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Marion Township

THOMAS J. BARKER

(Farmer, Stock-raiser, Dealer and Feeder). One of the most extensive and successful stock men in the county is he whose name heads this sketch. Born in Bourbon county, Ky., September 27, 1832, he came to Missouri with his parents in 1839, and has ever since been a resident of Monroe county. His father, Judge Thomas Barker, was a Kentuckian by birth; his mother, Frances Dawson, a Virginian. The former, who was a soldier in the War of 1812, when he arrived in Monroe county purchased about 800 acres of land near Paris and improved a farm. He was a large farmer and stock-dealer and a man of immense public weight. He served several terms as judge of the county court, and his decisions were ever characterized by the most brilliant and profound learning.  Though twice suffering terrible financial reverses, he did not allow himself to be conquered, but gathering together his energy and strength re-entered the lists, coming off in the end victorious. At the time of his death he was a very wealthy man and had given his children at least 2,200 acres of land. T. J. was next youngest in a family of seven children, and grew up on a farm with ample opportunities for acquiring information in that branch of business to which he has devoted his life. He early showed a taste for dealing in stock, and after receiving a good common school education, he chose this as the most congenial method of making a livelihood. He first lived for a few years on a farm five miles west of Paris, and in 1864 took possession of his present farm. Mr. Barker has 1,200 acres of land, about 500 in the home place, 200 at the Welsh settlement and two small farms in other places, besides 300 acres in Southern Missouri, which is unimproved. Mr. Barker’s chief business is shipping about 400 car loads annually, and last year he and his partner did a $250,000 trade. He feeds of his own about 200 head of cattle and 200 hogs. He formerly dealt in short-horn cattle, but after three very large and profitable sales at Hannibal, St. Joe and Moberly, in 1875-76-77, he retired from business. Mr. Barker stands at the head of the flourishing and substantial dealers of the township and enjoys the confidence, respect and admiration of every class of the community. He married February 15, 1854, Miss Sallie C., daughter of N. W. Dawson, of Monroe, formerly from Kentucky. Mrs. B. was born in Henry county, near New Castle, but came to Monroe when a child. By this marriage there are six children: Anna Belle, wife of Sam T. Curtright, Jr.; James E.,  Charles D., Edwin, Minnie R. and Fannie Maud. Mrs. Barker is a member of the Christian Church and Mr. Barker belongs to the I.O.O.F.

 

WILLIAM P. BRADLEY, M.D.

(Physician and Surgeon, Holliday). Having the advantages of thorough, general and professional educations, and earnestly devoted to the practice of medicine, Mr. Bradley’s career, although not a long one as yet, has been a most gratifying one, thus far, to him and to the public. He completed his medical education at the Keokuk Medical College in 1877, at which time he was graduated with high honor, for he had been a hard student of   medicine, and, to advance him the more rapidly, had the advantage of a fine general education. It is not too much to say that he quit Keokuk, Ia., one of the best qualified young physicians ever sent out from the medical colleges of that city. Since then he has been actively engaged in the practice of his profession for a period now of over seven years. He practiced for four years at Madisonville with his brother, Dr. John S. Bradley. After that he came to Holliday in 1881, and has since been located here. His gentlemanly bearing, irreproachable manner of life and thorough qualifications as a physician recommended him at once to the esteem and confidence of the public, and he was therefore not long in building up an excellent practice, which is still increasing. He has been very successful in the treatment of cases, and in several of great difficulty has made a high reputation for skill and ability. Dr. Bradley was born in Missouri (a son of Felix and Sarah (Volley) Bradley), August 1, 1850, his parents having come here in 1849 and located in Monroe county, where they partly reared their family. After taking a course in the common and intermediate schools, young Bradley entered the State University of Missouri, in which he continued as a student until his graduation in 1872. October 5, 1880, Dr. Bradley was married to Miss Rosanna Herndon, a daughter of Dr. John B. Herndon, of Florida, Monroe county. Dr. and Mrs. Bradley have no children, having lost their only two in infancy. The Doctor and his wife are members of the Good Templars’ lodge.

 

SAMUEL CORNELIUS

(Farmer, Post-office, Madison). All old citizens who lived here before the war remember Elder Isaiah Cornelius, the father of the subject of this sketch, one of the earnest ministers of the Gospel. He was a native of England, born in Yorkshire, August 26, 1788, but came to America when quite young with his parents, who settled in Kentucky. He was there married to Miss Elizabeth Haney, who was born in Clark county in 1802. They had four sons: Richard H., now of Knox county, Mo., Samuel, William, of this county, and James, also of this county. The mother died when Samuel was about five years of age, and in 1828 the father married Miss Elizabeth Holmes, of which union all but one son are living, namely: Anna, the wife of Leonard Bates, of Vernon county, Mo.; Joseph and John, twins, the former of Richardson county, Neb., and the latter of Franklin county, Kan.; Thomas P., of Knox county, Mo.; Kasiah, the wife of Dr. Thomas Cox, of Richardson county, Neb. and Alpheus G., the one deceased. In 1856 Elder Cornelius with his family, or those of them who had not grown up and gone to themselves, removed to Missouri and settled in Monroe county, where the father remained engaged in the ministry until his death, which occurred in the spring of 1866. His last wife died in 1861. Samuel Cornelius, the subject of this sketch, was born in Clark county, Ky., November 25, 1822. He now resides on the old family homestead of his father’s, which he owns. This is a good place of 160 acres, and Mr. Cornelius is comfortably situated, his place being substantially improved with all necessary conveniences. In the fall of 1849 Mr. Cornelius was married to Miss Anna Norris, originally of Switzerland county, Ind. She bore him three children: Mary M., now of Knox county, Mo., being the wife of Montville De La Montague; Anna E., now the wife of Thomas M. Collins, and William M., who died in infancy. The mother died at the birth of her last child. January 23, 1856. Mr.  Cornelius was married to Miss Margaret P. Thompson, of Henry county, Ky. By this union there is a son, Samuel T., who is married and lives on the farm with his father, which the two cultivate in coparcenary. Mr. Cornelius lost his wife some years ago, but he and his son, together with the latter’s wife are members of the Christian Church.

 

WILLIAM A. DAVIS

(Farmer, Post-office, Madison). Mr. Davis has been living on the place where he now resides for 36 years. He has a good farm of 1,860 acres, and is regarded as an energetic farmer and worthy citizen. His parents, James and Elizabeth (Fox) Davis, were among the first settlers of Ralls county, or rather they came with their parents, respectively, away back in the “twenties”. They had but two sons, William A. and James C., now of Moberly. The father died in 1876, and the mother in 1878. They left a farm of over 300 acres. Mr. Davis was reared to be a farmer, an occupation he has since followed. In the spring of 1848 he was married to Miss Martha J. Yeager, a daughter of Aaron and Verrilla Yeager. They have been blessed with ten children: Verrilla E., the wife of George W. Ellsberry; James C., Thomas J., Cleopatra, the wife of Andrew Alexander, of Moberly; Aaron V., Billy U., Gabriel TW., Oral W., Zulah M. and Ernest T. The part of Ralls county in which Mr. Davis was born was included in Monroe county after its organization, so Mr. Davis may be said to be a native of this county, and has therefore lived in it since the first streakings of earthly light illuminated the canopy of his globular optics, or, in other words, from the time of his birth. Mr. Davis is one of those earnest, sterling men who believes that one should prosper only by honest industry, and all through life should maintain the strictest faith with his neighbors, his family, his church and his God. He is a very sincere member of the Christian Church, and believes that the code of the true church is to be found in the Bible, which he believes in from Genesis to Revelations, without the cross of a t or the dot of an i, and not in catechisms or anything of that sort. He is one of those true, plain minded Christian men, neither bigoted nor intolerant, who believes that all men will be saved who live according to the teachings of the Bible, regardless of sect or similar doctrines.

 

ELD. WILLIAM M. FEATHERSTON

(Minister of the Christian Church, Post-office, Madison).  Rev. Mr. Feartherston has been actively engaged in the ministry of the Christian Church since 1861, a period now of 23 years, and it is due to the truth to say that under the blessings of God his labors have been productive of great good to the Church and to the cause of his religion. He is a man whose life has been squared according to the great principles of Christianity, and earnestly devoted to the saving of souls and all the best interests of those around him. As a minister, both in work inside and outside the pulpit, his efforts have been characterized by unfaltering zeal, indefatigable industry and an earnest desire to promote the great cause of which he is a representative. In his daily walk and talk and in the discharge of the duties of the sacred office, he has always observed the same spirit of humility, sincerity and piety, and he so lives that his life illustrates the great truths he teaches. He has been pastor of the church at Madison for a number of years, and no minister ever commanded the sincere respect and affection of his congregation more fully than he. Mr.  Featherston is a native of Kentucky, born in Jessamine county, February 24, 1833. His mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Wymore, died while he was in infancy, leaving besides W. M. six sons and four daughters, of whom the five brothers are yet living.  Subsequently the father, Burwell Featherston, was married to Miss Rebecca Gorman, of Jessamine county, Ky., who bore him five daughters and a son, of whom all but one daughter are living, and in 1841 the family removed to Missouri, settling on a farm in Randolph county. He is now living in Monroe county, at the advanced age of 87, but in good general health and well preserved in mind. His wife died in 1874. William M. Featherston, the subject of this sketch, eight years of age when the family came to Randolph county, was reared on a farm, and was principally self-educated, though he attended several of the neighborhood schools, and after he was 21 years of age spent a term at the male academy at Paris. For a number of years he taught school, a part of the time alternated with attending school himself, and the balance with studying for the ministry. He was ordained in 1861 at the Madison Church, of which he is now pastor, and at once began his active work in the pulpit. Of his career we have briefly spoken above, which is one that reflects only credit on himself and the church. In 1850, he was married to Miss Mary J., a daughter of Edward and Sarah E. Ragsdale. Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Featherston have no children. He is an active member of the Sons of Temperance.

 

JOHN W. JOHNSTON

(Assessor of Monroe County, Paris). Mr. Johnston, who is now filling his third term in the office of assessor, is a native of Monroe county, born March 16, 1833. His father, Henry Johnston, from Kentucky, born in 1796, was a mechanic and farmer by occupation and followed these in Jefferson township, of this county, after coming to Missouri, until his death. John W. assisted his father during youth and remained with him until he attained his majority. He attended an occasional neighborhood school as he grew up and, besides, studied diligently at home, so that he became qualified to teach school. When 21 years old he began teaching, which he followed for about two years. He then located on a farm he owned and went to work, where he continued farming until 1857. Selling his place, he removed to Long Branch, in the southern part of the county, where he bought raw land and improved another farm. He lived on this place, engaged in farming with good success, for about 26 years. Selling it he bought another place in the neighborhood, and afterwards followed dealing in stock in addition to farming. This farm he also improved from raw land. Mr. Johnston being an old teacher, always took a lively interest

in school affairs, and was school director for several years, and treasurer of the local school board. He also taught school for a while during the year 1862-63. Besides school offices he held the position of township clerk for a few years. In 1883, however, he removed to Holliday, where he has since resided. Being a man of good business

qualifications and unimpeachable integrity, he was picked out in 1878 as the proper man for county assessor and was accordingly elected to that office. Since then he has been twice re-elected and still holds the position. His assessments give general satisfaction and he is more than ordinarily popular as a public officer. He is in the saddle almost constantly attending to his duties, and suffers nothing to go unattended to. He also has two or three deputies to assist him and together they keep the business of the office in excellent shape. As a matter of curiosity, some friend of his who has noticed that he is

always on the go, has figured out that he travels about 1,200 miles a year in the performance of his official duties. That of itself ought to be worth three times the pay he gets. In 1880 he took the U. S. census of this district by appointment from Commissioner Walker, of Washington. February 3, 1854, Mr. Johnston was married to Miss Celia A. Lee, who lived to brighten his home for nineteen years, dying however in 1875. She left five children: Augusta, the wife of James C.        Moore; Alice, the wife of George P. Moore; Everett J. and John and Lizzie. To his present wife Mr. Johnston was married March 16, 1881. She was formerly Miss Louisa C. Rice.

 

JUDGE THOMAS W. McCORMICK

(Of T. W. McCormick & Son, Dealers in Hardware, Tinware, Stoves, Agricultural Implements, etc., Holliday). Judge McCormick, a leading business man of the Western part of the county, and a man of high character and marked influence in the community, is by nativity from the old Commonwealth—Virginia, which has given to Missouri so many of our best citizens. He was born in Clarke county, of the Old Dominion, April 6, 1820. At the early age of four years he was left an orphan by the death of both parents, and was reared by relatives. His father, Province McCormick, was of one of the most respected families in Clarke county, and was a man of liberal education. His mother, before her marriage a Miss Mazzie Davenport, was also of a good family in the northern part of Virginia. Young McCormick, being well connected, was given good advantages for an education. He was sent to both Kenyon College, Ohio, and Princeton College, New Jersey, and was graduated in 1839. After his graduation he remained in Virginia engaged in mercantile business until 1844, when he came to Missouri, and located in Macon county, in which he began merchandising at McGee College. He was also occupied with farming in the vicinity of that place, and continued there until 1879, when he came to Holliday and began his present business with his son. Judge McCormick is a man who has always commanded the respect and confidence of those around him. A capable and energetic business man, he is at the same time agreeable in his intercourse with others, and accommodating to the last degree, while for personal worth and reliability, he is never questioned in word or deed. In 1875 he was elected to the office of county judge in Macon county for a period of four years, but on account of a change made soon afterward in the general law of the State, he held the office but one year. Besides occupying that position, he was a justice of the peace in Macon county for about sixteen years consecutively, and is now holding a commission from the Governor as notary public. He is a worthy member of the A.F. and A.M., and also of the Good Templars, in both of which orders he takes a commendable interest. Judge McCormick has been twice married. On the 7th of February, 1850, he was married to Miss Harriet Hill, formerly of Virginia. She survived, however, less than three years, dying September 22, 1852. She left him two children: Ficklen and Strother, the last of whom died in 1861. To his present wife Judge McCormick was married December 7, 1854. She was a Miss Mary A. Tedford, a daughter of Andrew Tedford, formerly of Alabama. There are three children by this union: Francis D., Cyrus A. and May E. The Judge and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

 

RICHARD P. MOORE

(Farmer, Post-office, Holliday). Mr. Moore is a son of A.P. Moore, an old and highly respected citizen of this county, and was born on the old family homestead October 3, 1854. His mother was a Miss Mary Guthrie before her marriage, of the well known Guthrie family of North Missouri. The father being an energetic, go-ahead farmer, Richard P. was brought up to industrious farm work, and not only learned thoroughly the business of agricultural life, but, reared in the country and to the active work of farming, was favored with the development of a good physical constitution, without which one can not hope for comfort, or hardly expect success. In the country schools he secured a satisfactory knowledge of books, and much attached to farm life, as soon as he reached manhood he began farming for himself. Being young yet, of course he has not become one of our solid citizens, for he has not had the time to accumulate property, but still he has a neat farm and is making a good start in life. He is not married yet, which is about the worst thing that can be said of him.

 

LITTLEBERRY B. WADE

(Retired Farmer and School Teacher, Post-office, Madison). Mr. Wade was one of the early settlers of Monroe county, coming to Marion county from Kentucky as early as 1835, and settling in this county two years later. He first taught school principally, but later along followed farming mainly, keeping up to pursuits, however, the former desultorily until six years ago, when he sold his farm, a fine place of nearly 400 acres, and retired from active work both on the farm and in the schoolroom. It is thus seen that his life has been a success. He was born in Bath county, Ky., June 18, 1815. His parents, James and Nancy (Bay) Wade, were early settlers in Kentucky, or rather came there with their parents in an early day, the father from Rockingham county, Va., and the mother from Pennsylvania. They spent their lives in Kentucky, and are buried side by side in the neighborhood cemetery in Bath county, of that State. But two of their family of five sons and three daughters are living: Frances A., who resides in Fayette county, Ill., being the only other survivor besides the subject of this sketch. Littleberry B. Wade was reared in Kentucky, and the day before he was 18 years of age was married to Miss Mary E. Mason, a daughter of Silas Mason, originally of Culpeper county, Va., and a descendant of the distinguished Mason family of that State. Two years after his marriage he removed to Missouri, as stated above. Mr. and Mrs. Wade have had 12 children, four daughters of whom are deceased: Anna E., the wife of William Sibel, of Genesee, Ill.; Nancy, now the widow of Luther Love; James A., of New Mexico; Henry, Samuel, now of Jefferson county, Mont.; Clifton, Ephraim, of Montana, and Florence, the wife of Montieth Riley. The deceased are: Martha V., who died at the age of 13; Mary E., who died after becoming the wife of Bayless Riley; Lucy A., who died whilst the wife of Charles Mitchell; and Louisa, who died whilst the wife of Dr. D. B. Wilcox. Mr. Wade has a handsome piece of property in the town of Madison and is comfortably situated in life, his residence being one of the best in the vicinity.  He and wife are members of the Christian Church. Both are highly esteemed and respected.

 

JOHN S. AUSTIN

(Of N. M. Read & Co., Millers, Granville). Mr. Austin bought an interest in the Granville mill in 1865, and has since been identified with it as one of its owners and proprietors and active operators. This is an excellent mill of two run of buhrs, ? with ample machinery of a good quality and pattern, and does first class custom work. It is run by steam power and is one of the valuable pieces of mill property in the northwestern part of the county.  Mr. Austin is an experienced miller and, besides, a polite, accommodating man, and thus not only does good work but knows how to treat the public so as to keep up the enviable reputation both be and his mill enjoy. Mr. Austin was born in Marion county, October 14, 1838. His father, John F. Austin, came to this State from Kentucky as early as 1830, and was married to his second wife, subsequently the mother of John S., whose maiden name was Miss S. J. Wilson, soon after coming to the State. He died in Marion county in 1849 and the same year John S., then 11 years of age, came over into Monroe county, where he has since lived. He was reared on a farm in this county, but whilst still young apprenticed himself to the carpenter’s trade, under his uncle, Wesley Wilson, at Paris, with whom he worked until he had mastered the business. He then worked for others or on his own account at his trade in Paris up to 1861, when, having married several years before, he settled on a farm, and followed farming for two or three years. Becoming dissatisfied, however, in 1865 he came to Granville and bought an interest in the’ mill, as stated above. October 14, 1858, Mr. Austin was married to Miss Nannie E. Kipper, a daughter of John and Jane Kipper, of this county, but formerly of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Austin have seven children: Adda E., wife of J. Wesley McGee; Jennie S., Anna May, Marcus B., Frank W., Belle and Sadie. Mr. and Mrs. Austin and all their family, except the two youngest children, are members of the Christian Church. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge of Granville and of the Chapter at Paris.

 

HON. MARCUS D. BLAKEY

(Ex-Representative, and Farmer and Fine Stock-raiser, Post-office, Granville). Among the leading citizens and prominent and successful farmers and stock-raisers of the county, the subject of the present sketch has long occupied an enviable position. He came to the county when the whole country around him was in its primitive condition, unfenced and untouched by the husbandman. He purchased 700 acres of fine land and improved a handsome farm, having under fence nearly the whole of his tract. His farm is one of the best improved in his part of the county, having a large two-story residence, commodious barns, other out-buildings of every needed kind, substantial fences, large fields and pastures, a good orchard, etc., etc. In fact, it is one of the choice places of the county. Mr. Blakey makes a specialty of raising fine stock, and has a herd of some 25 as fine thoroughbred short-horns as are to be met with in Monroe county, besides having sold off a number of fine cattle, for he raises them to sell principally as breeders, and has done a great deal in this way for the improvement of the grade of cattle raised in the county. He also makes a specialty of raising Poland-China hogs, of which he has a large number. One of the progressive-minded, enterprising farmers of the county, he is at the same time one of its most public-spirited and popular citizens. Favored in early life with an advanced education, and having afterwards followed mercantile pursuits with success for a number of years, his education and experience in affairs are such as to entitle him to the enviable position he has so long held. Mr. Blakey is a native of the Old Dominion, born in Madison county March 28, 1822. On both sides he came of old and respected Virginia families, the Blakeys and the Ruckers, and his father, James Blakey, was in comfortable circumstances. His mother, formerly Miss Margaret Rucker, was a daughter of Angus Rucker, a well-to-do and influential citizen of Madison county. She is still living, at the advanced age of 91. Marcus D. was educated in his native county, and besides studying the other higher branches took a course in advanced mathematics, including trigonometry, and also a course in Latin and Greek. He then taught school in Virginia with success for three years. In 1844 he came to Missouri and located at Clinton, in Monroe county, where he engaged in merchandising. From there he removed to Paris and continued merchandising up to 1854. Meanwhile he had purchased the tract of land on which he now resides, and he then moved on to it and opened a farm. November 3, 1847, he was married to Miss Patsey J. Buckner, a daughter of Madison Buckner, a pioneer settler of this county from Virginia, and related to the prominent Buckner family of that State, Kentucky and Missouri. Mr. Blakey’s first wife died on the third of November, 1871, leaving him six children, who are now grown up and married: Ellen M., wife of Benjamin F. Harvey; Mary A., wife of T. T. Rodes; Frederick G., Angus R., Julia B. and Katie M. Mr. Blakey was married to his present wife November 23, 1872. She was Mrs. R. A. Weedin, widow of Mr. Weedin, deceased, and a daughter of Dr. Sylvester Hagin, of this county, but formerly of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Blakey have one son, Harry, nine years of age. Mr. Blakey has always been identified with the Democratic party, taking an active interest in its success and the triumph of Democratic principles. Away back in 1856 he was assessor, and has held other positions of consideration. In 1878 he was nominated for the Legislature and was elected by a large majority, receiving nearly as many votes as both the candidates who ran against him. He acquitted himself with great credit in the Legislature and occupied a position of more than ordinary influence in that body. Personally, he is a man of pleasant, agreeable manners, and readily wins the good opinion of all with whom he comes in contact. No man in the vicinity is more highly esteemed as a neighbor and friend than he.

 

JOHN S. CROW

(Farmer and Fine Stock Breeder, Post-office, Paris). In the early days of this county, for a number of years Dr. Samuel Crow, the father of the subject of this sketch, and Dr. Bower, were the physicians of the county, that is, if they were not the only practitioners here they were the leading ones, and did by far the principal part of the practice. Dr. Crow was a Kentuckian, and early came to Missouri with his family, his wife having been a Miss Catherine Smith, of Kentucky. He first located in Cole county, where John S., the son, was born November 10, 1828. Whilst the latter was still in infancy Dr. Crow removed to Monroe county with his family and settled in the neighborhood in which John S. now resides, or rather in this vicinity, there being little or no “ neighborhood” here for want of neighbors, inasmuch as the county was then nearly a wilderness. He practiced medicine in this county over an area of 20 or 30 miles, being almost constantly in the saddle or at the bedside of the suffering, until at last he who had healed so many was himself stricken down by the fatal hand of death. He was a man well known all over the county, one whose life had been of much value to the people, and his loss was greatly deplored. He had accumulated a handsome fortune for those days, and at his death was the owner of 3,000 acres of choice lands. He died in 1852. John S. Crow was principally reared in this county, and received a good general English education by private instruction and in the subscription schools of the vicinity; indeed, most of his time was spent in study, for he was generally in delicate health during his adolescence. In 1853 he made a visit to Kentucky and there met and was married to Miss Catherine Kerr, a daughter of Enos Kerr, a leading citizen of Louisville. Mrs. Crow is a lady of superior education and rare intelligence, one of the estimable and excellent ladies of the county. Returning to Missouri with his fair young wife, Mr. Crow engaged in farming on the old family homestead, where he resided for about three years. He then bought raw land and improved a place of his own, where he has since continued to reside. He has a handsome farm of 330 acres, which is improved with good fences, buildings, etc., meadows, pastures, and the like, a fine orchard and small fruits, and everything is in excellent shape. Mr. Crow, besides farming and raising stock in a general way, is making a specialty of fine cattle, and has a fine Palangus Gregis, two years of age. Mr. Crow is a man of sterling character, superior intelligence, and one of the substantial, highly esteemed citizens of Clay township. Hospitable about his home and unassuming in manners and conversation, as a neighbor he is highly prized by all around him. Mr. and Mrs. Crow have reared a family of seven children: Lavenia, wife of Charles Burk; Cora, wife of Angus Blakey: Laura, wife of Andy Bassett; Charles D., Enos R., Frank and Smith.

 

HENRY CURTRIGHT

(Farmer, Post-office, Granville). Mr. and Mrs. Curtright are members of the Christian Church, at Granville, believing that the views held by that church are nearest in accord with the true teachings of the Scriptures. They have been members of the church for years, and by their lives endeavor to illustrate, as nearly as the weakness of flesh and contiguous conditions will allow, the great principles of faith and hope and good works which they profess. Mr. Curtright, as was his wife, was brought up by Christian parents, and had instilled into his youthful mind the lessons of piety, charity and religious truth, which he has never forgotten. He was born in Bourbon county, Ky., December 21, 1843. His father was Hezekiah M. Curtright, named after that great and good king of Judah, who suppressed idolatry in Jerusalem and re-established the true religion. He also cleansed and repaired the temple and held a solemn passover. A more extended account of his life appears in Isaiah xxxvi. Mr. Curtright’s mother, a good and most excellent lady, was formerly Miss Cynthia A. Stipp, and both the father and mother were native Kentuckians. In 1844 the family removed to Missouri and located in Monroe county. Here the father bought the farm where the son now lives, which was partly improved, and the improvement of which he completed. Besides being a man greatly interested in the church, he was deeply concerned for the public good, and took a leading part in opening roads throughout this part of the county. He was for a number of years road overseer and made nearly all the roads of Clay township. He died in February, 1866. His wife died in 1871. Henry, after he grew up, served in the Southern army under Col.  Porter for a while and was in the battle at Kirksville, where he was wounded in the side, under the arm. He was taken prisoner and confined at St. Louis and Alton for about 18 months. He then took the oath and was released, and came back to the home place. December 26, 1867, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Clay, a daughter of C. S. Clay, of this county, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume, one of the sterling, good men of the county, a pioneer settler here from Kentucky. After his marriage Mr. Curtright continued on the home place for two years. He then rented land and farmed until 1871, when he rented the home place and lived on it for two years afterwards. After his mother’s death he bought the other children’s interests as they became of age, and now owns the old homestead. He has 140 acres in this farm, all under fence, an excellent homestead, substantially and comfortably improved. He has just built a new dwelling and is constantly adding to the value of the place. Mr. and Mrs. Curtright have six children: Leonard E., Hezekiah, Charles M. and Maggie L., twins, and Travis L. and Martha A. Mr. Curtright is a man of great personal worth and is held in high respect by his neighbors and all who know him.

 

JAMES DYE

(Farmer, Post-office, Granville). Before Monroe county had “a habitation or a name,” away back in the wilderness-days of the country, the Dye family came to Missouri. This was long before the subject of the present sketch was born,, he having been born in Ralls county, December 20, 1829. His parents, Fauntleroy and Elizabeth (Young) Dye, were from Kentucky to this State, but his mother was originally from North Carolina. When the territory, now in half a dozen counties, was known as Ralls county, then an almost uninhabitable wild, with a settler here and there, a day’s journey apart or more, they came to Ralls county and located in that part of it which is still included in the original county of that name. James Dye was born after his parents had been living there a number of years, and the following year they moved to what is now known as Monroe county. There they located on Big Indian creek, now in Indian Creek township, where they entered land in the timber, for no one thought the prairies were fit for cultivation then, where they opened a farm and lived some ten years. Selling out, however, in 1840, they crossed over into Shelby county, where they improved another farm and lived until their death. The father died November 28, 1870, at an advanced age. James Dye was principally reared in Shelby county, and when twenty-one years of age went to Texas, in 1851, then an almost terra incognita to the civilized world, where he spent about a year engaged in trade, and also taught school in a neighborhood of settlers who went there with the Aeneas Italice of the Lone Star State, Col. Sam. Houston. Returning to Missouri, he resumed farming, and on September 1, 1853, was married to Miss Anna Bozarth, a daughter of Elias Bozarth, of Monroe county, but formerly of Kentucky. After his marriage he returned to Texas, but remained only a short time, coming back in 1855 and settling in Shelby county, where he improved a farm, and resided in Shelby county, engaged in farming, until 1864, when he removed to Monroe county and located about four miles south of Paris, in Jackson township. Mr. Dye lived in Jackson township for nearly 20 years, but something over a year ago sold his place there and bought the farm where he now resides, at Greenville, to which he at once removed. Here he has a place of 125 acres, on which he has good homestead improvements, including besides the buildings, fences, etc., a good ice-house and an orchard of about 100 bearing trees. August 21, 1862, he had the misfortune to lose his first wife, who left him three sons: Fauntleroy, Elias and Jacob D., who have grown up to manhood, and the two oldest are married and have four children in the aggregate. They and their wives are members of the Christian Church. To his present wife he was married in 1863. Her maiden name was Miss Mary Woods, and she was a daughter of John Woods, of this county, but formerly of Kentucky. They have reared a daughter, Mary E., now the wife of William J. Glascock. Mrs. Glascock has an infant child, Bessie Lee. Mr. Dye and wife and daughter are members of the Granville Christian Church.

 

SQUIRE WILSON T. FIELDS

(Farmer and Raiser and Shipper of Stock, Post-office, Granville). Squire Fields, who served as judicial magistrate of Clay township for 16 years consecutively, subsequent to 1860, and who is one of the substantial property holders and leading, influential men of this township, comes of the Maryland branch of the Fields family, a family that has given to the country some of its ablest and purest men in public life, and a number of distinguished characters in other departments of activity, including the professions and the arts and sciences. The Squire’s father, John Fields, was in tender years when the latter’s parents became pioneer settlers in Kentucky from Maryland. He grew up in the future famous Blue Grass State, and was married there to Miss Elizabeth Wiseheart, of Nelson county. The Squire was born in Washington county, January 21, 1827, and the family continued to reside there until after he had attained his majority and married. He married Miss Caroline Bell, a daughter of Col. William Bell, of Washington county, and a most estimable and intelligent lady, December 22, 1853. Reared a farmer, he pursued that occupation in Kentucky for some five years after his marriage, when he with his family, in company with his father’s family, removed to Missouri, and settled on the land where he now resides, which he had previously bought.  It was raw land and he went to work here and improved a good farm.  The father died June 6, 1865. Previous to this Squire Fields had lost his wife, May 17, 1863. She left him four children, namely: Letitia, wife of James E. Brengle; John H., Logan M. and Elizabeth, wife of R. D. Phillips. Squire Fields was married to his present wife April 14, 1864. She was formerly Miss Mary B. Wilson, a daughter of William H. and Maria B. (Hoge) Wilson, originally of Virginia. The Squire is blessed with six children by this union: Washington, Oscar, Maude, Lillie, Robert and Burr. Squire Fields has been a large landholder in the township, but has given to his children and sold off until he now has less than a half section, over a quarter of a section of which is improved. He has a good homestead, and is a hospitable, plain, frank old gentleman whom it is always a pleasure to meet, particularly at his own home. His life has been one of industry and strict uprightness, and he therefore meets every honest man with an open countenance and a hearty, generous greeting. He was elected magistrate in 1860, and held the office as long as he would accept it, for 16 years. He could have had other positions, but never had any desire for public life, always preferring the quiet and comforts of home and the society of his neighbors and friends to the worry and annoyance and empty parade of prominent official station. The Squire ships annually about four carloads of stock, two of cattle and two of hogs. He and wife and five eldest children are all members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a prominent member of the Masonic order.

 

JACOB H. FORD

(Farmer, Post-Office, Granville). Mr. Ford, now 63 years of age, is a native of Monroe county, born August 21, 1821, and is thought to have been the first white male child born in the limits of the county. His father, Pleasant Ford, was a pioneer settler in Missouri, coming to this State as early as 1818, and was the first sheriff ever elected in this county. Mr. Ford’s mother was a Miss Ellen Harris before her marriage. The family first located in Howard county, but in 1820 removed to Monroe county and settled at Middle Grove, where Jacob H. was born. His father served two terms as sheriff, and in 1825 returned to Howard county, but came back to Monroe five years afterwards and settled near Paris.  He resided here until his death, which occurred in 1844. Jacob H. was reared in the county and when 22 years of age, January 17, 1844, was married to Miss Mary W. Abernathy, a daughter of James R.  Abernathy, formerly of Kentucky and the first treasurer of Monroe county. After his marriage Mr. Ford lived on his father’s farm one year and then removed to Boone county, but soon came back and bought a farm three miles north of Paris. He lived there until the spring of 1861, when he moved to a place which he had bought adjoining the one on which he now resides, where he lived for twelve years. He then sold that place and bought his present homestead. This contains 260 acres of land, and is well improved. He devotes most of his land to meadow, finding it to be a paying crop. He also has another tract of land in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Ford have reared six children: D. Ella, wife of C. S. Wood; William H., also married; Arzelia, wife of Joseph Brierly; Tirey L., Zerelda, wife of L. M. Webb, and Hugh W. Mr. and Mrs. Ford and all their family except one son, who has not yet joined, are members of the Granville Christian Church.

 

TIREY FORD

(Farmer, Post-Office, Granville). Mr. Ford is a brother to Jacob H. Ford, whose sketch precedes this, being three years the latter’s junior, and was in infancy when his parents came to Missouri, having been born in Madison county, January 21, 1818. His father was from Virginia, but was brought out to Kentucky by the latter’s parents when he was but six years of age, the family being pioneer settlers in Madison county of the Blue Grass State. Pleasant Ford was married, after he grew up, to Miss Ellen Harris, originally of South Carolina, but whose parents were also pioneers in Kentucky. After their marriage they came to Missouri, as stated in the sketch of Jacob H. They came to this county in the spring of 1821. In 1832 the father was elected sheriff of the county and re-elected in 1834, serving in all four years. He died here in 1844. He was in well-to-do circumstances considering the times and the opportunities to make money, and gave his children as good school advantages as could be had here at that time. Tirey Ford had instruction in the higher branches, including algebra and surveying, and became a successful and popular school teacher. He taught school for about 10 years, including one term in Paris. May 1, 1845, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Collins, a daughter of James Collins, formerly of Kentucky. After his marriage he located on a farm near Greenwood, and the following season bought a part of the land where he now resides, where he improved a farm. He subsequently added to this until he had a large place. He has sold off considerable land, however, but still has nearly 300 acres; 240 acres of his place are in cultivation, pasturage and meadow. His place is comfortably improved. In 1854 Mr. Ford was elected justice of the peace and has served three terms in that office with great satisfaction to the public and entire efficiency in the discharge of his duties as a magistrate. Squire and Mrs. Ford have four children: Pleasant T., who is married and resides on the home place; Elgie, wife of D. Kippen, of Granville; Pierce and Joseph C. They have lost two, Sarah E., wife of David Hollingsworth, who died in 1881 leaving four children, and Bessie, who died in 1877 at the age of 21. Squire and Mrs. Ford are members of the Christian Church. The Squire is one of the substantial men of Clay township, and is highly respected by all.

 

JOHN R. HANGER

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Shelbina). Mr. Hanger, partly reared in Monroe county, was 24 years of age when the war broke out. A native of Virginia, not unworthy of the historic State that gave him birth, he promptly identified himself with the cause of his country - the South. During the first months of the war he enlisted in the State service, and then at the re-organization became a regular Confederate soldier in the Second Missouri Infantry, under Col. Frank M. Cockerill, now United States Senator from this State. He served under Col. Cockerill, afterwards Gen. Cockerill, until the close of the war, and contributed his full share to the services of that command which gave its commander such a name and reputation as a soldier that he was afterwards elected to the United States Senate, a command that bore a gallant and conspicuous part in many of the hardest fought battles of the war.

“Fortune’s wheel is on the turn,

And some go up and some go down.”

The South went down in defeat and many of her bravest sons now sleep beneath her sod. Nor did Mr. Hanger make anything by the war - indeed, he lost all he had, and had to commence life anew, penniless and broken in health. But

“Except wind stands as never it stood,

It is an ill wind turns none to good. “

The private soldiers who did the fighting and the starving and underwent all the hardships and dangers of the war, received none of the credits or rewards of the struggle, where credits and rewards were to be distributed, but all went to the officers. Such seems to be the order of things in general in this majestic world. A life-seat in the Senate at $6,000 a year for the services which others performed, is but another illustration of this apparently inevitable law of merits and rewards. Mr. Hanger participated in the battles of Lexington, Elk Horn, Champion’s Hill, Baker’s Creek, Blackwater, the siege of Vicksburg, Altoona, Franklin and other engagements. At Franklin, Tenn., he was disabled by a wound in the leg and taken prisoner. He was held at Camp Douglas for about two months and then paroled. In June, 1865, he returned home and obtained a situation in a store at Shelbina. After this he engaged in farming, and in 1870 was married to Mrs. Fannie Barry, widow of William C. Barry, who was killed while in the Confederate army. After his marriage, Mr. Hanger located on the old Hanger homestead in Monroe county, where he has since resided. He has a good place of 160 acres, where he has long been engaged in farming and stock-raising, and with excellent success. A man of good business qualifications and popular address, as well as of unimpeachable character, and a life-long Democrat, in 1876 he was nominated by the Democrats for assessor and was duly elected to that office, which he held for three years. He acquitted himself of the duties of his office with efficiency and to the general satisfaction of the public, making one of the best assessors the county ever had. Mr. and Mrs. Hanger have two children: Lucy B. and Carrie R., and two are deceased, Charlie B. and an infant. Mrs. Hanger is a member of the M.E. Church South. Mr. Hanger is a hospitable, social gentleman and is quite popular with all who know him. He was a son of Robinson and Virginia T. (Kennerly) Hanger, formerly of Virginia, and was born in Augusta county, that State, December 18, 1836. The family removed to Missouri in 1851, and settled in Monroe county, where they now reside.

 

ALJOURNAL HANGER

(Farmer, Post-office, Granville). It was when Aljournal was 10 years of age, in 1857, that his parents, Peter and Elizabeth A. (Bear) Hanger, turned the front of the immigrant wagon towards Missouri, where they expected to make their future home. Their ancestors had long been settled in Virginia, and it was the State of their fathers that they were leaving. Aljournal was born there (in Augusta county) April 6, 1847. They all landed safe and sound in Monroe county in the fall of 1857, and settled on the land on which Aljournal now resides. Here they made an excellent farm, a comfortable home, and here the father lived out the remainder of a useful and blameless life. He died May 31, 1873, deplored ? by all who knew him, for he was a man of many friends and no known enemies. Aljournal grew up on the farm, as most boys in the country do who are raised on farms, assisting in work on the place and attending the neighborhood schools. In obedience to one of the great fundamental laws of humanity, a law that is as natural as that the fruit shall fall when it is over-ripe, he was married after he attained his manhood. This happy event was celebrated, as in such cases made and provided, on the 20th of September, 1876. It was then that Mrs. Lizzie A. Beller, relict of William Beller, and a most estimable and excellent lady, became his wife. She was a daughter of James D. Maupin, one of the honored old pioneers of this county from Virginia, and she had one child by her first marriage, Willie Mary. Already Mr. Hanger had been actively engaged in farming for himself, and by his industry and good management had laid the foundation for a competency. He continued his farming operations with unabated vigor and enterprise, and has long held a position as one of the substantial farmers of Clay township. He has nearly 200 acres of land, over half of which is well improved. His place has a good two-story residence and other buildings and improvements to correspond. Mr. and Mrs. Hanger have three children: Robert Lee, Alma F. and John Marshall. Mrs. Hanger is a worthy member of the M.E. Church South.

 

ISAAC S. HEATHMAN

(Farmer, Post-office, Granville). Mr. Heathman’s father, Martin Heathman, was for many years before his death, as the son now is, one of the thorough-going farmers and worthy, respected citizens of Monroe county. The father was from Kentucky, where he married Miss Nancy Stipp, and came to Missouri with his family in 1839. He entered and bought land here and improved a good farm, on which he resided until his death, in 1878. Isaac S. was born in this county, October 16, 1841. He was brought up to farm work and received a fair common school education. January 29, 1868, he was married to Miss Margaret Heathman, a cousin, and daughter of Elias Heathman, also formerly of Kentucky. Her father died here in 1859. After his marriage Mr. Heathman farmed with his father for four years and then located on his present place. He has 180 acres. His idea of farming is that one should turn everything on his place to the best advantage and whatever else he does he should lose no time unnecessarily through the cropping and harvesting seasons. He is an energetic man and entirely successful as a farmer, as he would be in any business where industry and good management are the conditions for success. Mr. and Mrs. Heathman have five children: Frederick G., Virginia, W. Lewis, J. Tippie and Alonzo T. He and wife, believing that the Christian Church more nearly than any other represents the true teachings of the Bible, after mature reflection, joined that church and have ever since continued worthy members.

 

THOMAS B. LOYD, M.D.

(Physician and Surgeon, Granville). Among the prominent physicians of Monroe county, the subject of the present sketch occupies an enviable position. He is a practitioner of thorough general and professional education and of long and successful experience. Dr. Loyd has been engaged in the practice in Monroe county for over 20 years; and since the summer of 1865 he has been located at Granville. It is almost supererogation to say that with his skill and ability as a physician and his high character and popular manners as a man and citizen, he has succeeded in building up a large practice and has made a career of more than ordinary success in his profession, considering the field in which he has worked. Dr. Loyd is a native of Alabama, born in Jackson county, September 1, 1839. He was a son of Martin H. and Nancy (Garrison) Loyd, his father a native of Virginia, and his mother from Kentucky. When he was 12 years of age his parents removed to Greene county, Mo., where the father died in 1857. The family was in comparatively easy circumstances considering the condition of the country and the people. Thomas B. had the best school advantages the country afforded. After preparatory instruction he matriculated at the State University, where he completed his education. Meanwhile, he had been engaged in teaching to a considerable extent, and from first to last taught some five winter terms of school. He began the study of medicine: under Dr. A. S. Clinton, a leading physician of Greene county. In due time he entered the Missouri Medical College of St. Louis, from which he graduated with distinction in 1861. During the intervals of his terms at medical school he had practiced with his preceptor, Dr. Clinton, and now after his graduation he entered regularly into the practice in Greene county. In a short time, however, he removed to Cedar county, and two years later came to Monroe county, where he has since lived. In 1867-68 Dr. Loyd took a supplementary course at the Missouri Medical College, and three years after locating at Granville, November 3, 1868, he was married to Miss Belle Crutcher, a daughter of William and America Crutcher, of this county, but formerly of Kentucky. Dr. Loyd is a prominent member of the Masonic order and his wife is a member of the Christian Church.

 

CHARLES A. McKINNIE

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Holliday). Twice during the war Mr. McKinnie was severely wounded while bravely doing battle for the preservation of the Union. He was first wounded at Drury’s Bluff, Va., being shot through the left side, and for eight months was unable for service. Resuming his place again in the ranks after his recovery, he was wounded the second time at Fort Gregg, where he was shot through the right shoulder. After his recovery from this wound, still undeterred from the performance of his duty, he again resumed his place in the ranks and bravely kept step to the music of the Union, in march and bivouac and on the field of battle, until at last the old flag floated in triumph over a reunited country, from the lakes to the gulf, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific. He went out at the first call of his country for volunteers and came back only after the last cloud of war had floated away and the whole land was again radiant with the sunshine of peace. To the service of such men as this brave soldier, we owe the preservation of this magnificent republic, the heritage bought by the blood of our fathers and consecrated by the heroes of the Union during the late war, a heritage made doubly sacred to us, to preserve and defend. Mr. McKinnie enlisted in Co. I, Thirty-ninth Illinois Infantry, in 1861, and was honorably discharged in the spring of 1865. After his discharge from the army he returned home to McLean county, Ill., where he had been born and reared, and resumed farming, the occupation to which he had been brought up. He was married in that county September 6, 1866, when Miss Mary E. Land, a daughter of John S. Land, formerly of Kentucky, became his wife. Mr. McKinnie continued farming in McLean county with good success until 1873, when he removed to Missouri, and settled where he now resides. Here he bought his present farm, and has continued farming with steadily increasing success. Reared in Illinois, he learned those methods of farming which have made that State the greatest agricultural Commonwealth, population considered, on the globe. In short, Mr. McKinnie is a first-class Illinois farmer, and conducts his place on thorough-going, business-like principles. He has a good two-story residence, a large barn, a handsome young orchard and other improvements to correspond, and his place contains 220 acres of fine land. Mr. McKinnie has a herd of 22 young steers to be fattened for the markets, and he makes something of a specialty of handling stock. He and wife are members of the M.E. Church and he is a member of the Granville Lodge, A.F. and A.M. Mr. and Mrs. McKinnie have four children: Rebecca, Nettie, William T. and Jessie. Mr. McKinnie was a son of Andrew and Martha McKinnie, originally of Kentucky, but who removed to Illinois as early as 1824. They first settled in Sangamon county, where his father helped to build the first court-house at Springfield. He lived in Sangamon county for 27 years and removed to McLean county in 1851, where he died four years afterwards. Charles A. McKinnie was born in the latter county, March 8, 1837.

 

JUDGE PRESLEY MOORE

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Granville). Judge Moore, whose life has been one of more than ordinary activity, not unattended with substantial results in the matter of the goods of this world, is a worthy representative of one of the pioneer families of Central Missouri, his father, Judge Robert Moore, having come to this State as early as 1819. Judge Moore, pere, was a native of North Carolina, but his parents, while he was yet in tender years, were early settlers of Kentucky. He was therefore reared in the latter State, and after he grew up, was married to Miss Mary Powell, of another pioneer family. Prior to his marriage, however, in 1819, he had been to Missouri, and had determined to make this State his future home. He, therefore, brought his wife out to Missouri and located in that part of Cole county now included in Moniteau county. There he entered a large body of land and improved an extensive stock farm. Entirely successful as a farmer, and a man of strong character and fine intelligence, he became a leading citizen of Moniteau county. Among other positions of public trust, he served as county judge, a position that his son, the subject of this sketch, afterwards held, and also represented the county in the State Legislature.  He is still living, a venerable old gentleman of dignified bearing and marked presence, but has retired from all the activities of life, and now spends his time with his children at their respective home, where his presence and society is greatly prized. His good wife was called to her final rest some ten years ago. Judge Presley Moore was born in Cole (now Moniteau) county, December 26, 1826. He was reared on his father’s farm in that county. Early displaying a taste for the mechanic art, he was permitted to gratify his inclination in that direction, and went to learn the blacksmith’s trade, which he acquired in due time, and also wagon making. In 1852 he was married to Miss Nancy G. Clay, a daughter of Green Clay, related to the eminent Kentucky family by that name. She survived her marriage, however, only a short time, leaving him a daughter at her death, Nancy E., who is now the wife of Thomas Davis, of Linn county. Judge Moore, fils, was greatly depressed by the loss of his wife, and sought relief as best he could in travel. He spent about three years in the West and South, principally in Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, the Indian Territory and Kansas. He worked at his trade during most of the time of his absence from home. Returning with the determination to begin life anew and to put everything of the past behind him, but the memory of the loved and lost, which he still cherished as a, sweet dream, he now engaged in farming in Moniteau county and followed it with steadily increasing success in that county until he removed to Linn county in 1864. Meanwhile, on the 11th of March, 1856, he was married to Miss Lydia A. Boggs, a daughter of Owen Boggs, prominent citizen of Boone county. Judge Moore resided in Linn county for 18 years and became one of the leading men of that county.  He was frequently honored by the people with positions of public trust, and held nearly every office in county affairs from constable up to judge of the county court. In 1882, however, he sold his farm in Linn county and removed to Nevada City, in Vernon county. But not liking town life, the following spring he came to Monroe county and bought his present farm. Here he has since resided and will make his permanent home. His place contains 240 acres and is comfortably improved. Judge Moore is a man of high character, sterling intelligence, good business qualifications and popular manners, and although personally he has had all the public service he desires, it is not improbable that the citizens of Monroe county may decide to ask him to give them the benefit of his experience in public life in some position worthy of his name and high standing. Judge and Mrs. Moore have five children: Robert O., Golbert ? N., S. Jackson, Mary J. and Henry Clay. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and he is also a member of the Masonic order.

 

WILLIAM POWELL

(Farmer, Raiser of and Dealer in Stock, Post-office, Shelbina). In the work of sketching the lives of the citizens of Monroe county, there is of course much similarity in the facts given, particularly among farmers. But occasionally one is met with whose life varies not a little from those of the generality of men around him. Here is a case of that kind. Mr. Powell lives in a community composed almost exclusively either of Missourians by nativity, or Kentuckians or Virginians. But he is a Pennsylvanian by birth, a Northern man by nativity and bringing up. In harmony with the characteristics of Northern farmers generally, we find in him a man of conspicuous industry and enterprise and of superior intelligence - one more than ordinarily successful as an agriculturist. Such men are of great advantage to a community and their presence is greatly to be coveted. They build up a country, develop its resources, advance it along the onward march of civilization, contribute greatly to make it rich and prosperous. Mr. Powell was born in Fayette county, Pa., October 10, 1827, and was a son of James Powell of Delaware, and Susan nee Beckett, of North Carolina. They made their permanent home in the Keystone State. William Powell was reared in Fayette county, and in 1864 came West to Illinois, settling in La Salle county. Of course, raised in the North, he learned the successful methods of farming of that section of the country, and he followed farming with success in La Salle county until 1869, when he came to Missouri. Meanwhile he had accumulated considerable means and on coming to Monroe county bought 300 acres of fine land. This he went to work with energy and resolution to improve, and in a few years had the satisfaction of seeing that he had one of the best farms in the township. Not satisfied with raising grain and hay alone, he went to raising stock and to feeding stock for the wholesale markets, and buying and shipping them. He gave his attention principally to hogs and sheep, as being upon the whole the most profitable lines of his stock business. These he has continued to handle and to good profit. He feeds and ships annually about 100 head of hogs and sheep each, but sometimes as high as 600 or 700 head. He has about 200 head of sheep and 80 head of hogs, besides considerable other stock. February 6, 1851, Mr. Powell was married to Miss Nancy Poundstone, a daughter of John Poundstone, of Fayette county, Pa. Mr. Powell and wife have three children: Allen, married; F. M., John T., J.  Ewing, married, and Mollie E. They have lost two in their infancy, and Elvira in 1868, at the age of 17. Mrs. Powell is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Powell is highly esteemed in Clay township and wherever known. He has served as clerk of school district No. 10 for a number of years.

 

DAVID A. SPRINKLE

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Granville). Mr. Sprinkle’s parents, Charles and Mary (Barclay) Sprinkle, were early settlers in Missouri, coming to this State away back in 1820, in the territorial days of the country. The father was from Virginia, but the mother was of Tennessee, where they met and married, coming thence to Missouri. They first stopped near old Franklin, but in 1821 located in what is now Columbia, being one of the first three families that settled there. They subsequently improved a farm, three miles from Columbia, where they lived until their deaths, and where David A. was reared. At the age of nineteen he learned the plasterer’s trade, and four years afterwards, in 1844, went to Hannibal, where he worked for some years. He was there married to Miss Jane Church, formerly of Ohio, but she survived only a few years, leaving him a son at her death, William C., now a prominent physician of this county. From Hannibal he went to Madisonville, and was engaged in merchandising there until about 1852. Returning to Hannibal, he lived at that place from first to last, about twelve years and built three houses while there. He now removed to Monroe county and settled on the farm where he has ever since resided. In 1856 he was married to Miss Fannie J. Bartley, of Boone county, a daughter of Major John Bartley, formerly of Kentucky, but a pioneer settler of Boone county.  She presided over his home for nearly a quarter of a century, a good and true woman and a wife and mother who was devotedly loved by husband and children. She died in 1880, leaving him six children: George L., and Robert L., both of Montana; Charles E., J. Leslie, Linnie May and Eddie B. Mr. Sprinkle was married to his present wife, whose maiden name was Mollie E. Bartley, January 25, 1882. She was a sister to his first wife. He and wife are members of the M.E. Church South at Granville. As a farmer Mr. Sprinkle’s life has been one of untiring industry and satisfactory success. He has, as the fruits of his toil, besides having reared in comfort a worthy family of children, all of whom he has helped more or less to start themselves in the world, a fine homestead of nearly 400 acres of land,, all fenced and excellently improved, including a good two story-residence and other buildings and improvements to correspond. Above all he has so lived that no tarnish of reproach has fallen upon his good name.

 

THOMAS E. STEELE

(Farmer and Fine Stock-raiser, Post-office, Granville). Mr. Steele’s parents, David and Jane (Jordon) Steele, were early settlers in Howard county, removing there from Kentucky in 1822. The father was a stone mason by trade, and followed that occupation at Fayette for about 10 years. He then removed to Monroe county and entered land about four miles from Paris, where he improved a farm and resided until his death, in 1850. Thomas E. was the youngest in his ther fer? family of three sons and a daughter, and was born in Monroe county December 9, 1825. He was, therefore, principally reared on a farm near Paris. His tastes always having been for farm pursuits, he adopted farming as his permanent calling. However, in 1849, he went overland to California, during the general rush of gold seekers to the Pacific coast. He was engaged in gold mining out there for nearly three years with varying success, sometimes good and sometimes bad. He returned by way of the Isthmus and New Orleans, and having been away from the fair sex so long they had become the constant angels of his dreams, he of course married soon after coming back. The 6th of January, 1853, he was married to Mrs. Susan J. Austin, a young widow lady, a daughter of Sanford Wilson, formerly of Kentucky. He at once bought land in Monroe county and improved a farm, where he lived for two years. However, during this time, he made a second trip to California, taking a drove of stock, but returned right away, coming again by water. In 1855 he bought the place where he now resides. Here he has 160 acres of good land, which is well improved, and is one of the choice homesteads of the township. Mr. Steele makes a specialty of raising fine cattle, and has an imported Palangus taurus at the head of his herd. In 1863, Mr.  Steele had the misfortune to lose his first wife. She died in August of that year, leaving him two children, both of whom are grown up: Henry A. and Mary E., the wife of W. C. Ridgeway. June 22, 1865, he was married to Mrs. S. E. Parrish, relict of T. C. Parrish, of Owensville, Ky., and daughter of Enos Kerr, of Louisville. Mrs. Steele is a lady of fine mind and mental culture, a regular graduate of Clover Port Institute. He and wife are members of the Christian Church.

 

NATHANIEL M. THRELKELD

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Shelbina). Mr. Threlkeld, whose homestead includes 260 acres of land, in addition to farming in a general way, as other farmers do, makes a specialty of feeding cattle and hogs for the wholesale markets. He has found this a profitable pursuit, and feeds annually about 75 head of cattle and some 200 head of hogs. Mr. Threlkeld is one of those stirring, enterprising men who make a success of anything to which they give their time and attention, where industry and good management are the conditions to success. He has made a success of farming, and would have made a success equally as decided of any other practicable calling. Like many of our best farmers, he is a native of Kentucky, born in Henry county, December 30, 1831. His parents lived until their death in that county. Nathaniel M. was married in his native county, in the fall of 1854, to Miss Sarah Ford, a daughter of Jeremiah Ford, of that county. Two years after his marriage he removed to Missouri, and located near Granville, in Clay township. He followed farming there with good success until 1863, when he came to his present place. Mr. Threlkeld has been the architect of his fortune, and has achieved his success in life by his own exertions. Mrs. Threlkeld, his first wife, died April 25, 1864. Two children survive her, Alonzo and Edwin. September 2, 1867, Mr. Threlkeld was married to Mrs. Tabitha Hanger, relict of David Hanger, and daughter of James Maupin, an early settler of this county, from Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Threlkeld have seven children: Emma, Jennie, Cattie, Mary L., Frank, Cap and Clarence. Mr. Threlkeld is a member of the Baptist Church, and his wife of the M.E. South denomination. Mr. Threlkeld lost two children of his first wife; Elijah, a young man of bright promise, died at Oxford, Ky., in 1881, at the age of 22, and Anna, a daughter, 15 years of age, greatly beloved by all who knew her for her many estimable, qualities, died during the fall of the same year, 1881. These were heavy afflictions to Mr.  Threlkeld, and but for the sustaining power of faith and of trust in the merciful and loving Redeemer, they would have seemed too hard to bear. But he is ever reminded that the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, all in his own good wisdom, and for the best of all both here and hereafter. What a blessed thing is such a faith!

SAMUEL D. WALLACE

(Farmer, Post-office, Granville). Mr. Wallace was born in Monroe county, Mo., April 27, 1835, and was reared on a farm, to that free and independent life which has been

considered from time out of mind as most conducive to the development of true sterling manhood, both physically and mentally. Coming up in the country, removed from the temptations and vices of town and city life, and used from boyhood to the labors of the field and the duties of attending the flocks and herds of his father, he naturally formed that taste for agricultural life, which, when he came to start out in the world for himself, influenced him to adopt the pursuit of the tiller of the soil as his permanent occupation. At the age of 22 however, in order to fix more enduringly in his mind the instruction

he had received in the schools and his services being sought after as a teacher, he concluded that it would not be time misspent which should be devoted to instilling into the youthful mind, as had been instilled into his, lessons from the books of practical utility for after-life. He accordingly engaged in teaching, which he followed for some time. He then went to Illinois, but returned later along to Monroe county, where he has since resided. He followed farming while there for a period of five years, preceding 1870. Since then he has been one of the thorough-going farmers of Clay township. His place contains 120 acres, a neat homestead. October 8, 1863, Mr. Wallace was married to Miss Aquila Boyd, a daughter of Robert Boyd, and Nancy, nee Mays, of McDonough county, Il., originally of Washington county, Ky. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace have had seven children: John B., James S., William W., Thomas D., Allen, deceased, Anna B. and Alta D. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace are members of the Christian Church. He was a son of Walker P. and Emiline (Wills) Wallace, early settlers of this county. While he resided in Illinois Mr. Wallace was assessor of Hancock county for one term. His father, Walker P., lives on the old homestead, his mother being deceased.

 

GEORGE W. WEBB

(Justice of the Peace, and Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office Granville). In 1878 Mr. Webb was elected to his present office, magistrate of Clay township, and, after serving four years, his administration was so satisfactory to the public that in 1882 he was re-elected, and is now serving his second term. Squire Webb has been known to the people of Clay township from boyhood, and considering his early opportunities to fit himself for the business activities of life, it is a result of no ordinary credit that he has risen to his present enviable position as a successful farmer and prominent citizen of the township, as well as that he should by common consent be picked out as the most available man for the office of magistrate. He was reared in this county, and, as good schools were not the common thing then, his school opportunities were limited to a single grammar term of three months, and this after he was nearly grown. But notwithstanding, having the qualities that develop intelligent and useful citizenship, he applied himself at home as closely as at school to study, and succeeded in acquiring an ample knowledge of books for all practical purposes. A man of an inquiring mind and improving all his leisure time by reading, he has become more than ordinarily well posted on most subjects that generally engage attention, such as politics, affairs in court, general principles of law, business transactions, agriculture, etc. In a word, he is justly regarded as one of the leading men of the township, whilst as a magistrate all respect his opinions and have absolute confidence in his unswerving integrity. He will probably hold the office of justice of the peace as long as he will consent to serve. Squire Webb is a native of Virginia, and a son of Bird S. and Mary E. (Beard) Webb, subsequently for many years esteemed residents of this township. He was born in Franklin county, December 25, 1829, and when he was in his tenth year his parents came to Missouri and settled in Monroe county. His father entered land in the same neighborhood in which the Squire now lives, where he improved a farm and resided until his death, in 1871. The Squire, after he grew up in the county, September 12, 1850, was married to Miss Susan S.  Chinn, a daughter of Christopher C. Chinn, a pioneer settler of the county, from Kentucky. The second year after his marriage Squire Webb bought the land included in his present farm, which he at once want to work to improve. He made a comfortable homestead here, on which he has since continued to reside. He has about a quarter of a section of good land in his farm, on which, besides other improvements, there is an exceptionally fine orchard of some 400 apple trees and a large number of other trees, and fruit and shrubbery. The Squire and Mrs. Webb have five children: Mary E., Leslie M. (married), George H. (married), John H. (married) and Theodore W.  The Squire and wife are members of the Old School Baptist Church, and he is a member of the Granville lodge of the A.F. and A. M.  The Squire has never been absent from home any considerable time since he came to the county a mere boy, except while he was in the Southern army during the war. In 1861 he enlisted in the State service, and after the expiration of that time in the regular Confederate service. He was under Col. Porter in Price’s army, and served until the winter of 1863-64. During nearly all of his service, however, he was in Maj. Pinnell’s battalion, under Gen Price. In the fall of 1863 he was taken prisoner, and held in duress vile for some six months. He was then exchanged, at Cedar Point, and served until the latter part of 1863, when he returned home on a visit and was captured and made to take the oath not to take up arms against Mr. Lincoln again.