A. J. WALKER,

In

Farmer, section 18, post-office Blue Springs, was born in Jackson County, Missouri, September 1, 1836, and was here reared, and was engaged in farming till the fall of 1863. excepting the time when he was engaged in freighting. October, 1863, he went to Texas, where he remained till the spring of 1864, and then went to Mexico where he resided about nineteen months. Took a trip to California, remained about two years, and during this time went to Oregon. In March, 1867, he returned to Jackson County where he has since been engaged in farming and dealing in stock, having an interest in a large herd of cattle in the Cherokee Nation; his farm contains seventy-eight acres. Was married April 12, 1860, to Miss Elizabeth Braden, of Missouri; she died in 1874. They had four children: Lucy A., Andrew J., Polly J., and Eliza E. Was married November 25, 1875, to Miss Eliza Hannon, of Missouri; she died 1879, leaving four children, three of whom are living: Morgan and Monroe, (twins), and Edward E. Was married February 18, 1880, to Miss Fannie Warren, of Missouri.

T. J. WALKER,

Druggist at Blue Springs, was born in Jackson County, Missouri, July 17, 1857, and received the advantages of a common school education. In the fall of 1876 he entered the State University, and there remained till the spring of 1879. and the same year he attended Spalding's Commercial College at Kansas City, graduating in August, 1879. During the following winter he taught school, and in the spring of 1880 he embarked in his present business.

CAPTAIN JOHN A. WEBB,

Dealer in hardware, farm implements, etc., was born in Jackson County, October 8, 1836, and was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. His father, Allen Webb, was a native of North Carolina, as was also his grandfather, Joseph Webb, who immigrated to Jackson County in 1838. His mother, Margaret (Shelby), was a native of Virginia. From 1856 to '61 John A. was engaged in traveling over different States and Territories. In May, 1861, he enlisted in the Missouri State Guards, and remained till they were dismissed, during the time acting as second lieutenant. He then returned to Missouri, and helped to organize a company of Confederates and was elected captain of the same and served during the War, in Shelby's command, participating in some sixty battles. Was wounded at the battle of Cane Hill, by a ball passing through the left part of his neck, and was disabled about three months. After returning to Jackson County he began farming, and moved to his present location in February, 1880, and embarked in his present occupation. Was married February 8, 1866, to Miss Rogers, a native of Jackson County, who died August 26, 1877. He was again married September 15, 1879 to Miss Laura P. Philips, who is a native of Texas.

JUDGE ALBERT G. WILLIAMS,

Farmer, section 17, post-office Blue Springs, was born in Simpson County, Kentucky, December 9, 1835. His father, Judge William J. Williams, was a native of Sumner County, Tennessee, and moved to Kentucky at an early day. He was a lieutenant in the War of 1812, and was in the last engagement of the battle of the Thames. He also represented the county in the Legislature for several terms; was judge of the county for anumber of years, and was one of the commissioners in the founding of the county seat of Franklin, Kentucky. Albert was reared in his native county till seventeen years of age, and in 1852 he came to Jackson County, Missouri, on a visit; at this time he determined to make Jackson County his future home. Then spent about eight months on the plains, and

returned to this county and was engaged in teaching school for some time. Next engaged in farming, and in 1858 he was elected constable, which office he filled till the winter of 1861; at the same time he acted as deputy sheriff. During the War he was in the militia about six months. Then he went to St. Louis, and remained there and in Illinois till the spring of 1863, when he went to the plains and Denver. There remained till 1865, when he returned to Jackson County. In 1874 he was elected a member of the county court, serving two years, and has also held other minor offices. From 1877 to 1880 was engaged in handling grain and live stock, since which time he has made farming his entire business; he has a well watered farm of 148 acres. Was married June 3, 1855, to Miss Amanda Gibson, who was born in Jackson County, Missouri, August 17, 1838. They have had eleven children, ten of whom are living: Louisa A., Mary S., Permelia P., Joseph E., Rufus L., Albert L., Flora S., Cora E., Rettie A., and Alice Maud.

M. N. WOMACKS,

Blacksmith, Blue Springs, was born in Brown County, Ohio, June 5, 1851, and when about six years of age his parents moved to Jackson County, Missouri, where he remained till 1863, his father having died in 1862, and his mother while in Ohio. In 1863 his step-mother and family returned to Brown County, and when fifteen years of age he learned the blacksmith trade and worked at it in Ohio till the spring of 1870, when he came to Jackson County and located at Pink Hill. There he worked one year and went to the plains remaining one year; then returned to Pink Hill, since which time he has been engaged at his trade; moved to his present location in the spring of 1880. Was married November 4, 1873, to Miss Sue Munday, born in Jackson County. They have two children: Delbert B. and an infant.

CRITTENDEN WYATT,

Farmer and stock dealer, section 14, post-office Pink Hill, was born December 25, 1819, in Simpson County, Kentucky, and received a common school education. He came to this county in 1850 and has since given his attention to farming and stock-raising, and deals quite extensively in stock. He owns 372 acres of fine land, well improved, and has two good orchards. He has always attended to his own business. Was married in August, 1840, to Miss Winifred Duncan, a native of Simpson County, Kentucky, where she was reared and educated. They have had ten children, seven of whom are living: Emery H., John J. C., Columbus, Joseph M., Frances E. (now Mrs. Mayberry), Sarah J. and Arabella.

D. G. YOUNG,

Farmer, section 34, post-office Grain Valley, was born January 15, 1833, in Simpson County, Kentucky, where he was reared and educated. He first visited this county in the fall of 1860 and returned to Kentucky in the spring of 1863 and remained four months. Then returned to Wellington, and from there went to Clay County and came to this county in the fall of 1865. Here he has made his home since. He owns 145 acres of well improved land; also some town property in Grain Valley. He married Mrs. Merinda Karr on the 10th of June, 1862. They have two children: Eddie C. and Joseph A. His wife's maiden name was Merinda J. Gibson. She has three children by her former husband: William A., Benjamin F. and M. E.

VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP.

W. H. ADAMS,

Farmer and stock raiser, section 8, was born in Lafayette County, Missouri, July 8, 1837, and was a son of Spencer and Rachel Adams, natives of Tennessee, but very early settlers in Missouri; now both dead. He moved to Jackson County in 1864, and has ever since been engaged in farming. He had no help in starting in life, and at the close of the War, all the property he possessed was one old pony. But, with a good constitution and a determined will, he went to work, and by industry and perseverence, he has secured a fine home of ninetytwo and one-half acres, well improved and stocked. He enlisted as a member of Colonel Hays' Regiment, under General Price, and served with him till after the battle of Lone Jack, where he was severely wounded. He is known as the king of fox hunters, having within the last year, captured tweny-two foxes. At the beginning of the War, he lost everything he had, besides having been security for others, which debts he afterward had to pay. He was married February 16, 1859, to Mary Ann Cantrell, who was born in Lafayette County, August 21, 1840; she was a daughter of Christopher and Narcissa Cantrell. There have been seven children born, to-wit: Martha Jane, born December 20, 1869, married and living in Jackson County; Willie Ann, born July 20, 1862; Mary Ellen, April 16, 1867; Rachel Narcissa, September 15, 1870; Sarah C., February 1, 1872; Minnie Belle, March 21, 1874; and Lilly May, October 13, 1876.

EASTHAM ALLEN,

Farmer and stock raiser, section 9, was born in Garrard County, Kentucky, March 11, 1825, and was a son of Erasmus and Lucy Allen, both natives of Kentucky. Our subject received his education in Kentucky, and lived there until 1856, then located in Missouri, where he has since lived, engaged in farming. At the beginning of the War, he enlisted as a member of Colonel Hays' Regiment, under General Price, and served four years with his regiment in the many engagements in which it participated, serving as orderly sergeant. He has served the public in many official capacities, as postmaster, assessor, school officer, and justice of the peace, which office he still fills He is an earnest advocate of good schools and a liberal education. At the beginning of the War, he had accumulated considerable property, but, like many others, lost nearly all of it. He now has a comfortable and pleasant home, well improved; also some fine stock. He and his wife are consistent members of the Christian Church. He was married September 16, 1852, to Margaret Jane Arnold, a daughter of Isaac and Jane Arnold. She was born in Garrard County, Kentucky, January 1, 1827. By this union four children have been born, to-wit: Isaac, born October 7, 1853, married and living in Carroll County; Erasmus, born June 18, 1855, now a miner in Leadville; John, born January 26, 1858, married on December 19, 1880, to Miranda Jane Bailey, a native of Jackson County, and born September 13, 1863. This son and his wife are living with his parents, and managing the farm. Lucy Jane, born November 24, 1861, married and living in Johnson County.

A. E. BAIRD,

Farmer, and stock dealer. The subject of this sketch is a native of Brown County, Ohio, and was born December 19, 1835. He was reared and educated in Brown County till eleven years of age, then removed to Putnam County, Illinois, and remained there about nineteen years; then located in Jackson County, Mis

souri in March 1866. While in Illinois he attended, for a number of years, the South Salem Academy in Ross County, Ohio, and there received a very liberal education. He was married March 28, 1861, to Margaret E. Dysart who was born in Putnam County, Illinois, January 23, 1843. By this marriage eight children have been born, seven of whom are still living: Leslie E. born May 12, 1862; William A., born November 6, 1864; Frank D., born September 11, 1867; Leola J., born October 29, 1868; Archibald S., born August 29, 1871; Ida May, born April 29, 1874; John C., born April 14, 1877, and Helen, born May 18, 1880, who died in infancy. He had but little help to start in life, but by energy, and perseverance has secured a beautiful and fertile farm of 170 acres, and he is noted as the model farmer in the township. Although he carries on his farm in such an excellent manner, yet he makes a specialty of buying and shipping stock. Besides his very arduous labors in managing his farm and his other business, he finds time not only to cultivate his own mind, but takes an active interest in the education of his children. His wife is a lady of refinement and education. They are both members of the Presbyterian Church. Surrounded by à pleasant family and in an excellent neighborhood, well esteemed by all, they have reason to be, as they are, thankful and happy.

JACOB BENNETT,

Farmer, stock raiser and carpenter. The subject of this sketch is a native of the State of Ohio, and was born May 12 1833. He lived there till 1853, and there received his education, and learned his trade in Cleveland, Ohio. He then came to Missouri and located in Van Buren Township, and has ever since lived here, except two years during the War, and has been engaged in farming and as a carpenter and joiner. He owns a farm of sixty acres, with fine buildings and orchard, and well stocked. He has served for a number of years as school officer, and takes a great interest in educational matters. Both he and his estimable wife are conHe is a man of fine business qualifica

sistent members of the Christian Church.

tions, and is held in high esteem by his neighbors. He was married October 4, 1857, to Elizabeth Cave of Jackson County, who was born August 31, 1837. Six children have been born, five of whom are still living: George born July 24, 1858, now a member of Warrensburg Normal School; Price born July 17, 1861, now salesman in Kansas City; Ella W. born September 4, 1864, and died November 16, 1874; Gius born February 24, 1868; Charles born March 10, 1872, and Frank born February 10, 1875.

JOHN BYNUM,

Farmer and stock raiser. In this sketch we have to speak of one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of Van Buren Township. He was born in Rutherford County, North Carolina, July 17, 1822. At the age of fourteen he came with his parents, and a company of seventy-five others, to Missouri, and located at Lone Jack. Here his father owned 520 acres of land where the town of Lone Jack now stands. They landed here in May, 1836, and out of the entire company that then came, there are only four or five now living. He only had the opportunity of going to school a few weeks in his life, yet he is one who has gathered up a great deal of useful information, and is often consulted by those who have had better opportunities to store their minds with knowledge. He is a son of Pomfrey Bynum, a native of South Carolina, but one of the pioneers of Jackson County, Misssouri. His father lived here until 1846. There were nine children in his father's family, only three of whom are now living the subject of our sketch and his brother, Thomas, now in Oregon, and his sister Catharine, now the wife of George Oldham, of Benton County, Missouri. Few men enjoy so much of the public confidence and so many warm friends as our subject. He was married September 29, 1842, to Charlotte Cave, of Jackson County, but

formerly of Surry County, North Carolina, and born October 6, 1818. She is a daughter of Bartlett Cave, one of Jackson County's old pioneers. The fruits of this marriage have been six children, three of whom are still living: Robert, born March 24, 1845, living near home; William, August 22, 1847, died at the age of eight years; Galen C., September 29, 1849, died at the age of twenty-four years; James P., January 8, 1852, living near home; Bettie, October 6, 1855, died in infancy; John W., November 3, 1859, living at home. Mr. Bynum owns a finely cultivated farm of 156 acres, with good improvements and an excellent orchard. WILLIAM CASH,

Farmer and hotel-keeper, Lone Jack, Missouri, was born in Wilkes County, North Carolina, April 16, 1815, and was a son of Lewis and Mary Cash. At an early age he moved with his parents to Lincoln County, Kentucky. Lived in Lincoln County till about seventeen years of age, then learned the blacksmith trade and went to Lexington, and remained for three years working at his trade; thence to Brucken County, Kentucky, and worked at his trade for about seven years. He was married July 7, 1840, to Miss Elizabeth Duncan, who was born in Pendleton County, Kentucky, October 3, 1823, she being a daughter of Thornton and Mary Duncan. This couple then moved to Harrison County, and remained there till they moved to Missouri, in 1856, when they settled in Benton County, and lived there eight years; thence to Cooper County, Missouri, and remained there until 1877, when they located in Lone Jack. To this family eleven children have been born, six of whom are still living: Thornton, born October 10, 1843, now a blacksmith in Lone Jack; Oscar, October 13, 1845, also a blacksmith in Lone Jack; Mary E, November 10, 1847, now married and living in Benton County, Missouri; Milton, May 4, 1853, married and living in Lone Jack, and has charge of the drug store of George T. Shawhan; Ellen, April 29, 1858, living at home, and John H., January 8, 1861, living in New Mexico. At the beginning of the War he was possessed of considerable property, but, like many others, he lost it all, and at the close of the War had to begin anew. But by care he has again secured a comfortable home in the village of Lone Jack.

THORNTON CASH,

Lone Jack, Missouri, was born in Harrison County, Kentucky, October 10, 1843; lived there till 1856, then moved with his parents to Benton County, Missouri. When but a child he was continually in the blacksmith shop with his father, who was an excellent mechanic, and he would work on the anvil when he had to have a large block to stand upon. He, in this way, intuitively learned the trade which he has ever since followed, and he is an artisan of good ability and skill. At the beginning of the War, although but a boy, he enlisted in the Confederate Service and served faithfully and well during the War. He participated in the battles of Pea Ridge. Helena, Prairie Grove, Lone Jack, and a number of other engagements, and skirmishes. He was taken prisoner at Fort Smith, Arkansas, and kept for a short time. After the close of the War, he went to the mountains and remained there for some time, and then returned to Missouri, and on February 5, 1866, was married to Miss Mary Dawson, who was born in Benton County, Missouri, May 24, 1846. He has been blessed in his family, eight children haveing been born, and all of them are now living, viz: Oscar J., born October 31, 1866; Jennie A., August 14. 1867; William, January 1, 1870; Talitha M., December 28, 1871; Mary Alice, January 25, 1873; Wallace L., September 23, 1875; Daniel L., May 3, 1878, and Georgia E., May 5, 1880. Mrs. Cash is a member of the Baptist Church, and a noble christian wife and mother. Mr. Cash is yet a young man, but has won the confidence and esteem of many warm friends.