History of Caldwell and Livingston counties, Missouri, written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of their townships, towns and villages, together with a condensed history of Missouri; a reliable and detailed history of Caldwell and Livingston counties--their pioneer record, resources, biographical sketches of prominent citizens; general and local statistics of great value; incidents and reminiscences, Part 127

Author: Pease, Ora Merle Hawk, 1890-
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: St. Louis, National Historical Company
Number of Pages: 1260


USA > Missouri > Livingston County > History of Caldwell and Livingston counties, Missouri, written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of their townships, towns and villages, together with a condensed history of Missouri; a reliable and detailed history of Caldwell and Livingston counties--their pioneer record, resources, biographical sketches of prominent citizens; general and local statistics of great value; incidents and reminiscences > Part 127
USA > Missouri > Caldwell County > History of Caldwell and Livingston counties, Missouri, written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of their townships, towns and villages, together with a condensed history of Missouri; a reliable and detailed history of Caldwell and Livingston counties--their pioneer record, resources, biographical sketches of prominent citizens; general and local statistics of great value; incidents and reminiscences > Part 127


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


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1191


HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.


The Welsh Calvinistic Methodist (or Presbyterian ) Church - Located two miles southeast of Dawn, was organized March 8, 1881. The original members were : William Griffiths, Mrs. W. Griffiths, Joshua Williams, David D. Owens, Daniel J. Daves, Elizabeth Daves, Thomas J. Powell, Jane Powell, David P. Williams, Mrs. J. Williams, Thomas Griffiths, Isaac Jones, Samuel Jones, Mrs. Jones, J. D. Evans, Catharine Evans, David Hughes, Catharine Hughes and D. O. Hughes. The present membership is 40. The names of the pastors are : Richard Davies, R. O. Williams, R. W. Hughes, John Williams, Robert Evans and Hugh X. Hughes. The last named has been pastor since 1881. The church, which is a frame building, was erected in 1872 at a cost of $800. The Sabbath-school membership is about forty-five, with Thomas Griffiths as superintendent. The church was originally built about a mile northeast of the present location, but was moved and in 1881 an addition built to it.


Welsh Baptist Church. - This church was organized August 15, 1868, by Rev. D. V. Thomas, of Rulo, Neb. The first sermon in Welsh delivered in the Dawn settlement was at the house of Thomas Lewis, by Rev. Hugh O. Rowland, the text being from Psalms xxxii: 6. There were about sixteen persons present. The original members were Thos. Lewis, Mary Lewis, James Reese, Jemima Reese, John Williams, Mary Williams, W. R. Jones, R. P. Jones, Eleanor Jones, Elizabeth Jones, T. J. Jones, Ann Jones, Wm. Jones, D. W. Lewis, Ann Lewis, Margaret Roberts, Thos. Jones, Thos. Morgan and Mary Davis. The pastors have been Rev. James Reese, Jonathan M. Jones, Samuel Thomas and R. M. Richardson. The present church building is located on section 21, and was built in 1876, at a cost of $700. The present membership is 85. The Sab- bath-school has about 50 pupils, Joseph A. Lewis being the super- intendent. Both church and Sabbath-school are in a prosperous condition.


THE TOWN OF DAWN.


The origin of the town of Dawn was the old institution on Shoal creek known as Whitney's Mill, which was built by Josiah Whitney in the year 1837, and was a noted establishment in early days. The first public bridge in the county was thrown across Shoal creek at this point in the winter of 1841, and built by Col. Sarshel Woods, of Carroll county. Somebody had a little store here in the 40's, but the place was generally known as Whitney's Mill, until in March, 1853, when Wm. Hixon, the then owner of the site, laid out a town, which he called Dawn.


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1192


HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.


There was not much of a settlement here until after the close of the Civil War, when the Welshmen and the Northmen came in and built up not only the town but the township. To the Yankees and the Welsh, therefore, the town of Dawn and the township of Blue Mound are largely indebted for their present high state of develop- ment. Jonathan and Taffy can accomplish wonders when they form a partnership and set to work to improve a country.


It was not long after the war until the village assumed a smart business-like appearance. The surrounding country was fast being improved and developed, and the town kept pace with it. Hugh Jones, a native of Wales, came down from Iowa in 1867, and was afterward a prominent merchant. R. L. Patrick, a native Missourian, was another merchant. H. Bushnell, a New Yorker, came to the county in 1866, and was years ago a leading merchant, and is still in business, a man of influence, liberality, great enterprise and public spirit. D. D. Temple, a Pennsylvanian, came in 1868, and was the first lawyer. Dr. F. M. Dusenberry, a native of Virginia, located here in 1871.


In 1880 the leading business men were H. Bushnell, general mer- chant; W. A. Fisher, H. G. Barker, and R. L. Patrick, druggists ; Hugh Jones, postmaster and dealer in groceries, etc. ; W. T. Bramel, tinner and stove dealer ; Michael Nailor, proprietor of the woolen mill and grist mill ; J. M. Shields, wagon maker; J. W. Hood and G. W. Fisk, blacksmiths ; T. H. B. Schooling, physician, and S. M. Green, attorney at law and notary public. The Presbyterian Church was built in 1872. Prior to this religious services were held in the school- house.


In January, 1883, a newspaper, the Dawn Clipper, was started, and is still running. It is well printed, devoted chiefly to local news and interests, and is neutral or independent in politics. Its form and size is a six-column folio. Frank T. Brooks is editor and proprietor.


As an incident of present interest it may be well to state in this connection that the certainty of the building of the Chicago, Mil- waukee and St. Paul Railroad is regarded as of great effect upon the future prospects of Dawn. The road is located and a depot contem- plated more than a mile from the town, a matter of regret and disap- pointment to the citizens of course. But notwithstanding this fact, the people have been earnestly in favor of and worked hard to secure the building of the road.


From the first they came forward, laying aside selfish considera- tions, and subscribed liberally to further the enterprise. They sub-


1193


HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.


scribed over $2,600, and finally two of the business men, H. Bushnell and W. A. Fisher, guaranteed in writing the payment of all the subscriptions, making them entirely effective and valid. The effect of the building of the road can not be other than beneficial, and it is well to remember and put upon record the names of those who fav- ored and aided the enterprise and assisted in making it certain.


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.


The Cumberland Presbyterian was the first church organization at Dawn. It was organized in 1864, by Rev. Wm. Reed. The first members were Abraham Brown and wife, John Reed and wife, Dr. Rice and wife, Thos. Tressell and wife, Dr. Shields and wife, Wyley Elliott and wife, Mary M. and Minerva A. Brown, and Mrs. McClan- ahan. Some of the pastors have been Revs. William Reed, - Baird, James Reed and John Hawkes. A frame church building was erected in 1872, which cost $2,500. Before the church was built preaching and Sabbath-school were held in the Dawn school-house. The present membership of the church is 31. The Sabbath-school was organized in 1862, with Abraham Brown as superintendent. It has always been a union school. There are at this writing about 75 Sabbath-school scholars. E. J. James is present superintendent of the school. Though owned by the Presbyterians, the church building is used by the Baptists and Methodists.


SECRET ORDERS.


United Workmen. - Dawn Lodge, No. 213, A. O. U. W., was instituted by Dr. T. R. Dice. The dispensation was issued February 1, 1881. The charter members and first officers were T. E. Graham, P. M .; W. E. Musser, M. W. ; J. C. Blackson, financier ; H. Brown, overseer ; S. K. Able, foreman ; S. M. Green, recorder ; R. Weath- erby, receiver ; T. E. Armstrong, guide ; T. J. Powell and John Nelson, watchman. The present membership is 30.


Odd Fellows. - Dawn Lodge No. 345, I. O. O. F. was insti- tuted December 11, 1875, by C. H. Mansur and others from Chilli- cothe Lodge No. 91. The charter of the lodge bears date of May 19, 1886. The charter members were R. L. Patrick, Hugh Jones, Hugh Tudor, W. J. Cramner, W. J. Edwards and T. E. Jenkins. The first officers were: R. L. Patrick, N. G .; Hugh Jones, V. G. ; Elmer Dusenberry, secretary ; C. B. Reed, treasurer. The present membership is 50. They own their lodge room and the order at Dawn is in a prosperous condition.


1194


HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.


Grand Army of the Republic. - General Wadsworth Post No. 50, G. A. R., of Dawn, was instituted by Dept. Commander Alvin P. Pease, the charter bearing date March 1st, 1883.


The charter members were Henry Bushnell, Joseph Heslop, James D. Blackson, Otis Spaulding, Wm. Spaulding, John E. Brown, F. A. Snyder, James D. Graham, Frank Green, Solomon Bombarger, B. A. Turner, M. B. V. Culver, T. J. Owens, M. C. Malone, David Shaffer, Donaldson Day, C. S. Smith, Robert Reed, John Collar, John Brooks, J. J. Nellis, John W. Lesley, George O. Goff, Jas. A. Snodgrass, Granville Hall, George A. Johnson, Wm. Heare, John R. Fludder, Evan D. Johnson, James H. Snyder, S. B. Rudolph, Jno. A. Williams, James Bench, William H. Mattingly, Daniel R. John- son, John P. Mcad and Hugh Tudor. The first officers were : Henry Bushnell, commander; William Heare, second vice-commander ; James D. Blackson, junior vice ; Donaldson Day, quarter master ; John E. Brown, surgeon ; Jno. D. Graham, chaplain ; Frank Green, officer of the day ; Charles S. Smith, officer of the guard ; John Collar, adjutant ; Joseph Heslop, quartermaster-sergeant and David Shaffer, sergeant-major. The present officers are the same, except Joseph Heslop, junior vice ; L. E. Tracy, surgeon, Thos. J. Owens, chap- lain ; F. A. Snyder, officer of the day ; Robt. Reed, quartermaster- sergeant ; Edwin Musson, sergeant-major.


The post meets at Bushnell's Hall, and the present membership is 67. The name of the Post was suggested by Henry Bushnell and was named in honor of Gen. J. S. Wadsworth, a gallant citizen-soldier in the war of the Rebellion, from western New York.


He was a man of means, and on two occasions during the war he out of his private means paid the brigade he commanded, the govern- ment afterwards reimbursing him.


He was killed in action at the battle of the Wilderness in May, 1864. He would never accept any pay for his services to the Govern- ment, and was one of our greatest soldiers. The G. A. R. Post at Dawn is one of the largest and most flourishing in Northern Missouri.


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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.


BIOGRAPHICAL.


WASHINGTON T. BRAMEL


(Manufacturer of Tinware, Dawn).


A glance at the ancestry of Mr. Bramel shows that for several genera- tions past the family have been natives of the Old Dominion. His par- ents were both born in Virginia, William R. and Nancy Bramel ( whose maiden name was Arrington ). The former moved with his family to Wood county, W. Va. in 1828, and from there in 1832 to St. Louis county, Mo., making the trip by way of the Ohio and Mis- sissippi rivers. After a few months' residence near St. Louis they located in Franklin county, improved a farm and there passed the remainder of their lives. They reared a family of four sons and two daughters, were hard-working, kind-hearted people, and enjoyed the confidence of all who knew them. Washington T. was born in Prince William county, Va., November 27, 1819. He was early made ac- quainted with the details of farm life, his educational opportunities being only such as the schools of that early day afforded, and when about 20 years old he was married to Miss Martha F. Butts, also a Virginian by birth. Until 1847 he made his home in Franklin county, whither he had accompanied the family years before, and then came to Livingston county, where Mr. Bramel engaged in saw and grist mill- ing (at Utica ), this being the first steam mill ever erected and oper- ated in now what constitutes this county. In 1850 he rented his mill and was drawn to the newly discovered gold fields of California, where he remained three years with fair success. Upon returning to Utica he again took charge of his mill, operated it some two years, and, selling out, embarked in mercantile pursuits with Mr. John Harper, at Utica. In this he continued until the outbreak of the rebellion, when the partnership was dissolved and Mr. B. opened out a stove and tin- ware establishment, conducting it until 1875. In that year he came to Dawn and has since resided here, engaged in the manufacture of tin - ware, a business which has prospered under his careful management and perseverance, and which has placed him prominently among the leading business men of this place. To himself and wife have been given the following family of children : William F., Thomas E., and James D., only one of whom is now living, Thomas, and he is mar- ried and resides in Oregon. Mr. Bramel is a member of the Baptist Church and also belongs to the Masonic fraternity. He has never aspired to any political preferment, though always having supported the Whig or Democratic parties.


1196


HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.


JOHN BROOKS


(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Dawn).


The parents of the subject of this sketch, Michael and Mary (Cryle) Brooks, were natives of the Keystone State, where their ancestors for many generations had resided. They were married in Pennsylvania in 1830, and shortly afterwards moved to Ohio, settling in Richland county, where Mrs. Brooks died in 1848, leaving three sons and one daughter. In 1850 Mr. Brooks went to California, the children having been taken care of by an aunt, and while in that State he was married again ; subsequently his death occurred there in 1876. John Brooks, the youngest but two in his parents' family of children, first saw the light in Richland county, O., in 1840, and at the time his father went to California he was but eight years old. It was not long until he had to rely entirely upon his own exertions for support, and without scarcely any education and unacquainted with the ways of the world, he found it most difficult to secure a livelihood. But his ambition knew no bounds and he attended strictly to the employ- ment that was given him until the war broke out. In 1861 he enlisted in the 3d Iowa infantry at West Union, Ia., and served with distinc- tion for about a year. In 1864 he was married, Miss Elmina Cross becoming his wife; she was born in Richland county, O., in 1848, and was the daughter of Aaron Cross, who came origi- nally in an early day from Belfast, Me., to Ohio, where he after- wards married Rebecca Oldfield, whose father Jonathan Oldfield, was a pioneer settler of the Buckeye State, and who served in the War of 1812. In the fall of 1865, Mr. Brooks and wife took up their location at their present residence, a comfortable homelike place, where they are now living, surrounded by their worthy family of children. Personally they are well known and favorably recog- nized. All the children but the youngest one are living: Frank T. Mary L., Elvira B. and Martha Elizabeth. Frank T. Brooks, the eldest of the children, was reared upon his father's farm, obtaining a good education at the "Stone School-house " in this county, and also attended an educational institution at Vineland, N. J. While in that city he became connected with the newspaper business, at which he worked some two years, then returning to his home in Dawn. He soon purchased the Star, which had been established as the Dawn Clipper in 1882, by Dr. B. O. Webb and Frank Green. Soon after the journal started, Dr. Webb disposed of his interest to Mr Green, who died shortly afterwards and the paper fell into the hands of P. R. Hoy, who conducted it as the Star until August, 1884. Mr. Brooks then became the proprietor and editor of the paper, which he restored to its original title, the name under which it has since been published. Under the management of Mr. Brooks this periodical has proved a decided success, and its editorial policy has been directed by a man of good judgment. Its reputation as a representative journal of this portion of the State is well established.


1197


HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.


ABRAHAM BROWN, SR.


(Retired Farmer, Dawn).


Like many and perhaps the most of the representative citizens of Livingston county, Mr. Brown descends from Virginia ancestry, his birth having occurred February 1, 1816, in Monongalia county, ( now) West Virginia. His father, Emanuel Brown, was twice married, his first wife, Elizabeth Henkins, bearing him eight children, of whom Abraham was the eldest. Miss Nancy Stewart was the maiden name of his second wife and she became the mother of two children. In 1826 he moved from his native state to Washington county, Pa., and from there to Champaign county, O., in 1848, later removing to Mar- shall county, Ill. ; he died in Christian county, Ill., at an advanced age. Abraham in growing up, early learned what hard work meant. His education was rather limited, but he remained with his parents until some twenty years of age, assisting about the farm in a saw and grist mill, and in 1835 he was married in Washington county, Pa., to Elizabeth Blayney, originally from Ohio. Thirteen years later mov- ing to Morrow county, O., he remained there occupied in farming until 1859, when he came to this county, and this has since been his home. His first wife died in Ohio in 1851, leaving the following children : Elizabeth, who married Robert Reed, of Dawn, and is now deceased ; Nancy J., wife of Wiley Elliott ; Minerva, deceased ; Mary M., wife of J. J. Nellis, well known throughout this county ; John E., married Margaret Flynn, and resides at Dawn; Catharine L., married Adam Blayney, of West Virginia ; Susanna, deceased ; Abraham, married Elizabeth Baker, and lives in the county ; Harriet V., is now Mrs. Albert Snyder, of Kansas. In 1852 Mr. Brown's marriage to Mrs. Mary Watson was consummated, she having been a native of the Keystone State, and by this union there were two children: William W., who married Nellie Lewis, now living in Monroe township, this county, and Amy, the wife of John Glick, was killed in the cyclone of 1883. Two of Mr. Brown's sons were in the Union army during the war, John E. and Abraham. Mr. B. has followed farming and stock raising all his life until recently, when he has retired from active labor. He now makes his home at Dawn, living in the enjoyment of his extensive acquaintance and the love and esteem which is univer- sally accorded him. Since the war he has been a Republican, though formerly a Whig. His Union proclivities during that struggle fre- quently led to insults and narrow escapes from bodily injury, and on one occasion he was captured by guerrillas and all but killed. All his life he has been a zealous laborer for the church, and for years he has been prominently identified with the Presbyterian denomination. On celebrating his seventieth birthday recently four generations were present, who presented him with a pair of gold spectacles, and at his death they are to go to the next oldest relative, and so on for generations.


1198


HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.


HENRY BUSHNELL


(Merchant, Dawn).


As a man of business Mr. Bushnell's name and fame is co-extensive with Livingston county and the surrounding country. Every step of his financial and commercial career has been illustrated by acts of liberality and great practical advantage. With each vital inter- est of his people and his section he has been closely identified, and in every step taken through his energy towards a higher develop- ment this county has never had a safer counselor or more devoted friend. Perhaps he has only done his duty in this, and only acted as a sensible business man would ; but it is much to do one's duty these days, and it is a great deal to do it unfalteringly and ungrudg- ingly. And Mr. Bushnell seems to be content so only his adopted county prosper. He was born in Otsego county, N. Y., April 29, 1842, the son of Horace C. Bushnell, also of the same county, and of French-Hugenot descent. His ancestors came to Salem (now Boston ), Mass., in 1630. Pierre Boushenelle, as the name was originally spelled, after coming to this country, married a daughter of one of the passengers of the Mayflower, in 1632. He had 13 chil- dren, and all of the name now in America are considered his descend- ants. The different members of the family lived for generations in the New England States, many of them taking part in the Revolution- ary and early Indian Wars. The second generation from Pierre Boushnelle began to spell the name as it now stands, Bushnell. Noah Bushnell, Henry's great-grandfather, was a captain in the Conti- mental army ; after the war one of his sons, Benjamin, moved to Vermont, but a few years later, in the early part of the present cen- tury, located in Otsego county, N. Y., where he improved a farm, his wife and himself dying there and leaving four daughters and a son. The latter was Horace C. Bushnell, Henry's father. He (Horace ) was reared as a farmer, received an academic education and also learned the carpenter's trade. In 1837 Miss Lora A. Joslyn, who was born in Otsego county, N. Y., in 1818, became his wife, and they had three sons and two daughters : Lucius T., Henry, Mary J., Frank E. and Ella A. The parents still survive and remain in the county which has always been their home. The father is an architect and also runs a sash and blind factory and circular mill and lumber yard. He and his estimable wife appreciated the benefit of good educational opportunities and saw to it that their children enjoyed the same advantages. Henry Bushnell passed his youth in the village of Gilbertsville, Otsego county, assisting in his father's mill and upon the farm, attended an academy for some time and in the winter of 1860-61 taught school; he was preparing himself for college when the threatening war cloud burst in all its fury and subsequently, in August, 1861, he enlisted as private in Co. E, 2d New York artillery, though the regiment for the most part did duty as infantry. For meritorious services on the field of battle he was promoted to the


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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.


captaincy of Co. C, having taken part in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court-House, second Bull Run, North Ann, Cold Har- bor, Petersburg, Deep Bottom and many of less importance. On account of ill health Capt. Bushnell was compelled to resign his com- mission December 2, 1864, and he then returned home, after having served for over three years. In the spring of 1866 he came to Liv- ingston county, Mo., and for two years farmed, taught school and worked at the carpenter's trade. In March, 1868, he became located at Dawn and in partnership with G. H. Clark embarked in general merchandising; since 1869 he has been alone in this business and by excellent business ability and foresight he has built up one of the largest and most prosperous trades in the county. His stock annually averages from $12,000 to $18,000, and he occupies a commodious two-story brick building, built in 1875. Besides his mercantile inter- ests Mr. B. has dealt to some extent in real estate and now he owns 780 acres, his own home being one of the finest hereabouts. In con- nection with Mr. Joseph Heslop he has also been engaged in buying and shipping stock for many years, probably as extensively as any person in the county. His public-spiritedness, as intimated, is shown by his contributions to everything that has a tendency to promote the interests of Livingston county or enlist its support. His business success has been something remarkable, and the confidence the people have in him in all respects is rarely equaled at the present day. Republican in politics, he has held numerous local positions. He belongs to the Commandery of the Masonic Order, and is also a mem- ber of the G. A. R. and A. O. U. W. Mr. Bushnell was married March 25, 1869, to Minnie Mellon, daughter of Henry S. Mellon, one of the pioneer settlers of Livingston county. She died January 22, 1870, leaving one child : Lora A. Mr. B. took for his second wife, November 9, 1871, Miss Anna M. Bridenthall, originally from West- moreland county, Pa. Six children have blessed this union: Frank E., Bertie I., Henry R., Horace E., Claude L. and Blanche L.


JAMES N. BYRD


(Post-office, Dawn).


This honored old citizen is one of the oldest and best known settlers of Blue Mound township, his home having been upon the farm which he now occupies since 1857. Born in Greenbrier county, Va., Feb- ruary 26, 1820, he is now little past the age of 66 years. His grand- father was an Englishman by birth, but when a child his father came to America and located in the Old Dominion ; in childhood he and a sister were captured by Indians and held as captives for several years, and in after life Mr. Byrd ( whose name was John) retained many of the habits and characteristics of the aborigines. He was married in Virginia and reared a large family, among whom was John, the father of James N. Grandfather Byrd lived to the advanced age of 96 years. John and Rebecca ( White) Byrd, the parents of the subject of this sketch, were both Virginians by birth and always made their


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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.


home there, bringing up a family of 10 children, who have become useful and esteemed members of society in the different localities ยท where they have resided. Their parents were in every way good and industrious people. James N. was brought up on his father's farm, receiving but a limited education, and for three years he served an apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade, which he followed exclusively while in Virginia. In 1857 he came to this county, entered 320 acres of land where he now lives, and began its improvement, which by hard work and good management has become a superior farm. To some extent he has worked at his trade in connection with farming, though occupied principally in agricultural pursuits and the raising of stock. At this time he has 400 acres of land highly culti- vated, and in its conduct is to be seen the superior management of a person thoroughly informed in his calling. Mr. Byrd was married August 29, 1844, to Miss Jane R. Mvles, daughter of a well known resident of Greenbrier county, Va., John Myles, where she was born June 15, 1818. Seven children blessed this union : Virginia, John M., Mary A., Orlenah, Paul, Robetty and Mark. Mrs. Byrd died May 9, 1879, and Mr. B. married Mrs. Eliza J. Steel, February 26, 1879. Her maiden name was Hannah, and she was born in the same county as himself November 1, 1819, becoming the wife of William Steel in 1853. They lived in Cedar county, Ia., some years, and then went to Illinois, and in 1870 came to this county, where Mr. S. died February 18, 1877. Mr. Byrd has been a life-long Democrat. During the war he maintained a perfectly neutral position, though doing much to prevent lawlessness at home. Indeed he has ever been a stanch defender of the rights of man in all ways, and has thus shown himself to be a useful and pro- gressive citizen. Few men in the county are better known or more universally esteemed than " Uncle Jimmy Byrd," as he is respect- fully called.




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