HOWARD COUNTY MISSOURI BIOGRAPHIES (Burton Township) ************************************************************************ File contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Linda Manning USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material, AND permission is obtained from the contributor of the file. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ************************************************************************ BURTON TOWNSHIP _______________________________ JOHN W. BLAKELY, the seventh of a family of ten children born to John and Hannah BLAKELY, nee HARDIN, is a native of Burton township, Howard county, Missouri, where he was born August 25, 1826. His father, a Virginian by birth, was born in 1791. Mrs. B. was a daughter of Samuel HARDIN. Of the original number of children, six are now living. John W. resided at home until his marriage, in September, 1849, to Miss Nancy MORRIS, of Howard county, and a daughter of John W. MORRIS. By this union there were nine children --Anna Laura, Thomas,M., Samuel J., Nathaniel, Susan M., John J., Hardin J., William A., and Sallie A. Two of these are deceased, three are married, and the remainder single. On the 10th day of April, 1883, Mrs. BLAKELY died, sincerely mourned by all with whom she was acquainted. She was a most estimable lady, and had hosts of friends. Mr. B. came to this county from Macon county, Missouri, whither, he had previously moved, in 1866, and now owns 280 acres of land. His farm is under good improvements. R. W. BLAKEY, M. D. On the 12th of September, 1839, there was born in Howard county, Missouri, to John M. and Frances (WHITE) BLAKEY, a son, the subject of this sketch. His father, John M. BLAKEY, a Virginian by birth, was born between the years 1797 and 1800. R. W., the fifth of seven children, lived with his father until that person's death, in 1844, after which he made his home with his mother until sixteen years of age. Then he went to the high school at Fayette for one year, subsequently entering Central college where he attended three years. Soon after he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. W. K. HARVEY, and upon studying with him for one year took a course of lectures at the St. Louis Medical College, from which he graduated in 1860. For one year from this time Dr. BLAKEY practiced his profession with Dr. HARVEY, going thence to Macon City and from there to Roanoke, coming next to his present place. He is quite extensively engaged in farming and stock -raising, and is quite successful in the prosecution of his chosen calling. In 1861 Dr. B. was married to Miss Susan M. FISHER, daughter of Rev. David FISHER, of Howard county. To them were born seven children, of whom six are living; Anna L., Lizzie B., Estel, R.W., Mary E. and Russell. Georgia is deceased. JAMES M. BLY, farmer and stock raiser, owes his nativity to Tennessee, where he was born on the 2d day of May, 1831. In 1835 he emigrated with his father, George BLY, to Missouri, and located in Jasper county, building the first cabin in that county. George BLY, originally from North Carolina, was born in 1784, and married Miss Sarah McDONALD. They had twelve children, ten boys and two girls. When twenty-two years of age J.M. went to California, remaining for three years. In the meantime he visited New Mexico and Texas, and on his second trip enlisted in the Mexican war, with General CLARKSON, of Dade county, receiving his discharge in 1848. In October, 1865, he was married to Miss Jake EMBREE. They have been blessed with five sons, three of whom survive. Charles G., John and Clyde. William and one infant are deceased. Mr. BLY's farm contains eighty acres, and he raises upon it considerable stock. His residence is an excellent one. He is by trade a blacksmith. Politically he has always been a democrat. JAMES F. BURNAM is the son of Mrs. Isabella BURNAM, who was born in Kentucky in 1831, her parents being James and Eliza CROW. She lived at home until thirteen years old, and then accompanied her mother to Howard county. In 1857 she was married to Mr. William BURNAM, and to them were born five children: James F., William B., Robert, Stephen and Freddy L. She was again married to Mr. Owen WILLIAMS, and they had one child, Charles WILLIAMS. Mrs. BURNAM is pleasantly located on a farm of 160 acres of excellent land. The children are all unmarried. J. FOSTER BURNAM was born in Howard county, Missouri, upon his present place of residence, in 1845. His father, Foster BURNAM, originally from Kentucky, came to Howard county, Missouri, in 1816, but subsequently returned to his native state, remaining there for eighteen months. Coming again to this county, he settled the place now owned and occupied by his son, living there until his death. He had been twice married; first to a Miss Todd, who bore him one son, who died in 1849 while crossing the plains. He was again married to Miss Maria PEMBERTON, a daughter of Stephen PEMBERTON. To them were born eleven children, of whom J. Foster was the tenth. October 8, 1874, he was married to Miss Maria B. BRADLEY, a daughter of George W. BRADLEY. They have two bright and promising children: Clay B. and John F. Politically Mr. B. is a staunch democrat. His father was among the earliest pioneers of this county, and his grandfather was the man who first settled the present site of Fayette; he operated a horse mill for some time just above that place. PRYOR BURTON The subject of this sketch was born on the 15th of April, 1829, in Howard county, Missouri, being the son of Moses BURTON, of Kentucky, born in 1796, who came to this county in 1816 or 1817. He was first married to Miss Elizabeth PEMBERTON, of Kentucky, and they had nine children, of whom Pryor was the third. Only three children are now living. Mr. B.'s second marriage occurred to Miss Jane HUGHES. When twenty years old, young BURTON took a trip to California, remaining for three years, when he returned. In 1855 Miss Mary E. WILLIS, of Howard county, became his wife, and to them was born one child--Alonzo Moses, now deceased. He was again married to Miss Susan E. HOCKENSMITH, a daughter of Joseph HOCKENSMITH, of this county. They have had two children --Joseph W. and Fannie--neither of whom are living. Mr. BURTON is the owner of 225 acres of well improved land, in excellent condition. he has ever been a democrat in politics. He is a member of the Baptist church. WILLIAM A. CRESON, farmer and stock raiser, section 31, owes his nativity to Surry county, North Carolina, where he was born in 1832. George CRESON, his father, also born in North Carolina in 1798, married Miss Eunice HADLEY, of the same state. Nine children were born of this union, six of whom are living. William accompanied his parents to Missouri in 1840, locating in Howard county, which has since been his home. In 1858 Miss Nancy J. ROBB became his wife, and they have four children living--George William, Sterling Price, Caleb W., and Ann M. Mr. CRESON was not in the service during the war, though his sympathies were with the southern cause. Politically he is now a greenbacker, though formerly a democrat. His farm contains eighty acres. STEPHEN W. CRESON, one of the prominent and most successful teachers in this county, was born in Howard county, Missouri, January 27, 1853. He was the son of Thomas H. CRESON, a native of North Carolina, born in 1823, who was first married in 1848 to Miss Caroline COLLIER. They had six children --Mary L., Eunice O., Stephen W., Josephine, James M., and Rebecca L. Of these five are now alive. Mr. C.'s second marriage occurred to Frances ENYARD, who bore him five children. Stephen W. remained at home until twenty-five years of age, receiving the principal part of his education at the Kirksville normal school. In 1874 he commenced teaching , and has followed that profession continuously ever since. His first school he taught in Randolph county, and afterwards in SWETMAN's school, then at the Rock Spring school house, and finally at his present location, where he has taught for three consecutive years. He has acquired an enviable reputation as an able and thoroughly competent instructor, and his services are eagerly sought after. he owns a farm in section 32, of 102 acres, upon which is a fine residence, and he also devotes considerable attention to the raising of stock. All he now owns has been acquired through his own efforts, he having commenced in life for himself, a poor boy. Mr. CRESON was married in 1877 to Miss Susie E. ROBB, daughter of Sarah E. ROBB. They have one child--Bertha A. JOHN A. EMBREE was born in Howard county, Missouri, in 1822, and was the son of Isham T. EMBREE, a Kentuckian by birth, born in 1788. He came to this county in 1800, and in 1820 was united in marriage to Miss Martha GIVENS, also of Kentucky, her father being Benjamin GIVENS. To them were born ten children-- Benjamin, John A., William, Susan, Sarah, Nancy, Mary, Martha, Fannie, and Jake. Seven of this number are now living. John A., the second child in the family, was married in 1844 to Miss Nancy ROBB, a daughter of Jonas ROBB. By this union there were six children--Sarah, Martha, Mollie, Joella, Isham and William, and of these Mollie, Joella and Isham are at home, the others being deceased. Mr. EMBREE owns 140 acres of fine land, in section 19. During the war he was in the Confederate service, being a member of company G (Perkins' company), and he served for two years. He is now a greenbacker in his political preference, but was formerly a democrat. He is connected with the Baptist church, and is also a member of Em Grange No. 1372, Patrons of Husbandry. J. R. EVANS was born in Howard county, Missouri, in 1833, his parents being John and Eliza (ROPER) EVANS, the former born in Kentucky in 1800. They had seven children: Mary C., William G., J.R., Lucy, Lawrence, Alfred W. and John. Of this family four are deceased. J.R., the third of these children, lost his father by death when eleven years old. He then lived with his mother until twenty-five years old, when he was married, in 1858, to Sarah N. CREWS, a daughter of James and Lucinda CREWS. To them were born seven children: Theodore F., Ada C., James, Jessie L., Eliza, W. Roper and Roscoe. Politically, Mr. E. is a republican. He has owned 342 acres of land, but has given his son eighty-seven of this, and a portion of 200 acres in Prairie township. His homestead is well improved, and his residence is a most comfortable one. ALEXANDER FORBES, a native of the city of Baltimore, Maryland, born in July, 1830, was the son of Alexander FORBES, originally from Scotland, who came to this country when twenty years old, subsequently being married to a Miss MASH, of Maryland. Alexander, the youngest child of a family of three children, left home at the age of twenty and went to Virginia, from whence he again moved to Maryland, thence to Pennsylvania, and later to Ohio. He returned after a time to Pennsylvania, and upon living in that state and Ohio at different periods, left and came to Missouri, landing in Randolph county in April, 1870. In one year thereafter he came to this county, which has since been his home. Mr. FORBES married Miss Sophia SUTLIFF, of Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, whose father, F. SUTLIFF, was a native of England. To them were born nine children: Alexander, died when four years old; Sutliff, died at the age of eight; Susannah, James A., John H., Oliver S., Sarah A., William V., and Job. Mr. F. is actively engaged in farming, but also runs a custom mill and operates a factory for carding and spinning wool. He owns 125 acres of land in Burton township and some in Prairie township. His landed estate embraces 175 acres. SARAH GEORGE, the daughter of James HARDIN, Esq., was born in 1828, and is a native of Howard county. She was married in January, 1851, to William A. GEORGE, who was also born, reared and educated in this county. His father was William GEORGE. Mr. G. served in the Mexican war under DONIPHAN, and he was also a soldier during the late civil war, and died in prison at St. Louis in February, 1865. To them were born nine children and six are now living: James L., John C., William H., Colden W., Susan A. and Ameseta H. Three died in infancy. John C. married Miss Melissa JACKSON, Susan A. is now Mrs. Hiram McCAFFERTY, and Amesta H. is the wife of William ROBB. Mrs. GEORGE is the owner of 160 acres of improved land. DEMARCUS GEORGE, farmer and stock raiser, was born on the 6th of November, 1830, in Howard county, Missouri. His father, William GEORGE, a native of Kentucky, born in 1794, married Miss Lucy LYLES, of the same state. By this marriage there were born seven children. William GEORGE, leaving Kentucky in the spring of 1816, came by keel boat to Missouri, and lived in Howard county until his death. His second marriage occurred to a Mrs. REED. Demarcus GEORGE was the seventh child of his father's family. He was married in 1853 to Miss Henrietta CUNNINGHAM of Howard county, and a daughter of John CUNNINGHAM. She was born in 1837. They have had eight children: Elbert B., Noah W., James M., Thomas B., Calvin, Are E., Orvil B., and Wilbur B. Of these all are living except the eldest. Mr. GEORGE is the owner of a farm of 160 acres of land in sections 27 and 28. In his political preferences he is democratic. J. C. GREEN, son of Samuel GREEN, was born in Howard county, Missouri, in 1850. The former, a native of the same county, born in 1818, was married to Miss Serena WILLIAMS, and from this marriage eight children were born, six of whom survive. J.C., the fifth child in the family, lived with his father until twenty years of age, then going to Whalen, Hall & Co.'s mill, where he operated the engine for one year. He soon commenced farming, and in 1874 was united in marriage with Miss Lucy MAGRUDER. They have three children living: Maggie A., Euphrata B., and Lena P. Mr. GREEN is the owner of 120 acres of finely improved land in section 21. He is a carpenter and joiner by trade, and works at his occupation in connection with his farming operations. Politically he is a democrat. He is a member of the Grange, being master of Elm Grange No. 1372. He is connected with the M.E. church south. THOMAS B. HARRIS, a prominent citizen of Burton township, was born on May 2, 1818, and is a native of Kentucky. His parents were William and Margaret D. HARRIS, to whom were born twelve children, and eleven grew to manhood and womanhood. Thomas B., the second in the family, came to Missouri with his father in 1820, locating in Howard county. When twenty-one years old he went to Lincoln county, and two years later removed to what is now the Platte purchase, in 1840, remaining there until 1844. Returning to Howard county he purchased eighty acres of land, where his residence now stands. Mr. HARRIS was married January 16, 1845, to Miss Margaret M. THOMPSON, of this county, and they had fourteen children, of whom four died in infancy. Ten are now living; Elizabeth, William T., Olivia M., Millard P., Jerome W., Virgil Bates, Artiniesia, Martha T., Lenora B. and Margaret Price. Mr. HARRIS now owns 520 acres of land, all in cultivation. He has given much property to his children. Politically he is a democrat. In his religious preferences he is a Cumberland Presbyterian. Mr. HARRIS is a man who never drank a glass of liquor. MILLARD P. HARRIS, a native of Howard county, Missouri, was born in 1853. His father, Thomas B. HARRIS, one of the largest farmers in the county, is a Kentuckian by birth, but emigrated to this county in an early day. Millard P. lived with his father until twenty-one years of age, at which age, leaving home, he spent some time in traveling. In 1880, he was married to Miss Florence PEMBERTON, a daughter of Tilford PEMBERTON, of Howard county. By this marriage they have had one child. Mr. HARRIS is the owner of 160 acres of land. MATTHEW HOWARD was born in Howard county, Missouri, in 1857, and was the son of Thomas HOWARD, one of the largest farmers and most prominent stock raisers in the county. Matthew was brought up and received his education in the county of his birth, and has made farming his principal occupation during life. His farm contains 210 acres of land on section 27. FRANCIS M. KERBY, the son of John KERBY, was born in Howard county, Missouri, in 1833. John KERBY, who was a native of Garrett county, Kentucky, born in 1807, was married in 1826, to Miss Mary A. WHARTON, and by this union there were fifteen children, of whom Francis M. was the fifth in number. The senior KERBY died in 1870, his widow departing this life in 1882. When twenty-two years of age, the subject of this sketch went to Clinton county and from there to Carroll county. After returning from Carroll he entered the Confederate service, and served over three years. About a year succeeding the war, he spent his time in Arkansas, then retracing his steps to his former home. Here he was married in 1867, to Miss Sallie A. CROSS, a daughter of John CROSS, of this county. By this union there have been three children. Francis M. and Sallie A., now living, and the eldest son John H., deceased. Mr. KERBY is the owner of a fine farm of 260 acres, well improved, of which 130 acres are bottom lands. In politics he is a democrat. J. P. KETCHUM, a leading agriculturist of Burton township, was born in 1824, in Hart county, Kentucky, and was the son of Joseph KETCHUM, also a Kentuckian by birth, born in Louisville. His wife was formerly Miss Jane SHERL, of the same state as himself, and to them were born seven children, five boys and two girls. J.P., the third child in the family, remained at home until about twenty-two years of age, then coming to Howard county, Missouri. In 1844, he married Miss Julia A. RAINS, a daughter of William RAINS. They had twelve children: Caroline, James, Julia A., Mary and Martha (twins), Johnnie R., Thomas, Medora, Millard, Lee, Susan and Robert. Six of these children are now living. Mr. KETCHUM owns 390 acres of land, well watered and improved, making one of the finest farms in this locality. Politically he is a democrat, and during the war was a second lieutenant in a company of state militia. CHARLES W. LAY, the son of Franklin and Charlotte B. LAY, was born in Howard county, Missouri, in 1858, being the third of a family of seven children: Laura E., Dora A., Nellie, Katie, Joe, Ada and William F. Franklin LAY came to Missouri with his father, Daniel, and was among the earliest pioneers of the vicinity. In 1850 his marriage occurred, his wife being the daughter of Joseph and Rachel CARTER, Virginians by birth. She was born in Tazewell county, Virginia, in 1828, and was fourth in a family of seven children. After living in her native state for quite a period of time, she accompanied her parents to Randolph county, Missouri, they settling near Moberly. Franklin LAY is now deceased. Mrs. LAY owns 240 acres of improved land. Charles W. LAY was educated at Huntsville, Randolph county. JUDGE JAMES McCAFFERTY, farmer and miller. Deprived in boyhood, by the death of his father, of every advantage and opportunity to fit himself for a useful and successful life, except such as he could command by his own resolution and personal worth, Judge McCAFFERTY has achieved a measure of success in the world which many in the most favorable circumstances have failed to equal. With perfect modesty it may be said that his life-record is one he may contemplate with satisfaction, and not without a pardonable degree of pride_ one that his children and those who come after him may review with pleasure and to their own profit. An orphan boy without means or friends, and without education or family influence, who makes his way in the world and becomes an influential, prosperous citizen, rears a worthy family, and attains to a position of prominence in the social and public life of his community, is one to whom none need to be ashamed to trace their origin. James McCAFFERTY, a son of Thomas and Rachel McCAFFERTY, was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1816. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Hagerstown, in 1788, and was twice married. Mrs. McCAFFERTY, of the first marriage, whose maiden name was BLACK, lived but a short time. Thomas McCAFFERTY was then married to Miss Rachel JOHNSON. of this union eight children were born, of whom James, the subject of the present sketch, was the fifth. The family having removed to Columbus, Ohio, in the meantime, eight years after the birth of James the father was taken away by death. The family was kept together, however, by the mother, a woman of great fortitude and energy, and entirely devoted to her children. James remained at home until his twenty-fifth year, but in 1841 came to seek his fortune in the West, and stopped first in Linn county, this state, but he same year came on to Howard county, where he made his permanent home. Before leaving Ohio he had succeeded in acquiring a good practical education in the excellent public schools of that state. His youth was more than an ordinarily active one. But little time was given to rest, pleasure of amusement. When not a work he was attending school or occupied with his books at home. Thus the habits of industry and mental improvement were formed, which have proved the secret of his success in after life. Arrived in this county he soon resolved to devote himself to agricultural pursuits, and went to work farming with an energy and resolution that could hardly have failed to bring success. In 1844 he was married to Miss Matilda J., daughter of John PROCTOR, one of the pioneer settlers of Kentucky, and a participant in the unfortunate affair of Estill's defeat. This union has proved a long and happy one and has been blessed with ten children, six of whom are living; Mary J., Sophronia, Hiram, Josephine, Lulu and Thomas. Two daughters are the wives respectively of Dr. SCOTT and Mr. Jno. O. WINN. Those deceased are Elmira, John, Ada and James. s a farmer, Judge McCAFFERTY is regarded as one of the most energetic, business-like and successful in the country. His landed estate aggregates over 400 acres, lying in and around Burton, his place of residence. His homestead is exceptionally well improved, his dwelling being one of the finest in the township, with which his other buildings and improvements correspond. In point of machinery his is the very finest in the country. It contains the latest and most approved patterns of machinery in every department--a model, modern flouring mill in every respect. To describe it in detail would take more space than the nature of this work permits, for it has a score of different departments all supplied with the best plant that can be had in the country. It also does other classes of milling besides that of making flour. Judge McCAFFERTY has always taken a lively interest in public affairs, including politics. In every movement looking to the material development and prosperity of the county, he is one of the first to lend it aid and encouragement. In politics, he has always been a democrat. Though firm in his own convictions, he is tolerant and considerate of the opinions of others, and is never offensive to those around him, whatever their views may be. Several times he has been called upon to serve the people of this county in official positions. In 1858 he was elected to the responsible office of county judge, a position he held until after the outbreak of the war, when he refused to take the test oath required of all public officials, and retired from the office. After the close of the war he was again elected, and served as county judge for six years in succession. In every position in which he has been placed he has acquitted himself with the hearty endorsement of the public. As a neighbor, citizen and public officer, he has always enjoyed the esteem and confidence of those among whom he lives. RICHARD MAGRUDER, farmer and stock raiser, section 29, was born in Howard county, Missouri, on the 25th of January, 1852. Traverse MAGRUDER, his father, was also a native of this county, and married in 1824 or 1825, Miss Nellie E. GRAVES, a daughter of David GRAVES. To them were born seven children--Nellia A., now the wife of William NICHOLAS; Elmira, now Mrs. D.W. SUNDERLAND; Richard Thomas, married Miss Luella PEMBERTON; Susan M., wife of J.B. ROBB; Traverse and O.P. Richard, the eldest son and third child in the family, continued to reside at home until twenty-one years old. In 1873, he was married to Miss Nancy E. WARE, a daughter of Franklin WARE, of this county. They have one child, William C., born in August, 1881. Mr. MAGRUDER is the owner of 160 acres of finely improved land, well watered. He is democratic in his political preferences. He belongs to Elm Grange, No. 1372. JOSEPH W. MASON, a native of Owen county, Kentucky, was born in 1837, and was the son of Samuel MASON, born in 1801, who married, in 1830, Miss Felicia NEAL, who was born in 1808. Samuel MASON died when Joseph was about nine years old. he, the fourth in a family of nine children, lived with his mother until twenty- three years of age. Entering the army, he served in all about two years and eight months, returning from the war in May, 1865. In December following he was married to Miss Susan SMITH, and they were blessed with five children-- Felicia F., Charles, Eva Ennis, William L., and Samuel T. Mr. MASON came to this county in 1845, and now owns 206 acres of land. He raises stock to some extent, and is quite successful as an agriculturist. he and his wife are members of the Baptist church. He is connected with the Patrons of Husbandry, belonging to Burton Grange. WILLIAM H. MORRIS. On the 19th of May, 1821, there was born in Howard county, Missouri, to Nathaniel and Nancy (WILLIAMS) MORRIS, a son, the subject of this sketch. His father, originally from New Jersey, moved to Kentucky, and thence in 1818, to Missouri, being one of the earliest settlers of this county. His marriage occurred in Kentucky, his wife having been a daughter of Alfred WILLIAMS, who came to Howard county in 1817. Of the original family of twelve children, who grew to manhood and womanhood, six now survive. William H. lived with his father until he was twenty years old, when Nathaniel MORRIS died. March 24, 1842, the subject of this sketch was married to Miss Elizabeth MAGRUDER, daughter of Thomas MAGRUDER, now one of the oldest living pioneers of Burton township. By this union there were eleven children, four of whom are deceased. All are married except one child. Mr. MORRIS is a greenbacker in his political preferences, though not radical. Until recently he owned and cultivated a farm of 320 acres, but having lately sold it, is not now engaged in any active business, but is enjoying the result of years of his hard labor and toil. HUGH B. O'BRIAN, farmer, and the owner of 213 acres of land, came originally from Rockingham county, Virginia, where he was born in 1827. His father, James O'BRIAN, was born in Dumfries, Virginia, but was raised in Richmond. He was in the war of 1812. He was also in the burning of the Richmond theatre. His wife was formerly Miss Mary IRELAND, and to them were born five children, of whom Hugh B. was the second child. In December, 1860, he was married to Miss Mary E. KILBY, of Cuppeper county, Virginia. They have six children--Joseph Leroy, William Thomas, Walter E., Ernest Bolivar, Edward Hugh, and Mary Letitia. Mr. O'BRIAN in his political preferences is democratic. In 1872, he came from Rockingham county, Virginia, to Howard county, Missouri, which has since been his home. D. H. PAYTON, a native of Madison county, Kentucky, was born in 1820, and was the son of Yelverton PAYTON, also a Kentuckian by birth, born about the year 1790. He married Mildred WHITE, a daughter of Joel WHITE, of Madison county, and they had eight children, six of whom survive. The senior PAYTON, leaving the state of his birth in 1843, came to Missouri and settled in Randolph county, where he subsequently died. D. H. PAYTON, when nearly twenty-two years old, or in 1842, was married to Martha F. BEST, of Garrett county, Kentucky, and a daughter of Eben BEST, a noted stockman of that state, who was once owner of the celebrated stock farm bearing his name. Mr. and Mrs. PAYTON have had eight children, of whom five are living. Mr. PAYTON came from Randolph county in 1871, and has since made this his home. He owns 220 acres of excellent land in section 28. Politically he is a greenbacker, but was formerly a democrat. JEFFERSON C. ROBERTSON, originally from Randolph county, Missouri, was born March 5, 1849. His father, Hiram ROBERTSON (who died in December, 1880), was a Virginian by birth, and took for his wife Miss Sidney WAYLAND, a daughter of Henry and Ara WAYLAND. By this marriage there were nine children, of whom five are living. Jefferson C., the third in the family, was married in February 1876, to Miss May E. RUCKER, a daughter of Joseph and Eliza RUCKER. They have had four children, of whom Sidney I., Francis E., and Charles J. are living, and an infant is deceased. Mr. RANDOLPH is the possessor of 279 acres of fine land, improved and watered, and within two and a half miles of Yatesville. Politically he is independent. (note from transcriber: this is exactly as written in the book although I believe they meant Mr. ROBERTSON and not Mr. RANDOLPH as above..Linda) MRS. SALLIE E. ROBB was born in Randolph county, Missouri, in 1838. Her father, James Leslie ROBB, a Virginian by birth, born in 1778, married Miss Susan HUCKELL, originally from Kentucky, born in 1810. Their family consisted of nine children, five girls and four boys. Miss Sallie remained at home until 1855, when she was married to Samuel ROBB, a son of Jonas ROBB. To them were given eight children, of whom seven survive: James B., born in 1856; Susan, born in 1858; Sarah N., born in 1859, (now deceased); John P., born in 1861; Jonas, born in 1863; Mary M., born in 1866; Lucy A.R., born in 1869; and George W., born in 1873. James B. married Miss Susan A. MAGRUDER; Susan is the wife of S. W. CRESON, and John P. married Miss Mattie MORRIS. Mr. ROBB's death occurred in 1876, he leaving a large circle of friends and relatives to mourn his loss. Mrs. R. owns 202 acres of land in this township, upon section 5. DR. J. B. SCOTT, druggist and physician, at Burton, owes his nativity to Henry county, Kentucky, where he was born July 29, 1848. His father, W. H. SCOTT, a native of Scotland, was born in Glasgow and emigrated to this country while young, locating in New York. He remained in that state for some time, learning the shoemaker's trade, after which, going to Kentucky, he married Miss Nancy McENDREE, of Henry county, that state, and a daughter of Reuben McENDREE, one of the earliest pioneers of Kentucky. To them were born five children, of whom J. B. was second. In 1866 W. H. SCOTT came to Missouri, settling in Monroe county, where he resided about eleven years, then locating in Howard county. The subject of this sketch lived with his father until twenty-one years old, then engaging in teaching and the study of medicine. He graduated in pharmacy and medicine from the Missouri Medical College of St. Louis, Missouri, in the fall of 1873. Dr. SCOTT then located at Burton, and the following winter, on the 23d day of December, 1874, was married to Miss S. A. McCAFFERTY, second daughter of Judge James McCAFFERTY. In 1877, in connection with his brother, he opened a drug store, which is now owned by Major WILSON and himself, and has conducted it to the present. This is the only drug establishment in the place, and they are enjoying a good patronage. The doctor has a lucrative practice, in which he has been very successful. DAVIE R. SHORT was born in Howard county, Missouri, in 1845. His father, a native of Boone county, Missouri, was born in 1817, and married Miss Mary Ann YOUNG, of Howard county. D. R. SHORT, the eldest of a family of three children, remained with his father until the death of the latter, after which he made his home with his mother until twenty-one years old. In 1874 Mr. S. was married to Miss Mary E. SWEARINGIN of Boone county, and a daughter of C. M. SWEARINGIN. To them were born three children, Ethel, Josia, and Sallie Marie. In 1881, upon leaving Boone county, Mr. SHORT came to Howard county, which has since been his home. Here he devotes his attention to the raising of stock. Politically he is a democrat. JAMES SIMPSON, a resident of Burton township, owes his nativity to Scotland, where he was born in 1841. Robert SIMPSON, his father, also originally from Scotland, was married to Miss Elizabeth CLARK, and by this union there was only one child, the subject of this biography. He immigrated to America in 1870, but in 1866 he was married to Miss Mary INNIS, a daughter of John INNIS, and also of Scotch ancestry. To them were born six children: Robert, (who died in 1881), John, James, George, Alexander and Mary. Mr. SIMPSON has a farm of eighty acres. He is an excellent carpenter and quite a mechanic, and devotes considerable attention to this industry. In his political preferences he is democratic. ALVIN P. SPOTTS was born in Howard county, Missouri, June 5, 1857. His father, a Virginian by birth, born about the year 1826, married Miss M. A. PRATHER, of Howard county, and a daughter of Mrs. A. WALKUP. To them were born seven children: Alvin P., Eugene L., Lela A., Ida E., Edwin R., Baylor A., and Arretta F. Mr. SPOTTS, Sr., came to this state when only ten years of age, and is, therefore, one of the earliest settlers of Howard county. He and his wife are both living, and are located near Armstrong. The subject of this sketch remained at home until twenty-two years old, then coming to Burton. From that time on (or from August, 1879, ) to January, 1883, he was occupied in the mercantile business, a portion of the time with Mr. WINN as a partner, but previously he was a director of the Patron's supply house in Burton. December 10, 1881, Mr. SPOTTS was married to Miss Mattie D. HARRIS, a daughter of Thomas B. HARRIS, one of the most extensive land owners in this township. They have one child, Harvey W. JUDGE MORGAN A. TAYLOR, a native of Virginia, was born May 15, 1823. His father, Humphrey TAYLOR, also a Virginian by birth, born in 1788, married Miss Ann BROYLE, of the same state as himself. To them were born seven children, of whom Morgan was the sixth child. In 1844, leaving Virginia, he accompanied his father to Missouri, locating in Howard county, where he has since remained. The senior TAYLOR died in 1870. In November, 1859, the subject of this sketch was married to Miss Amanda BURTON, a daughter of Moses BURTON. Their family consists of nine children: Fratie B., Alice P., Robert L., Minne B., Mary H., William B., John M., Fannie S. and Gertrude. Eight of these are now living at home. In 1856 Mr. TAYLOR was elected judge of the county court of Howard county, and served continuously for eleven years in a manner which won for him the highest commendation of all. Since then he has given his attention to carrying on his fine farm of 480 acres. This is under cultivation and well improved. Politically he is a democratic. J. C. TAYLOR, farmer and stock raiser was born on the 24th of February, 1851, at Roanoke, Howard county, Missouri. His father, Thomas TAYLOR, who came originally from Virginia, was born in 1817, and married Miss Virginia DAVIS, of Randolph county. By this marriage there were seven children: W. B., J.C., Henry, Rufus E., Lizzie and Dora. Five of this number are now living. After he was twelve years old, J. C. TAYLOR went to live with his grandfather, with whom he remained until his death of that relative in 1874. In 1877 he was married to Miss Fannie BAUGH. They have one child, a daughter, Maudie, born April 22, 1878. Mr. TAYLOR's farm of 180 acres is located in sections 18 and 19, and is well watered and improved, and of good quality. He is a democrat in his political views. ASA THOMSON, the son of Asa THOMSON, was born in Howard county, Missouri, while his father, Asa THOMSON, originally from Kentucky, came to Missouri in 1820 and located in this county. Here he was married to Miss Margaret WALLACE, a native of the same state as himself, and they were the parents of twelve children, six boys and six girls, of whom eight were living. When twenty-one years of age, young THOMSON, leaving home, went to live with his brother-in- law, with whom he remained five years. In the winter of 1863 he was married to Miss Mell ROBERTSON, a daughter of Hiram ROBERTSON. During the war Mr. T. enlisted in company A, General CLARK's regiment, under Colonel JACKSON, and served for four years. He owns a farm of 340 acres of fine land, eighty acres of which are in Randolph county, and the balance on what is known as Foster's Prairie. Mr. and Mrs. THOMSON have had eight children, five of whom are living: William, Johnnie F., Ara, Lena and Bettie. Three are deceased: Sidney, Sallie and Elfie J. Mr. T. is a democrat. WILLIAM S. THOMPSON was also born within the limits of Howard county, Missouri, on December 7, 1820. N. M. THOMPSON, his father, a native of Kentucky, born in 1794, emigrated to this county in 1812, and was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth WILLIAMS, a daughter of C. C. WILLIAMS, of Howard county. Their family consisted of sixteen children, but only five are now living. William S. remained with his father until eighteen years of age, when he went to the Platte Purchase, staying about two years after his marriage. On the 8th of October, 1839, Miss Mary JEFFRIES, of Clay county, and a daughter of John JEFFRIES, became his wife. To them were born six children: Nero, Elizabeth, Nancy Ann, Colden W., Arminta M. and Margaret. Four of these children are now living. Mr. THOMPSON owns a farm of 110 acres in section 22. He has ever been a democrat in his political preferences. JAMES M. WALKUP, farmer and stock raiser, section 8, was born in 1850, and is also a native of Howard county, Missouri. James WALKUP, his father, a Kentuckian by birth, came to this county about the year 1830. He died a month before the birth of James M. The latter, the youngest son of a family of nine children, lived with his mother until 1872, when he went to Iowa, remaining there for four years, In 1876 he was married, while in that state, to Miss Lizzie McMAINS, and they have been blessed with three children, all of whom are living: Arthur M., Bertha and Virgil. Mr. WALKUP has in his possession 137 acres of improved land. In his political affiliations he is democratic. C.T. WARE, born in the year 1829, in Burton township, Howard county, Missouri, was the son of John B. and Susan WARE, nee GRAVES, both Kentuckians by birth, the former born in 1804, and the latter in 1805 or 1806. They were married in Shelby county, Kentucky, in 1823, and to them were born three girls and five boys, of whom C. T. is the third now living. John B. WARE took for his second wife Miss Elizabeth GRAVES. When fifteen years old the subject of this sketch commenced working out, and soon went to Indiana, where he remained one year, then returning to this county. March 9, 1852, he was married to Miss Martha ROBB, daughter of Jonas and Sallie ROBB. They have two children: John S., born March 31, 1855, married Miss Dora KETCHUM, and Sarah E., born April 22, 1857, wife of J. W. MAGRUDER, of Burton. They have with them at this time two orphan children, whom they are raising: Sallie B. and Thomas. Mr. WARE owns 186 acres of land in section 5, upon which he is extensively interested in farming and the raising of stock. MAJOR M. W. WILSON, who came originally from Delaware, was born in 1825, and is the son of Joshua WILSON, of the same state, born about the year 1785. He married Miss Mary GLOVER, and to them were born three children: M.W., Sarah, born in 1812, still living and unmarried, and Elizabeth, born in 1829, and the wife of Joseph DICKERSON, of Delaware. When Mr. WILSON left his native state, in 1842, he came to Shelby county, Missouri, where he made his home until 1846. Going to Palmyra, he remained until 1847, at which time he enlisted under Colonel John RALLS, of Ralls county, in the Mexican war, serving until the close of hostilities. Returning to Palmyra, he was married July 11, 1849, to Miss Amelia POOL, a daughter of Anthony POOL, of Marion county, Missouri. They had four children, of whom Ida and Mary are living, and Annabel and John are deceased, the former dying in 1876, and the latter in 1865. In 1850 Mr. WILSON went to Shelby county, Missouri, and located at a place known as WALKER's Mill, on Salt River, where he built a saw and grist mill. Selling out in 1857, he settled at Madison, Monroe county, erected a mill there, but disposed of it in 1860, then going to Cedar county. He operated a mill near Stockton, on Cedar creek , until 1862, then leaving the vicinity on account of the troubles pertaining to the civil war. For one year he lived in Easton, Leavenworth county, Kansas, and upon returning to Madison, Missouri, was engaged in merchandising for one year. Subsequently he sold out, but he remained there till the fall of 1880, at which time, coming to Howard county, he located at Burton and embarked in business here. He now owns the drug store at this place, and has a well-stocked establishment. He is at present occupied in coal mining as one of the Salt Fork Coal Mining company of Missouri. While in Monroe county he served for sixteen years as a justice of the peace, and just before leaving was elected for another term of four years, but resigned. He is now a notary public. One of Major WILSON's daughters is the widow of H. M. HALEY, and the other daughter is the wife of a Mr. SCOTT, a merchant at Sebree. JOHN O. WINN, merchant and manager of the Grange co-operative store at Burton. Among the young business men of Howard county, none, judging by the best criterion-- success already achieved--have a more promising future than the young gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He was born in Boone county, this state, in 1858, and was a son of George and Etta (O'NEAL) WINN, both now deceased. John O. was still a child when his father threw himself into the civil war to uphold the institutions and honor of the south, and paid the sacrifice of his life upon the altar of his convictions. The love and tender care of a devoted young mother were not long spared to smooth the pathway of her fatherless children through life. She, too, died a few years after her husband looked his last upon the bright banner that led him to a soldier's grave. James and Anna were left orphan children. Anna is now the wife of French GULICK, of Boone county. At the age of twelve, James went to St. Charles county. There in the ordinary schools he acquired the rudiments of an education. His knowledge of books he afterwards improved by private study. From St. Charles he went to Texas. Two years afterwards he returned to Missouri and stopped at Burton. Here he has since made his home. The first two years he clerked in a store at this place. The following year he was a partner with Mr. A. P, SPOTTS in the mercantile business. He was then appointed manager of the co-operative Grange store, the position he now fills. As a merchant he has proved a marked success. Under his management the store has declared an annual net dividend of nearly twelve per cent. Of the many Grange stores started a number of years ago, this is one of the very few that have proved successful, a fact highly complimentary to the business ability of its manager. In this establishment he has become a leading stockholder--the principal one, in fact, in the store. It does an annual business of over $60,000, and its trade is rapidly increasing. This, on a capital stock of $6,000, is a most flattering showing. Several years ago Mr. WINN was married to Miss Josephine McCAFFERTY, an amiable and accomplished daughter of Judge McCAFFERTY, of Burton, whose sketch appears elsewhere. In politics Mr. W. is a democrat, and is now the representative of his township in the democratic central committee of the county. As a citizen and a neighbor he is respected and esteemed by all. SOURCE: History of Howard and Cooper Counties, St. Louis: National Historical Company, 1883, (Burton township, pp. 586-601.)