineteen and received a rudimentary education at the subscription schools; immigrated with his parents to southwest Missouri in 1850, and settled in Lawrence county, near Oregon, where our subject lived many years ; was there during the war of the Rebellion. Not being subject to military duty he was not disturbed by either party, though some of his property was sacrificed. Was married in Lawrence county, Mo., Nov. 30, 1854, to Miss Mary A. Moore, also a native of Adair county, Ky. She died in Lawrence county, in Sept., 1873, at the age of thirty-seven, leaving a family of four children. He was married again in Lawrence county, on July 2d, 1876, to Mrs. Mary S. West, also a native of Adair county, Ky. Mr. Paxton became a citizen of Jasper county in Oct., 1876, when he purchased the farm on which he now lives, consisting of 315 acres. Since his residence here Mr. Paxton has made many material improvements, among them a fine commodious residence, with yards and lawns. A large spring gushes forth within a few rods of the farm buildings, from which flows a magnificent stream of water, clear as a crystal, know as Jenkins Creek; a hydraulic ram throws the water from the spring to the house. The neighbors have a never failing supply of water and freedom to haul away as much as they choose. Mr. Paxton is a member of the Jenkins Creek Mining Company. Their mining prospects are now flattering. He takes an interest in what will redound to the public weal.

ALEXANDER PERRY, deceased, was born in Kentucky in 1793, moved to Tennessee at an early day and settled in Warren county; afterward lived in other parts of the state. Was married in Warren county, Tenu., about the year 1813, to Miss Elizabeth Woodlee, a native of Virginia. Shortly after marriage volunteered in United States army for the War of 1812, and was engaged at the battle of New Orleans. Came to Jasper county, Mo., in 1848. During the war of the Rebellion, though too old for service, was an ardent Southern man, for which he lost his life while on his way south. Was killed by a band of Pin Indians, near Marysville, I. T., Sept. 11, 1864, in the seventy-second year of his age, leaving a wife and eight children. His widow died in Ark., in 1876, aged seventy-six years.

GREER PERRY, farmer and stock-raiser, section 16, post-office Carthage. He was born in Marion county, Tenn., Feb. 13,1828; was there reared and received an education at the subscription schools. In 1848 moved with his parents to southwest Missouri, and settled in Jasper county at the head of Jenkins Creek. The spring which forms the head of Jenkins Creek still bears the name of Perry Spring. Our subject was married in Lawrence county, Mo., Nov. 13, 1856, to Miss Isabelle 11. Angler, a native of North Carolina. Mrs. Perry died at the homestead in Jasper county January 21, 1872, leaving seven children. During the war Mr. Perry adhered to the principles inculcated by his birth and education, tliough never taking up arms. In 1862 the Sixth Kansas Regiment and Pin Indians camped upon his farm and pillaged his propertj^, leaving them at their departure many hundred dollars poorer than at their advent, having destroyed nearly everything they could not take away. The following year he left the county, going to Lawrence county, where he remained until the close of the war, when he returned to the wreck of his former home, and though somewhat oppressed by causes engendered by the late unpleasantness, has been in the main prosperous. Was married the second time. May 30, 1882, to Mrs. Elizabeth Ilarama, a native of Pennsylvania, who is the mother of three children by former marriage. Mr. Perry's farm consists of 125 acres of good land, about sixty-five acres in cultivation, which is very productive.

JOHN C. POWELL, farmer and stock-raiser, section 4; post-office, Reeds; is a native of southwest Missouri, born in Lawrence county, Dec. 21, 1844. Was there reared, and received a common school education. Moved to Polk county, Mo., with his parents during the war of the Rebellion, where he was married Sept. 28, 1865, to Miss Frances Appleby, a native of Dade county. Mo., reared and educated in Polk county. Mo. By this union there are six children. Their names are Everett H., Sarah J., Leora E., John S., John R., and an infant. Mr. Powell became a resident of Jasper county, Mo., in 1867, located at Surcoxie, and engaged in farming, living there until 1873, when lie purchased the farm where he now lives, which consists of seventy-five acres, sixty-two acres well improved, with good house, barn, orchard, etc. His parents were natives of Tennessee and settled in southwest Missouri in 1839.

JOSIAH L. RALSTON, farmer and stock-raiser. Mr. Ralston lives in section thirty-six. His post-office address is Carthage. He was born in Jasper county, April 8, 1850. His father, Nathan Ralston, was a native of North Carolina; came to Jasper county. Mo., and settled on Center Creek, where he lived until the war drove them oflF, and he died July 27, 1864. During his life he was a man of extraordinary energy, coming to Jasper county with but a few hundred dollars and at the end of his life being the possessor of over 1,300 acres of good land. His horses, cattle, and sheep were mostly driven off by the bushwhackers during the early days of the war. His crops were destroyed and grain taken from his farm. At one time fift3''-two wagon loads of grain, each drawn by six mules, were taken from his farm to aid and comfort the enemies of himself and country, and many other indignities were the family compelled to suffer during these trying times. The family returned to their home in Jasper county in October, 1865, where the subject of this sketch was married, Nov. 1, 1876, to Miss MaryF. Johnson, a native of Arkansas, daughter of W. B. Johnson, of Jasper county. Of this union there are three children: Eva D., Bertha P., and Prentice A. Mr. Palston's farm contains 137^ acres, sixty of which are improved, well situated near Center Creek, six miles from Carthage. His mother still lives on the old homestead on Center Creek. His brothers, three in number, and three sisters, are residents of Jasper county. Mr. Ralston is a highly respected citizen of Jasper county, and a worthy farmer.

J. M. RALSTON, farmer, section 4, post-office Carthage. The subject of this sketch was born in McDonough county, Illinois, September 8, 1847; was there reared to manhood and acquired a good common school education. He served his country during the war of the Rebellion, enlisting at the age of sixteen as a private in Company D, of the Twelfth Illinois Veteran Volunteers, participating at the battles of Bentonville and Kingston, North Carolina, and Sherman's famous march to to the sea, and the engagements incident to that campaign, the return march to Washington, D. C, and the grand review of the armies at that city in May, 1865. He was discharged in July following and returned to his home and engaged two years as traveling salesman for E. C. Kellogg, of Rome, New York. He was married in his native county, Sept. 24, 1868, to Miss Helen R. Holton, a native of Rutland, Vt. Of this union there are five children: Minnie E., Centurius, so named in honor of the centennial anniversary of his maternal greatgrandfather, William Holton, late of Boston, Mass.; Arthur L., Oracle A., and Ora M. After his marriage he engaged at farming and became a resident of Jasper county, Mo., in 1877, and purchased the farm upon which he now lives. From his first residence here Mr. Ralston took an active interest in public affairs and was elected county assessor on the straight Republican ticket in 1880. He administered the office with satisfaction to his constituents; is now turning his entire attention to farming and improving his place. He has recently built a fine commodious residence and intends making an elegant home. The ancestors of Mrs. Ralston were of the Plymouth Rock Colony. Her people were among the first settlers of Rutland, Yt. Mr. Ralston's father was a native of Kentucky and settled in Illinois at an early day.

WILLIAM P. RALSTON, farmer, sections 5 and 11, post-oflBce Carthage. The subject of this sketch was born in Illinois, April 23, 1837. When an infant of three months old his parents immigrated to southwest Missouri, and settled on Center Creek, in what is now Union township, Jasper county. His father, JSTathan Ralston, was born near Lexington, Ky., March 24, 1811. During the war, for the safety of his family, he went to Kansas; from there to Illinois, where he died in July, 1864, in the fifty-fourth year of his age, and is buried by the side of his parents in Salem cemetery. Wm. P. spent his youth in assisting his father in the farm duties and acquiring an education by the limited means at his disposal. He was married Nov. 15, 1860, to Miss Meecy J. Whittaker, a native of Tennessee, and engaged in farrning. Like his father he was a strong Union man, and a Democrat in politics. At the breaking out of the war he opposed by voice and vote the ordinances of secession, and went with the rest of the family to Illinois, where he staid until peace once more dawned upon the country, when he returned to Jasper county and resumed his farming operations. His wife died Jan. 11, 1866, leaving two sons. He was married the second time to Miss Sarah A. Ross, a native of Tennessee; of this union there are three children. Mr. Ralston is now possessed of 270 acres of good land, is well and favorably known in the county as a good citizen. He has held various offices of public trust; he is a member of the Methodist Church and an active worker in the sabbath-school, and is regarded in the community as one of Jasper county's prominent citizens.

WESLEY RALSTON, farmer and stock-raiser, section 8, post-office Carthage. The subject of this sketch was born in McDonongh county. 111., Aug. 19, 1836, where he grew to manhood and obtained a good business education. He was married at Alexandria, Mo., Nov. 2, 1855, to Miss Charlotte Wade, also a native of Illinois. Of this union there were the following children: Emma J., wife of S. W. Driesback; William D., George A., Edgar L., Hattie, wife of M. C. Young; John W., LaMont, Charlie E., Lizzie B., Walter F., and Freeman W. Mr. Ralston served his country during the war of the Rebellion. He was a sergeant in Company F, Fifty-eighth Regiment Illinois Veteran Volunteers; was mustered out March 16, 1866, at Montgomery, Ala., and returned to his home in Illinois and resumed his regular avocation of farming. He became a citizen of Jasper county. Mo., in 1869, and engaged at farming in Union township. His means did not admit of him making a very extensive start, but by persevering industry and good business qualifications he has prospered and added greatly to his worldly possessions. His farm consists of 165 acres; 140 acres well improved, with good house, barn, orchard, etc. The land is supposed to con- tain rich mineral deposits. Mr. Ralston is a man of more than ordinary talent and ability; is enterprising and industrious, big-hearted, generous and hearty. He takes more than a passing interest in public affairs; has been honored by the people with places of public trust and responsibility; was a candidate of the anti-monopoly party for the office of sheriff in 1880. MRS. ANNA RICKNER, section 17, post-office Knights. This lady has the distinction of being the oldest settler of Jasper count}' now living. Youngest daughter of William Brown, one of the pioneer settlers; is a native Missourian, born in St. Genevieve county, Jan. 15, 1821; came with her parents to what is now Jasper county in 1834, and settled on Spring River, being then but thirteen years old, since which time she has spent her entire life here, as maid and matron. Was married June 13, 1837, to Jacob Rickner, a native of Switzerland, born near Berne, in March, 1808. Immigrated with his parents to North America in 1818; were in charge of the Hudson Bay Company, and landed on the shores of Hudson's Bay. Moved into the interior and lived several years in Manitoba, on the Red River of the North; came to Washington county. Mo., at an early day, where his parents died and are buried. He came to Jasper county in 1836; was of a discontented roving disposition and ever had a desire, amounting almost to a mania, of visiting the unexplored regions of this great country, and during his life traveled over a great portion of the West, always by his own conveyance or on foot. His iirst trip after becoming a resident of this county was to Texas; returning, made a trip to the British Possessions and the Northwest Territory. After a short stay there he returned to Jasper county; next crossed the plains to Oregon Territory and returned in 1841; went overland to California in 1849, returning via New Orleans in 1850. During his many trips he rode or walked over every county in the great state of Missouri, long before the days of railroads; and a great portion of Arkansas and Texas. He was a tanner by trade, and established a tannery in Jasper county at an early day. He died at his home in this county Sept. 5, 1880, leaving a family of nine children: James, Martha, wife of D. E. Mottley; Francis, deceased; Ethan C, Moses P., Elizabeth J., deceased; John W., deceased; Mary E., wife of T. E. Melugin; and Lola Y. Ethan C, and Miss Lola reside with their mother on the farm.

JOHN ROYER, farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Carthage. Mr. Royer is a native of the Keystone State; was born in Center county, May 19, 1832. While he was quiet young his parents moved to Clinton county where he was reared and educated. His father was a farmer and our subject spent his youth in assisting in the farm duties; he was married in Clinton county, Pa., Oct. 31, 1854, to Miss Frances Custard, who is also a native of Pennsylvania. In 1858 he moved back to Center county, and engaged in cattle droving for the eastern market, and later in farming. In 1867 he made a prospecting tour through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, and Missouri, and finding no place in his travels that suited his idea of a future home as well as the fertile prairie and attractive woodland of Jasper county, he resolved to cast his fortune here. Consequently, returning to Pennsylvania he disposed of his interests thefe and moved his family and household goods to southwest Missouri the following year, since which time he has been a permanent and very prominent citizen of Jasper county; his purchase was raw prairie, upon which he made some fine improvements. His family consists of four sons and two daughters; viz., Thos. A., a farmer near Oronogo, William II., Mary A., Clark, Franklin, and Emma. Mr. Eoyer is of German decent. His granfather came from Germany at a very early day, and settled in Berks county. Pa., being on of the pioneer settlers of that county. Mr. Royer is one of the most prominent farmers in this county, is enterprising, progressive, and takes an active interest in public aflairs and anything that efiects the public weal; his time and means are ever ready to further the interests of the community.

ALFHED C. THARP, farmer and stock-raiser, section 4, post-office Carthage, is a native of the Buckeye State, born in Licking county, Oct. 9, 1846. When he was twelve years old his parents immigrated to Illinois, locating in Fulton county, where they died and were buried. Our subject immigrated to Missouri in 1865, locating in Buchanan county, and engaged at farming; was married there Feb. 18, 1866, to Miss Angaline Ilarliss, a native of- Cass county, Mo. From there they moved to Arkansas in 1870 where they lived two years, coming to Jasper county in 1872; engaged in tenant farming in Union township. Purchased the farm on which he now lives, in 1881, consisting of ninety acres, well situated on Center Creek, three and one-half miles from Reeds Station, and nine miles from Carthage, sheltered on three sides by natural timber. He has a family of eight children: William H., Elizabeth E., Malinda I., Lula E., Viola, Alfred C, Philip E., and Carrie B. Mr. Tharp is well known and respected in this community as an honest, industrious citizen, a self-made man to all intents and purposes; gives Jasper county the meed of praises it so richly deserves.

JOSEPH M. SMITH (deceased) was born in Putnam county, Ind., Dec. 17, 1825, and immigrated with his parents to southwest Missouri in 1836, and settled on Jenkins Creek, in Jasper county, where his family still reside. He was married in Jasper county in 1849, to Miss Melissa Woodrun, also a native of Indiana, daughter of William Woodrun, one of the pioneers of Jasper county. Of this union there are eleven children, three sons and eight daughters. Mr. Smitli was a farmer all his life, and died at the family homestead, Dec. 17, 1877. During his life he was a public-spirited citizen, and for many years was a member of the Church of Christ, assisting at the organization of the first congregation of that denomination in the county. Two of his sons, John F. and Samuel, are residents of Jasper county. The homestead consists of 135^ acres of well improved land.

SANFORD M. SMITH, farmer and -stock dealer, section 29, post-office Carthage, is a native of the Empire State, born March 6, 1820. In 1826 his parents moved to Ontario, Canada, and from there they moved to Michigan in 1835, settling in Kalamazoo county, and engaged in farming, where our subject was married Feb. 16, 1844, to Miss Catharine Rowley, of Schoolcraft, Mich., a native of Ireland. Of this union there are two sons, Lewis W. and Richard R. In 1849 he crossed the plains to California, engaging in mining with good success, and returned via Panama next year. In 1862 he enlisted as a private in Company E, Sixth Iowa Cavalry, and served in the western department against hostile Indians. He was engaged in three fights, and promoted to first sergeant of the company, and was commissioned lieutenant in May, 1863, and mustered out in the fall of 1865, and returned to his home. Mr. Smith came to Jasper county in 1866, and the following year purchased the farm on which he now lives, very nicely situated on Center Creek, consisting of 240 acres, 200 of which are improved, and have good substantial farm buildings. Since Mr. Smith first came to the county he has been engaged in handling live stock and has been quite successful. In 1868 he introduced a flock of 400 sheep into Jasper county, driving them through from Kankakee, 111., and always keeps more or less sheep for market. Mr. Smith has been honored by positions of public trust, and has inaugurated many progressive improvements in his locality in the schools and otherwise. He is well and favorably known in the county as an energetic and enterprising business man and a kind neighbor and friend.

WILLIAM NATHAN SMITH, farmer and stock-raiser, section 20, postoffice Knights. The subject of this sketch is a native of Jasper county. His father, James Smith, came from Putnam county, Ind., in 1840, and settled on Spring River, where our subject was born March 19, 1843. The following year the family moved to Newton county, where our subject spent his youth. As was usual with young men at that day, at the breaking out of the civil war, he was pronouncedly for the Union, and though not regularly mustered he did the state some service as scout to General Sanborn and in other useful and dangerous capacities. He was elected captain of an organized company of Enrolled Missouri Militia, but was never called into active service. He was appointed registering officer of the Neosho district at the reorganization of Newton county in 1866. Was married May 15, 1867, to Miss Martha Johnson, a native of Arkansas, daughter of B. F. Johnson, deceased, for many years a respected resident of Jasper county. Since his marriage Mr. Smith has been a resident of Union township, Jasper county. His family consists of three sons and four daughters. Their names are Lolman W., Forester T,, Maud M., Mary M., Cora Y., Nathan O., and Stella. His farm consists of eighty acres, well improved, three-fourths of a mile from Knights Station and five miles from Carthage. Mr. Smith is well known and respected in the county, and is looked upon as an energetic, public spirited citizen, and enjoys the esteem of his fellows. He has been repeatedly honored by places of public trust, and has ever rendered a good account of his stewardship, and has had a varied and exciting experience during his short life. Daring the war times, owing to the part he took, his life was always in danger, and desperate and determined men had vowed to kill him at sight. He made two trips across the plains to New Mexico and Colorado in government employ, his first trip being made through the hostile Indian country of the Cheyennes, Arapahoes, Kiowas, and Utes. Was a companion of William Haycock, " Wild Bill." The trip was very remarkable in its varied experience. They feasted and starved, roasted and nearly froze. Mr. Smith has been an active member of the Patrons of Husbandry since its introduction here, and is steward of the county grange.

KEV. JOHN W. STONE (retired), post-ofiice Carthage, is a native of the Old Dominion, born in Frederick county, Nov. 10, 1813. He spent the first nineteen years of his life in the Shenandoah Yalley. He was educated at Middletown, in the same county. At the age of nineteen he emigrated with his parents to Ohio and settled at Hillsborough, the county seat of Highland county, where he entered in the ministry of the M. E. Church. He was admitted on trial in the fall of 1836, and preached the gospel for many subsequent years. After fourteen years of arduous and unremitting labor, devoted to the cause of Christianity, his health failed, since which time he has held superannuated relations with the ministry proper. He was married at Zanesville, Ohio, August 3, 1841, to Miss Jane Hazlett, born and educated in Zanesville, daughter of Hugh Hazlett, one among the oldest merchants of that now populous city. Mr. Stone preached in several places in the state with much siiccess and satisfaction. In 1861 he preached in Decorah, Iowa, whither he went to recover his failing health; he preached there one year, then moved to Waverly, Iowa, where by his efibrts and under his supervision the finest church edifice west of the Missippi River was erected at a cost of $22,000, a monument to his zeal and energy, and a fitting testimonial of the regard of his people. He also owned a farm in the vicinity, which he disposed of, together with some other interests, and became a citizen of Jasper county, Mo., in Aug., 1867. Though not actively engaged in the ministry, he shortly after coming to the county introduced " Korthern Methodism," rather a bold undertaking at that unsettled time, but the genial, pleasant manner, social and friendly disposition, and withal the earnest eloquence of Mr. Stone caused the scowls on the faces of his first audience to relax into unmistakable smiles of satisfaction. He has during his useful life accomplished much good work. He has caused to be erected several houses of worship, some of them very pretentious. He was also known as a very successful revivalist, and has ever been modest and unassuming, considering himself an instrument in the hands of the Lord. In his good work, both spiritual and temporal, he has enjoyed the co-operation and assistance of " God's greatest and best gift to man," a noble woman. They have reared a family of one sou and three daughters, known to many of the people of the county where they have lived some years: Mary A., wife of J. H. Cummins, of Waverly, Iowa; Charles F., for some years in business at Carthage, now of Waverly, Iowa; Lidie F., wife of S. H. Morse; and Maggie E.. wife of Frank W. Dubois, both of Waverly, Iowa. Mr. Stone is now following the humble avocation of a husbandman. JAMES H. SPENCER, farmer, post-oflice Carthage, was born in Putnam county, Ind., Aug. 9, 1836. When a child of five years his parents immigrated to southwest Missouri and settled in what is now Union township, Jasper county, and here our subject was reared to manhood, receiving such an education as the times afibrded. He was married here Sept. 9, 1858, to Miss Elizabeth Caseboalt, a native of Virginia. At the outbreak of the civil war Mr. Spencer was a strong union man, and thereby incurred the enmity and displeasure of the Confederates. His life was repeatedly threatened, and in Feb., 1862, he took up arms in defence of the Union and enlisted as a private in Company H, of the Sixth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, going into active service. He participated in ten hard-fought battles and many skirmishes of less danger and importance, and was discharged at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., in April, 1865. During his service his family resided at Fort Scott, Kan., where he lived until June, 1866, when he returned to hia first love, Jasper county. Mo., since which time he has been a permanent resident. His wife died March 10, 1872, leaving two children. He was again married Jan. 30, 1873, to Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, a native of Jasper county.

BENJAMIN TROUTMAN, farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Sarcoxie, was born in Knox county, Ohio, Jan. 23, 1822. His father was a farmer, and his youth was spent in assisting on the farm, and acquiring an education in the common schools. He was married in his native county Nov. 2, 1848, to Miss Eva Lybarger, who is also a native of Knox county. They have nine children, all living; viz., John Henry, Mary C, wife of J. T. Smith; Julia E., wife of Jerome A. Homes; Franklin P., Silas A. G., Charles A., George B., Elizabeth E., and Eva S. M. Mr. Troutman immigrated to Jasper county, Missouri, and purchased the farm upon which he now lives, which consists of 120 acres, with eighty acres well improved. The family are all residents of southwest Missouri, and are good and useful members of society. Mr. Troutman is an honest, upright, straightforward, good citizen.

JAMES A. WESTFALL, farmer and stock-raiser, section 14, post-office Carthage, was born in Ohio, April 12, 1840, and ten years later immigrated with his parents to southwest Missouri, and settled at Fidelity, Jasper county, where his father died in 1861. Our subject's early years were spent in going to the common schools and working at the carpenter's trade. He was married in Jasper county, June 2, 1861, to Miss Rachel Tareltown, a native of Illinois. Mr. Westfall was a Union man; witnessed the battle of Carthage in 1861, and shortly afterward started for Illinois, getting as far as Springfield, Mo., when he found it would be dangerous to attempt further travel in that direction, and returned to Jasper county. In February, 1862, he went to Ft. Scott, Kan., where he enlisted in June of that year in Company H, of the Sixth Kansas Yolunteer Cavalry; went immediately into service, and participated in many battles, skirmishes, etc. He was mustered out in Arkansas in June, 1865, and returned to Ft. Scott, Kan., where he remained until September of the same year; he then returned to Jasper county and engaged in farming near Center Creek, where he lived six years. He sold out and went to Arkansas in 1871, and not liking the situation, returned the same year. He bought the farm upon which he now lives in 1882, which consists of 160 acres of good land, seventy acres of it improved. His family consists of live children and his mother-in-law, a well preserved lady at an advanced age. Mr. Westfall is a hard working man and a good citizen.