Wilson Township

Wilson Township

The township which bears the above name is one of the finest rolling prairie townsliips in the county. Broad, well tilled farms are found on every hand, and the people are thrifty and industrious. Peace and plenty make happy homes in Wilson township, and contentment reigns, a joyous monarch. Belts of rugged timber, with wide-spreading branches, skirt the serpentine courses of the sti'eams that flow through her territory.

Early Settlement

Wilson township was blessed with an earlier and more numerous and compact settlement than many of her neighbors. Her rich soil drew many early settlers, while others had but few. The first comers were from Kentucky - the Works family, consisting of a widow and six sons, who settled on section thirty, the southern part of the township, in the spring of 1838. These sons were all grown, and their names were James, Hopkins, Henderson, Alexander, Fleming and Robert. The family afterward moved to California, but are still remembered by the old settlers as industrious and kindly neighbors. In the fall of the same year quite a colony from Ohio came and cast their fortunes with the Works family in the sparsely settled region of what was then the southern part of Marion township. They were the families of William Castile and his two grown sons; also Alexander Carroll and Meredith Blalock, and the same fall came Wilson G. Perkins, from Tennessee. The settlement was growing rapidly, and in the summer of the next year, 1839, new additions were made to the flourishing community in the families of William Anderson, Sr., and his son William Anderson, Jr., who settled near the Works on the 30th of July. The Andersons were from White county, Tennessee, and William Anderson, Jr., still resides in the township, a sturdy old gentleman with pleasant recollections of the pioneer days. In the fall of 1839 Richard Belshe, from Tazewell county, Yirginia, made his home in the township, and Michael Chrisman, from Indiana, moved in, as did also the family of Jose^)h Rooks, from the same State. From this on there was an inflow of new-comers; the families of Thomas and James Clevenger, from Indiana, Thomas Kilburn from Kentucky, Reuben Perkins from Tennessee, and the Betbard family from Ohio, all came in the winter of 1840. The fall of 1841 brou^^ht the families of Henry Lyda and his son Henry W., from Tennessee, John and Eldridge Stucker from Indiana, and in 1842 the families of William, Henry, James and David Kilbnrn, from Kentucky, and John Wright from Howard county, Missouri, made their homes in the township. John H. and O. S. Merryman from Kentucky staked off claims in 1843, and the same year and later, the families of David Austin, Tilman Brooks, Andrew Beckner, Andrew G. and M. S. Dye, and William Warren became identified with the progress and interests of Wilson township. The above given names may be said to comprise the pioneers of the southern part of the township of Marion, which took the name of Wilson only in 1872. They mingled together in friendship, and endured the privations of their wild life away from the busy world in common. They each and all had the same trouble of getting their wheat and pork to market. Brunswick was the nearest trading-point, and that was forty-five miles. Some drove their hogs to Lexington, in Lafayette county, to sell them. Corn-fed hogs were curiosities in those days. The porkers were allowed to roam at will and fatten upon the mast that covered timbered land, and the greatest trouble was to drive the active droves when wanted. 'Twas easy to live in those days, when their wants were few, and the settler often killed his deer and wild turkev without leavino; his dooryard. To kill two or three before breakfast was a very common occurrence, as the early crack of the rifle often and amply attested. Wild honey, too, was to be had in abundance, and the housewife reveled in a large supply of this toothsome dainty. It was considered right in the neighborhood when a post-ofiice was located at Chillicothe, only twenty miles away. Deer-skin and homespun was the fashionable attire of the day, and did duty seven days in the week. Mrs. Wilson G. Perkins had the honor of weaving the first cloth in the township, in 1841. After that looms became more numerous. It was a very ordinary occurrence for those who had no looms to go to their neighbors to do their weaving.

The Silken Bonds

The first young couple to unite their hands and hearts for better or for worse, were Mr. Jesse N. Perkins and Miss Khoda McClelland. Miss Rhoda lived in the northern part of Grundy county, now Mercer, and the wedding ceremony was performed at her father's home near where Princeton is now situated. Mr. Perkins, with his fair bride, returned to Wilson township to live. This was the earliest marriage in the township, and took place in 1843. The couple remained but a short time, forsook their home and friends, joined the Mormons and went to Salt Lake City, Utah, where Mr. Perkins became a preacher and high dignitary in the Mormon Church.

Into The World, And Out

The first birth in the township was that of a pretty ^irl baby, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson G. Perkins, in 1840, and her name was Elizabeth Jane. She lived and married in the township of her birth. The first boy baby was a son born to Eichard and JSTancy Belshe on the 29th day of December, 1843. H. G. Belshe, that son, is at present residing near the home of his birth, a respected citizen.

That fell reaper, Death, early visited Wilson township, and the fii-st victim to fall was Robert Work, the youngest of the Work brothers, who closed his eyes in his last long sleep in the days of 1839. He was buried in the forest shade on the farm now owned by Mr. H. II. Anderson, but the storms of years have destroyed all traces of the rude mound, and the site of that first-made grave is wrapped with the mysteries of things unknown. In 1841 Jaujes Clevenger died, after one year's stay in his new home, and next followed Henry Lyda, who peacefully passed away in the early days of September, 1842, to be joined in 1845 by his faithful helpmeet. In 1840 or 1841, died good Grandma Bolen, who had spanned life's river for over one hundred and fourteen years. She laid down the cares of a long existence seasoned with good deeds, and many were the relatives and friends who mourned her departure for the other world.

The old cemetery still remains in a good state of preservation upon the farm of Mr. William Anderson. Near the town of Alpha is the neatlykept burial-ground now in use.

Among the first ministers to ofliciate in the township was the Rev. James Robinson, a Methodist circuit rider, who held services in the neighborhood at diff*erent times fi-om 1840 to 1843. The Rev. William W. Walden was among the earliest Baptist divines. The early physicians who practiced in the townsliip were Dr. Willian'i P. Thompson, of Madison township, and Dr. Isaac Ralph, of Linneus, Linn county.

Schools And Churches

The first school-house was erected in 1843 on the land of Reuben Perkins. It was put up by the neighbors, was constructed of hewn logs, was about sixteen feet square, and had a stick and clay chimney. The clapboard roof was kept in place by weight-poles. The seats were made of split logs. The school was conducted on the subscription plan and had an attendance of about seventeen. Mr. C. I. Wood was the first teacher. This old log schoolhouse remained until it rotted down imder its burden of years. There are at present six school-houses in the limits of Wilson township.

The first church organization was formed on the 2d of August, 1846, and was known as the Liberty Missionary Baptist Church. The members of the first organization were Thomas and Jane Kilburn, John H. and Jemima

Merryman, and Martha St. Clear. The membersliip increased and in September, 1856, a house of worship was erected, the Rev. William W. Walden probabi}' being the first ])astor. In 1875 a new church building was erected, The church is a neat frame and cost $1,200. The dedication sermon was preached on the 14th of June 1875 by the Rev. J. R. Shanafelt. The pastors who officiated are the Rev. Edward ]>enson, Rev. Jesse Going, Rev. Ishain Owen, Rev. Paul McCollum, and the present pastor. Rev. II. H. Turner. Services are conducted once a month, and the ediiice is then at the disposal of other denominations. The organization is in a flourishing condition and the present membership numbers one hundred and thirtj-two.

The Marion Center Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in the spring of 1875, the following being the original members: Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Casebur, Mr. and Mrs William Smith, Mr. and Mrs, Oliver Smith, Mr. and Mrs. John ImhofF, and Mrs. Brown. The minister conducting the organization M'as Rev. Mr. Anderson. The membership now numbers about twenty-flve, under the guidance of Rev. Mr. Taylor. Services are held in the Marion Center school-house.

First Dniversalist Church

The first Universalist Church in Grundy county was organized in Wilson township and known as the First Univ^ersalist Church of Marion Center, in the year 1874. The organization was perfected under the direction of Rev. Stephen Hull, who was the first pastor, with the following persons on the roll of original members: Jacob W. Morris, Daniel R. Baker, James Barr, Libbie Barr, Samuel Barr, James Reed, John Smith and wife, Eldrige Stucker, Joseph Robertson and wife, Mrs. Robertson, Sr., and daughter, William Morris, David Weigle and wife, Elislia Robertson, Wesley McGuire, William C. Fenner, Samuel Newton and wife, Jane Miller, John Chrisman, and Mr. Hamphill. In the summer of 1877 a neat frame church was erected at cost of $1,500, and was dedicated in November, 1877, the Rev. F. Hathaway officiating. He was succeeded as pastor by Rev. C. Dodge, and Rev. Daniel R. Cheney. At present the congregation have no regular minister.

Organization, Population, Etc

Previous to 1872 Wilson composed the southern part of Marion township, but under the new organization law of that year the County Court promulgated the following:

" It is ordered by the court that all that part of congj-essional township No. 60, of range No. 22, lying in Grundy county, Missouri, and all that part of township No. 60, of range No. 23, lying east of sections 8, 17, 20, 29, and 32, be a municipal township and named and known as Wilson township. "

Merryman, assessor; T. M. Lawhead, clerk. The meetings of the board were held at Alpha. This board continued in office until May, 1878. The present board was elected under the new law, and their names are William Bales and Kathan Cravens, justices of the peace; Henry Anderson, trustee; W. H. Robertson, clerk and assessor; and J. H. Rinker, collector.

Wilson township occupies the southeastern corner of Grundy county, and is bounded on the north by Marion to\vnship, on the east by Linn county, on the south by Livingston county, and on the west by Jackson township. Within these boundary lines lie 20,480 acres of as rich farming lands as are within the limits of the county. The population of Wilson has kept apace with the times and by the United States census taken June, 1880, the township shoM^s a total population of nine hundred and forty-one, or seventh on the list of thirteen townships in the county,

Rather Corpulent

The heaviest hog ever raised in Grundy county belonged to David Kilburn, of Wilson township. At the age of two years it weighed eight hundred and thirty-six j30unds. The aforesaid swine was of the Poland-China and Chester White breeds, and was killed in 1872.

Tragic Events

On the 2d day of November, 1860, occurred a death, the sad circumstances of which left their impress on the surrounding community for many years afterward. At the date ^Iven Mrs. Sarah S. Bo vers, a verv estimable lady, committed suicide by drowning. Domestic troubles caused unhappiness in her home, and without saying a word to any one ot^lier terrible purpose she hurried away and threw herself into the murky waters of Medicine River, near the south line of Marion township. There she had drowned all her sorrows, dissipated all her troubles, and there the lifeless clay was found, while the spirit had taken its flight to commune with its Maker. She gave no reason for the hasty act, but behind she left a letter bearing these gloomy words: "My heart is almost broken, my mind is almost gone, and ray happiness in this world has gone forever," and with these anguished words the letter rambled on in a confused and incoherent style, as though the brain had at last yielded to the strain of bitterness, and she knew not what she did. So be it. The remains were placed under the sod in a silent grave upon the old homestead of her father, John H. Merryman.

James L. Birdrow was the victim of a sad mishap which deprived him of his life on the 24tli of November, 1870. He was in the thirtieth year of his age, strong and healthy, and on the morning in question took his wagon and went to the fleld intendinij to husk corn. Thinkino- he miffht kill a few prairie chickens before his return at noon his shot-gun was placed in the wagon and he drove off briskly, feeling the invigorating influence of the cool morning air, and little dreaming that he was viewing familiar scenes for the last time. He arrived at the Held and after husking awhile proceeded to throw the corn into the wagon. The gun remained in the wagon with the muzzle pointing toward the rear, and the flrst handful of corn, struck the hammer, discharging the weapon, the entire load passing through. the "tailboard" of the wagon into the abdomen of Mr. Birdrow, making a terrible wound, which proved mortal. He lingered in intense agony long enough to explain how the accident occurred, when the angel of death relieved his misery. He was buried in the same cemetery as Mrs. Boyers.. A sudden end to a young life was the suicide of Miss Baxby Kern, a much esteemed and devout young lady, who resided with the family of Mr. "William Anderson. She left home about three o'clock on the afternoon of the 26th of June, 1876, and the morning of the 27th her lifeless remains were found in the creek near the farm. No reason for the deed could be found, as hitherto her life had seemed pleasant and her mind contented. She had with her own hand loosed the golden cord that wafted her soul into eternity. Afterward, pinned to the sleeve of one of her dresses, was found this letter, seeming a piteous wail from another world: "Friends and relatives I have not. JSTot very old, I have seen very little pleasure in my life. I have studied worldly matters more than any one of my age, and the more I study, the worse I get. As this world seems to be a wilderness of woe and no pleasure to be found, I have made up my mind to bid this world farewell and try the realities of another. All that has kept me alive is the hope of my future home, and as I am prepared to go, I think it a sin to try to live longer. So I bid you all a long farewell. My last request to you,. my friends, is to send all my clothing to my dear sister, whom I love dearly, for she will never see me more. I bid her a long - a long farewell." That was all. She had sacrificed her life on the altar of her belief. Kind friends performed the last sad rites and she was left to the rest she had sought in the grave.

Town Of Alpha

The town of Alpha is situated on the east bank of Medicine Creek, about one and a half miles north of the Livingston county line, twenty miles from Chillicothe and fifteen miles from Trenton. The town is surrounded by a rich and fertile country and is therefore a convenient trading-point for a thrifty class of farmers.

The present town site covers eleven acres, and was oi-iginally the property of Samuel Barr. In 1850 Samuel Dunham opened a store on the ground now occupied by the residence of Dr. J. P. Thomas. General merchandise was kept, along with a good quality of whisky. This store was made the general headquarters of the township for news and general information, and most any time could be found a few settlers there congregated discussing the topics of the times appropriately interspersed with liquid refreshments. The store and one cabin constituted the town, which at that time bore the euphonious title of "Lickskillet," but why, no man can find out. In 1852 Benjamin F. White opened a second store in Lickskillet and the village immediatel}' began to assume metropolitan proportions. Several settlers erected cabins until there must have been fully a half dozen of these residences in the neighborhood. The town was named Nevada, and in 1854 a post-office was established with Meredith White as postmaster. Then it was discovered that there was a Nevada in Vernon county, the department ealled for a new name, and Alpha was the i-esult. To Messrs. Thos. J. Hern and Benj. F. White belong the honor of conferring the name. In 1860 tlie town had become so large that it was deemed advisable to lay off streets. M. M. Hall had the work done by F, Thomas and P. Woods, and the town plat remains the same to-day. After the disturbances incident to the war had passed, the town moved tranquilly along with no visible changes or prospect of any until 1876, the centennial year, which was celebrated by presenting a petition to the County Court to be incorporated, which was as follows:

Petition To Incorporate

"Gentlemen - We, the nndersigned inhabitants of the village of Alpha, Wilson township, Grundy county, Missouri, do hereby petition your honorable body to incorporate the said inhabitants into a body politic, and grant such powers as are necessary to establish a police for the local government of the said village as directed by law.

"The bounds of said corporation shall be as follows; viz., commencing at the northeast corner of Dr. J. B. Freeman's lot, and from thence to a stake one furlong east, and two furlongs south to another stake, thence due west to the Medicine Creek, thence up Medicine Creek to Mr. Samuel Wilson's north line, about one-half mile, and from thence due east to the place of beginning.

"Ordered, that the town of Alpha, on petition of the inhabitants of said town, be incorporated and (granted sucli privileges as are necessary to establish a police for their local government."

" It is ordered by the court that H. J. Hammond, J. B. Freeman, Samuel Wilson, Joshua Tunstall, and J. P. Thomas, be and they are hereby appointed a board of trustees of the incorporated town of Alpha."

This was in 1876, but it seems that fully a year was allowed to pass before the petitioners realized that Alpha was an incorporated town, with a board of trustees possessing full police powers for the government of the same, for almost exactly a yesir later the following appears of record, as authenticated and attested by the county clerk; to-wi't,

" Now at this day come Joshua Tunstall, Thomas Hancock, ef al., and file their petition, asking that the town of Alpha be incorporated and a police be established for their local government and for the preservation and regulation of any commons appertaining to said town.

" The court being satisfied that the prayer of the petitioners is reasonable, it is therefore ordered that the town of Alpha be declared incorporated, and that the metes and bounds be as follows: Commencing at the northwest corner of lot four (4) of the southwest quarter of section thirty (30), township sixty (60), range twenty-two (22); thence east to the northeast corner of lot two (2), of the southwest quarter of said section; thence south to the southeast corner of the north half of lot two (2) of the northwest quarter of section thirtj'-one (31) of said township aiid range; thence west to the southwest corner of the north half of lot four (4), of the northwest quarter of said sections, thence north to the place of beginning. And that J. M. Woods,. H. B. Miller, Clay Price, J. S. Clark and H. J. Hammond, be appointed trustees of said town."

"County of Grundy. \ " I, D. C. Pugh, clerk of the County Court, in and for said county, hereby certify the above and foregoing to be a true copy of the proceedings of our said County Court, on the day and year above written, as the same appears of record in my office.

" In testimony M^hereof, 1 have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at office, in Trenton, this the 19th day of July, 1881.

"The board of trustees, consisting of J. M. Wood, H. B. Miller, Clay Price, J. S. Clark and H. J. Hammond, as appointed, organized by electing H. B. Miller chairman or mayor. Thomas J. Hancock was appointed treasurer; Joshua Tunstall, clerk and corporation attorney; and Chas. Portman marshal. These gentlemen continued in office for one year, when the election was allowed to go by default, and as far as town regulations were concerned the inhabitants reveled in perfect freedom for four years, or until the April election, 1881, when the reins of government were again assum.ed, by the election of a new board of trustees, and the town began to look up and improve. The present officers are James P. Thomas, mayor; John M. Woods, Thomas J. Hancock, H. B. Miller, J". E. Rentfrow and James P. Thomas, board of trustees; H. B. Miller, corporation attorney; J. E. Rentfrow, marshal; O. R. Miller, clerk; H. B. Phillips, treasurer; and T. J. Hancock, postmaster.

The population of Alpha in 1880 by the United States census, numbered .one liundred and twenty-eight. The following is the list of merchants doing business in the town: Solomon Kilburn, general merchandise; Thos. J. Hancock, groceries; O. R. Miller, drugs; H, B. Phillips, drugs; Owen Kilburn, blacksmith; Jackson Pridemore, blacksmith; Patrick Woods, wagons; David Loutzenheiser, saddles and harness; Thomas J. Hancock, boarding house; physicians. Dr. H. B. Miller, Dr. James P. Thomas, Dr. J. M. Stone.

Biographical Sketches William Anderson, Jr

One of the pioneers of Wilson township, was born in Jackson county, Tennessee, July 1, 1813. His parents, William and Elizabeth Anderson, were natives of Virginia. He received such an education as could be obtained in the early subscription schools of his native county, and then engaged in the live stock business. In 1839 he left the herding fields of Tennessee to seek newer and better pastures in the West. On the morning of the 17th of May, in the year named, two ox teams in White county, Tennessee, headed for Missouri, and in one of the wagons were William Ander- son, Sr., and wife, and in tlie other were William Anderson, Jr., his wife and two children, together with a hrother-in-law and his family. They were journeying westward to grow up with the country, and tliey liad little trouble on the way, except lack of good roads and a scarcity of bridges; the former there was no lielp for, but the latter they supplied by felling trees so as to fall across the streams, covered them with poles, brush and dirt, making a bridge over which they crossed in safety. They crossed Turkey Creek, in Chariton county, in this way, but ferried over Medicine Creek in 'a canoe. It was their intention when they left the hills and valleys of Tennessee behind, to settle in the country known as the "Three Forks of Grand Kiver," and their tirst stopping place was four miles west of the town of Utica, in Livingston county, where the}' remained a short time with friends while looking around for a location. In July, 1839, William Anderson, Jr., purchased the claim which is now a part of the farm he lives upon, and on the 31st of the same month moved upon his claim and there he has since resided. Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Lyda, May 29, 1827. She was a native of White county, Tennessee, born in 1816. The issue of this marriage was nine children ; namely, Henry H., born March 26, 1838; Isaac H., born March 6, 1839; William A.^, born February 14,18M; Brunette, died an infant; Vina E., born August 8,1847; Ira J., born December 28, 1848; Ora B., born in February, 1850; Samuel W. and Nancy J., twins, born June 18, 1855. Mrs. Anderson died September 11, 1861, aged forty-three years. April 3, 1863, Mr. Anderson married Miss Kachel L. Gillespie, a native of Pickaway county, Ohio. She was born August 23, 1815. Her parents were Alexander and Sarah Gillespie.

In a quiet little cemetery, within twenty rods of the spot where this pioneer family first pitched their tents, there lies in sweet repose the ashes of William Anderson, Sr., who died July 6, 1854, aged eighty-four, and near by is Elizabeth, wife of William Anderson, Sr., who died October 9, 1855, also eighty-four years of age. There also may be found the graves of Henry Lyda and Nancy, his wife, parents of Mrs. William Anderson, Jr.; he died September 27, 1844, aged fifty-nine, and she died March 1,1854, aged sixty-five. And Mrs. Anderson is buried in the same cemetery. There is yet a vacant spot which remains to be filled.

Mr. Anderson is a hale old gentleman, with a memory stored with interesting reminiscences of the " golden long ago." He and his wife live upon the old place, and his son owns a farm only a few miles away.

Cain Ukton

Was born February 1, 1828, in Jefterson county, Kentucky. At the age of twenty-two he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Eliza Helm, of Shelby county, Kentucky. She was born June 13, 1833. Two years and six months after their marriage they moved to Adams county, Illinois, and set- tied on a farm, two miles northeast of the city of Quincy. He remained only two years in Adams cunnty, then moved to Pike county, same State. He remained in Pike county nine years. At that time land in Illinois and especially in Adams county, commanded high prices, and helieving that he could invest capital to better advantage further west, he left Illinois, and came to the State of Missouri, and settled in Grundy county on the farm where he now resides. To Mr. and Mrs. Urton there were born seven sons; names as gfven below: Clarence, born January 6, 1852; Lawrence, born October 22^ 1854; Alonzo, born February 15, 1856; Claudius Luther, born November 16, 1858; George Washington, born April 22, 1861; and twins, but no record made of their birth, both dying before being named. A short time after, Mrs. Urton was removed from the tribulations of earth to the happier region where sorrow never enters, and death is an unknown term. Clarence, the first born, died March 26, 1853, Mr. Urton married Miss Sarah Elizabeth Scott, March 11, 1869. By this marriage, three sons were added to the family, as follows: Charles, born March 19, 1870; William, born June 17, 1872; and Gates, born September 2, 1874. William Urton died February 12, 1872; and Mrs. Sarah E. Urton died September 30, 1877. Mr. Urton was again called to drink the bitter cup of domestic affliction by the loss of his son, and wife, but he believes his loss is their eternal gain. Mr. Urton married, August 1, 1878, Miss Nancy Jane Norwell, of Linn county, Missouri. May their days be many, and prosperity and success crown all their labors. Mr. Urton owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, well improved, which produces abundantly the various cereals, fruits, vegetables, etc., common to this part of the State. He has a handsome residence, and is blessed with all that is necessary to render existence pleasurable and happy. His farm is located twelve miles north of the city of Chillicothe, and the same distance south of Trenton.

Was born March 13, 1835, in the county of Suffolk, England, and was educated at the Academy of Plummen in liis native county. When sixteen years old he embarked on the Great Britain on her first trip to America, and landed at New York. From there he went to Chicago, and after a residence of two and a half years, went to Mantorville, Minnesota, and engaged in the hardware business. In the fall of 1857, he went to Page county, Iowa, and in the spring of I860, together with hundreds of others, went in search of a fortune in the gold mines of Colorado, where he worked until 1865, then returned to the States and settled in Livingston county, Missouri. He conducted his farm and at the same time engaged in the mercantile business at Alpha, this county. In 1876 he removed to this county, making it his home, and about that time traded for the mill at Alpha, took charge of it, and has been running it since. In May, 1880, he piircliased the tract of land on wliicli the town of Alpha was built. He married Miss Alvira E. Cooper, born August 22, 1843. They have eight children, four of whom are living; namely, Charles H., born June 8, 1868; Albert O., born January 27, 1872; Jessie M., born August 5, 1874; and Lennie L., born July 9, 1880.

Benjamin F. Merkyman

Was born April 19, 1833, in Ilock Castle county, Kentucky. Plis father, John II. Merryman, was a native of Virginia, and his motlier, Jemima Merry man, of Kentucky. In a little family cemetery on the old homestead where the}' first settled in this county, lie in sweet repose the ashes of his parents. His father died April 26, 1873, aged seventy-six years, and his mother departed this life April 29, 1873, aged sixty-nine years. As their lives had been together in one happy union, so their deaths were but three days apart. The subject of our sketch was but eleven years old when his parents moved to this county. He was united in matrimony, April 10, 1856, to Miss Charlotte Kilburn. She was born September 26, 1834, in Pulaski county, Kentucky. They have eight- children: Thomas C, born March 23, 1852; Reuben S., born February 3, 1859; Jemima J., born May 8, 1861; Sarah S., born February 10, 1863; Maiy K, born October 28, 1865; John F., born February 23, 1868; William H., born July 29, 1870; and Benjamin G., born November 10, 1872. Mr. M. now owns a beautiful farm of three hundred and forty acres.

Was born October 21, 1841, in Rock Castle county, Kentucky; son of John H. and Jemima Merryman, of whom mention is made in another sketch. The subject of our sketch was two years old when his parents moved t6 this county, on the farm now owned by him, and he was educated in the common schools of this county. He enlisted August 15, 1861, in company B, Thirtieth regiment Missouri State militia and served six months, and August 31, 1862, enlisted in company K, Forty-fourth regiment Missouri volunteer infantry, as third sei'geant, and served until April, 1865, when he was discharged. Was with the Army of the Cumberlaitd and participated in a nun:iber of the heavy battles fought by that division. He married, December 31, 1865, Mrs. Sirena Baker, whose maiden name was Kilburn. She was married to James Baker, January 1, 1863, and he died in August, 1863, having been accidentally shot at Trenton. By her union with Mr. Merryman they have live children: Laura L., born October 30, 1867; Joseph M., born August 21, 1869; Mary J., born August 1, 1871; and Minnie B, bom May 24, 1873. Mr. M. has a farm of two hundred acres. He was the first assessor of Wilson township after the late township organization.

Thomas Moore

Is a native of Greene county, Indiana, born February 14, 1827. His parents were natives of Virginia, of English descent. TliomasG., grandfather of our subject, was a soldier in the Revokitionary War. When our subject was but a child his parents moved to Macoupin countj^, Illinois. Here he was reared, and educated in a log school-house, having split logs with pin legs for seats, and a stick and clay cliimney. He engaged in farming until twentyfive years old, when he began selling goods as salesman. In June, 1846, he enlisted for the Mexican War, in company B, Fourth Illinois infantry volunteers, commanded by Col. E. D. Baker. They took a boat at Alton, Illinois, for New Orleans, from there shipped to Point Isabelle, near the mouth of the Rio Grande River, and then marched to Fort Brown, and as their provision train was delayed they were four days without provisions. The regiment was in many of the hard fought battles of that war. After his return from the Mexican War, he began farming which has been his business since. He married, September 24, 1851, in Macoupin count}^ Illinois, Miss Nancy Covington. She was born November 23, 1833. By this union they have had ten children, eight of whom are living; namely, Edward M., born July 21, 1852; George t", born April 21, 1854; William S., born March 19,1857, died in infaiicy; Frederick A., born September 5, 1859; Lyon S., born September 24, 1861; Sherman G., born January 4, 1864, died November 6, 1880; Lincoln F., born July 12, 1861; Sheridan S., born January 22, 1869; Jennie W., born April 27, 1871; and Edwinna Cannalls San Men Ulto Florence, born October 23, 1873. Mr. Moore enlisted July, 1861, in company D, Merrill's Horse, which were the first troops sworn into the LTnited States service at Chillicothe; he was wounded at the battle of Roanoke, and was discharged on account of disability caused b}^ this wound. He was once a firm believer in Providence, but by reading the writings of Bob Ingersoll and others has switched off" on their track, and believes that nine out of every ten professors of religion worship the " big dollar" instead of their God; he thinks there never was a beginning nor never will be an ending of the planetarj^ system of worlds. Mrs. Nancy Moore is of French and English descent. The family came to this country before the Revolution.

Jacob W. Morris

Is a native of Indiana, born June 26, 1836. His parents were both natives of Virginia, and while Jacob was an infant moved to Adams county, Illinois, where he was reared. He was educated in the seminary at Payson, Illinois, and at the college at Quinc}'-, under Prof. Jacques. He was united in marriage, June 26, 1860, to Miss Melissa J. Nichols. She was born February 15, 1841, in Adams county, Illinois. Mr. M. came to this county in October, 1865, and settled where he now lives, on land purchased by him in

1857. He is a stock-grower and feeder, and makes a specialty of breeding and growing fine horses, and lias pcrlia])S the finest blooded horses in the count}'.

H. B. Miller was born July 16, 1839, in Brown county, Illinois. His father, Samuel W, Miller, was a native of Kentucky, and his mother, Margaret Miller, of Tennessee. He was educated in the common schools of his native county and at the academy at Mt. Sterling, Illinois. After he quit school he became a law student for a few months, and then began the study of medicine. He attended one course of lectures at the New Orleans Medical School before the war, and at the beginning of the war enlisted in company D, Eighty-fourth regiment Illinois volunteer infantry, as a private, was promoted to first sergeant, then to second lieutenant, next to first lieutenant, and then brevet captain; he was in the Army of the Cumberland most of the time during his term of service, and participated in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Kidge, and the Atlanta campaign, Franklin and Nashville; was discharged June 8, 1865. He resumed his medical studies after the war, at Keokuk, Iowa, and in April, 1866, came to this county, and entered upon the practice of medicine, and has been very successful. Dr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss R. C. Hoffman, January 1, 1866, at Palmyra, Missouri. She was born September 8, 1847. They have three children; named, respectively, Maud F., born November 11, 1867; Leona M., born Sej)tember 8, 1869; and Winfield G., born May 1, 1874.

J. H. Rinker

Was born in Porter county, Indiana, November 27, 1836. His parents, Henr}'^ and Dorothea Rinker were both natives of Virginia, and of German descent. When a child of four years, his parents moved to Rock Island county, Illinois, where they lived for seven years, then went to Madison county, Illinois, and in October, 1855, came to this county, and settled on the farm where they now live. He was reared upon a farm, and educated in the common schools. November 20, 1861, he enlisted in company G, Ninth regiment Illinois volunteer cavalry, as a private; the cavalry branch of the service of which his regiment was a part, was kept on scout and escort duty and guarding outposts, most of the time; while on a scout in Mississippi he was wounded in the right leg and the left foot, both in the same skirmish; with many others who loved the cause they were defending, he reenlisted as a veteran and served, in all, four years. August 22, 1867, Mr. Rinker married Miss Amy Bell. She was born Deceml)er 31, 1837. They have had four children by this marriage; namely, Katie, born September 9, 1868, died September 10, 1873; Joseph T., born March 20, 1871; Virginia B., born July 16, 1873; and Bertha, born August 1, 1879. He was elected township collector in 1874, filled the office for three terms, and was elected, in April, 1881, township trustee, which office he now holds.

Abram Kicherson

Was born in Harrison county, Ohio, thirty-five miles from the Ohio River, August 2, 1802. There was but one family living nearer to them than the river, at the time of his birth. When young, he learned the carpenter's trade and worked at it until he was forty-seven years old, and then went to De Kalb county, Indiana, where he farmed for about twenty years. In 1865 he went to Iowa and for three years engaged in milling. In June, 1870, he came to this county, and has been engaged in milling ever since. He built the mill he now owns, known as Richerson's Mill, on Medicine Creek. November 20, 1829, Abram Richerson and Miss Mary M. Study were married. Six children were the fruit of this union, as follows: Samuel, born June 2, 1832; Joseph, born April 15, 1834; Sarah A., born February 11, 1836;. Mary J., born September 10, 1837; Rhuama, born March 20, 1839; and John W., born September 14, 1841. Mrs. Richerson died December 13, 1878. November 23, 1879, Mr. Richerson mari-ied Mrs. Nancy Hosier, nee Dangerfield. She was the mother of one child by her first liusband; namely, Olive, born December 3, 1871, died May 12, 1875.

Eldrige Stucker

Was born in Bartholomew county, Indiana, June 14, 1827. His parents, John and Susanna Stucker, were natives of New York. They moved to Monroe county, Missouri, and after a six months' stay returned to Indiana, and four years later, in 1840, immigrated to this county. His father bought a claim, and after the land came into market entered it at $1.25 per acre, upon which he lived until his death. June 3, 1863. Mr. Stucker makes farming: his business, and owns a beautiful farm of two hundred and ninetj^-five acres. He was married March 22, 1849, to Miss Catharine Christian. She was born July 25, 1830, and died May 9, 1869. They had six children: Lucinda, born October 4, 1853; John, born December 19, 1856, died November 18, 1857; Wayne, born June 15, 1859; Serilda, born September 2, 1861; Henry, born June 9, 1865; and Thomas, born September 23, 1868. December 8, 1873, Mr. Stucker married Miss Frances Sink. She was born in Wayne county, Indiana, June 5, 1845. By this union they have had four children, whose names are, Julia Ann, born July 10, 1874, died February 3, 1875; Charles, born December 18, 1876, died June 5, 1881; Jennie, born February 17, 1878; and Elma E., born January 24, 1880.

Rev. H. H. Turner

and his mother's Jane Turner. His fatlier was one of the pioneer ministers of north Missouri, and is still living; was born October 17, 1808. His mother was born August 28, 1813. They were married while in Indiana, in 1833, and to them were born seven sons and seven daughters, all of whom are now living except two, and are all members of the Baptist Church. Henry H. Turner was united in marriage to Miss Emily C. Brassiield, of Livingston county, Missouri, August 9, 1860, by Rev. W. W. Walden. She M'as born September 23, 1841. To Mr. and Mrs. Turner were born four sons and one daughter; viz., Carrie E., born May 26, 1861; James M., born February 4, 1864; Riley F., born January 22, 1866; Edgar and Oscar, twins, born October 13, 1871. Mrs, Turner survived only fourteen days after the birth of the twins. When but three months old, little Edgar followed his mother to the grave. Four years after the death of his wife, Mr. Turner married the sister of his lirst wife, Miss Letitia Brassiield, Rev. John Harmon officiating. By this marriage two sons were added to the family, named: Norton, born October 7, 1877, and John, born August 5, 1880. During the first four years of his public life Mr. Turner rendered efficient service in the profession of school teaching. That he might be better qualified for the work to which he believed he was called, be went to New York, February 14, 1858, and entered Madison University, where he pursued a course of study during a period of eighteen months. Mr. Turner settled in Gruudy county in 1839, and was called to ordination by invitation of the Mt. Pleasant Church. The ordination services were held in the Baptist church at ChillieotUe, August 26, 1866, during the session of the association in that city. Since that time he has labored successfully with the following churches; to-wit, one year missionary in the bounds of the North Grand River Association. During that year his labor was crowned with encouraging success by the addition of fifty-seven members to the churches. He afterward assumed the pastoral functions, in which cajjacity he has continued to the present time, working with great acceptance in the Shelburn, Trenton, Liberty, North Union, Rural Dale and Edinburg churches. He is now pastor of three churches: Shelburn, Liberty and Rural Dale. During his first pastorate of Shelburn Church he added one hundred and ten persons to its membership, and since his ordination and induction into the rainistrj' has been instrumental in the addition of probably more than six hundred persons to the membership of the Baptist denomination. Mr. Turner lives on his farm of one hundred and fortyfive acres, eleven miles southeast of Trenton and sixteen miles northeast of Chillicothe. The land is all under cultivation except thirty-five acres of timber land. The approximate yield of the farm is about the following: Wheat, two hundred bushels; corn, one thousand bushels; oats, fifteen hundred bushels; and from ten to fifty tons of timothy hay.

James P. Tliomas was born in Chariton county, Missouri, September 22, 1842. His parents, William and Rachel Thomas, were both natives of Kentucky, and moved to Howard county when he was an infant. There he was reared upon a farm, and educated in tlie common schools of the county. When nineteen years old he came to Grund}^ count}^, and at the age of twenty-one engaged in the drug business, which he followed for ten years. Ardently desiring to practice medicine, he, at the age of thirty-five, began studies at the university at Keokuk, Iowa, where he studied during the years of 1876, '77, '78 and '79, and graduated from that institution, and began the practice of his profession at Alpha, and has been a close student and a successful practitioner. October 20, 1868, Dr. Thomas was united in marriage to Mrs. Catherine Yager, widow of Jacob Yager. Her maiden name was Mangold and she was born March 21st, 1845 in Columbus, Ohio, She married Jacob Yager in March, 1863, and he died October 30, 1864. Dr. and Mrs. Thomas have seven children; named, respectively, Elizabeth, born August 15, 1868, died October 20, 1869; Frank, born May 12, 1870; Harry, born December 22, 1871; Charles, born June 9, 1874; Peter, born March 12, 1876; William, born April 22, 1878; J. P., born April 29, 1881.