USA > Missouri > A history of northwest Missouri, Volume III > Part 90
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who died young; George W., of Richmond, Missouri; and Frances, who died as a girl. The Reverend Mr. Hunt has for many years been a Baptist preacher, but is now retired from active service, while his wife is deceased.
William M.' Hunt was reared in Western Missouri, received his education in the public schools, and ten years of his earlier career were spent in the active work of teaching, for which he was especially well qualified. Many of his pupils are now successful business men and are represented also in the professions. After leaving the schoolroom Mr. Hunt engaged in the drug business, and now for many years has kept the Pioneer Drug Store at Polo, and is a reliable pharmacist and as a merchant believes in the principles of fair dealing to all customers.
He was married November 11, 1882, at Polo, to Hattie A. Clarkson. She was born, reared and educated in Caldwell County, a daughter of T. B. Clarkson, who is a relative of James Clarkson, now holding a place in the Federal Government as assistant postmaster general. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt are the parents of three children. George C. is engaged in the jewelry business at Polo, has a well established store. is married and the father of three children, Nellie, Fern and Ralph. Mr. Hunt's second son is W. V., who lives in Sulphur Springs, Missouri, and has two children, William C. and a baby. The third son is W. H.
Mr. Hunt in politics is a democrat. He has served as a member of the school board, and his best public service was in leading the campaign and providing ways and means for the erection of the hand- some schoolhouse which is now one of the chief features of the town. It was built at a cost of $14,000. What he has done in behalf of the school board is characteristic of all his civic relations with the com- munity.
J. T. KENOWER. A newspaper which has had a fine and vitalizing influence in its community is the Bulletin of Breckenridge, the editor and publisher of which, J. T. Kenower, has had a long and active career both in educational work and as a newspaper publisher. The Bulletin was established in 1875, and for many years has held the field in com- petition with a number of other journals of more temporary existence. The Bulletin is the home paper of Breckenridge, and under the man- agement of Mr. Kenower, who has been its editor since 1895, it has not only published the news and furnished an available medium of advertising, but has been an influence in politics and for local civic improvements.
J. T. Kenower was born in Xenia, Clay County, Illinois, September 12, 1860. He comes of Pennsylvania German stock, and his father, George Kenower, was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and married Anna Shelly, also a native of Pennsylvania, in Carlyle, Illinois. They moved to Xenia, Clay County, Illinois, where the subject of this sketch was born; from there to Huey, Illinois, and from there, in 1884, to Bolivar, Polk County, Missouri. In 1892 they moved to Breckenridge, Missouri, where the father died at the age of eighty-eight years, and the mother at seventy-six. He was a republican in politics, and both were Metho- dists. There were four children, two sons and two daughters, and the other son is George F. Kenower, editor of the Chronicle, of Wisner, Nebraska.
J. T. Kenower grew up on a farm, had the wholesome environment and training of a farmer boy, had his early education in the public schools, and graduated from the University of Illinois in 1883. After his graduation he was for ten years identified with educational matters and for two years was a teacher and superintendent in the Cherokee
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Indian schools in the Indian Territory. He also taught for two years in the Bolivar, Missouri, schools, and from 1891 to 1895 was superintendent of the public schools of Breckenridge. Many of the men and women now active in affairs in this section of Northwest Missouri and in other states were pupils under him at Breckenridge.
Since 1895 Mr. Kenower has had charge of the Bulletin, and has made it a journal that always stands for the best things in the com- munity life, and the Breckenridge schools owe, to a large extent, their present high standing to the impetus given them by Mr. Kenower, both as teacher and as editor.
On August 25, 1891, Mr. Kenower married Ola Russell, a daughter of J. E. Russell, a prominent farmer near Bolivar, Missouri. Mr. Kenower and wife have four children: Pansy, attending Stephens College at Columbia; Pauline, also a student in Stephens College; Fred Russell and Ethel Estell, both at home. The family are members of the Methodist Church, and Mrs. Kenower is active in club and social affairs in Breckenridge.
Mr. Kenower is affiliated with the Masonic and other fraternal orders, standing as he does, for the educational, moral and religious uplift of the community.
In the fall of 1914 Mr. Kenower built a substantial brick building with three floors, including the basement, designed especially for the permanent home of the Bulletin on the corner of Sixth and Main streets, all of which is occupied by the different departments of his model, up-to-date printing office.
THOMAS JACKSON BUTTS. Prominent among the old and honored residents of Kingston is found Thomas Jackson Butts, justice of the peace, retired agriculturist, lawyer, and ex-soldier of the Civil war. In the course of a long and useful life, he has at all times proved his good citizenship, and although now past the age of three score and ten, still takes a lively and active interest in the affairs of the com- munity, and discharges the duties of his office in an able and efficient manner. Judge Butts was born at Mirabile, Caldwell County, Mis- souri, January 26, 1845, and is a son of Col. Thomas N. O. Butts.
Colonel Butts, his father, was born in Culpepper County, Virginia, a member of an old and honored family of the Old Dominion State, and was married in 1832 to Harriet C. Ellis, who was born in Woodford County, Kentucky. In 1840 they moved to Mirabile, Missouri, where Colonel Butts engaged in farming until the outbreak of the Civil war. He was loyal to the South and enlisted in the Confederate army, sub -. sequently serving in the commands of Generals Price and Marmaduke, and participating in battles in Missouri, Arkansas and other parts of the Southland. On his return from the war he settled down to farming and continued to be so engaged until his death at the age of sixty years. He took a prominent part in democratic politics for some years and was known as one of the influential men of his community. Both he and Mrs. Butts, who died when eighty years of age, were faithful members of the Baptist Church. They were the parents of three sons and six daughters: Samuel J., who died in 1880; William M .; Thomas Jackson ; Mrs. Fanny Vaughn, of Spokane, Washington; while the other five are all deceased.
Thomas Jackson Butts was reared on the home farm and secured his education in the public schools of Caldwell County, which he left to enlist in the State Militia. It should be noted that while his father was in the Confederate service, the son saw the right on the other side, and acted accordingly. On August 9, 1864, he became a member of
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Company C, Forty-fourth Regiment, Missouri Volunteer Infantry, under Gen. A. J. Smith, and took part in a number of hard-fought engagements, including the battle of Franklin, Tennessee, in which he was shot through the right arm. He was removed to the hospital at Cairo, Illinois, and upon his recovery received his honorable discharge and returned to the home farm.
Mr. Butts studied law under such distinguished preceptors as Gen- eral Doniphan and C. T. Garner, and was admitted to practice in Octo- ber, 1867. For two years he was a lawyer in Calhoun, Texas, but since that time has been more or less actively identified with the bar at King- ston. For many years Mr. Butts was engaged in successful agricultural pursuits, but eventually retired from active business. In 1911 he was elected justice of the peace, and this office he has continued to hold to the present time, presiding over his court with an impartiality, ability and judgment which have won him the esteem and respect of his fellow citizens. He is a prominent member of Ben Loan Post No. 33, Grand Army of the Republic, and has served in a number of official capacities therein, and at the present time is adjutant of the post. His fraternal connection is with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and his re- ligious. belief that of the Christian Church. In all the duties of life Judge Butts has displayed a conscientious devotion to high principles, and the general confidence in which he is held by all who know him is well merited.
Judge Butts was married in Daviess County, Missouri, in 1873, to Miss Kate Stirman, who passed away August 12, 1876. They had one son, T. N. O. Butts, who died August 21, 1876. On January 15, 1885, he was married to Mary A. Reynolds of Kingston, who was born at Warrensburg, Missouri. Their children are briefly mentioned by name as follows: Effie May, who is employed in Pocatello, Idaho; Harriet Clark; William M., of Idaho; Thomas Jackson, Jr., deceased; George G .; Francis Marion Cockrell, at home; and Abbie Maurine, deceased.
TRENTON CHAPTER, P. E. O. While the P. E. O. is, as the following article shows, one of the strongest woman's organizations in the country, it has manifested a special strength in Missouri, and nearly all the larger towns and cities have chapters. For this reason it is deemed appropriate to include in this work a brief sketch of the order in general and in particular concerning the work and activities of the local chapter at Trenton. The following article has been prepared and contributed to this publication by one of the members of the Trenton Chapter.
The P. E. O. Sisterhood, the largest secret organization of women independent of men's organizations, was founded at the Iowa Wesleyan University of Mount Pleasant, January 21, 1869, by seven bright young girls, members of the graduating class of that year, whose one desire at that time was to perpetuate their love and friendship by the tie of fraternity. They chose the star, whose five points represent faith, love, purity, justice and truth, as a means of recognition, and a motto represented by the letters P. E. O., the meaning of which is spoken only when initiating new members.
The Sisterhood has grown until today it has over twenty-two thousand members, with working chapters in twenty-nine states, British Columbia and District of Columbia, twelve State Grand Chapters, all working under the supreme or national body. Its aims and objects are: First: Individual growth in charity towards all with whom we associate; sec- ond, to seek growth in knowledge and mental culture; third, to aim at moral culture, self control, and temperance in opinions, speech and habits. The chosen work: The education of worthy young women who
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desire to complete their higher education with the view to become self- supporting. We have 130 now in the colleges and universities of the different states preparing themselves for the duties of life.
The local chapter, A. D., P. E. O., was organized November 23, 1903, by Mrs. Sophia McLean of Hamilton, state organizer, at the home of Mrs. Addie Shreeve with ten charter members as follows: Miss Lena Conrads, Mrs. Retta Ginn, Mrs. Nettie Hoffman, Mrs. Cora Mer- rill, Mrs. Mabel Stepp, Mrs. Addie Shreeve, Mrs. Emma Melvin, Mrs. Della Allen, Mrs. Belle Easterday. Miss Conrads was chosen first presi- dent as it was largely through her efforts and zeal that the organization was effected.
Chapter A. D. has been visited by three state inspectors, Mrs. Addie Mauzer of Kansas City, Mrs. Charles Iddiols of St. Louis, and Mrs. Vina Bowden of Brookfield, charming sisters, thoroughly familiar with their work, and A. D. enjoyed their presence and received much inspiration from their visits.
The most important event in A. D.'s history was the entertaining of Missouri Grand Chapter convention. It was a big undertaking for the sixteen resident members, but by a united effort and a unanimous purpose, and with the generous assistance given by many loyal citizens, it was possible for Trenton and Chapter A. D. to boast of having the best convention ever held in the state. More than one hundred and ten officers and delegates from all over the state were in attendance, besides visitors from other states, including Mrs. Winona Reeves of Keokuk, Iowa, supreme president, and Mrs. Helen D. Townsend of Albia, Iowa, chairman of educational fund committee. From this array of talent, P. E. O.'s naturally would receive much enthusiasm and en- couragement, and A. D. will always cherish the memory of those three days with guests as the brightest of the chapter's existence.
The local chapter has been honored by the State Grand Chapter in electing two of her members to state office. Miss Conrads served three terms as second vice president and chairman of the reciprocity bureau, and Mrs. Hoffman served two terms as state treasurer and one term as first vice president. While serving in this office she was elected treasurer of Supreme Chapter, which necessitated her resigning state work. She served four years as supreme treasurer and is now first vice president of Supreme Chapter.
A. D.'s program has been varied and interesting. The first year was devoted to the study of the constitution, P. E. O. history and initiation ceremony ; one year with American history, another, the study of woman's work in the world, women in literature, women in business, women in politics, women as composers, etc. The chapter has studied Ireland and her people, Japan and her people, prominent women of the Bible, our cities' needs, our schools, Russia, parliamentary law. Other features have been debates, constitutional quiz, etc. Alternating with current events, all this interspersed with vocal and instrumental music, making each year's work pleasing and instructive.
The social events have been many and most enjoyable. The first effort was a reception, given at the home of Mrs. Merrill, when 150 guests responded to invitations. Refreshments were served in three rooms, each beautifully decorated in yellow and white, the chapter colors, and cut flowers were used in profusion. In January, 1906, Chapter A. D. entertained husbands and sweethearts by initiating them into some of the "mysteries" of the Sisterhood, conferring upon them the degree of B. I. L. (brothers-in-law). Each gentleman was anxious to become a B. I. L., so the mysterious and weird initiation followed immediately by fifteen white robed figures in official capacity. It is needless to add the
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guests were surprised and somewhat embarrassed, but as it was all for fun, greatly enjoyed. An elaborate luncheon, music and glee followed, and each guest expressed himself as having had the "best time of his life."
Two nights of each year are set aside for pleasure, when pro- grams and work are forgotten, the anniversary when the work is initiation and banquet, and a winter picnic for the B. I. L's, which is usually the occasion for the initiation of some new brother, mak- ing a delightful evening of feasting, fun and frolic.
On February 8, 1910, the members of A. D. were entertained by the B. I. L.'s at Cook's Hall, when they gave a burlesque on the P. E. O. initiation, a mock banquet, then a trip to the Gem Theater, where a special program had been arranged, very personal and of ridiculous nature. Souvenir spoons eighteen inches long were pre- sented as favors. We were then taken to the home of E. M. Harbor, where an elaborate banquet with everything from turkey and cran- berry sauce to brick ice cream and cake was served. The evening was full of surprises and a great success.
On Thursday, October 2, Chapter A. D. gave a beautiful and elaborate luncheon at the home of Mrs Austin in honor of Mrs. H. F. Hoffman, who was reelected supreme treasurer at the supreme con- vention held in St. Louis the week before. The house was adorned with potted ferns and cut flowers and the dining-room was a bower of marguerites, the P. E. O. flower. A six-course luncheon was served, Miss Conrads being toast mistress. Four toasts were given as follows: To Chapter A. D., Mrs. Range; to P. E. O., Mrs. Asher ; Our Star, Miss Austin; and a toast to the guest of honor, Mrs. Hoff- man, by Mrs. Fulkerson.
On November 21 the same year A. D. gave a chrysanthemum party at the spacious home of Mrs. Hoffman, in honor of the ladies of Trenton who so graciously opened their homes to the delegates during the convention in June. A chrysanthemum contest was greatly enjoyed. The home was profusely decorated with chrysan- themums, southern smilax and a profusion of marguerites. Hand- some chrysanthemums in yellow and white were given as favors.
Last but not least was an evening with "Our Mothers" at the home of Mrs. Austin on November 23, 1914. An interesting pro- gram of music and papers appropriate to the occasion was given, followed by a social hour, and refreshments served in the dining- room, a bower of beauty in yellow and white.
As to charity work, A. D. has always contributed her part to every worthy cause, from giving $10 to a poor crippled boy to assist him in buying an artificial limb to filling Christmas baskets with food and groceries, sending toys and dolls and good warm clothing to the poor and needy. The sisters have given to the local Charity Union, the Soldiers' Monument, to the Red Cross and Belgian sufferers, and to many more worthy causes, but the main charity work is in giving to the order's own chosen work, the educa- tion fund, to which A. D. contributes lovingly and most generously.
Chapter A. D. has been fortunate, as death has but once entered the chapter. On August 19, 1912, the blessed spirit of Della Allen passed to the joys of the beyond. In the loss of Della Allen A. D. mourns, as she was the dearest and sweetest of our number. To know her was to love her.
Chapter A. D. regrets the loss by dimit of four-Mrs. Sally B. Patton, Mrs. Cordelia Green, Mrs. Belle Easterday and Mrs. Bertha Engle. The chapter has maintained a slow and careful growth and
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it is a pardonable boast that our relations have always been harmoni- ous and our labor one of love. The following is the personnel of the chapter : Mrs. Mabel Stepp, president; Mrs. Ida Austin, vice presi- dent; Miss Ima Austin, secretary; Mrs. Olive Asher, corresponding secretary ; Mrs. Retta Ginn, treasurer; Mrs. Sarah Fulkerson, chaplain; Mrs. Cora Merrill, journalist; Miss Elizabeth Carnes, guard ; Mrs. Emma Melvin, Mrs. Nettie Hoffman, Miss Lena Conrads, Mrs. Katie Wolz, Miss Blanche Bartlett, Mrs. Katherine Mallett, Mrs. Anna Range, Mrs. Estella Hemley, Mrs. May Temple West, Miss Anna Melvin, Miss Mildred Mel- vin ; Mrs. Nellie Roberts, nonresident; Mrs. Addie Shreeve, nonresident ; Miss Emma Webster, nonresident.
PROF. S. F. BONNEY. For the past two years superintendent of the Breckenridge public schools, Professor Bonney is a Missouri educator of thorough qualifications and successful experience, and has been actively identified with the work of teaching and school supervision for the past seven years. Professor Bonney was fortunate in entering the field of education at the beginning of the great modern uplift movement in this department of human affairs, and has already demonstrated the true spirit of service which is at the foundation of the highest usefulness in this calling. The public schools of Breckenridge are now housed in a modern eight-room building, constructed in 1911 at a cost of about twenty thousand dollars, and with the best of standard equipment and facilities for progressive work. In 1914 about three hundred and twenty-five pupils were enrolled, and a large enrollment found in the high school, while eight teachers comprised the staff of instruction. A thorough course of instruction is given in agriculture in addition to the usual curriculum.
Prof. S. F. Bonney was born at Osceola, Missouri, September 27, 1887, and comes of a family whose members have usually been identified with professional life. His grandfather was Dr. S. F. Bonney, a native of Maine. The father, Dr. E. J. Bonney, was formerly a resident of Quincy, Illinois, and after a long and successful career as a physician and surgeon is now living retired. He was a graduate of the Keokuk Medical College at Keokuk, Iowa. Dr. E. J. Bonney married in Osceola, Missouri, Ida Darden, who was reared and educated in Missouri, a daughter of Maj. Samuel Darden, who gained his rank by distinguished service in the Confederate army in Virginia. The mother died at the age of thirty-two.
Professor Bonney was well educated, and after finishing the high school entered college and graduated in 1906 A. B. He taught his first school at Emden, Missouri, for one year, and finished the normal course at Kirksville in the class of 1908. For four years Mr. Bonney was con- nected with the Jamesport schools, and came to Breckenridge to his pres- ent position with a record as a successful and well-seasoned teacher. His management of the local schools has been exceptionally efficient, and for a town of its size Breckenridge now has one of the best public schools in Northwest Missouri.
Mr. Bonney was married in July, 1911, to Agnes Delany. Mr. Bonney is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Throughout his earlier career he was fond of athletics in all forms, was proficient both in baseball and basket-ball, was one of the prominent members of the Kirks- ville basket-ball team, and since coming to Breckenridge has done much to stimulate wholesome outdoor athletics among the pupils, and in this as in other ways has been a factor in raising the general standard and usefulness of the public schools of the town.
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HISTORY OF NORTHWEST MISSOURI
J. E. BOATRIGHT. One of the oldest homesteads in Nodaway Town- ship of Andrew County is the Boatright farm, in section 36, which has been under cultivation and improvement for more than half a century, and its present proprietor, J. E. Boatright, was born there more than half a century ago. He is a farmer and stock raiser, a thorough business man, and among other good things that come into his life is the head of a happy home and the father of a large family of children.
J. E. Boatright was born on his present farm September 10, 1863, a son of Joseph and Sarah (Davidson) Boatright. His father, who was a native of Gentry County, Missouri, enlisted in the Confederate army at the beginning of the war and was killed in service. This son is the only ยท child. The mother was born in Tennessee, was brought to Andrew County by her parents when she was a child, and lived on the old farm until her death in December, 1900, at the age of sixty-three.
J. E. Boatright grew up on the homestead farm, gained his education in the country schools, and has been a practical farmer and manager of the resources of the soil since boyhood. His farm comprises 150 acres of good land in Nodaway Township, and in 1911 he improved it with a handsome modern home of ten rooms. He also rents another farm, and the chief feature of his business is the raising of cattle and hogs.
Politically Mr. Boatright is a democrat and is a member of the Mount Vernon Baptist Church. His fraternal affiliations are with the Modern Brotherhood of America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. On October 24, 1890, he married Eunice Jane Deming. Mrs. Boatright was born in Andrew County October 21, 1871, a daughter of William W. and Isyphenia (Files) Deming, her father a native of Vermont and her mother of Andrew County. Her parents were married in 1870, and the father died in March, 1894, while the mother is still living in this county. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Boatright are: Ernest, who died at the age of one year; Elmer, a farmer in Nodaway Township; Glenna; Floyd ; Marie; Harold; Arthur; Mildred, who died at the age of three months; Margaret; and Marjorie, who died when one year of age.
FREDERICK DEBO FULKERSON. Here is a name that has been identified with Grundy County settlement and history for nearly three-quarters of a century. It has become honored and respected through long years of successive industry, business integrity and Christian and moral character. Few Grundy County families have been longer established and none have borne their part in community affairs with greater credit to themselves and with more practical usefulness to the community than the Fulker- sons. Love of land and the industry based upon it have been the con- trolling factors in their lives, and mention of the name at once suggests an extraordinary degree of success in handling resources of the soil and in all departments of farm and animal husbandry.
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