HOWARD COUNTY MISSOURI BIOGRAPHIES (Moniteau Township) ************************************************************************ File contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Shirley Larson 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. ************************************************************************ MONITEAU TOWNSHIP _______________________________ COLEMAN BROWN, farmer, section 5. Coleman Brown was the second of a family of eight children born to Jonathan and Sarah (SUTTON) BROWN, of Saline (formerly Gallatin) county, Illinois. Both parents were originally of Kentucky, but early in life settled in Illinois, where their family of children were born and principally reared. The father died in 1858, the mother in 1881. But four of their children are now living; Coleman, of this county; two brothers, one in Ralls county and one in California, and a sister in Moniteau county. Coleman BROWN was born in Saline county, Illinois, May 30 1824, and came to Howard county in 1847, where he has since lived. He was married February 18, 1856 to Miss Martha H. CHESHIRE, a native of this county, in 1834. Her parents, David and Catherine (MURPHY) CHESHIRE, came to this county from Kentucky in 1836, but two years afterwards went to Morgan county, where they lived until 1880, when they returned to Howard, since which they have made this their home. On attaining manhood, Coleman BROWN adopted farming – to which he had been brought up – as his permanent occupation, and has since followed it with satisfactory success. He has a good farm, substantially and comfortably improved, and besides growing considerable quantities of grain, raises some live stock for the markets. September 20 1874, his wife died, having been the mother of nine children, eight of whom are living, Jesse R., John C., George N., Orr S., Catherine, Maudie, Livina and Elizabeth PITCHER of Barton county. Mr. B. has been a member of the Christian church for twenty-five years, and has never had a law-suit in his life. JOSEPH M. CORNELIUS, farmer and plasterer, section 25. Jesse CORNELIUS, the grandfather of Joseph, was one of the very first settlers of this county, and in the pioneer days of the country opened a farm near where the subject of this sketch now lives. Here John CORNELIUS, the father of Joseph, grew up and was married to Miss Jane MEANS, formerly of Kentucky. Of their family of children, Joseph was born March 17, 1836. His mother died in 1865 and his father some ten or twelve years before. At the age of twenty-four, Joseph was married May 10 1860, to Miss Amanda, daughter of George and Mary ADAMS, and of this union four children have been born; Effie, the eldest died when five years old; Josephine and Ellie both at home, and the fourth child died in infancy. Mr. CORNELIUS is a plasterer by trade, and has an excellent reputation as an industrious, efficient artisan in that calling. He is a conscientious, earnest member of the M. E. church south. ZACHARIAH CREWS, farmer, section 16. Mr. CREWS, although reared on a farm, clerked for some time, while a young man, in a store at Rocheport, Boone county. But in 1864 he was married, and a short time afterward returned to farming, which he has since followed with excellent success. His parents, Milton and Rhoda (FOX) CREWS, were natives of Kentucky, and in Madison county of that state Zachariah was born, March 16, 1841. When he was a year old his parents removed to Howard county, but three years afterwards went back to Kentucky, where the son grew up to his fourteenth year. He then returned to this vicinity, where he grew to manhood and received the principal part of his education. Having followed mercantile clerking for some time, February 4, 1864, he was married to Miss Matilda A., daughter of James MEANS. After this he turned his attention to farming, and now has a fine place of over300 acres, well improved, and in excellent condition. He is a prominent grain producer, particularly of wheat and corn, the former of which he grows annually about 200 acres. They have three children – Wille, Anna and Zach. GEORGE W. DRAKE, SR., farmer, section 19. When George W. was ten years of age, in 1833, his parents came from Kentucky to Howard county, this state, and settled in Moniteau township, on the uplands, but four years afterwards they moved down on the river and followed farming in the more fertile lands of the bottoms. There the son grew to manhood, and when he was twenty-one years of age he married, December 5, 1844, to Miss Nancy J., daughter of John F. JORDAN. Ten years afterwards, however, she died, aged thirty-one years to the day. She left one child - Jesse H. - that died the following year. July 5, 1855, he was married a second time, Miss Susan S., daughter of Enoch CREWS, of this county, then becoming his wife. April 29, 1865, she was also taken from him by death. Five children were born of this union, four of whom are living - Charles E., born April 9, 1856; Ebemelech S., born March 4 1858; Joseph T., born November 13 1860; and Sarah E., born December 9 1862. George W., Jr., died aged one year. February 5 1867, Mr. Drake was married to Miss Martha C., daughter of Samuel PEARSON, of Moniteau township. She was born Feb 14, 1836, and of their union three children are now living - Louisiana, born March 9 1872; Laura E., born May 10 1874; and Edna P., born September 26, 1876. Mr. DRAKE has made farming his occupation through life thus far, and now has 425 acres of fine land. His homestead includes over 200 acres, and is comfortably and substantially improved. He and his wife are both church members. He has been a member of the M. E. church south for over forty years. His father, Charles DRAKE, was a native of Virginia, and his mother, whose maiden name was Mary SWEARINGEN, was originally from Maryland. However, they settled in Kentucky early in life, where their family was partly reared, before they came to Missouri. George W., our subject, was born in Bullitt county, of that state, where they resided, October 8, 1823. GEORGE W. DRAKE, JR., farmer, section 14. George W. DRAKE., Jr., commenced life for himself without a single advantage that nature did not give him, brawn and brain, vigor and honesty, were all he had. Education, except very limited, such as he had been able to pick up in early youth, means to begin with, nor the prestige of an influential family he did not have. Starting out in the world alone at the age of eighteen (when he came to this country), he worked three years as a journeyman at the blacksmith trade, and was then able to get a small tract of land (a part of his present farm of 550 acres), on which he went to work with an energy and intelligence that has brought him more than an ordinary measure of success. He has long been comfortably fixed in life, has reared a worthy family, and has maintained a name above reproach. To such an ancestor, his descendants of the future will well be proud to trace their origin. He was born in Marion county, this state, March 14, 1836. Death robbed him of both parents in 1852, one following the other across the silent river the succeeding day. "Death never takes one alone, but two! Whenever he enters in at a door, Under roof of gold or roof of thatch, He always leaves it upon the latch; And comes again ere the year is o'er, Never one of a household only" Joseph DRAKE, his father, and his mother, whose maiden name was Martha A. CHAMBERS, were both originally of Jessamine county, Kentucky, but died in Lewis county, this state, to which they had removed. They had a family of thirteen children, five of whom are still living - Joseph C., and Kate (Now Mrs. James COLLISON), both of Glasgow; James M., of Louisiana, Missouri; Mary S., (widow of Columbus MERRITT, of St. Louis), and George W., the subject of this sketch. George W. DRAKE Jr., was married January 15, 1857 to Miss Julia A., daughter of Judge David PIPES, of Boone county. She was born August 3, 1838. Eleven children have been born to them, five of whom are deceased - Mary Maud, David Piper, Joseph, Sallie and Stella. The family now consists of Mattie, a highly cultivated lady of charming manners, Lou, Ernest, Charles D., Georgia, and Wade Hampton. JOHN G. EATON, farmer, section 6. John G. EATON one of the successful and well respected farmers of Howard county, was born in the county,one and a half miles south of Fayette, April 7, 1823, and was the second of a family of four children of George and Jane (GEORGE), EATON, originally of Clark county, Kentucky, but who settled in this county, near Fayette, in 1818 where the father died in 1835. The children are George C., John G., Anna C. (widow of George EATON). and Lydia (wife of Benj. PATRICK) of Fayette). Geo. EATON the father, was a well-to-do farmer, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him for his many excellent qualities as a citizen and neighbor. His widow was married some years after his death to Thomas CAMPBELL. She is also now deceased. John G. EATON learned the carpenter's trade in early life, which he followed until 1852. January 15, 1852, he was married to Miss Anna, daughter of Joseph. HARDIN, an early settler of the county. After his marriage, Mr. EATON began the improvement of his present farm, which now contains 320 acres, 200 acres of which are in cultivation, and in which he grows wheat, corn, grass, etc. He also raises considerable numbers of live stock for the markets – cattle, horses, mules, hogs sheep, etc. In 1864, Mr. D., enlisted in the Confederate army, and served in PERKINS brigade, under General PRICE, until the close of the war. His married life has proved a long and happy one, and has been blessed with twelve children, ten of whom are living - Claiborne died, aged seventeen years, in 1872; Jennie, wife of Ben. GILVAN of Chariton county; Joseph E, married Bettie GILVAN; Sarah B., wife of Miller GEORGE; George, Jefferson, Johnnie, Effie, died aged five years, in 1871; Annie, James, Mary E., and Charles. Mrs. EATON is a member of the Christian church CHARLES B. FISHER, farmer, a son of Rev. David FISHER, now deceased, and wife Eliza, daughter of Daniel BROWN of Essex county, Virginia, was born in Howard county, Missouri, January 17, 1838, and was the second of a family of seven children, now living - Mary E., widow of George W.WALKER; Charles B., Susan M., wife of Rev. R. W. BLAKLEY; Sallie C., James O., married to Miss Kate PATTERSON; Laura O., and Lou P., (A sketch of the parents is given elsewhere in this volume). Rev. David FISHER being a man of ample means, and of superior culture himself, he was careful to give his children good educational advantages, and accordingly, all had the benefit of a college course, either at Fayette, or Columbia, and one of his daughters, Miss Laura, attended the widely known Loquet Institute, of New Orleans, Louisiana. Charles B., the subjec of this sketch, was reared on his father's farm, and in youth was given an excellent education. He also was in Louisiana some time - about five years - but when the war broke out, in 1861, was in Texas and in July of that year, at Sherman, enlisted in the confederate serviced, under General ROSS and served in Generals Van DORN's and Joe JOHNSON's commands successively until the close of the war, surrendering at Canton Mississippi, in 1865. He was in numerous hard-fought battles in both departments of the southeastern, or south Atlantic, and the trans-Mississippi departments, including the battle of Pea Ridge, in Arkansas. Returning home after the war, he engaged in farming and stock raising, etc., which he has since followed. Some years after his return, he was married to Miss Lizzie A. HARVEY, an accomplished young lady of this county, daughter of John and Eliza (MARKLAND) HARVEY, old and highly respected residents of the county. Mr. F. is an enterprising and successful farmer, and enjoys the esteem of all who know him. His farm contains nearly 500 acres, most of which is improved. B. E. GIVENS, farmer, section 16, B. E. GIVENS was the fifth of a family of seven children of Samuel and Sarah GIVENS of St. Charles county, Missouri, and was born in that county February 29, 1844. One brother and two sisters are still living, Robert A., of Linn county, and Fannie S., wife of C.T.RICHARDS, and Martha J., on the old homestead in their native county. The father, Samuel GIVENS came to Howard county from Kentucky in 1820, and remained here about four years, working for his uncle, Benjamin GIVENS at the blacksmith trade, but at the expiration of that time, returned to Kentucky. Subsequently he went to Indiana, and in 1835 was married to Miss Sarah ANGERN, immediately after which he immigrated to this state and settled in St.Charles county, near Flint Hill, where he reared his family. He died September 8, 1878. B. E. GIVENS, the subject of this sketch, entered the Confederate service at the age of nineteen, enlisting at Danville MO, in January 1863, in DORSEY's command, but was captured a short time afterwards and confined, first at St. Charles, and then at St. Louis seven months. He escaped from the prison of St.Louis by running from the guard, and joined General PRICE at Fayetteville, Arkansas. He served in Colonel SLAYBACKS regiment, under General Joe SHELBY until the close of the war. After the restoration of peace he went to Indianapolis, and then to Litchfield Illinois, and in September 1865, came to Howard county and worked with C. E. GIVENS until 1870, when he settled on his present farm, where he has since lived, except during 1881-82 he was in Fremont county, Iowa. His farm contains about 200 acres of good land. February 24, 1870, he was married to Miss Charity R., daughter of Thomas W., and Sarah S. (RIGGS) PATTON. They have three children, Samuel S., aged eleven years, Benjamin P., aged nine years and Moses P., aged seven years. Mr. GIVENS is a member of the M. E. church south and of the Masonic fraternity. BENJAMIN F. GIVENS, farmer. One of the youngest but, at the same time, most prominent and progressive farmers of Howard county is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. His farm contains 1,100 acres, and is devoted to both grain growing and stock raising. He has 200 acres of wheat 140 of meadows, and other products in proportion; and his stock of cattle numbers about 200 head, his sheep flock 150, besides large numbers of horses, mules, hogs, etc. He was born near where he now lives, January 30, 1859, and was educated at Central college. He was the second of a family of seven children of E. C. GIVENS and Mary A. (KRING) GIVENS. October 4 1882, he was married to Miss India K. SWINNEY, daughter of Mrs. Salvia SWINNEY, of Fayette, and came to his farm the same month, where he has since lived. He and his wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church in Fayette. L. E. HALL farmer, section 3. Among the old and eminently respected citizens of Howard county, none are more highly esteemed for their excellence of character and superior intelligence than the subject of this sketch. >From one of the best families of the Old Dominion, and thoroughly educated in youth preparatory to entering the legal profession, after having studied for the bar and been admitted to the practice in which he spent a year of unusually successful and promising labor, he was compelled by ill-health to retire from the profession and to devote himself to the pursuits of country life, where "Not rural sight alone, but rural sounds, Exhilarate the spirit, and restore The tone of languid nature." He was born in Lewis county, Virginia, October 8 1819, and was a son of William and Mary A., HALL, both natives of that state. His mother, whose maiden name was LOWTHER, was a grand-daughter of Colonel LOWTHER of revolutionary fame. After retiring from the practice of law in Virginia, Mr. HALL engaged in farming in that state, and having married in 1850 five years afterwards brought his family to this state and settled in Jackson county. There he became a prominent farmer, but in 1863 was compelled to leave the county under General EWING's military order depopulating parts of that and other counties. He then came to Howard county and bought his present farm o f over 200 acres, where he has since lived. He was married in Virginia February 6, 1850, to Miss Mary E. THOMPSON. Their union has been blessed with eleven children of whom eight are living; Charles B., Benjamin F., May E., Richard B., (in Texas), Lemuel E., Robert L., William D., and Thomas J. Ella J. wife of James Ennis, died in 1882, William G. died in boyhood and Ida died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. HALL are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church south. Although disappointed in his early professional ambition, he has so lived that, now his race of life being early run, he can look back over the past and forward into the future, seeing in the one nothing to regret, in the other nothing to fear. Even old age is brighter with hope to him than was youth itself, "For, as the evening twilight fades away The sky is filled with stars, invisible by day." OVERTON C. HERN, farmer, and school teacher, residence, section 11. The parents of Mr. HERN, Overton and Roxana B. (CREWS) HERN were both natives of Madison county, Kentucky, where they were reared, and were there married July 6, 1825. In 1830 they removed to this state, and after stopping three years in Pike county, came on to Howard and settled on the place where he lived until his death, September 4, 1839, and where his widow still lives at the advanced age of seventy-seven, having been born October 31 1806. Overton HERN, the father, was a carpenter by trade, and worked in that occupation when a young man, but a short time after his marriage turned his attention exclusively to farming. His place in this county contains 780 acres, and on this he opened his farm, improving it himself. He is buried on his homestead. Five children were made fatherless by his death: (1) Mary, married john PATTON and died April 20 1854, leaving three children, Overton, Annie and Oscar, the two first of whom are now deceased: (2) Sally A., wife of James HARVEY; (3) Patsey, married T. H. STARNS and died November 21, 1853 at Parkville Missouri: (4) Overton C., the subject of this sketch. Overton C. HERN was born October 4 1835 and was educated in the Howard high school of Fayette. He then clerked in a drug store about eighteen months, and after that began teaching school in the county, which he continued until 1855, when he went to Texas. He taught school in Hays and Travis counties of that state about two years, after which he returned to Howard county, and has since followed school teaching and farming-teaching in the different districts in the vicinity of his farm. October 2, 1862, he was married to Miss Bettie R., daughter of Colonel Tom PATTON of this county. She was born May 14, 1841. A short time after this he settled on his present farm, which contains 240 acres of good land. Mr. and Mrs. HERN have eight children; Thomas O., Paul C., Sallie M., Frank C., Ernest E., Roxana E., Mary D. and Harry. Both are members of the Christian church, and Mr. H has been a fellow mason for nearly twenty-five years. JOHN INNES was born in the Highlands of Scotland in 1843. His father, also John INNES was born in 1807, and was married in `840, in Elginshire, to Miss Jane TAYLOR, of Bauffshire, Scotland, who was born in 1819. They had fourteen children. The subject of this sketch, the second in number, lived with his father until 1867, when he emigrated to the United States, landing at New York and coming direct to Howard county Missouri. In 1866 he was married to Miss Grace GRANT, in Scotland. She was the daughter of John GRANT, of Nairnshire. They have six children living; John, James McDonald, Margaret J., Alexander T., Charles P., and William W. Two are deceased. GENERAL BENJAMIN F. JACKSON, farmer, section 25. General B. F. JACKSON, comes of one of the best families of this section of the state, a family that has won honorable distinction in peace and war, and is descended from a gallant soldier of the revolution. It is no disparagement to others to say that his father, Judge Wade M. JACKSON, was one of the purest and best men, and withal one of the most useful citizens that ever honored Howard county by their citizenship. As a farmer he was more than ordinarily industrious and successful, having improved se3veral farms amounting in the aggregate to over 1, 200. As a citizen he was actively and liberally public-sprinted, and took a deep interest in public affairs, having held many offices of trust and honor, among which were magistrate, county judge, and representative in the state legislature, each a number of terms. In church affairs he was one of the most zealous and exemplary laymen in his denomination - the Baptist. To his exertions and liberality, as much as to almost any others, William Jewel college, at Liberty, owes its existence. For years he served as a trustee for Mount Pleasant Baptist college, another institution he was largely instrumental in building up. A man of superior intelligence and education, he wrote the "History of the General Baptist Association of Missouri" at the request of his denomination. He was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, December 2, 1797, and came to Boone county this state prior to 1823. The following year, 1824, he came to Howard county, and for six years superintended the salt works of Bass & Shackelford. After this, in 1831, he settled on the place where he died, March 22, 1879. He was twice married: first to Miss Sarah M., daughter of Judge Lawrence BASS, of Boone county, in 1823; eleven children resulted from this union, ten of whom are still living, and all have worthy families. His first wife died in 1854, and in 1856, he was married to Miss Green CONNOR, a widow lady of Cooper county, daughter of John SPILLMAN. One son, Wade M., now twenty one years old, was reared of his second marriage. Judge JACKSON's brother, Governor Clairborne F. JACKSON, is so well known as to require only mention here. His grandfather, Joseph JACKSON, was a native of Ireland, and his father, Dempsey, was a soldier in the revolutionary war. Four of the Judge's sons were gallant soldiers in the Confederate army, including Benjamin F., the subject of this sketch. Benjamin F. JACKSON was born at the family homestead in this county, September 4, 1836, and was the fifth of six brothers by his father's first marriage. He was educated at Central college, and at fifteen years of age took charge of the local school of the neighborhood where he was reared. After teaching eight months he returned to college there taking amore advanced course of studies. In 1856 he engaged as book-keeper in a mercantile house in Centralia, Illinois, were he continued about three years, and in 1860 went to Texas. He was in that state when the war broke out in 1861, and enlisted in the Confederate service in CARTER's cavalry regiment at Galveston, in answer to the first call for volunteers. He commenced as a private, and by successive promotions rose to the rank of inspector general, which office he filled in General STEELE's command. A short time after the general surrender in 1865, he surrendered at Columbus, Texas, and for two years following taught school in Grayson and Denton counties of that state. September 15, 1867, he was married to Miss Mary E. JENNINGS, of Grayson county, Texas, and then engaged as book-keeper for the government at Fort Richardson. This position he held about twelve months, and in 1869, returned to his old home in Howard county, and settled on a part of the homestead farm. He now has a farm of 360 acres, and has it well improved and well stocked. During the last three years of his father's life he had full charge of the former'rs business, and on Judge JACKSON's death became executor of the estate, making final settlement in 1882. General and Mrs. JACKSON have an interesting family of four children: Kate A., Stella M., Franklin D., and Eugene. During the years 1877-1878, General JACKSON had charge of the Howard county co-operative store and conducted it with superior business ability and success. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for twenty years. MARK JACKMAN, farmer, miller and distiller, Price ARNOLD, the father of Mr. JACKMAN's mother, was one of the first settlers of Howard county. As far as known he brought the first wagon into the county that ever entered it. He also took a leading part in building Fort Head in which he and his family, in common with the other pioneer settlers of the vicinity, lived for some time as a refuge from Indian outbreaks. In 1810 he built the first mill, according to the best information obtainable, ever constructed in the county - a horse-mill, built near the present residence of George W. DRAKE, in Moniteau township. He died in this county in about 1832, his wife having preceded him to the grave, leaving two children, John and Polly. John married Miss Kate HEAD in Fort Hempstead, and this was one of the first marriages solemnized in this county. Polly married Porter JACKMAN, in 1817, and of this union eight children, including Mark, the subject of this sketch, were born: Mark, the eldest; Elizabeth, widow of John C. MCKINNEY, of Boone county; Nancy, wife of Lewis C. WALKER, of Texas; Hannah, wife of Newman T. MITCHELL, of Boone county; Miss Mary; Susan, wife of Flavius MCCLURE, of Pettis county; William, of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and John L. died in California. Porter JACKMAN, the father of these, became one of the most successful farmers of the county and was largely interested in the tanning business. He established one of the first tanneries built in the county. He was from Mercer county, Kentucky, whence he came to this county in 1816. He and his wife both died at the old homestead in Moniteau township in 1865 - he August 10, and she, October 9th. Both had been members of the Christian church for many years and were among the first of the denomination in the county. Mark JACKMAN was born in Moniteau township, February 22, 1820. On growing up he adopted farming as his occupation, to which he had been reared, and which, in connection with milling and, in later years, distilling, he has since mainly followed. In 1849, he located on his present farm, but in 1850, during the gold excitement, he went to California. Returning in 1852, he resumed farming, and also engaged in milling and dealing in mules. He was very successful and took rank among the worthy citizens of the county. By the war he lost some twenty slaves. The mill that he has been running so many years was built originally by D. C. CHAMPIN, in about 1836, and was a water mill (on the Moniteau) but Mr. JACKMAN has long run it by steam power as well as by water. In fact, it has been burnt and built anew, and is now one of the best flouring, grist and saw mills in the county. In 1877 he started a distillery in connection with it, and in this also he has been remarkably successful. He pays the government annually on the spirits he manufactures from $7,000 to $8,000. His distillery has a capacity for the manufacture of about 300 barrels of spirits a year. His farm contains 500 acres and on this he raises large quantitie4s of grain and stock. Mr. JACKMAN is one of the most enterprising citizens of the county, and has the qualities in a marked degree that go to win success in life. He has been a member of the Masonic order at Rocheport for the last forty years. JOHN L. JONES, farmer, section 26. The subject of this sketch was in his eleventh year when his parents, Aquila and Letta (HOOPER) JONES, started from middle Tennessee in the fall of 1818, for this state. Driving stock and coming across the country, they were on the way all winter, not arriving here until in the following spring. They settled on Sulphur creek near Glasgow, where their children grew up, and where the parents lived until their death. Their mother, who was originally from South Carolina, and had been twice married, her first husband having been a Mr. COOPER, died in about 1834. Their father, a native of North Carolina, survived his wife some twenty odd years, dying about 1847. Of their family of eight children, four sons and four daughters, but three are now living - Wilkerson, now a resident of Arkansas; Malina, widow of James WALLACE, of Macon county, Tennessee, May 30, 1808, but was principally reared in this county. July 13, 1828 he was married, just across the line in Chariton county, to Mrs. Mary H. WHITE, a young widow lady, whose maiden name was TROLY. This union lasted fifty years, and was blessed with a family of nine children, but was a last broken by the death of Mrs. Jones, which occurred June 13, 1878. Of their children, however, but four are now living - Aquila, in Boone county; Patrick Henry, in Eureka Springs; Mary E., wife of John MURRAY; and Louisa, wife of Franklin CARSON. Those deceased are - Eleanor M., wife of John C. THOMPSON, Saline county; Jerusa A., wife of Samuel Haus; John C., Marion A., and Charles W. Mr. JONES was a second time married, his present wife having been a Mrs. Pernecia STICKELL, widow of _____STICKELL. Her maiden name was COLLET. Mrs. JONES also has a family of six children by her first husband, but one of whom is still with her. Since 1851, Mr. Jones has lived on his present farm, which, when he bought it, contained 425 acres. He now has 274 acres. It is the same tract of land on which Fort Head was built, in the pioneer days of the county. Both Mr.and Mrs. JONES are church members. He has been a member of the M. E. church for forty-two years. HUDSON Q. MARTIN, justice of the peace and farmer, section 13. Mr. MARTIN's life, since he started out in the world on his own responsibility, nearly forty years ago, may be divided into two distinct, and in duration of time, nearly equal epochs, one of the unusual activity and varied adventures, and the other of quiet, successful farm life, content with the comforts of home and the esteem and friendship of all who know him. He was born in Madison county Kentucky, December 3, 1828, and was the eighth of a family of nine children born to Hudson and Lucy (HILL) MARTIN, both originally from Virginia. However, the parents had come to Madison county, Kentucky, in an early day, and in 1839, when Hudson Q, was but a year old, they came to this state. On their way to Howard county, while coming through Warren county, the mother died; but the father with the children came on, and settled in this county. Here the children grew up, and here in 1868, the father died. At the age of eighteen Hudson Q, being of an enterprising disposition and full of the spirit of adventure, went to Leavenworth Kansas, and there in August of 1846, enlisted in MCMILLAN's company (Missouri Cavalry), under General Sterling PRICE, and crossed the plains with his command, stopping finally at Santa Fe, New Mexico. They remained there until September, 1847. Returning then to his old home in Howard county, he continued here until 1850, when he again crossed the plains, this time bound for the gold diggings of California. He remained on the golden coast for ten years, engaged principally in mining, and then returned just in time for the stirring events of the war. He was one of the first to answer Governor JACKSON's call for volunteers, and in May 1861, became the second lieutenant of a company of southern recruits. From this time, in rapid succession, he participate in the battles of Booneville, Springfield and Dry Wood. At camp Cow Skin, in Southwest Missouri, prior to the Springfield battle, he was made captain of the company, and, after the Dry Wood fight, he returned to Howard county to obtain more recruits for his company. He secured sixty men, but was captured by the Federal Soldiers, having had some trying experiences while here, and was confined in the military prisons of St. Louis and Alton, until 1862, when he was released on parole. He then came back to this county, resolved to remain true to his word of honor and, settling down to farming, was married May 22, 1862 to Miss Tillitha, daughter of Archibald HILL. However, contrary to all laws of war, in 1864, he was made subject to the Union draft, and determined if he had to fight he would fight according to his own honest convictions of the right, he re-enlisted in the Confederate army, or rather raised a company of Confederate volunteers, of which he was made captain, and joined PRICE's command at Lexington Missouri. A short time after this he was commissioned by General MAGRUDER to raise additional volunteers, for the Confederate servce, and while proceeding north on this commission, was wounded twice in a skirmish, and subsequently surrendered at Arrow Rock. At the close of the war, he resumed farming, which he has since followed. He has a good farm and generous cheer, by wood and deed, for all who pass his way. He is a democrat, but liberal in his political as he is in his religious and other opinions. Formed on the good old plan, A true and brave and downright honest man! He blows no trumpet in the market-place Nor in the church, with hypocrite face, Supplies with cant the lack of Christian grace; Loathing pretense, he does with cheerful will What other talk of while their hands are still He has been a member of the Masonic order for twenty years. Twice he has been warmly and strongly supported for the sheriffalty of the county, and he is now serving his second term as justice of the peace. Mr. MARTIN's wife was taken from him by death - of heart disease in 1880. She left no children. JAMES MITCHELL, farmer, section 5. That immigration is rapidly pouring into this state, and from the north at that-the best class of northern farmers - becomes apparent to any one who takes the trouble to investigate the facts. Among the many examples in proof of this that can be cited in almost every neighborhood, is that of Mr. MITCHELL, of Moniteau township, who came here from Ohio in 1874 and bought a fine farm of 447 acres, and is now one of the leading farmers and most highly respected citizens of the county. He was born in Franklin county, Ohio, August 7, 1832, and was the second of a family of four children, viz.: Elizabeth, wife of John GARRETT; Irving, Martha ROBECK - all of Ohio - and himself. His father, James MITCHELL, and mother, formerly Miss Elizabeth KEYSER, were both originally from Pennsylvania to Ohio, but were reared in the last named state. James, the subject of this sketch, was brought up on his father's farm, and was educated in the common schools. April 1, 1854, he was married to Miss Caroline MEEK, in his native county, and they followed farming there until their migration to this county, in 1874. They have nine children - Thomas F., Sylvia, Martha, Charley, Edmond, Sarah, William, Humprhey, and Catherine - all at home. Mr. M has been a member of the I.O.O.F. for sixteen years. JOHN H. MURRAY, farmer, section 24. Mr. MURRAY's father, Hiram H. MURRAY, was originally from Virginia, but in early life came to Boone county, where he met and married Miss Nancy INGLEHART, formerly of Kentucky. Of the children born of this union, nine are now living, including John H., the subject of this sketch. He was born in Boone county August 17, 1851, where he was reare3d and given and ordinary good education in the common schools. At the age of twenty-two, June 6, 1873, he was married to Miss Mary E., daughter of John S. JONES. Farming has constituted his principal employment in life, and in 1876 he located on his present place, in Moniteau township, which contains 239 acres. He raises about 100 acres of wheat, and other kinds of grain in proportion. He also has considerable live stock in excess of what he requires for his own use. Mr. and Mrs. MURRAY have two interesting children - John Lee and Horace Early - the former aged three years and the latter one year old. Mr. M. is a member of the M. E. church. MRS. SALLIE PEELER, farm in section 18. Mrs. PEELER was left a widow with seven children by the death of her husband Alfred PEELER, in 1867, since which the management of the farm has mainly devolved upon her. However, she has been greatly assisted in this, in the last few years, by her son John A., now a young man twenty-three years of age. They have an excellent farm of 300 acres, and such has been the success with which it has been managed that she has been able to bring up all her children, the youngest of whom is now a young lady of eighteen years of age, giving them all good educational advantages as they grew up. Mrs. PEELER's husband, Alfred, was a son of David PEELER, mentioned in the sketch of William H., in this volume. Alfred PEELER was born in this county August 9 1822. Reared on his father's farm, and receiving in youth an ordinary good education, when twenty-four years of age, September 26, 1848, he was married to Miss Mary WILLIAMS, now his widow, the subject of this sketch. After their marriage, they settled on the farm where Mrs. PEELER now lives, and where, nineteen years afterwards, June 19, 1867, her husband was taken from her by death. Mrs. PEELER was a daughter of John and Mary (STEMMONS) WILLIAMS, and was born in Madison county, Kentucky, March 24, 1829. Her father died in the county a short time after her birth, and when she was but three years of age, her mother came to this county and settled near Rocheport. Here, the same year, her mother met and married Judge David PIPES, a mention of whom is made in the sketch of his son, George M. PIPES, elsewhere in this work. Her mother is still living at the PIPES homestead, just across the line in Boone county. To Mrs. PEELER and her husband were born seven children, all of whom are living - Georgia A., born Oct 24 1851, wife of Elder G. A. PERKINS of Fayette; David R., born June 15, 1853, married and lives in California; Henry W., born October 20, 1855 lives near his mother; Mary J., born September 13 1858, attended Camden Point female college, and is now wife of George PERKINS, of Columbia; John A., born September 8 1860, assisting his mother in management of the farm; Martha E., born January 3, 1863; and Maude, born October 15 1865. Mrs. PEELER and her daughters are all members of the church at Ashland. WILLIAM H. PEELER, farmer, section 8. Mr. PEELER's father, David who was for many years a leading citizen of Howard county, and a member of the legislature from this county in 1840, came originally from North Carolina, where he was born May 10 1794. When a young man twenty-five years of age, in 1818, he, in company with his brother John, came west and stopped in Howard county, where, about two years afterwards David settled on the farm on which William H., now lives. Here he followed farming, and he also followed milling and distilling for a number of years, and became more than ordinarily well–to-do in life. He held the office of justice of the peace eight years, when that position was of some real dignity and importance, between the years of 1830 and 1840, and at the election of the last named year he was elected to the legislature He died April 30 1882, at the advanced age of eighty-eight. He was twice married. His first wife, formerly Miss Sarah WILCOXSON, originally of Kentucky, to whom he was married in 1821, died Janurary 26, 1857. Ten children were born of this union, six of whom are now living - Elizabeth, now Mrs. GERRY, Joseph, Elder N.B., William H., Baranabeth, in California; Jas. D., in Randolph county. Those deceased are Alfred, the eldest who died in 1867, Martha H., wife of Henry KNAUS, died in 1856 in Cooper county; Rebecca J., wife of J.R. SONSLEY, died in 1858 in St. Louis, and John O., died in 1877. His second wife, previously Miss L. A. BROWN born July 2 1826, to whom he was married in 1863, died June 20 1882, leaving two children - Rosa and George. William H. PEELER. Son by his father's first marriage, was born in this county July 23, 1834, and in the same house where he now lives. When in his twentieth year he was married March 20 1864 to Miss Eliza M. ATHERTON, a native of Illinois, in Alexander county, of that state. Returning then to his old home in Howard county, he resumed farming, which he has since followed. Of the original family homestead, he has 210 acres, and his place is well improved and in good condition. He is an industrious, intelligent farmer, and as a citizen and neighbors well respected. Mr. and Mrs. PEELER have a family of six children - Jennie A., William B., DeAtherton, Charles F., James E., and Eva May. GEORGE M. PIPES, farmer, section 21. Judge David PIPES, father of George M. came to Bone county with his parents among the first settlers of the county, when he was but nine years old. There he grew up in the pioneer days of the country, and after reaching manhood was married to Mrs. Mary WILLIAMS, widow of John WILIAMS, and previously a Miss STEMMONS, of which union George M., the subject of this sketch, was born. Judge PIPES being a man of more than ordinary intelligence and of great industry and enterprise, became a prominent citizen of the county and filled various public offices. George M. PIPES was born on his father's farm, two and a half miles from where he now lives,now owned by Mr. SUTHERLAND, October 12, 1833, and was educated in the common schools. He remained with his father until twenty-three years of age, and on January 14, 1857, was married to Miss Fannie, daughter of Wm. H. SETTLE of Moniteau township, this county. He then bought a part (153 acres) of his present farm, and since that time has added to his original tract, until now he has a place of 275 acres of excellent land, most of which is substantially and comfortably improved. He grows grain, principally wheat, about seventy-five acres, and other kinds in proportion. They have four children - Luther M., David F.,Robert Emmet, and Ora Kate. Luther is now marrid, his wife having been a Miss Ella HART of Boone county. They live near his father. Mrs. PIPES, wife of George M., died February 8, 1880. Mr. PIPES has been a member of the Christian church for nearly thirty years. For several years has corresponded for the press of Boone and adjoining counties from Moniteau township, under the nom de plume of "Moniteau" and has acquired a wife reputation as an intelligent, versatile correspondent. ALLEN PIPES, farmer, Mr. PIPES was the fourth of a family of eight children of George PIPES and wife, nee JACKMAN, who emigrated from Kentucky to Boone county, this state in 1817, and afterwards in 1822, settled in Howard county. The father was originally from North Carolina, and was a farmer by occupation, which he followed in the county until his death, October 2 1846. The mother survived her husband twenty three years, dying August 11 1869. Allen PIPES was born before his parents left Kentucky, in Washington (now Boyles) county, that state October 20 1815, but was principally reared in the county. Farming has constituted his occupation thus far through life, and he now owns an excellent place of 250 acres, and gives his attention mainly to raising grain. Mr. PIPES has been twice married. His first wife, previously Miss Sallie A. PORTER, of Audrain county, to whom he was married November 2 1841, died in 1845, leaving two children, who soon followed her to the grave. He was not married again for some fifteen years September 13, 1860, however, he was married to Miss Anna M. CLINE of this county. They have had three children, two daughters, both of whom died in infancy, and a son, Allen Jr., now sixteen years of age. Mrs. PIPES is a member of the Christian church. Mr. PIPES is a successful farmer and highly respected citizen. He resides on section 13. J. S. RAINS, stock dealer and farmer, section 10. Among the stock dealers and farmers of Howard county the above named gentleman is worth of special notice. He has been engaged in farming in the county since the close of the civil war, and for some time past has been dealing extensively in live stock, buying and shipping to St. Louis and other principal markets. The farm in which he, with some others, is interested, contains over 700 acres, and on this Mr. RAINS grows large quantities of wheat, corn, hay, etc., and he also raises considerable numbers of stock above what he requires for farm purposes. He was born in Richmond township, this county, February 17, 1842, and was the eldest of seven children of Allen and Margaret (DOUGLAS) RAINS. Of the children, five are now living. On attaining manhood, the war being then in progress, J. S. identified himself with the south, and was a member of General POINDEXTER's command; but some time before the close of the struggle he went to Montana, where he engaged in mining and remained until the restoration of peace. He then returned to Howard county and commenced farming, which he has since followed. September 8 1870, he was married to Miss Lucy, daughter of E. P. KIRBY, now of Randolph county, since which he has lived on his present farm. Mr. and Mrs. RAINS have six children; Kirby, Jimmy, Wilbur, Clifton, Frank and Mary. Howard died in infancy. Both parents are church members. THOMAS H. RICHARDS, farmer, section 24. Thomas H. RICHARDS was born in Madison county, Kentucky, and was a son of Reason and Elizabeth (PATTERSON) RICHARDS, of that county. When he was three years of age, his parents removed to this state and settled on a farm in Boone county, where they reared their family. Thomas H. grew up on his father's farm and in October, 1848, was married to Miss Sarah A., daughter of Olmore and Martha THOMPSON, of this county. In 1850, Mr. RICHARDS was attracted to California by the gold excitement, and there engaged in mining and freighting. Returning sometime afterwards, however in 1855,he settled on the farm where he now lives - in Howard county - which contains 240 acres of good land, and is comfortably and substantially improved. Mr. RICHARDS is an energetic, good farmer, and is well respected as a neighbor and a citizen. He has a family of eight children: Wm. E., Anna M., Amanda I., Melia F., Julia D., Thomas C., Sarah C., and Emma M. One is dead, Martha E., born September 21 1850, died June 3rd 1873. Misses Anna and Julia attended the Howard female college at Fayette. Mr. RICHARDS has been a member of the Methodist church south, since 1844, and has long been a trustee of his church and an earnest, zealous worker in the Sunday school. He is now superintendent of the neighborhood Sunday school. He was in the Confederate army from 1864 until the war closed, having joined General PRICE's command, near Lexington, this state, and surrendered at Shreveport, Louisiana. His father died some ten year ago, but his mother is still alive, residing with her youngest son, in Boone county, at the advanced age of eighty-three. JOHN DOYLES RICKETTS, farmer, stock raiser, etc. Mr. RICKETTS came to Howard county in a comparatively early day, and in 1836, settled on the farm where he now lives. He first bought 250 acres and improved it himself. Afterwards he added to it until his farm numbered 560 acres, it's present dimensions. He became and still is a very successful farmer. During the war, however, he sustained considerable losses and among others his slave property, consisting of ten negroes. During and before the war, he dealt in stock and was quite successful in that line of business. He was born in Jessamine county, Kentucky, December 11th 1806, and was the youngest of a family of ten children, of Thomas RICKETTS, originally from Maryland, and wife, formerly Miss Martha WILSON. Of ten, but two, himself and a sister, Mrs. Martha DAVIS of Midway, Kentucky, are now living. John D., was married to Miss Martha, daughter of Dr. CREWS of Madison county, Kentucky, February 20th 1834. This union proved a happy one and lasted for forty-four years, but was finally broken by the death of his beloved wife, February 4th 1878. Nine children were born to them, two of whom died after reaching their majority, two in youth and one in infancy. Those living are John K., Samuel C., Benj.W., and Luther M. Luther M.RICKETTS, the youngest son living is now managing his father's farm. He was born October 31st 1854, and was married after attaining his majority to Miss Luella, daughter of Mrs. Olive A. ROWLAND. They have one son, born August 14th 1880. James D. RICKETTS deceased children area as follows; Edward, the eldest, died in infancy ; David, died October 22 1868, aged thirty-two; Margaret E., died aged four months; Wm. H.C., died August 28 1865, aged twenty-two and Hugh D., died November 11th 1863, aged twelve years. JOHN K. RICKETTS, farmer and stock raiser and dealer, section 15. Among the names of the enterprising, intelligent and successful farmers and stockmen of Howard county, the name that heads this sketch justly occupies a prominent and conspicuous place. Mr. RICKETTS farm is not one of the largest in the county, although it is by no means a small one, containing as it does 360 acres, but considering its size, it has but few, if any superiors as a grain and stock farm in the township. It is exceptionally well divided into fields for cultivation, clover and timothy meadows, blue grass pastures, etc., and besides raising large quantities of grain and hay, Mr. RICKETTS also raises considerable numbers of cattle, sheep and hogs and other live stock. He was born in the township where he now lives, November 11 1840. His father, John D., and mother, Martha RICKETTS, came from Jessamine county, Kentucky, in 1836, and settled on a farm in this township. There were eight children born, four of whom are still living, including John K. He was in the confederate army during the war and was captured during POINDEXTER's raid, and confined in Alton prison six months. After the war, December 21, 1865, he was married in Moniteau township to Miss Mary F., daughter of Allen RAINS, of this county. They have one child, a daughter, Miss Maggie, now attending the female college in Fayette. Mr. R. settled on his present farm in 1867, which then contained only `75 acres, since which he has added to it until it has reached it's present proportions. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity at Fayette for about twenty years. For a number of years past he has been a member of the democratic central committee of the county. JOHN F. RIDGWAY, section 35. On the farm where he now lives, John F. RIDGWAY was born January 16, 1834. He was the seventh of a family of eleven children born to Thomas RIDGWAY and wife, previously Miss Sarah STANIFORD - the father a native of Kentucky, but the mother originally from South Carolina. However, they both came to this state early in life, where they met and married, and then reared their family in this county. Thomas RIDGWAY was a successful farmer and died at an advanced age at his homestead, where his son, John F., now lives in 1872. His wife followed him to the grave in 1875. Of their family of children besides John F., seven are now living, Luvena, wife of Colonel MINOR; Lurano, wife of Frank TOLSON; Eliza A., wife of Oscar RAWLINGS; George, Mary J., wife of John BURREUGHS; Enoch C, of Macon City, and William. John F., was married in October 1861 to Miss Virginia B., daughter of Dr. J. W. REDMON, and then went to Linn county, this state, where he lived until 1877, when he returned to the old family homestead on which he has since lived. It contains 400 acres and he is one of the well-to-do farmers of the county. He has been running a threshing machine for several years and has met with excellent success. Mr. and Mrs. RIDGWAY has four children, Charles, Willie, Mertil and Greta. JUDGE ROBERT A. ROWLAND, Deceased. Judge ROWLAND, who for nearly forty years had been a citizen of Howard county, abundantly successful as a farmer and eminently respected as a citizen, died suddenly of pneumonia, at his homestead in Moniteau township, December 23, 1878, eight days before he was to have taken his seat as an associate justice of the county court. "He gave his honors to the world again, His blessed past to Heaven, and slept in peace" His parents, Thomas and Elizabeth ROWLAND were early settlers of Boone county, and there Judge ROWLAND was born February 27 1821. Reared on a farm, he grew up amidst the honest, healthful surrounding of country life, and thus in youth formed a character for honor and integrity, and habits of industry and plain, frugal tastes that could hardly have failed to bring him success and deserved popularity in after life. Foreseeing the importance of a good practical education when he should come to engage in the responsible actives of life, he lost no time while still young to improve his mind by study, both in the schools he attended and by diligent study at home. Hence he acquired an education above the average of the attainments of those around him. Thus prepared for the responsibilities of life, at the age of twenty-one, he pushed out into the world for himself. Yielding to his natural preferences for agricultural pursuits, he adopted farming as his occupation, and followed it without intermission through life. In 1845 he located in Howard county and April 7 1846 was married to Miss Olive A., daughter of John B and Sally (MATHENEY) KEITHLY, early settlers and highly respected residents of Boone county. Bringing his young wife to his new home, the following year he bought the farm, or a part of it, on which his subsequent life was spent, and where he reared his family. They were blessed with ten children; Thomas B., Homer M., (a prominent minister of the gospel in Texas ) Luella, wife of L. M. RICKETTS; James F., Isaac N., in Texas; Cora, died in girlhood; Robert L, died in his second year; William J and Ola M. During the war he served under General POINDEXTER, but was captured and confined in Gratiot street prison, St. Louis, and in Alton military prison - in the latter one year. After his release from prison, he served under General PRICE until the general surrender. Returning then to his farm, he led a quiet, successful and retired life until his death. Although averse to public life of any kind, such was his well known worth and qualifications, and his wide spread popularity, that in 1878 he was elected to the office of county judge against his express wishes. Worthy as his life had been, he died a worthier death - in the full faith that One short sleep past we make eternally, And Death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die. JAMES T. SCOTT, general merchant at Sebree. This gentleman was born in Port Royal, Henry county, Kentucky, September 5, 1848, and in 1866 came with his parents to Missouri, and stopped at Madison, Monroe county, where he learned the shoemaker's trade, but did not follow it afterward. He then engaged in school teaching, having received a good education in youth, which he continued about three years. December 29, 1872, he was married to Miss Ida WILSON, of Madison and in 1877 came to Sebree, and became interested with his brother in their present business. In 1879 he became sole proprietor of the store, and has since conducted it alone with excellent success. He carries a large and well selected stock of goods and has a wide and rapidly increasing trade. Mr. and Mrs. SCOTT have but one child, Henry, aged six years,. Mr. SCOTT's parents, W. H. and Nancy (MCKENDREE) SCOTT lived in Howard county, near Burton. WILLIAM SHIELDS, farmer, section 15. James SHIELDS and William JOHNSON were both early settlers of Howard county, and here each reared a family of children. Of the family of the former Thomas SHIELDS, who was born in Kentucky before his father left that State, was married here to Miss Frances, daughter of William JOHNSON, she also being a native of Kentucky. William SHIELDS, the subject of this sketch, was born of this union September 19 1835. His father who was a successful farmer, died July 27, 1865, his mother surviving her husband about sixteen years, dying only two years ago, October 20 1881. William followed farming after he grew up until the outbreak of the war, and then enlisted in the Confederate service and participated in the Boonville and Lexington battles, and in several of the others that followed in which PRICE's army took part. While with General POINDEXTER he was captured at Laclede, and afterwards confined in the military prisons of St. Louis and Alton about six months. After this he rejoined PRICE and was with his command in the last campaign in this state. He continued in the service until the general surrender at Shreveport, Louisiana. Returning home, he resumed farming, which he has since followed. May 8, 1872, he was married to Miss Mary J., daughter of James P. MANION, after which he settled on his present farm, contained 160 acres of land, a part of the original tract purchased by his father. Mr. and Mrs. SHIELDS have two sons, James and Sonie. Mr. S., is a member of the Christian church. JAMES SMITH, farmer, section 5. Mr. Smith is now closely approaching his eightieth year, and for over twenty-five years he has been a citizen of Howard county. He has been a member of the Christian church for over forty-five years, and in early life often heard discourses by Alexander CAMPBELL and other great ministers and founders of that denomination. He was born in Madison county, Kentucky, February 15, 1804, and was a son of James and Margery SMITH, of that state. His father, however, was originally from Ireland, and his mother was a natiave of Pennsylvania. When twenty-one years of age, in 1825, James SMITH came to this state, making the trip from New Madrid across the country finding Columbia, to which point he came, a small village with it's streets still uncleared of stumps. From Columbia he went to New Orleans by flat-boat, but after a short stay in the south returned to Kentucky where in 1827, he was married to Miss Nancy HOWARD. He remained in his native state until 1857, and then came with his family to Cooper county, this state, and the following year settled in Howard county. His first wife died in 1862 having borne him ten children, seven of whom are still living, Presling, Kate D., Ben. H., in Bates county; Jason, William, James T., and Solon, present judge of the probate court. In 1863 he was again married, a Mrs. Sallie BONDURANT, widow of Captain John BONDURANT, formerly a Miss CREWS, becoming his second wife. He and his present wife were old schoolmates in Kentucky, and after over forty years of separation, during which each had married and reared families their companions dying, they met and were married in this state. Mr. SMITH has an excellent farm and a good, comfortable home, where he and his wife are spending the evening of their lives in the renewal of a friendship that began in youth, which age has ripened to affection. FEDERAL WALKER, Deceased. There are few old citizens of Howard county to whom the name that heads this sketch is not as familiar almost as a household word. And such was the character of the man, such the prominence and usefulness of his life in the great work that has been performed in the county - the transformation of it's trackless wilds into smiling fields and happy homes, the abode of a prosperous and progressive people - that his name should be transmitted to succeeding generations and held in grateful remembrance as one of the foremost and worthiest of the brave-hearted pioneer settlers, who laid broad and deep the foundations of civilization in this then Indian-sentineled and panther-haunted wilderness. He came of a family whose character bespoke the prominence and usefulness of his own career. His ancestors were among the adventurous band of pioneers that, like the sea-tossed heroes of Homer, threaded their way across the Atlantic and planted civilization on the shores of Maryland. True to the well-known law of genealogy, that, in family which does not degenerate, the strong qualities of the ancestor reappear in the descendant, John WALKER, way back in the latter part of the seventeenth century, became a sturdy pioneer settler in Kentucky, crossing the blue heights of the Alleghenies from his native Maryland to make his home in the green wilderness of the west. He prospered abundantly in his adopted state and reared a worthy family. Federal WALKER being one of his sons. The father died in 1815. Federal was born on the 14th of August, 1796, and was, therefore, ninteen years of age at the time of his father's death. If, in the new country in which he was brought up, he did not enjoy the educational advantages to be had in older communities, the natural vigor of his mind and constitution at least escaped the effeminating influences of the schools, and acquiring, mainly by private study, a sufficient knowledge of books for all practical purposes, he was better qualified for the life he was destined to lead than if, in starting out in the world for himself, he had received a gilt-letter diploma between kid-gloved fingers. Before his father's death he had seen more of the west and far southwest than most old men around him. He had traveled through Texas and all the intermediate country, and had "prospected" considerably over Missouri; was in New Madrid, this state, at the time of the great earthquake of 1812. After extensive travel, and weighting the advantages offered by different locatlities, he concluded to settle in Howard county, and, returning to Kentucky, he wooed and won the heart and hand of Miss Sarah DUNN, of his native state. They were married May 4, 1823. She was born June 16, 1800. This proved a long and happy union, continunig unbroken by the hand of death until far into the tw2ilight of their lives. With hearts buoyant with a prophetic realization of their future prosperity, they started on their westward journey to Howard county the following fall. Arrive here, they went to work with a cheerfulness, energy and intelligence that could not but result in making their dreams of the future a tangible reality. Mr. WALKER entered 275 acres of wild land from the government, and by tireless toil soon had a comfortable home. As the years rolled on he continued to prosper, until, when but little beyond the mid-noon of life, he found himself the possessor of over 3,000 acres of fertile land and the owner of sixty likely slaves. Heaven prospered his married life no less than the seasons and soil prospered his industry. Eight worthy children were sent to brighten his home - the pledges of heaven that his name should not perish from the earth. All grew to maturity and seven became the parents of families themselves. Following are the names of his children John, Robert D., married Elizabeth, daughter of Judge JACKSON, now in Texas, and died January 15, 1879; Thomas H., married Anna BURNETTE, of Chariton county, and now resides in Saline county; Lewis E., married Nancy, daughter of Porter JACKSON, and now lives in Texas; George W., married Mary E., daughter of Rev. David FISHER, and died February 28, 1874; Christopher C., referred to below; Mary R, and Nancy J. The mother of these, worthy both in mind and heart to have been, as she was, the wife of one of natures noblemen, died at the age of sixty-eight, on the 1st of September 1868. The father died ten years afterwards, aged eighty-two, August 5, 1868. Both were for many years members of the Christian church. Christopher C., the youngest of the sons, now resides on a part of the old family homestead, which was partitioned as a legal result of his father's death. The son's place contains abut 400 acres of excellent land, and is one of the most valuable farms of the county. Christopher C., was born April 8 1834, and as he grew up, received his education in the common schools. On the 23rd of June 1858, he was married in Hinds county, Mississippi, to Miss Elizabeth MOUNT, who was born at Alexandria, October 1 1837. They have had a family of five children - Arthur William, who died in infancy; Sally Clara, Linnie D, Bettie F., and Charles C.. Mrs. WALKER is a member of the M.E. church. Mr. Christopher WALKER's whole life, thus far, has been spent on the farm. During the late war he remained at home and attended to his father's farming and business interests, taking no part in the struggle. He is an energetic farmer and highly esteemed citizen and neighbor. HUMPRHEY ROBINSON WALKER, farmer, section 10. Mr. WALKER, son of Hon. John WALKER, now state auditor of Missouri, and grandson of Federal WALKER, deceased, for over half a century one of the first farmers and most prominent citizens of Howard county, is a young man whose career, thus far, and whose character give every promise that his future, both as a farmer and citizen, will fulfill the expectations his antecedents and opportunities justly inspire. He was born on the 19th of September 1853, on a part of the old ROBINSON homestead, upon which he now lives. His mother, previous to her marriage a Miss Eliza ROBINSON, was a daughter of Jared ROBINSON, now deceased, for many years a leading farmer and an influential citizen of the county. Of this family there are two besides Mrs. WALKER; a sister, Nannie May, and a brother, Jared, Jr. The sister is now the wife of Wm. PAYNE; the brother, a graduate from the Agricultural college of Columbia, Missouri, is now a successful farmer of the county. Humphrey R.WALKER was reared on the farm, and in early youth attended the ordinary schools of the neighborhood. Subsequently, after a through preparatory course, he entered the State University of Columbia, in which he continued as a student for two years, but was called away before graduating, to enter upon the duties of the farm. Since then he has been interested in the management of the place, which contains nearly 400 acres of land, and in the discharge of these duties he has shown, by the success he has had, that he possesses all the qualities, to a marked degree, necessary to a progressive, enterprising and thrifty farmer. Since 1874 he and his brother have been farming together. Mr. WALKER is destined to become a useful and prominent citizen. GEORGE H. WHITE, General merchant and stock buyer and shipper. In the mercantile line Mr.WHITE carries a large and well selected stock of general merchandise, and commands an extensive and lucrative trade. He also does an important business in buying and shipping live stock of all kinds, his transactions as a stock dealer amounting to heavy aggregates in the course of the year. He was born in Rocheport, Boone county, Missouri, May 17th 1854, and was the seventh of a family of eleven children, six of whom are now living; Laura, widow of Thomas COOK; Sarah, wife of John STREET, of Fayette; Thomas J., of Randolph county; Edwin, sheep raiser in Texas; George H., our subject, and Benton, farmer on the old homestead. December 24th 1874, George H.WHITE the subject of this sketch, was married to Miss Lucky RUCKER, daughter of William H RUCKER, of Howard county. They have three children, Benton, Mattie and Mary E. Mr. WHITE is a member of the A.O.U.W. As a business man he is energetic and enterprising, and has the confidence of the community with which he deals. Well qualified of business, both by education and experience, his career has been marked by excellent success. EZEKIEL H. WOOD, farmer, sections 35 and 36. Ezekiel H. WOOD was born in Brown county, Ohio, December 12, 1818, but was reared in Mason county, Kentucky, where his parents removed when he was quite young. His grandfather on his father's side was a soldier in the Continental army during the revolution, and was afterwards for many years a zealous and able minister of the gospel. It is a tradition handed down in the family that he baptized the first convert ever baptized in the Ohio river. Jesse Wood, Ezekiel's father, was a farmer by occupation and reared his family in Mason county, Kentucky, having married Miss KITURAH, daughter of Andrew THORP, who also removed to Kentucky in an early day. Ezekiel remained in the county where he was brought up until 1864, when he migrated to Missouri and settled in Boone county. Before coming to this state he had been married but lost his wife May 2, 1857. Her maiden name was Mary E. POWER. They were married in Mason county Kentucky, September 20 1834. At her death she left two children - Joseph P., who died when but a year old, and Kitruah Ellen, who died in this count, aged seventeen. In 1868 Mr. WOOD came to Howard county, from Boone, and settled on the farm where he has ever since lived - the well known "Alvin MILLER farm:" It contains nearly 300 acres and is all improved. Mr. W. is an industrious, successful farmer, and is well–to-do in life. Farming however is not the only industry he has followed. He was engaged in "flat-boating" to an from New Orleans for some time in an early day, and later he was a manufacturer of stoneware for about six years. June 4 1870,he was married to Miss Margaret A., daughter of Samuel PEARSON, an old citizen of Howard county. They have one child, Mary E., aged eleven years. Mr. WOOD has been a member of the Christian church for over forty-one years, and in early life often heard Jacob CREATH "Raccoon" J. SMITH, and other imminent divines preach. His Uncle Christopher WOOD, was the celebrated spy in the service of General HARRISON during the war of 1812. TOWNSEND WRIGHT, farmer, section 26. Mr. WRIGHT's father, Townsend Sr., was one of the early settlers of this county. He was a native of Virginia, but removed to Madison count, Kentucky, whence in 1817 he came to Howard county. Here he lived until his death in 1862, and became a successful farmer, and was a highly esteemed citizen of the county. He was twice married; first to Miss America, daughter of John and Nancy (ROBERTS) SANFORD, who came here from Kentucky in 1812. His first wife died in 1834. Eight children were born of this union, three sons and five daughters, all of whom lived to reach their majority, and most of them married and reared families. The year following their father was again married, Miss Lucy, daughter of Reuben BARNES of Boone county, becoming his second wife. She died November 17 1881. Of this marriage Townsend Jr., the subject of this sketch, and five others, were born, two of whom are dead. Townsend Jr., was the second of this family and was born December 15, 1836, on his father's old homestead, about three and one-half miles south of where he now lives. He was married march 19, 1868, to Miss Octavia, daughter of Judge Wade M. JACKSON. She was born in 1844. They have five children; Craven J., Claiborne F., James T., Townsend, Jr., and Robert L. Two daughters, Carrie P., the eldest, and Sallie N., the fourth died in infancy. At the age of twenty-one, Mr.WRIGHT began to work for himself, and two years of afterwards, in 1859, went to California, but returned in 1860. In 1862, he joined General POINDEXTER's command while the latter was in this state, but was captured soon after the Laclede affair and confined in Gratiot street prison, St. Louis and the military prison at Alton, together about four months. Released then, he returned home and remained until 1864, when he enlisted in Captain MARTIN's command as first lieutenant, and served under General PRICE until the close of the war. He was in the battles of Big Blue, Ball's Prairie, and others, during the latter part of the war. Returning home after the restoration of peace he resumed farming, and in 1867 was engaged in buying tobacco. Soon after his marriage, he settled on his present farm, where he has 320 acres of good land, and besides this he has about 100 acres head of good sheep, besides other live stock. He has been a member of the Baptists church since 1866, and a member of the Masonic order about eighteen years. LEE WRIGHT, farmer, section 15. Lee is a brother of Townsend WRIGHT, whose sketch precedes this, and was the youngest of the five children by his father's second marriage. He was born April 10 1845, and having been reared on a farm, he has followed farming as his occupation ever since he started out in life for himself. During General PRICE's last campaign in this state, however, he joined the latter's command and adhered to the southern standard until the general's surrender in 1865, participating in all the leading battles in which the command was engaged from the time he entered it until the close of the war. After the return of peace he resumed farming, and "Venus, thy eternal sway All the race of men obey" On the 16th of January 1868, he was married to Miss Eupha HARDIN, daughter of Joseph HARDIN of the county. Three children have been vouchsafed to them as the favors of Heaven; Mattie Lee, Mortimer Boyd, and Joseph HARDIN. Mr. and Mrs. WRIGHT are both members of the Baptist church of Mt. Gilead. His homestead is a neat farm of about 160 acres, and is comfortably and substantially improved. SOURCE: History of Howard and Cooper Counties, St. Louis: National Historical Company, 1883, (Moniteau township, pp. 543-568.)