CHAPTER XIX.

General History - Early Settlers - First Land Entries - Pioneer Religious Services - Mills - Sam Thompson - In War Times - Peace - Spring Hill - Country Churches - Sampsel Township - Town of Sampsel - Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church - Biographical.

The general history of Jackson and Sampsel townships up to the year 1874, when the latter was created, is so closely connected generally, so blended in fact, that it is extremely difficult of separation, and properly belongs in one chapter. It will therefore be treated as the history of one township, Jackson, up to the date mentioned.

Formerly, and at first, the township was called Indian Creek, and bore this name until 1839 when it was named in honor of the renowned hero of the Hermitage. Its original territory comprised the land lying in this county between the forks of Grand river, which was its area until Sampsel was formed.

The first settlements in this township were made as early as in 1833, in which year Levi Goben, who is still living, came with two or three others. Settlers came in thereafter quite rapidly, and by the year 1836 there were perhaps fifty families scattered throughout the forks. The locality was a favorite one with the pioneers. There was an abundance of timberland, game and springs, three things considered at that day indispensable to mankind. The first could be cultivated and made to yield bread, the second could be shot and made to furnish meat, and the last named could be walled in and made to supply drink.

A majority of the settlers had come originally to Missouri from Kentucky; but many had first settled in the lower or river counties. Attracted by favorable reports from the Grand river country, they had pushed up into the wilderness as far as they dared to venture. Log cabins and small clearings were soon made throughout the county and in 1836 Jesse Nave had established a little store at Spring Hill, then called Navestown, which name it bore for some years.

The country was a hunter's paradise. The honey hunters from the lower counties had left many bee trees, and game was so plenty that it was often shot for mere pastime. Even bears were to be met with, while panthers, wildcats, and huge timber wolves were for a time unpleasantly numerous. Every settler depended to a greater or less extent on his rifle as a means of supplying meat for his table.

The community was orderly and friendly. Every man regarded his neighbor as his brother, and feeling his dependence exercised a proper amount of forbearance. Lawsuits were almost unknown, and controversies of any sort few and unimportant. There were no paupers or tramps. If a man needed help, he received it. No suspicions were entertained of strangers. A man was deemed to be honest until he was found to be dishonest, and it was a hard road to travel ever after for him who forfeited the good opinion of his neighbors. There was no tale-bearing, no gossip, no circulation of evil report. Men were careful what they said of their fellow-men. No wonder the old settlers loved to the day of their death to speak of the good old days in Jackson.

For the most part the settlers were uncultured and unlettered, but there was among them that natural generosity and unsophisticated frankness which after all make up the best refinement. Schools were few in number; churches fewer still. There were many religious men and women, and some educated and acquainted with the world, and the township was not given to general ignorance and barbarism by any means.

The first land entries in the township, prior to 1840, by actual residents, are here given. These show who were the first settlers, although many of the settlements were made some years before the entries. In the lower part of the township (57 - 24) the land did not come into market and could not be entered until 1836; in the northwest portion (59-25), it was not open to entry until in 1838, while in the eastern part, along Grand river (townships 58 and 59, range 24), it was not in market until 1840.

	TOWNSHIP 57, RANGE 24.
B. F. Baker	frac. sw. 1/4 sec 9	Aug. 16, 1836
Joseph Harper	ne. ne. sec. 17	July 11, 1839
H. I. Martin	w. 1/2 se. sec. 8	July 11, 1839
Reub. McCoskrie	ne. ne. sec. 18	Feb. 28, 1838
Leonard Scollay	n. 1/2 nw. sec. 17	Oct. 16, 1837
David Martin	s. 1/2 se. sec. 7	April 4, 1839
	TOWNSHIP 58, RANGE 24.
Wm. Smith	sw. 1/4 ne. sec. 8	Jan. 27, 1840
Jonathan Smith	s. 1/2 ne. sec. 4	Jan. 27, 1840
Jonathan Massigee	n. 1/2 nw. sec. 4	Jan. 27, 1840
James Nave	n. 1/2 and nw. sw. sec. 5	1840
David Girdner	se. sec. 5	Jan. 27, 1840
John Kirk	se. sw. sec. 5, se. se. sec. 7	Dec. 29, 1843
John Hargrove	sw. sw. sec. 5, se. 1/4 sec. 6	1840
Jesse Nave	ne. 1/4 and e. 1/2 nw. sec. 6	1840
John Hargrove	e. 1/2 sw. sec. 6, e. 1/2 nw. sec. 7	Jan. 27, 1840
Wm. Finley	e. 1/2 sw. sec. 7	Jan. 20, 1840
Geo. McCoy	nw. sec. 8	1840
Nova Zembla Johnson	nw. ne. sec. 8	Dec. 8, 1842
Henderson Sims	ne. ne. sec. 8	Oct. 23, 1844
Wm. Sims	se. ne. and ne. se. sec. 8	Dec. 21, 1840
Joseph S. Hoskins	nw. ne. sec. 17	Nov. 16, 1840
John Kirk	w. 1/2 nw. sec. 17	Mar. 2, 1842
Matthew Gibbs	e. 1/2 ne. sec. 18	Jan. 23, 1840
Zina G. Ayer	sw. ne. w. 1/2 se. and se. nw. sec. 18	May 20, 1840
John Yeates	ne. nw. sec. 18	Feb. 10, 1840
	TOWNSHlP 59, RANGE 24.
Warren S. Pond	sw. se. sec. 5	Jan. 18, 1842
James Walls	ne. se. sec. 6	Jan. 13, 1844
T. A. Harbut	n. 1/2 ne. sec. 6	May 4, 1840
T. J. Harbut	e. 1/2 nw. sec. 6	May 4, 1840
Noah R. Hobbs	e. 1/2 sw. sec. 7, and e. 1/2 se. sec. 18	Jan. 2, 8, 1840
David Curtis	e. 1/2 se. sec. 7	Jan. 2, 1840
Sam'l Curtis	e. 1/2 ne. sec. 7	Jan. 2, 1840
Stephen Shrive	sw. ne. sec. 7	Jan. 6, 1842
Sam. W. Anderson	sw. sw. sec. 8	Dec. 18, 1840
Wm. Curtis	se. sw. sec. 8	Dec. 10, 1840
Thos. Curtis	se. nw. sec. 8	Mar. 19, 1840
Elias Gutbridge	se. sec. 8	Dec. 2, 1839
Chas. H. Hays	nw. sec. 17	Jan. 28, 1840
Stephen P. Shrive	e. 1/2 ne. sec. 18	Jan. 24, 1840
John D. Martin	w. 1/2 ne. w. 1/2 se. sec. 18	Oct. 9, 1839
Wm. Brummett	e. 1/2 nw. and e. 1/2 sw. sec. 18	Oct. 14, 1839
Wm. Venable	w. 1/2 ne. sec. 19	Dec. 2, 1839
John W. Boyle	e. 1/2 nw. sec. 19	Jan. 28, 1840
Wm. Smith	e. 1/2 se. sec. 29, nw. ne. sec. 3	Dec. 1, 1840
John B. Hines	e. 1/2 nw. and e. 1/2 sw. sec. 31	Oct. 3, 1839
Samuel B. Campbell	se. 1/4 and w. 1/2 ne. sec. 31	Jan. 28, 1840
James G. Smith	ne. ne. sec. 32	Nov. 30, 1840
John Doss	nw. 33	Nov. 30, 1840
John Findley	ne. 33	Jan. 28, 1840
Wyatt Ogle	n. 1/2 se. sec. 33	Mar. 3, 1840
	TOWNSHIP 59, RANGE 25.
Thomas J. Harbert	e. 1/2 ne. sec. 1	May 4, 1840
Rice Ware	e. 1/2 nw. sec. 1	Dec. 18, 1838
Alex. Dockery	s. 1/2 se. sec. 2 .	Dec. 14, 1839
Alex. Dockery	ne. 1/4 e. 1/2 se. sec. 10	Nov. 19, 1838
Robert Dockery	sw. sw. sec. 10	July 31, 1839
John Brigle	w. 1/2 nw. sec. 10 .	Oct. 25, 1839
R. W. Reeves	ne. ne. sec. 3 and nw. se. sec. 9	Dec. 19, 1840
Hugh S. Welch	nw. ne. sec. 3	Oct. 21, 1839
Green S. Reeves	sw. ne. sec. 3 e. 1/2 se. sec. 8	Nov. 19, 1839
John B. Hines	se. 1/4 sec. 3	July 13, 1839
Wm. C. Davis	w. 1/2 sw. sec 3, e. 1/2 se. sec. 9 and ne. sec. 9	Nov. 19, 1838
Samuel V. Ramsey	w. 1/2 nw. sec. 3	June 17, 1839
John Carmichael	e. 1/2 nw. sec. 3, sw. 1/4 sec. 8, etc.	Oct. 21, 1839
Samuel V. Ramsey	n. 1/2 sec. 4, n. 1/4 and e. 1/2 nw. sec. 5 .	Nov. 19, 1838
E. S. Andrews	w. 1/2 nw., w. 1/2 sw. sec. 5	July 17, 1839
Moses Masters	se. 1/4 sec. 7	Nov. 19, 1838
Wm. F. Peery	w. 1/2 se. sec. 7	Dec. 11, 1838
E. S. Andrews	nw. sec. 8	June 17, 1839
Wm. S. Miller	e. 1/2 sw. sec. 9	April 3, 1839
Milton P. House	nw. sec. 10	Oct. 30, 1838
Dudley Ware	nw. sec. 11	Oct. 9, 1838
Rosson & Dockery	sw. sec. 11	Oct. 9, 1838
Wm. O. Jennings	sw. e. 1/2 nw. sec. 15	Nov. 19, 1838
John Doss	w. 1/2 nw. sec. 15	April 2, 1839
Jonathan Jordan	w. 1/2 se. sec. 17, e. 1/2 n. sec. 20	Dec. 14, 1838
Thos. Peery	sw. 1/2 sec. 17, w. 1/2 sw. sec. 18	Dec. 14, 1838
Wm. M. Crawford	se. sec. 18	Dec. 10, 1838
Wm. S. Miller	1/2 ne. and w. 1/2 nw. sec. 19, and w. 1/2 nw. sec. 31, sw. se. sec. 28 e. 1/2 nw. sec. 20	Dec. and Nov. 1838
Wm. S. Miller	nw. se. sec. 19, nw. ne. sec. 28 e. 1/2 se. sec. 20	1839
Robt. C. Campbell	e. 1/2 se. and sw. se. sec. 19	1838
Abram Sportsman	w. 1/2 sw. sec. 20 .	Oct. 7, 1838
Danl. Y. Kesler	e. 1/2 ne. sec. 20, sw. 1/4 sec. 22	Nov. 21, 1839
John Hart	s. 1/2 sec. 21	Nov. 19, 1838
Payton Sherwood	ne. 1/4 sec. 21	Nov. 27, 1838
Wm. L. Black	ne. ne. sec. 22	April 4, 1839
Jas. W. Black	sw. sec. 23	Oct. 20, 1838
R. T. Roland	sw. nw. sec. 23	April 4, 1839
Saml. Venable	se. sec. 23	Oct. 18, 1838
John Doss	ne. 1/4 sec. 23, sw. 24, nw. sec. 26	Nov. 19, 1838
W. A. Jones	se. sec. 24	Oct. 22, 1838
James Leeper	w. 1/2 sec. 25	Oct. 18, 1838
Andrew Ligett	w. 1/2 se. e. sec. 25	Nov. 26, 1838
John S. Campbell	e. 1/2 se. sec. 25	Nov. 20, 1838
Nathan Cox	nw. sw. se. se. sec. 31, w. 1/2 sw. sec. 32	1839
Mark White	sw. sec. 31	Dec. 1, 1838
Wm. Martin	nw. sec. 32	Oct. 22, 1838
Alex. Martin	e. 1/2 sw. w. 1/2 se. sec. 32	Nov. 19, 1838
Thos. Stone	1/2 ne. e. 1/2 se. sec. 32 and w. 1/2 ne. e. 1/2 se. sec. 33	Dec. 17, 1838
Peter Cain	e. 1/2 ne. sec. 32	Nov. 26, 1838
Geo. W. Martin	nw. sec. 33	Oct. 22, 1838
Saml. V. Ramsey	sw. 1/4 and w. 1/2 se. sec. 33	Nov. 19, 1888
Wm. Carlisle	e. 1/2 ne. sec. 33	Nov. 26, 1838
Wm. P. Clark	e. 1/2 se. sec. 35, w. 1/2 sw. sec. 36	Nov. 19, 1838
Jas. A. Davis	nw. nw., e 1/2 nw. sec. 36	1838
Benj. Hargrove	ne. 1/4 sec. 36	Nov. 19, 1838
Andrew Ligett	se. 1/4 e. 1/2 sw. sec. 36	1838
Wm. Linville	e. 1/2 se. sec. 11.	Dec. 4, 1838
Isham Ware	sw. nw. sec. 12	Nov. 26, 1838
Chas. H. Hayes	se. sec. 12	Nov. 19, 1838
Alex. Ware	e. 1/2 ne. sec. 13	Oct. 9, 1838
Elijah Boon	se. sec. 13	Nov. 10, 1838
John Findley	sw.1/4 w. 1/2 nw. se. nw. sec. 13...	1838
Isham Ware	e. 1/2 ne. e. 1/2 se. sec. 14 .	Oct.Nov.1838
Wm. L. Black	sw. 1/4 and sw. se. sec. 14 and e. 1/2 nw. sec. 23	1838
David Hicklin	e. 1/2 sec. 15 .	Nov. 19, 1838

Although settlements were made in what is now Sampsel township as early as 1834 and 1835, the land was not declared subject to entry, or at least no entries were made, until 1846. The reason for this was the fact that the United States surveyor, a Mr. Henderson, who laid off the township (58-25), died before making his returns, and his papers were lost. The Congressional township was known as the "lost township" from this circumstance.

The original entries in the township, therefore, are given up to 1850, excluding non-residents: -

 

	TOWNSHIP 58, RANGE 25.
Samuel Pepper	se. sec. 1	Oct. 7, 1847
Trevis Sterling	ne. sec. 1	Nov. 22, 1846
Henry Frith	sw. sw. sec. 1	July 24, 1849
John Simpson	e. 1/2 sw. sec. 1	Oct. 11, 1847
Andrew Ligett	n. 1/2 ne. and sw. ne. sec. 2	Oct. 25, 1847
James Jennings	s. 1/2 sw. sec. 2 and e. 1/2 nw. sec. 11	Oct. 25, 1847
James Hicks, Jr.	w. 1/2 nw. sec.2	Oct. 25, 1847
Jesse Offield, Jr.	e. 1/2 ne. sec. 8	Oct. 25, 1847
Thomas Jennings	w. 1/2 se. and se. se. sec. 3	Oct. 25, 1847
Abr. Gann	sw. 1/4 sec. 8	Jan. 11, 1849
James D. Kirk	n. 1/2 w. and sw. nw. sec. 8, and n. 1/2 ne. sec. 4	May 25, 1848
Thomas Kirk	nw. sec. 4	Nov. 21, 1846
Daniel H. Kirk	sw. 1/4 sec. 4	May 25, 1845
B. D. Martin	n. 1/2 ne. sec. 5	Oct. 25, 1846
Nathan Cox	nw. 1/4 sec. 5	Feb. 2, 1846
Levi P. Cox	sw. 1/4 sec. 5	Mar. 4, 1846
A. G. Waddell	se. se. sec. 5	Nov. 11, 1848
D. B. Cox	ne. 1/4 sec. 6	Oct. 14, 1846
James M. Faulkner	nw. 1/4 sec. 6	Feb. 16, 1846
Thomas Litton	e. 1/2 sw. sec. 6	Mar. 16, 1848
Levan Brookshier	w. 1/2 sec. 7	Jan. 6, 1847
David Miller	ne. ne. sec. 8	Oct. 25, 1847
John M. Minnick	e. 1/2 se. sec. 8	June 12, 1847
Thomas D. Kirk	nw. 1/4 sec. 9	Mar. 25, 1848
Joshua Gann	e. 1/2 sw. and w. 1/2 se. sec. 9	Oct. 9, 1847
Thomas E. Boucher	e. 1/2 se. sec. 9 and w. 1/2 sw. sec. 10	May 23, 1848
Thomas J. Kirk	se. 1/4 sec. 10	Aug. 21, 1848
William O. Jennings	w. 1/2 nw. Sec. 11	Oct. 25, 1847
John H. Clark	e. 1/2 sw. sec. 11	Oct. 7, 1847
Henry Frith	w. 1/2 ne. sec. 11	Oct. 11, 1847
Dr. Geo. L. WIlliams	se. sec. 11	Oct. 9, 1848
Dr. Geo. L. Williams	nw. sec. 12	Oct. 11, 1847
John Cooper	sw. 1/4 sec. 12	Nov. 19, 1846
John Hargrove	ne. sec. 12	Oct. 7, 1847
James Martin	ne. sec. 18	Oct. 7, 1847
John B. Williams	nw. sec. 18	Oct. 7, 1847
Jas. M. Alnutt	se. sec. 18	Nov. 19, 1846
Wm. Hale	w. 1/2 sw. sec. 18	Oct. 7, 1847
R. H. Stockwell	se. sw. sec. 13	Aug. 14, 1849
Luther Lowe	ne. sec. 14 and nw. nw. sec. 15	Oct. 10, 1849
Brannock Curtis	se. sec 14	April 17, 1848
Wm. E. Gibbons	sw. sec. 14	Oct. 19, 1848
F. C. Hughes	nw. sec. 14	Nov. 2, 1847
F. C. Hughes	ne. sec. 17	Nov. 30, 1847
Wm. Mansfield	ne. sec.15	Oct. 16, 1848
Elisha Boucher	se. sec. 15	May 23, 1848
Wm. G. Frith	se. nw. sec. 15,	Aug. 10, 1848
Henry H. Minnick	sw. sec. 17 .	Nov. 29, 1848
Russell Williams	w. 1/2 nw. sec. 17	Nov. 16, 1846
Michael Halbert	e. 1/2 nw. sec. 17	Nov. 11, 1848
Thom. Brooks	e. 1/2 ne. and e. 1/2 se. sec. 18	July 24, 1849
John Mansfield, Jr.	w. 1/2 ne. sec. 21	Sept. 11, 1847
Wm. T. Todd	e. 1/2 ne. sec.21	Oct. 7, 1847
Jas. W. McClure	w. 1/2 se. and ne. se. sec. 21, and nw. sw. sec. 22	Nov. 13, 1848
David S. Breeze	w. 1/2 nw. sec. 22	Oct. 9, 1847
W. Mansfield	e. 1/2 nw. and e. 1/2 sw. sec. 22	Sept. 13, 1849
Dr. Wm. Carlisle	w. 1/2 ne. and se. ne. sec. 22	Oct. 9, 1847
Amos Walker	sw. 1/4 sec. 28	Nov. 19, 1846
J. A. Dryden	se. and ne. ne. sec. 28	Nov. 11, 1846
R. D. Alnutt	nw. sec. 24	Nov. 10, 1846
Thos. J. Martin	sw. sec. 24	Sept. 23, 1846
Henry H. Simons.	w. 1/2 se. sec. 24	Nov. 10, 1846
James Stockwell	w. 1/2 ne. sec. 24	Nov. 10, 1846
John H. Clark	w. 1/2nw. sec. 25, and e. 1/2 ne. sec. 26	Oct. 16, 1848
Marcus White	e. 1/2 nw. and nw. nw. sec. 26, w. 1/2 ne., ne. ne. sec. 27	1848

In time religious services were held, first at the cabins of the settlers. The house of Isham Ware was a favorite resort for the Methodists, who held the first meetings in the township. Rev. Jesse Green, of Lexington, was the first presiding elder of this district, and the first Methodist preachers in Jackson were Revs. Reuben Aldridge, T. T. Ashley, Lorenzo Waugh, Dunlevey, Millice and Blaisdell. Dunlevy and Millice were residents of the township, but both backslid afterward and went entirely to the bad.

As the country developed it became a point of importance to reach a market for produce. A great deal of bacon was cured every year, and corn, wheat, potatoes, hides, etc., were to be had very cheap. The nearest market was Brunswick, a long distance to haul wagon loads of produce over poor roads for low prices. Certain men built flat boats and keel boats in Grand river and loaded them with cargoes of provisions and articles of produce generally, and ran them down into the Missouri and on to St. Louis. This was kept up until the Hannibal Railroad was built, in 1859, and every year or so keel boat loads of the productions of the county were shipped out.

Mills were neither very scarce or very plentiful. Old Samuel E. Todd's mill, at Utica, was resorted to by the people of the southern portion of the township for many years. Horse mills were resorted to by many, and some went to Peniston's mill, up at Millport, in Daviess county. After some years John Gillaspy's mill was built on East Grand river. Hargrove's and C. H. Ashby's ferries were in existence as early as 1839; the latter was at the present site of Graham's mill.

Jackson township bore her full part in the affairs of the county, and her full share of duties and responsibilities. She furnished quite a number of men for the Mormon War, who took part in the Haun's Mill massacre, and bore other parts. She furnished men for Slack's company in the Mexican War. She was largely represented in the California emigration. In the Kansas troubles she was especially interested and furnished men and money for the pro-slavery cause.

In 1858 a "vigilance committee" was appointed at a large public meeting at Chillicothe to look after the slaveholding interests of the country and in this meeting Jackson largely participated. The "vigilance committee" was composed of a number of men from each township, and among their duties they were required to examine every new comer into the country and see if he was "sound" on the slavery question. Maj. Wm. F. Miller was one of the committee for Jackson, appointed without consultation, but he indignantly refused to serve and denounced the entire proceedings. When the war came on he served in the Southern army, but he had no sympathy with the proscriptive measures of 1858.

Among the notable characters who once resided in this township was Samuel Thompson, who came in from Indiana at a very early date and lived and died here. Sam Thompson was a great practical joker, a rare humorist, a good story-teller and withal a man of good sense. He seemed to take a pleasure, however, in creating and maintaining an impression that he was altogether eccentric and "funny."

In early days the voters of Jackson elected a man to the office of justice of the peace, who began his career by treating the voters to a bucketful of honey taken from a bee tree. He was ignorant and unlettered and a good subject for a practical joke. Thompson soon singled out the magistrate for a laughing stock. Sam had a female dog that broke into Reub. Campbell's smoke house and stole some meat. Learning of this, Sam induced Campbell and some other wags to go before Esq. W. and demand that the aforesaid dog be arrested and punished!

The unsophisticated Dogberry was easily persuaded to make himself ridiculous. He issued a warrant, delivered it to Sam Campbell, the constable, and the latter soon came into court, leading the canine culprit by a string and followed by Thompson, who assumed a serious demeanor, as if the occasion was one of real gravity. He asked to be allowed to appear as "next friend" for the dog and his request was granted.

The information alleged that "a certain bitch dog of the name of Queen" had stolen "a certain piece of midlin' meat," and so was guilty of larceny, "against the peace and dignity of the State," etc. Sam said he appeared to defend a valued "member of his household," and he entered a plea of "not guilty." Witnesses were sworn and examined, and then cross-examined very vigorously by Thompson, who contended as earnestly for the "rights" of his client as if she had been on trial for murder or high treason. The proceedings were conducted with decorum, for the magistrate was in earnest, and Thompson and the crowd affected to be. When the testimony was all in Thompson delivered a very eloquent and affecting speech for the defense, beseeching the magistrate as a last resort that if he should find "Queen" guilty, he should "consider the respect and deference due the female sex," and be merciful in the matter of punishment.

The magistrate was not to be driven from his duty by any sentimental considerations, and as the proof was conclusive he found the animal guilty and sentenced her to receive "39 lashes on the bare back, well laid on." Sam promptly gave notice of an appeal to the circuit court, offering to procure a bond for "Queen" in the sum of $100 if given a little time. The next morning the papers had to be made out in regular form, and the justice was on his way to consult a friend in the neigborhood in regard to the manner in which this was to be done, when Tom Martin, who thought the ridiculous business had gone far enough, informed Esq. W.'s brother of the real state of affairs. The brother set out at once and informed the magistrate that he had already made a fool of himself, "and for the Lord's sake stop whar you are and don't make it no wuss." Sam had meant that all the papers should be certified up in legal formality, and had arranged to have upon the dog's bond the signatures of some of the best men in the township, and he deeply regretted that his joke was stopped, though it had already proceeded far enough to furnish many a hearty laugh for years afterward.

Of his many other practical jokes there is not room here to speak. How he induced a spruce young Kentuckian to hold on to a log chain and allow himself to be drawn by a yoke of cattle through one of the deepest muddiest ponds in the Grand river bottom; how he sold to a verdant Kansas City sportsman a worthless cur dog for $20 by representing that the animal was a well trained and most valuable "all-purpose dog;" how he got a minister of the Gospel as drunk as sailor, can only be mentioned.

His epigrams, odd but trite expressions, pithy sentences, and humorous sayings are even yet quoted. A candidate for a local office, he addressed his constituency in a grandiloquent speech informing them that though he had then attained to distinction ( ?) he had seen

worse days. "I was born and reared in poverty, gentlemen," he said. "I went bare-footed till I was of age, and I wore no other garment than a tow linen shirt until my arm was as big as an ear of corn!" Mr. Thompson died some years after the war. He was a member of the Livingston county company in the Mexican War, and was a good soldier, and really a worthy citizen.

During the Civil War Jackson township was the scene of more thrilling adventures and exciting and dangerous episodes than any other township in North Missouri. The complete war history of the township would fill a fair sized volume. It was here that Gen. Slack's troops rendezvoused preparatory to their departure for the army of Gen. Price. The township was largely Southern in sentiment, but the Union men were stanch and brave.

In the fall of 1861 Hon. William F. Peery, an early settler of the township, a leading Democratic politician, and who a few years before had been elected State Senator, took out a considerable company of Confederate recruits from the forks. He passed through Chillicothe, where his men supplied themselves with certain articles they needed, and then went on into Carroll county. Here, at Perry Todd's barn, the company had a skirmish with a small Federal force under Capt. W. R. Love, of Linn county. In the fall of 1864, while on his way back into this county with Lieut. Monroe Williams and two others, Maj. Peery was killed by some Carroll county militia; Lieut. Williams was also killed. The major was commonly known as "Black Bill Peery."

In 1862 all Jackson township was in a state of war. Joe Kirk and his men were afield, and the Federals who entered the township had to be circumspect and wary. The Union men of the township armed themselves, and for weeks at a time both sides slept "with one eye open." Hardly a day passed without a skirmish. There was a great deal of bushwhacking. Men were shot at in the fields, on the highways and even at home.

The exploits and hair-breadth escapes of the partisans of both sides - of Joe Kirk, John Blackburn, Jim Rider, Bill Darr, Jim Nave, Dave Martin, Tom Crews, Henderson Wilborn and other prominent spirits on the Southern side, and of Lieut. Lemuel Hargrave, Marion Hicks, W. C. Wood, Newt. Hicks and other Union men of the militia were numerous and highly perilous.

On one occasion in the winter Henderson Wilborn was chased by the Federal militia to West Grand river. The ground was covered with a thick sleet and was an icy sheet, while the river was swollen and running with floating ice. The house where Wilborn lay sleeping was surrounded by the militia, but he ran out and tumbled and rolled down a hill into the brush where his horse was hitched. Reaching Grand river, with his pursuers at his heels, he dismounted and leaping from one cake of ice to another (after the manner of "Eliza," the heroine of "Uncle Tom's Cabin"), he crossed the raging flood and climbed the opposite bank in safety, though the bullets of the militia were striking all about him.

How many times the Hicks boys, I. B. Weaver, Hargrave and other Union men were chased by the rebel partisans and narrowly escaped with their lives can not be enumerated. The reliable Union men, such as Esq. Moss, James Hicks, Styles, Stout, Dennis, Bevell and Lewis Clark, had their horses and other property taken from them, and some of them had their houses fired into. It is remarkable that in all of these hazardous experiences so few lives were lost.

But notwithstanding the many causes for long existing feuds which occurred during the days of strife, after the war was over the people generally, of both sides, accepted the situation, "buried the hatchet" and agreed to let by-gones be by-gones. Side by side dwell in peace and concord, the ex-Confederate and the ex-Federal, with their backs to the past and their faces to the future. There have been no political quarrels, but on the contrary there have been new political affiliations. A few years since Capt. Joe Kirk, the old rebel Rob Roy, was the candidate for a county office of the Republicans, and was as ardently supported by many of the old militiamen whom he had often fought as if he had been born and bred in Massachusetts and his name Jim Blaine. For Kirk himself long ago shut his eyes to dead issues, and closed his ears to the appeals of those who argue of ideas old and obsolete.

Many an old Confederate is now a Republican; many, very many, old Federals are stalwart Democrats, and there is no inconsistency in the matter. It is this sensible view that obtains in old Jackson which, though Democratic to the core, and the core sound, tolerates without hindrance or restraint Republicans, Greenbackers, Prohibitionists, and even Belva Lockwood men!

The improvement and development of the country, the bettering of their condition generally, the maintenance of schools and churches, the common ground and the general welfare - these matters for years have engaged the attention of the people of Jackson township. The people are as hospitable, as generous and as worthy generally as were their ancestors, or those who first settled the township.

Jesse Nave is considered the founder of Spring Hill. He settled here, and in 1836 opened a small store. Not long afterwards a post office was established and called Navestown, by which name the locality was long known. Sometimes parties addressed their letters to "Knave's Town," and this misspelling, with its unpleasant suggestion, would anger Uncle Jesse, who was postmaster. It is said that these annoying mistakes were so frequent as to cause him to petition the department for a change in the name to Spring Hill. The hill on which the town is situated had a number of springs at its base, and was called "the spring hill" at a very early date.

Spring Hill was regularly laid out and named in April, 1848, "on the northeast quarter of section 6, township 58, range 24." The plat is at an angle from a north and south line of 38 degrees. Before this, however, there had been stores and shops, and at one time a horse mill.

From 1850 to about 1859 Spring Hill was a place of considerable importance. At one time it was considered a better town than Chillicothe. It was indeed a good trading point. There were excellent stores, a tannery, a considerable pork-packing establishment, and a complement of shops. In the spring of 1851 the Methodist church was built. Of this church the eminent divine, Dr. John D. Vincil, now at St. Louis, was pastor in 1858, and rode this circuit here for a year or more.

The building of the Hannibal Railroad, which gave new life and prosperity to Chillicothe and Utica, greatly injured Spring Hill, and the Civil War, which came two years later, well nigh destroyed it. Since the war business has revived somewhat, but the prospects for the enlargement of the town are not brilliant.

During the war, in 1863, Capt. Barnes' company of militia was stationed here and built a sort of block house and stockade combined which they called "Fort Lumpkin." Here the militia, nearly all of whom were from Jackson township, were quartered for a time under the command of Lieuts. Gibbs and Hargrave.

At the time of Poindexter's raid the town was visited by both parties - by the Confederates first, and by their pursuers the following day. The latter took dinner and supper in the town, furnishing their own provisions and dividing their "store coffee" with some of the citizens. Their conduct was very commendable, and often commented upon, even by the citizens of strong Confederate proclivities.

It was perhaps in 1859 when John Stewart, a merchant of Spring Hill, was shot and mortally wounded by a Mrs. Barlow, who lived in the village. Stewart was approaching the house of the woman for an improper purpose, and as he did not heed her warning to halt, she fired upon him with fatal elect. Though Mrs. Barlow was acquitted of all blame, it has often been alleged that the killing was the result of a plot. On his dying bed Stewart declared that he had often visited the woman's house and been welcomed, and that when she threatened him on the last occasion he thought she was not in earnest. Many persons believed that the woman was employed to kill Stewart by certain of his enemies.

Lilly Grove Christian Church.- The well known Lilly Grove Church stands on the southeast corner of section 15 - 59 - 25, about two miles southeast of Muddy Lane post-office. It is a frame, and was built in the year 1858, at a cost of $1,100. Mr. John W. Boyle furnished the greater portion of the inside work, and has since re-roofed it at his own expense. The church organization was effected in 1858, with about 50 members. Present membership, 75. The pastors who have ministered to the organization since its existence have been Revs. Thomas Thompson, I. S. Allen, George Flint, Wm. Herriman, W. B. A. Carter, M. Peterson, J. D. Willmot, B. Lockhart, E G. Duncan, C. A. Hedrick, W. D. Jordan, Jacob Creath, D. T. Bisset, Ben. Matchett, W. S. Trader, W. T. Parker, R. M. Messick.

Bethel Church, M. E. South.- Some of the first members of this organization were J. B. Francis, A. Ramsey, Robt. Landerdale, Andrew Anderson, John A. Davidson, Wm. Rains, E. M. Ware, Wm. Kennedy, J. S. Frith, John Hurshey, and their wives; there were 48 members in all. The church building stands on the se. 1/4, section 10 - 59 - 25; it is a frame and was built in 1872 at a cost of $1,300. The pastors have been Revs. S. W. Cope, J. Y. Blakey, D. Penny, J. A. Hider, J. W. Peery, S. S. Hardin, A. S. Doke, W. Sorter, B. F. Stilwell, J. B. Hunt, and -- Dameron. There are 25 names now on the roll of members. The number of scholars in the Sabbath-school is 40; the superintendent is J. F. Anderson. The church organization was constituted in 1867.

The township of Sampsel was organized out of Jackson July 22, 1874, on petition of Joseph Clark and others. It embraced what had been the southwest portion of Jackson, or township 58-25, and the northeast corner of 57-25, and this is its present area. It was named for the town of Sampsel.

Although there is a great deal of bottom land in the township there are many fine farms, and an intelligent, enterprising people. The township contains three churches and as many school-houses. The Wabash Railroad runs through in a general direction from southeast to northwest, and has a station here.

The town of Sampsel was laid out in July, 1871, on the land of John C. and Elizabeth Whitaker, Wm. and Emily J. Whitaker and James H. Britton, the latter of St. Louis. It was named for J. F. B. Sampsel, who was prominently connected with the old Chillicothe and Omaha Railroad Company. The building of the road caused the laying out of the town. The depot was built in 1871, since which time the station has made but little further progress.

Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church. - On May 10, 1873, this church was organized with the following members: Abraham Gann, Jane Gann, Agnes Boucher, Thomas Boucher, Sarah L. Clark, Edward Gibbons, Sarah Ewen, Jane Hughes, Martha Breeze, Isabella Hughes, John Hughes, Elizabeth Yates, A. J. Boucher, Elizabeth Boucher, John Boucher, Sarah Boucher and others. A frame church building was erected in 1877, which cost $900. The pastors that have served this church have been Peter Booth, Barton Robinson, F. M. Wadley, W. W. Walden and David Scott. There have been ten deaths in the church since its organization. The present membership is 38. The present number of Sabbath-school scholars is 50. Thomas Boucher is superintendent of the school. The church building stands on the ne. 1/4of section 21.

The farm which Mr. Anderson now owns and cultivates upon the above named section is an excellent one over 250 acres in extent and so arranged as to be admirably adapted to the purposes of general farming and stock raising. While he is an agriculturist of advanced ideas and tendencies, he does not lose sight of the stock interests and in this industry he is gaining quite a local reputation. The improvements on his place are of a good order and kept in neat condition. Mr. Anderson was born on the 6th day of March, 1844, and is a native Missourian. However he is of Kentucky parentage, for both his father and mother came from the Blue Grass State to Missouri in 1841. Andy Anderson, the father, now a resident of Arkansas, has been twice married; December 8, 1842, in Grundy county, Mo., Miss Mary J. Bone became his wife, but she died April 20, 1855, leaving five children, of whom James F. was the eldest; Thomas S. was born March 20, 1850; Susan A. was born October 22, 1845, and died April 20, 1855; Joannnh E. was born May 3, 1848, and died April 17, 1855; and Addie E. was born August 10, 1853, and died April 20, 1855. Mr. A.'s second marriage was to Mrs. Catherine Ware, nee McHaney. James F. Anderson, after reaching manhood, made some two or three trips across the plains in 1865 occupied in freighting. April 9, 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Letitia Crews, daughter of Joseph and Letitia Crews; the latter were formerly from Kentucky and relocated to this State in 1845, here rearing their family of 11 children: Eliza J., wife of John S. Venable; Mary A., Mrs. R. D. Thompson; William H. and six that died in infancy: Mary E., Joseph, Williamson, Elisabeth C. and two infants. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have had seven children: Williamson H., born February 4, 1868; Drury, born March 12, 1870; Mary C., born November 26, 1872; Edward F., born July 24, 1875; Joseph A., born February 1, 1878; Bessie B., born November 26, 1880, and Oran G., born October 21, 1883. Mr. Anderson and his estimable wife are members of the M. E. Church South.

Among the old residents of this township who are accorded a worthy place in the respect of her citizens is Isaac Ashby, originally from the Blue Grass State, and a man now in his sixty-eighth year, his birth having occurred in Ohio county, January 11, 1819. His parents were Virginians by nativity, but early made their home in Kentucky, where they died. In their family were 10 children: Isaac, Rebecca, now Mrs. Warden Williams; Martha A., wife of A. G. Brown; Lucinda, wife of Robert Brown; Jared T., John R., William, Sanford R. and Edmund R. All of these were reared in their native State and all were taught the rudiments and later experience of farm labor, a calling in which the subject of this sketch seems to excel. The brothers, with the exception of Jared, are connected with the Masonic Order. Sanford R. Ashby was a resident of this county for several years, but annually he went to Texas and from there returned to Kentucky. It was on November 25, 1845, that Isaac Ashby was united in marriage with Miss Judith Anderson, daughter of Thomas and Anna Anderson, the former originally from Ireland and the latter of Virginia; they were both reared in Kentucky and in that State passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Ashby are the parents of two children: Nancy A., wife of John A. Mastries, and Emma C., now Mrs. Louis Rice. Mr. Ashby and wife are consistent upright members of the Baptist Church. It was in 1869 that he became located in this county and here he has since closely applied himself to farming and stock-raising, and with what success may be inferred from a glance at his present place. This contains 160 acres well improved and in good cultivation and nicely situated. Besides this he still possesses a 50-acre tract in the Blue Grass State. He is connected with Jamesport Lodge No. 201, of the A. F. and A. M.

This honored and respected old resident of Jackson township is accorded a worthy place in this volume, for he is one of the oldest living residents of the county. His occupation during life has been that of a farmer, and he is now living in retirement on his place of 56 acres, surrounded by many comforts and all the necessities of life, enjoying the respect of those who know him. Born in Henderson county, Ky., September 11, 1801, be came to this State with his parents in 1819, locating near Boonville, Cooper county, from whence they soon went to Ray county, which at that time included Carroll, Livingston, Grundy, Mercer, Harrison, Davies and Caldwell counties. In 1833 he settled near the present site of Jameson, in Daviess county. In 1824 he was elected sheriff of the territory above mentioned, and during his term of office he took the census and was also assessor in 1826, 24 days being all the time necessary for him to do his work and make returns. September 6, 1825, Mr. Black was first married in Ray county to Miss Mary W. Morgan, the daughter of Ira and Abigail Morgan, by whom he had nine children: E. M., Jane, now Mrs. Preston Cadell; William C., Robert, Charles, Henry, Sarah A., wife of Jasper Seats, Anderson and Adam R. Mr. Black's second wife was formerly Margaret Grooms, but there was no issue of that marriage. October 15, 1857, his third marriage occurred to Miss Sallie Kelley, daughter of Edward Kelley, and there were three children born to them: George W., Selah and Shelby. Mr. Black's life has been one of varied experiences and changes. He was one of the first settlers of Daviess county, was justice of the peace there after its organization, and was county judge for four years. In 1844 he went to Gentry county, served as justice there some time and later was elected judge and filled the position four years. When Gentry county was divided it left him in the new county of Worth, and he was appointed by the Governor one of the commissioners to organize the county. In 1861, on account of his Southern proclivities, he left there and came to this county, which has since been his home. For three years he also served as one of the county judges here. For some time he was in the Black Hawk war. He has been an old line Whig, and even now at his age takes remarkable interest in political matters. Mr. Black's parents were natives of Virginia, but went to Kentucky in an early day. They had 11 children in their family.

The old settlers of Jackson township are no more worthily represented in the present work than by the subject of this sketch, who came here at a time when Indians were numerous and game of all kind abounded; his nearest market for supplies was at Lexington, and he has indeed lived to see this wilderness "bud and blossom like the rose." Mr. Brassfield has always been a farmer, the calling to which be was reared, and one that has offered him much profit. His birth occurred in Claiborne county, Tenn., February 12, 1814, his parents being James and Mary Brassfield, also of Tennessee nativity, both now deceased, the mother having died after her removal to Missouri. Seven children were in their family: Minter, Riley, Ansel, Elizabeth, Permelia, Charles and Aaron. Riley Brassfield, the subject of this sketch, first came to this State in 1833, taking up his location in Livingston county, but in 1837 he returned as far South as Kentucky, and the same year married Miss Rachel Trammel, daughter of Peter and Mary Trammel, also originally from Tennessee, both then of Kentucky. Subsequently Mr. Brassfield returned to this county and township and located on his present homestead, which embraces 300 acres of fine land, well improved and adorned with a commodious dwelling. Mr. Brassfield's marriage above referred to was consummated September 17, 1837, his wife being one of 11 children, whose names were Dennis, William, Nancy, Elizabeth, Milly Thomas, Mary, Rachel, Sallie, Archibald and Margret. Ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Brassfield grew up to mature years: Laura J., born June 13, 1838, wife of F. M. Hughes; Mahala A., born September 10, 1839, now Mrs. J. B. Pond; Emily C., born September 23, 1841, married H. H. Turner, and is now deceased; G. M., born August 6, 1843; Mary M., born September 28, 1845, now Mrs. Joseph Irwin; Martha A., born November 23, 1847, wife of A. J. Bone; Zerilda E., born December, 1849, now Mrs. Richard Curtis; J. N., born June 25, 1852; Letitia, born July 14, 1855, married H. H. Purnes, and Rachel J., born April 12, 1862, is Mrs. George Ranbie. Mr. Brasfield and wife have been members of the Baptist Church for 50 years, and have always taken warm and devoted interest in the progress of their religion. They are ever ready to lend a helping hand, and in many instances their liberality has been shown. This portion of the county has been greatly aided by their influence and help.

The subject of this sketch, John W. Boyle, was born in Clark county, Ky., October 4, 1809, and to this day he retains in his nature the free-handed, open-hearted and warm hospitality and cordiality characteristic of all true Kentuckians. His parents came originally from Virginia, to the Blue Grass State in an early day, and they subsequently died in Missouri. Nine children were in their family: Elizabeth, Harriet, Patsy C., John W., Julia A., Stephen A., Amanda M., J. T. C. and Cynthia J. James Boyle, father of John W., was born in Old Virginia, as it was then called, August 12, 1776. His father, Stephen Boyle, moved from Virginia to Clark county, Ky., when the Indians were plentiful and savage, the country a perfect cane brake, and but few whites had ventured to penetrate the wilderness, as it were. He located two and a half miles west from Winchester and two miles from what was then called Strode's Station, where they retreated for protection when attacked by the savages. At this time he kept several hounds. One evening while the old Negro servant was milking, the hounds suddenly raved out and reached the servant just in time to save her from the grasp of the Indians, who had stolen up behind her to take her captive. It was the custom in those days for some to stand guard against the stealthy approach of the Indians while the others worked in the fields. James Boyle married the widow of John Boyle, whose maiden name was Jane Forman. He moved to Missouri when the Indians were numerous, settled in Linn county, where he died September 29, 1845, having been for many years a member of the Church of Christ. Jane Boyle, wife of James, was born August 14, 1780, on the road when her father, William Forman, was moving from Old Virginia to Bourbon county, Ky. He, Wm. Forman, settled one mile west of North Middletown, where the county was almost uninhabited save by the Aborigines. He died at a good old age, on the same farm, having been a faithful Methodist preacher. Jane Boyle, wife of James B., died in Livingston county, Mo., January 21, 1854, having lived a faithful member of' the church of Christ. Young John early had instilled into his youthful nature all the duties of farm life and this calling has ever continued to be his chosen field of labor. With care and perseverance he has attended to his adopted avocation, and with energy and thoroughness his successful results have been reaped, until now, past the age usually allotted to man, he is in possession of a competence fully sufficient to warrant him in passing the remainder of his days in peace and comfort. It was in 1839 that Mr. Boyle became permanently located in Livingston county, and here he has continued to be well known and highly regarded by the many who are favored with his acquaintance. His fine place embraces 383 acres well improved and in good cultivation. November 9, 1830, Mr. Boyle was manned to Miss Zerelda Barbee, who was born July 25, 1816, the daughter of Lewis and Kitty Barbee, of Bourbon county, Ky. The names of the 10 children born to them, with the dates of birth, are as follows: Kitty J., born August 31, 1837, has been an invalid for 41 years and has not walked since she was seven years old; Emarine A., born November 15, 1839, and now Mrs. J. P. Hutchinson; James L., born March 2, 1842; Ann Z., born September 7, 1849, wife of Howell Smith; Patsy R., born April 26, 1852, now Mrs. L. H. Christian; Lizzie O., born January 4, 1860, married to T. G. Phelps; Mary M., born May 19, 1844, married P. H. Lilly and died September 3, 1883; William S., born December 14, 1846, died December 29, 1872; Cynthia M., born June 1, 1854, died July 23, 1854; Joe Alice, born June 16, 1857, died July 8, 1859. Zerelda, wife of John W. Boyle, died April 9, 1883. Mrs. Boyle's parents were both of Kentucky nativity, her father dying September 6, 1835, at Lexington, Ky., and her mother some time previous. The former had been married three times, and had two children by the first wife, Zerelda and William, the latter dying when small. By the second marriage there were three children: J. J., S. P. and B. L. Barbee. Lee A. Barbee, the only child from the last marriage, died in infancy. Mr. Boyle, the subject of this sketch, is a warm and consistent member of the Christian Church, always being ready and willing to help in the cause of Him under whose banner he enlisted in 1828. His family are also connected with the same denomination. His father was a soldier in the War of 1812. His mother was twice married, first to John Boyle and afterwards to James Boyle, Harriet, Betsy and Patsy being the children resulting from the first union. One remarkable trait in the character of Mr. B. is his strong will, and an item bearing out this statement is seen in his discontinuing the use of tobacco in the fall of 1885, after a period of 70 years of constant use.

The subject of this sketch comes of a family well and favorably known throughout Livingston county, for his father has long been settled here, and in another portion of the present work mention is made of him in detail. He was born, as there stated, in Butler county, O., March 23, 1810, of Pennsylvania lineage, his wife's birth occurring in Wabash county, Ill., December 23, 1822. She was the great-granddaughter of Gen. Putnam, of Revolutionary fame, her maiden name being Lucinda Claypool. Their marriage was consummated in Lee county, Ia., and eight children were born to them, five reaching maturity: Hannah C., who married James E. Molton, now deceased; Columbus O., Loretta A., George W. and Mary C. George W. was born March 21, 1852, and though now comparatively young in years, he has reached a position in agricultural matters which others older in years and experience might well desire. He has taken a great interest in sheep culture, in connection with other stock, and has become well versed in that branch of farm life. His home is an attractive place, just such one as he would be expected to own, neat, comfortable and well improved. Indeed, the improvements upon the place are above the average and are kept in good condition. One feature of this farm is the splendid orchard which is found upon it. Mr. Dennis' parents now reside in Chillicothe.

It is a remarked fact that those men of Kentucky birth and antecedents in this county all seem to have peculiarly successful results in their farming operations, and Mr. Dockery is but another example of this truth. His parents were both Kentuckians by birth and in 1838 took up their location in Missouri, the father subsequently dying here, but the mother still survives and makes her home in Livingston county. Twelve children constituted their family, as follows: Alexander, Robert, Elizabeth, William, George W., John, Milton, James, Nancy, now deceased, as is also Burrell, Paulina D. and Sciotha D. Alexander, the eldest of these, and the subject of this sketch, was born January 26, 1829, in Kentucky, and consequently was only about nine years old when brought to this State by his parents. Since that time he has experienced many noticeable changes throughout the country. Brought up as a farmer's boy, he has ever devoted himself to that calling, and with a perseverance in industry which could not fail of favorable results. After reaching manhood he was married January 27, 1850, to Miss Mahala A. Dockery, the daughter of Alexander and Nancy Dockery, also of Kentucky nativity, who came to Chariton county, Mo., in 1829, and to Livingston county in 1834. Mrs. D. was one of the native-born persons of the State and herself one of four children: Willis, Paulina, wife of Gideon Embry, and Sarah E., now Mrs. John A. Davidson. Her father was a pioneer in this county and saw much of the privations and hardships of pioneer life. He was a participant in the Mormon and Heatherly wars. Could space but permit much of interest might be written in this connection of the condition of the country at that time. Wild beasts and game of all kinds abounded and the dreaded Indian often manifested his presence by petty depredations. One of Mrs. Dockery's brothers, Willis, is now prominent minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church South and at this time is a resident of the county. Mr. D. and wife have the parents of one child, Nancy E., born November 21, 1850, wife of John Wooldridge. Mr. and Mrs. Wooldridge have one daughter, Allie Mabel, who contributes not a little towards the sunshine and happiness of her grandparents' home. Mr. Dockery is actively engaged in farming and stock-raising, his place containing 100 acres of splendid land, mid all under good cultivation. He is a large stock holder in three different banks. He is a consistent member of the Baptist Church.

Mr. Francis has been a resident of Livingston county the greater portion of his little, or for a period of something like 43 years. During this time he has been actively and successfully engaged in tilling the soil, the occupation to which he was reared, and has done much to promote the agricultural interests of the community. A life-long experience in the business has rendered him well acquainted with every detail connected with it. His present estate embraces 360 acres, and all of this is in good cultivation. Mr. Francis was born October 23, 1830, in Wayne county, Ky., and in 1832 was brought to this State, a location being made in Miller county. After going to Platte county and living there some time he came to this county in 1843 with his parents, Elisha and Theresa (Huff) Francis, also originally from the Blue Grass State. In their family tree six children: John, Rachel, now Mrs. Whitehead; James B., Daniel, William and Nancy, wife of William Hamilton. Young James passed his boyhood days like most of the youths of this vicinity and after reaching mature years he married November 16, 1854, Miss Mary J. Williams, one of 12 children of John B. and Mary Williams, Virginians by birth, who died to this county in 1844. The names of these children were George E., Margaret, Mrs. James Kirk; John H., Martha, wife of R. P. Peniston; Charles, Nancy, wife of William Lumpkins; Mary J. and Victoria, who married L. F. Thompson; John W., Lena, Mrs. James Frith, deceased; Daniel H. and Ira T. Eight children have been given to Mr. Francis and wife: John, born March 27, 1856; Daniel, born May 6, 1859; Eliza, born May 27, 1861, the wife of John Peniston; Louis, born November 13, 1863; Dick, born December 20, 1865; Joseph, born April 20, 1868; Martha A., born October 6, 1857, died November 29, 1858, and Alva C., born March 16, 1878, died February 27, 1879. Mr. Francis and his wife are connected with the M. E. Church South. He also belongs to Spring Hill Lodge No. 155, A. E. and A. M. The duties of various official positions have from time to time been discharged by him in a manner highly satisfactory, and at present he is postmaster at Muddy Lane. Among other things he is now township collector of Jackson township. His stock, of which he makes something of a specialty, is of good grades, and indeed his place is one of the better ones of the community.

This representative, substantial citizen of Jackson township was born May 3, 1826, in Whitley county, Ky., being one of 13 children which blessed the union of his parents, David and Elizabeth Girdner, formerly a Miss Penman. The names of the others were Mary, now Mrs. White:, Nancy, wife of Pleas. Blakely; Granberry, Michael, deceased; Charles G., Mahala, wife of Thomas Yves; Joseph, James M., Elizabeth, who married Sam Darr; Elijah, Samuel and Elizabeth A., the last three named also being deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Girdner were both natives of Pennsylvania and upon leaving there went to Greene county, then, going thence to Kentucky in an early day. In 1834 they came with their family to this county and continued to make their home here until their deaths, the father dying January 31, 1864, and the mother in November, 1862. David Girdner was a soldier in the War of 1812 and was drum major of his regiment. David, the subject of this sketch, was raised upon a farm and has always devoted himself to this occupation. Having come here at the time he did he saw much of pioneer life and has witnessed a great change in the affairs of the county since that time. Then Indians were numerous in the county and wild beasts were at home here. Neither schools nor mills were here and many hardships were undergone by those brave enough to undertake for themselves a home in the wilderness. Young Girdner's educational advantages were limited but this has not deterred him from being successful in a material point of view. He now owns 1,035 acres of good land and is giving considerable attention to the stock business, in which he is well versed. Mr. G.'s wife was formerly Miss Martha, daughter, of Jonathan and Martha Smith, who were themselves the parents of five children besides Martha; Saphronia, now Mrs. Louis Clark; Rebecca, wife of Charles Girdner; William, Sarah, who married William Webster; and Jemima, who died when small. Six children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Girdner; Michael P., born February 3, 1860; Jonathan C., born July 22, 1861; Sarah K., born October 30, 1863, now Mrs. Thomas Wingo; Louis M., born July 13, 1865; William M., born September 21, 1867; and Jemima, born December 20, 1870.

The subject of this sketch has contributed more than an average lifetime of honest toil to the upbringing and prosperity of this county and is one of those who,

will have left worthy families of children to carry forward their work.

Born in Jefferson county, Tenn., July 26, 1808, he became located in Missouri, in Saline county, at an early day, and in about 1835 he settled in this county, which has since been his home, a period now of over 50 years. Mr. Hargrave's parents were John and Hannah (Harrison) Hargrave, Virginians by birth; the latter died in Tennessee. The father was in the War of 1812 and also with "Old Hickory " Jackson in early Indian Wars. He was a pioneer to this State and afterwards participated in the Black Hawk and Mormon Wars. Benjamin was one of eight children, the others being Polly, James, William, Jane, Sarah, Susan, Nancy. John Hargrave was subsequently married to Miss Martha Hamilton, who bore him four children: Frederick, Thomas, Alexander and Jesse. By his third marriage, to Miss Phebe Tucker, he had four children: Lemuel, Elizabeth, Verlina and Rachel. During life he was very successful in following farming. Mr. Benjamin Hargrave has also been twice married. First, to Miss Tobitha Nave, one of eleven children of Jacob and Elizabeth Nave. The nannies of her brothers and sisters were Jesse, Rebecca, John, William, Elizabeth, Nancy, Jackson, George, Mary and James. Mr. and Mrs. H. had four children: Elizabeth, Isabel, John and Tobitha. Miss Eliza J. Bevell, daughter of Joshua and Frances Bevell, became his second wife, and of this union eight children were born: William T., Jesse B. and James L. are deceased, and Frederick J., Francis P., Hannah, George and Sarah A. are living. Mrs. Hargrave has six brothers: William L., John K., James M., Harry J., Burel J. and Ben T. Mr. Hargrave now has a farm of 44 acres in good cultivation. He was one of the first grand jurors in the county, court being held in Joseph Cox's barn, presided over by Judge James Clark. He also took part in the Black Hawk and Indian Wars. He has long been a consistent member of the Baptist Church, and wherever known his irreproachable character is highly honored.

The name that heads this sketch is that of one of the well known residents of Jackson township. Like Mary other settlers in the county he came originally from Casey county, Ky., where he was born July 4, 1833, subsequently accompanying his parents to Missouri in 1851. Both his father and mother, Jeremiah and Emily Hutchinson, were Kentuckians by birth, and in their family there were six children: Lucy J., John P., Amanda, now Mrs. William Marlow; Isabel, wife of George W. Shrader; Lucy died in 1852, Susan in March, 1855, and Wyett in infancy. John P. Hutchison grew up principally in the vicinity of his birthplace, and since his settlement in this county he has given his attention largely to agricultural pursuits and the raising of stock, his excellent farm being especially fitted for a superior stock farm. This embraces 320 acres and the improvements upon it are deserving of especial mention. His fine house, barns, out-buildings, etc., are neat and convenient and all that could be desired. Mr. Hutchison was married April 24, 1856, to Miss Emarine Boyle, whose parents, John W. and Zerelda Boyle, were both of Kentucky nativity. The following children constituted their family: Kitty, Emarine, J. L., Ann, wife of Howell Smith; Patsy, now Mrs. L. H. Christison, and Lizzie, wife of Thomas Phelps, are living; and William and Mary, the latter Mrs. P. H. Lilly, are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. H. have ten children: Lucy, born April 16, 1857, now Mrs. Barton Hosman; Kate, born August 21, 1859, wife of James Massengill: James L., born March 13, 1862, and married to a daughter of Dr. F. M. Davis; Emma, born March 22, 1864; Zerelda, born n May 19, 1869; Gertie, born December 12, 1872; Lodusca, born August 26, 1875; Jeremiah, born June 13, 1878; John Frank, born December 29, 1881, and Mary, born April 17, 1867, died July 3, 1882. Mr. Hutchison and wife are both members of the Christian Church. The former belongs to Jamesport Lodge No. 201, A. F. and A. M. In 1865 his father moved to Nebraska, where his wife afterwards died, February 15, 1885. Mrs. His father still resides in this county. Her mother's death occurred April 9, 1883.

In an early day of the county's history there was one man among others in the community closely identified with its interests in an official capacity, Judge Thomas Hutchison, the father of the subject of this sketch, and who is still a resident of Jackson township, one of the honored, highly esteemed citizens of the county. He is now in his eighty-seventh year, having been born February 26, 1800, in the Blue Grass State, and after arriving at maturity he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Tate, originally from the same State as himself. She departed this life January 20, 1875. Jeremiah was one of a family of 9 children, the names of the others being: John, Lucy J., Mrs. John M. Brown; William, Eliza J., wife of E. D. Deupree; Mary, Mrs. Alexander Black; Thomas, George W. and Charles M. He was reared for the most part to a farm experience, and having come to Missouri with his parents when but about six years old was brought up in this county. Another birth occurred in Casey county, Ky., February 7, 1836. He continued to remain occupied with the duties of farm life until the call for troops to suppress invasion was made. Then enlisting in the C. S. A. under Geo. Slack, he became a lieutenant in Co. B, 3d regiment of Missouri (Col. Coffey commanding), and took part in many severe engagements throughout the State. From 1862 to 1865 he was with Gen. Jo. Shelby and upon surrendering at Shreveport, La., he returned home, resting in the full assurance of having done what he considered to be right. His career as a soldier while perhaps not as varied as that of others was one of denial and hardships. November 13, 1868, he took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Mary J. Williams, daughter of R. C. and Ellen Williams. this union has been blessed with two children: William C., born November 13, 1869, and Eva, born May 21, 1873. It has long been a conceded fact that Mr. H. is one of the most enterprising and prominent farmers in this township. Everything about his place indicates energy and thorough knowledge of his calling and all his operations are carried on in a manner above criticism. Mrs. H.'s sisters were four in number: Rebecca A., now Mrs. Tiffany Sandridge; Elizabeth, wife of W. C. Collison; Nancy C., who married James Black, and Missouri, now Mrs. James Wymer.

All his life Mr. Kesler has followed with substantial success the occupation to which he was reared and in which he is now engaged - farming. One of the largest land owners in Jackson township, he is also one of its recognized leading agriculturists, and as a man, no less than as a citizen, he is highly esteemed. His birth occurred February 23, 1836, in Laport county, Ind., but when three years old, or in June, 1839, he was brought by his parents (who where Virginians by birth) to this State, and here he was brought up. Very naturally perhaps he adapted himself to agricultural pursuits, for to that calling his father gave his attention; the latter was called away from this earth in 1868 and his widow died March, 1875. Four children were in their family beside Daniel. Their names are Joel, a resident of California; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Joseph Papaw, John, of this county; and Ida, wife of Martin V. Piper. January 19, 1869, the subject of this sketch was married, Miss Sarah A., daughter of John and Alcinda Faulk, becoming his wife. Her parents were natives of Ohio but settled in this county in an early day, rearing a family of nine children: William, John, Sallie, Strander, Patrick, Elijah, George C., Alvin and Alcinda. The four children born of this union are Edwin A., born December 1, 1869; Ida M., born March 10, 1873; John F., born December 26, 1875, and William D., born August 20, 1883. Mr. Kesler had but a small amount of means when he commenced in life for himself and his present possessions are the result of his own labor. In 1859 he took a trip to Pike's Peak, returning the same year, and in 1863 he again went to that locality and while on his way home in November, 1864, he was attacked by Indians, lost his team and barely escaped with his life; he received a wound and receiving no medical attention became crippled in his right arm, the effects of which are still apparent.

A superior farm extending over 800 acres, with improvements above the average, good barn, commodious, comfortable residence and neat, necessary out buildings - such is the homestead of John R. Kesler, the representative of a family who have become closely identified with the agricultural interests of Livingston county. His place is doubtless unsurpassed in point of location in this township, for situated in the midst of a fine prairie, an excellent view of the surrounding country can be had. And Mr. Kesler thoroughly understands the management and control of this place, for farming has been his only occupation during life. In the sketch of his brother, Daniel Kesler, which immediately precedes this an account is briefly given of his parents and their family, Daniel and Elizabeth (Crumpacker) Kesler; it will be unnecessary therefore to repeat what has already been said. John R., the second son and third child of the five children, was born in the Old Dominion August 30, 1833, coming to Missouri in 1839, though for a short time before this he had lived in Indiana. Consequently by bringing up he may well be considered a Missourian. After reaching manhood he was married to Miss Mary A. Rose, December 12, 1867, the youngest of two children of Dr. Joseph and Mary Rose, of Kentucky nativity, but who settled in this county in a pioneer day. The former was for a long time a prominent physician, following his practice in connection with farming. He still resides in this county. Mrs. Kesler's only sister is Catherine, now Mrs. Joseph Lilly. Two children have been given to Mr. Kesler and wife, Joseph H., born September 1, 1869, and Minnie B., born September 16, 1877. In all his operations Mr. K., is meeting with substantial evidence of success, results which all concede that he deserves.

Mr. Lauderdale has been a resident of Livingston county for nearly fifty years, and has been closely and usefully identified with its history throughout all this period of time. He was born in Greene county, Tenn., June 18, 1824. His father, John Lauderdale, was a native of Tennessee and a soldier in the War of 1812. The maiden name of his mother was Hannah Sharp, a native of North Carolina. Both parents having died when Robert was young he commenced the battle of life alone and without a dollar. November 18, 1837, he came to Livingston county, Mo., and found employment as a day laborer and as a farm hand by the month, the best hands at the time receiving fifty cents per day, and the regular price for splitting rails was fifty cents per hundred. In 1838 Mr. Lauderdale enlisted in the Mormon War and served one month and fifteen days. He was in the company of Capt. William O. Jennings, whose father, Col. Thomas Jennings, had command of the forces from this county. After entering the service there was a force sent to DeWitt, in Carroll county, for a cannon, which they secured, and on their return to Livingston county captured two prisoners named Lyman and Dunn, whom they brought with them, but afterwards released .They saluted Chillicothe, loading the cannon with old iron, and then went to the west part of the county near where Marcus White lived and there buried the cannon in the road, but Capt. " Fear Not," one of the "Danites," with a body of Mormons came and took the cannon, which had become exposed by hogs rooting up the earth, and captured nine prisoners, whom they paroled on their oath not to take up arms against them. After this a move was made on Haun's mill. Three companies were brought into action and arrayed in line of battle. Capt. William O. Jennings occupied the center, Capt. Comstock the left and Capt. William Gee the right. They were on horseback and marched within one hundred yards of the enemy, who were secreted so that they could not be seen. Orders were given for them to charge, but it was quickly countermanded and the order given for them to dismount, which was quickly obeyed, and they were commanded to charge. The enemy were concealed in houses and behind plank, and everything utilized to protect them. Capt. Comstock fired the first gun and ordered his men to follow. Capt. Jennings gave the same order to his men, and Capt. Gee's men were on the move, and the battle was opened in earnest. There were 18 men secreted in a blacksmith shop. A hair-lipped soldier from Carroll county, named Ira Glaze, pushed the muzzles of the guns aside as they were shoved through the cracks of the building, remarking at the same time that he did not fear their lead, but did not want to be powder burned.

After the firing opened the enemy commenced falling back and retreated across the creek. Seventeen out of the 18 in the black-smith shop were killed; two small boys were killed by accident while running from one house to another, orders having been given not to shoot the boys. After the battle the wounded were cared for and all recovered. Some of those participating went to Far West to witness the surrender and others to "Adam-on-Diamond." After the close of this campaign Mr. Lauderdale returned and found employment by the month or at day's work; for ten years, and at the expiration of this time he was $36 in debt. June 23, 1847, he married Miss Cynthia J. Boyle, who was born in Bourbon county, Ky., December 25, 1822, and the daughter of James and Jane Boyle, natives of Bourbon county, Ky. They were early settlers of Linn county, Mo., and there the father died. The mother came to Livingston county and lived here with her children until her death. Mr. and Mrs. Lauderdale have five children: Elizabeth E., born April 28, 1849, now Mrs. E. M. Ware; Robert V., born November 21, 1859, in the hardware trade in Chillicothe, and Lee L., born October 26, 1863; two sons, Henry, B. and Horace G., are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Lauderdale's commencement in life was in marked contrast to their present comfortable surroundings. At that time their cooking utensils consisted of a skillet, an oven and one pot, and all the furniture they had was homemade, and for harness they used hickory bark for lines and traces, and hickory bark lap rings. He had no wagon, and when too far away to carry rails he had a sled on which to draw them, and in this way he made his start. He is now the owner of 1,400 acres of land and one of the large taxpayers of this county. His land is situated in sections 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 19 of township 59, range 14. His home place is well improved and he is one of the most active and busy men in the county and thoroughly reliable. He is a member of the A. F. and A. M. and he and Mrs. L. have belonged to the M. E. Church South for many years. They are very hospitable and people whom to know is to respect.

Mr. Marlow is now successfully following the occupation to which he was reared and which has been his life work, a calling that has for ages received undivided efforts from many worthy individuals, and one that always furnishes sustenance to the ready worker. He was born in Wayne county, Ky., October 12, 1831, his parents having been natives of Georgia. In an early day they went to the Blue Grass State, and about 1832 came to Missouri, locating first in Cole county, from whence some time after they removed to Platte county. In 1854 this county seemed to have sufficient attraction for them to make a settlement within its boundaries, and since that time Mr. Marlow has resided here. His mother died in Cole county in 1836, and in 1854, while on a trip to Oregon, the father also died, leaving six children: James L., P. M., D. M., William H., Thursey, and Absalom. William H. Marlow, the subject of this sketch, is one of the largest and most enterprising agriculturists in Jackson township and the excellent estate which he owns is managed in such a manner as indicates at glance the abode of an enterprising, thorough and reliable citizen. Included in his property are 613 acres of beautiful land, well adapted to the raising of stock, of which he makes quite a specialty, his barns, residence, out buildings, etc., denoting taste and convenience. An abundance of everything is found here and want is not known. Mr. Marion is a Mexican veteran, for in 1846, when but a boy, he entered the United States army as a soldier and participated in Gen. Doniphan's campaign in the Mexican War. In 1850 he went to California and after the expiration of three years returned to this county, giving his attention to farming until his enlistment in 1861 in Gen. Slack's division of the C. S. A. On account of his disability he was finally discharged, after having taken part in the battles of Wilson Creek, Carthage, etc. On the 10th of January, 1856, Mr. Marlow was married to Miss Amanda Hutchison, daughter of Jeremiah and Emily Hutchison, who came originally from Casey county, Ky., to Missouri in 1854. Their family numbered six children: Lucy J., now deceased; John P., Susan, Thomas, deceased; Wyett, deceased; and Isabel, wife of George Schrader. Mr. and Mrs. Marlow have three children: Louis C., born January 19, 1857; Lucy B., born March 6, 1859, and Benjamin P., born August 7, 1861. Mr. M. is a member of the Masonic Order, belonging to Spring Hill No. 155. For one term he held the position of collector of this township.

The same peculiarities which seem to distinguish others of German parentage and nativity from those American-born are noticeable in the career of Mr. Mast since his settlement in this county - industry, hard application to his chosen calling, economy and perseverance. An intelligent application of these principles have resulted in giving him an excellent estate of 197 acres, which he is now improving and cultivating to good advantage. Born September 20, 1843, in Tumlingen, Wittenberg, Germany, he was the son of Mathias and Elizabeth Mast, both also natives of that country, where, too, their marriage had occurred. In 1854 they emigrated to America, locating in Muskingum county, O., where the father now resides. During his lifetime he has given his attention to tilling the soil, and in this he has been by no means unsuccessful. Five children besides the subject of this sketch were in his parents' family: John, Christina, Catharine, now Mrs. John Dicky; Mathias and Mary, all of whom, save John, make their home in Ohio. George H. Mast was quite young when brought to this country, and after settling in Ohio he was taught, the rudiments of farm life, becoming still better acquainted with that calling as he grew up. In the fall of 1872 he came to Livingston county, and has continued to devote himself to agricultural pursuits. January 16, 1865, his marriage to Miss Melinda Ikhorn was consummated, she being a daughter of Frederick Ikhorn. She was also born in Germany, and in 1853 became a resident of Ohio, where her parents are still located. In their family were five other children: Charles, Pristina, now Mrs. George McGlade; Frederick, Amelia, wife of George Hartsanh, and Augustus. Mr. and Mrs. Mast have been blessed with 11 children: Mary C., born December 18, 1866; Katie A., born December 28, 1867; John M., born March 24, 1869; George F., born October 24, 1870; Charles F., born December 7, 1872; Rossi E., born January 18, 1876; Harvey J., born December 21,1878; Wilfred S., born August 23, 1880; Ira D., born January 8, 1883; Malinda, born December 25, 1885, and Rose E., born April 14, 1872, died September 24, 1872. Mr. Mast belongs to Spring Hill Lodge No. 155, A. F. and A. M.

Of that sturdy and independent class, the farmers and stock men of Missouri, there are none who possess more genuine merit or stronger character than he whose name stands at the head of this sketch. One of the best known and highly respected citizens of the county, and particularly of the vicinity where for so many years he made his home, was his father, William F. Peery, and it is but proper that an outline, at least, of his life should appear in this connection. William F. Peery was a Virginian by birth, and about 1819 or 1820 he removed to Missouri, settling in Howard county, where he remained until coming to this county in 1839. Some time before, on November 22, 1838, he had married Miss Margaret J. Hutchison, daughter of John Hutchison, and of the six children resulting from this union only John H. survives. The names of those deceased were Thomas, Mary J., Mrs. J. M. Stapp; James E., Elizabeth C. and Eliza A., wife of K. C. White. After his first wife's death Mr. P. was again married, April 12, 1855, to Miss Susan E. Monroe, who bore him four children: Margaret, Benjamin F., Sarah C. and William M. All died when small but Margaret, who became the wife of C. C. Curren, and has since departed this life. Mr. Peery was a prominent man in his day and in political affairs wielded no slight influence. For two terms he was the representative of the county in the State Legislature, and subsequently he served as State Senator. At the breaking out of the late war he enlisted under Gen. Slack in the C. S. A., was made paymaster, and also held a commission as colonel. While recruiting for soldiers to join the army he was surprised while sleeping and brutally murdered - another to lay down his life upon the altar of his convictions. John H. Peery is one of the native born citizens of this county, his birth having occurred here October 29, 1841. He continued to follow farming up to 1861, when he, too, cast his fortunes with the Southern Confederacy and remained in service until the cessation of hostilities, taking part in many engagements, among others those of Carthage, Wilson Creek, Lexington, Pea Ridge, and after being transferred to the Mississippi Department he took part in Gen. J. E. Johnston's campaign, and with Hood until the close of the war. Twice was he prisoner, but both times he was exchanged. Since returning from the army Mr. Peery has closely adhered to farming, and the results of his efforts are now seen in the beautiful place which he owns. Five hundred and sixty acres are included in it, upon which is a fine house, as well as excellent convenient outbuildings, barn, etc. Mr. P.'s first marriage was to Miss Elizabeth C. Cruse, daughter of Joseph and Artimitia Cruse. The names of the five children given them were Stella M., born September 13, 1871; Fannie, born July 30, 1873; Mary M., born October 30, 1875; William F., born June 15, 1878, and Gracie G., born July 30, 1880. Mrs. Peery died October 19, 1883, and afterwards Mr. P. married Florence H. Peery, whose parents were Dr. Archie and Elizabeth A. Peery, of Grundy county. She was one of eight children: Horace, Fielding, Nash A., Trusten P., Mary C., Arch., William and John. Mr. Peery is a member of Jamesport Lodge No