USA > Missouri > Dade County > History of Dade County and her people : from the date of the earliest settlements to the present time > Part 25
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Mr. Bishop is engaged in a general farming, stock raising and stock feeding business. He was one of the organizers of the Bank of South Greenfield, and is at present an officer and a member of its boards of directors.
Mr. and Mrs. Bishop are the parents of six children, all of whom are living:
(1) Erma, born August 25th, 1879, educated in Springfield, a graduate of Drury College class of 1904 with
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A. B. degree, also graduate of special work at State Uni- versity and received B. S. degree in 1910, and holds a state Life Certificate. Is now engaged in teaching in St. Louis.
(2) Clara, born May 27th, 1889, graduated from the Greenfield High School in 1908, and is at present Secre- tary of the County Sunday School Board, in which work she takes a great delight.
(3) Pearl, born Feb. 24th, 1891, attended Greenfield High School, and after graduating spent two years at Drury College in Springfield. Married Roy Poindexter Oct. 9th, 1913.
(4) Margaret, born Jan. 28th, 1894. Educated at Greenfield High School, Drury Academy, and graduated from Drury College in 1916 with A. B. Degree. Member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. Now teaching in Springfield High School.
(5) Francis Tom, born July 29th, 1900. Is at present attending High School in St. Louis.
(6) Lucy Ruth, born August 6th, 1903. Is now at- tending school in Dade County.
The foregoing record speaks louder than words con- cerning Mr. Bishop's attitude toward education. In poli- tics he is a staunch Democrat, and his family all being members of the Christian Church. No man stands higher in the community than Mr. Bishop, and his influence has been felt throughout the county in the good-roads move- ment, and his voice has ever been raised in support of a better school system. Like many of his prosperous neigh- bors, he enjoys the distinction of riding in an auto, but with him it is a matter of necessity rather than a luxury.
HOMER CLYDE BIRCH.
A native of Dade County, Missouri, was born one and one-half miles south of Seybert on Feb. 22nd, 1874, son of Dr. D. E. F. and Amanda (Moore) Birch, both being natives of Tenn.
Homer C. Birch is the only surviving child of three children born of this marriage:
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(1) Birdie, died Aug. 2, 1900.
(2) Trixie, deceased.
(3) Homer Clyde, born Feb. 22nd, 1874.
Homer Clyde remained at home until his marriage, which took place Aug. 2nd, 1892, when he was but 18 years of age. He was married to Serena Glenn, who was born in Dade County Jan. 22nd, 1873, and died April 13th, 1915, leaving a family of seven children:
(1) Thadeus, born June 29th, 1894, is now engaged in mining in the Corry camp, and living at home.
(2) John, born Feb. 6th, 1896, is now at home at- tending school.
(3) Macie, born Oct. 9th, 1898, is at home attending school.
(4) Howard, born Jan. 16th, 1902, is attending school.
(5) Ruth, born July 12th, 1904, is at home attending school.
(6) Kyle, born May 17th, 1906, is at home.
(7) Clayton, born Aug. 7th, 1909, is at home.
(8) Elmer, born Sept. 1st, 1912, died Feb. 13th, 1913.
After his marriage Mr. Birch went to farming. He started housekeeping with very little on rented land, and lived for two years on the John G. Sloan farm, then bought 40 acres near Needmore in Cedar County. Lived there two years, sold out, and rented 90 acres on the Little Sac river, where he farmed for three years, then rented the Silas Montgomery farm in Sac Township, where he re- mained three years. Next he moved to the Sam Seybert farm of 120 acres and farmed this one year, after which he rented the old James Goodnight farm of 185 acres through John A. Hall, the manager of the Underwriters' Land Company, near the Corry mining camp. After farm- ing this place for four years, he purchased it. This was in 1907.
At the time of purchasing it, this farm was little improved, but he has since remodeled the house, cleared out 50 acres, fenced it all with wire, and made general improvements. He sold off 25 acres, so that there are now
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FRANK JOHNSON AND FAMILY AT HOME IN CEDAR COUNTY.
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160 acres of No. 1 land in this farm. It is all in cultivation but 10 acres.
Mr. Birch is engaged in general farming, and feeds some cattle, horses and mules. His farm is well adapted to stock raising, being well watered by spring branch and wells.
In politics Mr. Birch is a Republican, is a member of the Township Board, and while in Sac Township was Clerk of the School Board. He is vitally interested in the good-roads movement and in favor of the best possible public schools.
Mr. and Mrs. Birch were each converted at a meeting held at Corry by Brothers Worthington, Oldham and others, and were afterwards baptized, uniting with the Church of God (Holiness), and spent many happy hours in the service of the Lord, both at home and in the public worship.
For eight years he and his wife enjoyed the blessings of an eternal salvation, when she was called home. He still remains a true and faithful follower of his Savior, and is loyal to the one true Church of God.
W. R. BOYLES.
Postmaster, owner and former editor, publisher and proprietor of the Dade County Advocate. Was born in the City of Greenfield, Dade County, Missouri, Dec. 25th, 1857, and has lived in the city continuously all his life. His parents were Samuel B. and Elizabeth (Vaughan) Bowles. The former was born at Portsmouth, N. H., while his mother was born in Virginia. She was reared, how- ever, in Tennessee, and their marriage was celebrated in that state. In the 40's they removed to Dade County, Missouri, where Dr. Samuel B. Bowles followed the prac- tice of medicine, becoming one of the prominent and valued physicians of Southwest Missouri. Both he and his wife passed away in Greenfield.
In his boyhood days W. R. Bowles attended the public schools of Greenfield, spending his youth largely in the manner of other boys of his day, and at the age of 14
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years he began learning the printer's trade. In 1887 he purchased the Dade County Advocate from Judge Mason Talbutt, his brother-in-law, since which time he has been actively connected with its management, covering a period of 30 years. The Advocate has long been recognized as one of the leading Democratic papers of this section of the state. The office is well equipped with new and modern machinery and does an extensive line of job work in addition to the publication of a newspaper.
In the year 1895, while Mr. Bowles was serving his native city as Mayor, he became married to Miss Cora Kimber, a native of Putnam County, Illinois, to which union five children were born:
Samuel O., a city salesman in San Francisco; John H., now of Kansas City; Karl C., who is now associated with his father in the publication of the Advocate; Kath- erine V., who at present is acting as Deputy Postmaster under her father in the Greenfield postoffice, and Francis Tiffany, now at home attending High School.
Mr. Bowles is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken many degrees and in which he is much interested. He also affiliates with the Modern Wood- men and the W. O. W. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Greenfield. Politically, Mr. Bowles has always been a Democrat, and has been active in the councils of his party, both as an organizer and as a chairman of the County Executive Committee. He was appointed postmaster of Greenfield by Grover Cleveland, and is now holding that office by virtue of appointment by Woodrow Wilson. He has, however, never been considered intensely partisan, his election to the mayoralty of Greenfield twice having been on a Citizens' ticket. Besides being a newspaper man and publicist, Mr. Bowles is also an Attorney at Law, having been admitted to the Dade County Bar many years ago. Both personally and in his paper Mr. Bowles has always been a staunch advocate of every movement which had for its purpose the betterment of the community, especially in the matter of good roads and good schools.
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WILLIAM D. BROWN.
Was born in Jackson County, Tennessee, July 20th, 1862. His father, Jerry Calvin Brown, was born in East Tennessee, and died Jan. 4th, 1888, at the age of 56 years. He was of Scotch-Irish parentage, a son of Hiram and Betsy Brown. Hiram lived to the unprecedented age of 110 years, and was an early settler in Carolina, but later moved to East Tennessee.
Jerry C. Brown was a farmer, and reasonably suc- cessful in his undertakings. He moved to Kentucky and later to Dade County. He settled in 1880 southeast of the old Antioch Church, in what is now Pilgrim Township, where he bought a small farm. He was a member of the Christian Church, a Democrat in politics, a member of the Masonic fraternity and an office-holder in Jackson County, Tennessee.
Jerry Calvin Brown was married to Jane Floyd, a lady of German descent, born in McMinn County, Ten- nessee, in 1838, and died in Dade County in 1890. She was a member of the Christian Church and the mother of eight children:
(1) Saralı J. married E. W. Richards of Kentucky, and came to Dade County with the family.
(2) Rebecca Ann married Charles Simpson, a mem- ber of a pioneer Dade County family, and settled in South Township.
(3) William D. Brown, the subject of this sketch.
(4) Frank, now a farmer living three miles south of Everton.
(5) Millie married Perry Shaw of Greene County, and died July 2nd, 1908, in Greenfield.
(6) John C. died at Pilgrim, Mo., May 1st, 1912.
(7) Henry, a railroad man, lives at Everton.
(8) Josie married Asa Loveless, at one time Chief of Police in Springfield.
William D. Brown was raised on a farm, attended the country schools, and later worked in and attended Ozark College in Greenfield in 1885, but remained on the farm till 1886.
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For a few years he taught school, after which he was appointed Postmaster at Pilgrim, serving a little over eight years, and was Station Agent for the Frisco railroad at the same time. He was also Justice of the Peace in South Township for four years. In 1895 he moved to Everton and engaged in the poultry and produce business, which he followed for 15 years, handling a large amount of stuff. In 1907 he was employed by a wholesale produce firm, and spent two years in Polk County, after which he returned to Everton and managed the Business Men's Produce Company a little over one year. In 1911 he traded his property in Everton for a stock of goods at Stinson, a country point in Lawrence County, and in 1913 he exchanged this property for his residence property in Greenfield, where he now lives.
In 1914 he was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court of Dade County, and moved to Greenfield, the county seat.
At the age of 14 years William D. Brown suffered a severe attack of typhoid fever, which affected his right arm and right lower limb, so that for forty years he has been obliged to use a support for his lower limb, but is able to walk without the use of crutch or cane.
In 1886 he was married to Sarah Ann Gilmore, born in Washington Township, Dade County, Missouri, Aug. 14th, 1869, daughter of William J. and Francis (Smith) Gilmore. The Gilmores came from Warren County, Ken- tucky, in 1856, and settled in Washington Township. Mrs. Brown received a common school education, and was one of a family of eight children. At the time of her marriage she was a member of the Baptist Church, joining at the age of 13 years, but she and her husband are now each members of the Christian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are the parents of five children:
(1) Ida, born Nov. 3rd, 1887, received her education in the Everton High Schools, and is now employed as Deputy Circuit Clerk of Dade County.
(2) Ada, born Dec. 29th, 1889, attended High School at Everton, married Hugh Burch, a farmer residing near Lockwood, and is the mother of four children, Corinne,
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8 years old; Justin, 6 years old; George, 4 years old, and James, 2 years old.
(3) Vida, born June 16th, 1892, married Emmerson Crews, a barber, in Greenfield.
(4) William, born June 24th, 1896, a farmer.
(5) Charles Ernest, born Jan. 28th, 1900, and is now at home.
William D. Brown is a Democrat in politics, a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F. and Rebekah lodges, and also belongs to the W. O. W. and Circle.
At the breaking out of the Civil war Jerry Calvin Brown enlisted in the Confederate Army and saw active service during the entire period of hostilities. He lost his entire possessions, suffered a number of minor wounds, was many times a prisoner of war, but came out of the struggle practically a sound man. His brother, James H. Brown, fought in the Union Army, came to Missouri after the close of the war, and died in 1913 at the age of 80 years.
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ROBERT W. BURTON.
A native of Lawrence County, Missouri, born March 19, 1870, son of Milo Burton and Susan (Hood) Burton, pioneers of Lawrence County. Milo Burton was a native of Tennessee, while Susan, his wife, was a native of Ken- tucky. David Burton, the grandfather of Robert W. Bur- ton, with his son, Milo, came to Missouri in 1851 and settled in Lawrence County, near the present site of Miller. Here they farmed and rented until the breaking out of the Civil war, when Milo Burton and his father, David Burton, both entered the Confederate Army. David Bur- ton died in the service in the State of Arkansas, while Milo, though slightly wounded, returned home. Just prior to entering the service, Milo Burton had married Mary Susan Hood. The wedding took place on Jan. 1st, 1860. Mary Susan Hood was born July 11th, 1844, a daughter of John Alexander and Nancy Hood. The Hoods had
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come from Kentucky in 1852, settled in Lawrence County, and, with the Burtons, had joined the Confederate Army.
After the war Milo Burton followed the occupation of blacksmithing and threshing, and in 1874 rented the Sturdy farm on Pennsylvania Prairie, which he farmed for two years, and then rented the John Moore place. In 1880 he bought 200 acres, all in Dade County, which was little improved. He erected suitable buildings, cleared it out, and became a prosperous farmer and stock raiser. He added to his original purchase until at the time of his death he owned 410 acres, all in Dade County except 76 acres, which was just across the line in Lawrence County. He died Aug. 17th, 1898, and his widow still occupies the old homestead. Milo Burton was a member of the Baptist Church, a Democrat, much interested in schools, and for a number of years was a member of the School Board in his home district. A complete genealogy of the family is given in the sketch of Thomas W. Burton, recorded under the proper caption in this volume.
Robert W. Burton acquired his education in the com- mon schools of the county. He remained at home till 25 years of age, at which time, on the 7th day of April, 1895, he married Etta M. Withrow, who was born in Lawrence County, near Miller, Nov. 26th, 1874. She was a daughter of N. B. Withrow and Margaret (Baker) Withrow. Her father was a native of Arkansas, while her mother was born in Missouri. Mr. Withrow was a mechanic, followed blacksmithing and carpentering, and also farmed at times. During the latter part of his life he lived in South Green- field, where he died July 12th, 1890, being survived by his widow, who still lives at that place. N. B. Withrow and Margaret Withrow were the parents of eight children:
(1) Thomas Withrow lives in South Greenfield.
(2) Mollie lives in Fort Scott, Kas.
(3) Clara, now Mrs. James Irby of Oklahoma.
(4) Annie, twin of Thomas (she was Mrs. W. A. Bird), now deceased.
(5) Etta M., wife of Robert W. Burton.
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(6) Lula, now Mrs. Roy Mclemore.
(7) Maggie, now Mrs. Perry Mclemore.
(8) Rachel, now Mrs. C. P. Hawk of Arcola.
Robert W. Burton, in company with his brother, John, were tenant farmers in South Township, cultivating about 100 acres annually until 1898, when he purchased 100 acres of new land without any improvements. At that time he was living on a rented tract of 127 acres, which he purchased in 1900 and upon which he now lives. In 1901 he built a good barn, but in 1914 the original barn bein inadequate for his purpose he erected a new one 60x70 feet, with cement floors, and granary, which is one of the finest modern barns in Dade County.
Mr. Burton is a splendid farmer and takes great delight in blooded stock. He owns a thoroughbred Here- ford bull and a modern herd of Hereford and Shorthorn grade cows. He has a preference for Poland-China hogs, and, while not an extensive swine feeder, he raises a few of splendid quality. Not being satisfied with the splendid bluegrass and clover which flourishes in Turnback bottom, he has propagated a field of six acres of alfalfa, with flattering results. His farm is well watered by Turnback creek and numerous wells. A gasoline engine is used for pumping purposes. Mr. Burton is the proud possessor of a Buick Six automobile, which he drives with considerable satisfaction.
Four children came to bring sunshine into the home of Mr. and Mrs. Burton:
(1) Otto Bland, born June 20th, 1896.
(2) James Franklin, born Sept. 24th, 1902.
(3) Willard Thomas, born Nov. 15th, 1904.
(4) Samuel Withrow, born April 14th, 1910.
Mr. and Mrs. Burton are each members of the M. E. Church (South). He is superintendent of the Sunday School, a Trustee of the Church, an active Democrat, a member of the School Board for a number of years, served as Clerk of the Board 13 years, is at present Township Collector, having served six years in all, a Director in the Dade County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and a
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man of affairs generally. He holds membership in the Odd Fellow Lodge at Everton, and, like all owners of motor cars, is a good-roads enthusiast. Mr. Burton is a first class-citizen in every respect, and a gentleman with whom it is a pleasure to be acquainted with.
THOMAS W. BURTON.
Is the youngest child of a family of nine children, born May 28th, 1884, in Lawrence County, Missouri, a son of Milo Burton and Mary Hood Burton. His father, Milo Burton, was born in Virginia May 26th, 1842, and died Aug. 17th, 1898. The parents of Milo Burton were also natives of Virginia, and emigrated to Kentucky in a very early day. They came to Missouri shortly afterward and died in Arkansas during the war.
Milo Burton married Mary Hood in January, 1860, and settled upon a farm two miles Northeast of Miller, in Lawrence County. At the breaking out of the Civil war he enlisted in the Confederate Army. He was slightly wounded in the service and at the close of the war re- turned home, bringing with him a faithful and valuable horse, which he kept for many years. In 1880 he built a comfortable residence, and became an important and prominent man in his locality.
Milo Burton and wife were the parents of the follow- ing children:
(1) Arthusa Ann, born Aug. 21st, 1861, now the widow of Robert Lee Friar.
(2) James William, born April 17th, 1866, died at the age of 5 years.
(3) John D., born Aug. 18th, 1868, died Oct. 9, 1913.
(4) Robert W., born March 19th, 1870.
(5) Christopher W., born May 8th, 1873.
(6) Samuel M., born March 9th, 1876.
(7) Lemuel L., born Aug. 13th, 1878.
(8) Joseph E., born April 9th, 1881.
(9) Thomas W., born May 28th, 1884.
At the time of his death, Milo Burton owned 410 acres of land. The farm was afterward divided, and Thomas
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PRESIDING JUDGE T. M. WALKER AND WINE AT HOME IN NORTHWEST DADE COUNTY.
J. J. McCONNELL.
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W. lives on the home place with his mother. He owns 40 acres in Dade County, which is the old Burton liome- stead. He also owns 116 acres in Lawrence County, 76 acres of which was part of the old homestead.
Mrs. Burton (widow of Milo Burton), vividly recalls many incidents which took place at the old homestead during the strenuous days of the Civil war. Their home was often visited by the soldiers of both the Blue and the Gray, they were often compelled to feed large companies, and many times their house was searched for fugitives. In 1863 their home was burned by the Federal soldiers for seemingly no other reason than that they failed to find the fugitives they were seeking. At this time she was living at the home of her father, and it was the Hood home that was burned. Mr. Hood in those days worked in the blacksmith shop while his three daughters cultivated the farm, raised the crops with oxen and harvested them in the most primitive manner.
Thomas W. Burton is engaged in general farming and stock raising. He raises fullblooded and grade Whiteface cattle, Poland-China hogs, and feeds largely.
His farm is well adapted to stock raising, being well watered by Turnback creek and also by wells from which water is pumped by windmill.
His political convictions are Democratic and his edu- cation was acquired at the Pickett School in Dade County. He is a splendid young man, enthusiastic for good roads and bridges, progressive in his ideas, and chargeable only with the fault of being single, which condition is liable to be changed to one of married bliss before this volume reaches the press.
JOHN D. BURTON. Deceased.
Although he lived and prospered for almost half a century, yet John D. Burton died in the very prime of life, and while yet a young man. He was born Aug. 18th, 1868, a son of Milo Burton and Mary Susan (Hood) Burton,
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and died Oct. 9th, 1913, and was buried in Shiloh ceme- tery, near the place where he had spent his entire life. Concerning his parentage, their nativity, genealogy and migrations, reference may be had to the sketches of Robert W. and Thomas W. Burton, brothers of John D. Burton, so that extended mention is not necessary here. During boyhood he attended the common schools of Dade County, and in early manhood became a tenant farmer of the fertile fields of South Township until the year 1905, when he purchased 86 acres lying west of Turnback, near the old Burton homestead. For many years he was associated with his brother, Robert W., in farming enterprises. In 1906 he purchased an additional 129 acres, upon which was a good frame house, into which he moved with his family. This was the old John Pickett homestead, out of which had been given one acre for school purposes and upon which stood the Picket school house. Previous to this time he had purchased 114 acres on Turnback creek, making him now a splendid farm of 329 acres. Mr. Burton was ener- getic, industrious and optimistic. His whole life was wrapped up in his farm and his family. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Burton were born eight children, all living.
John D. Burton was married February 7, 1892, to Icy P Irby, who was born in Lawrence County, Missouri, Oct. 8th, 1870, a daughter of Joseph L. and Delphia T. (Bailey) Irby.
Following are the names of their eight children:
(1) Arthusie, born Dec. 5th, 1892, married Monroe Myers of Dade County, and lives near her mother.
(2) Ernie, born Feb. 14th, 1895.
(3) Pairlee, born Aug. 21st, 1896.
(4) Loueezy, born Nov. 19th, 1898.
(5) J. Milo, born Nov. 4th, 1900.
(6) John W., born Dec. 22nd, 1902.
(7) James P., born Oct. 8th, 1905.
(8) Delphia Maud, born July 30th, 1908.
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Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Burton has very successfully managed the farm and provided for the family.
Joseph L. Irby, the father of Mrs. Burton, was a blacksmith and farmer, and at the time of his death owned 116 acres of land, which is now the property of his grand- son, Lloyd Irby. Mr. Irby was a veteran of the Civil war, having served in the Confederate Army.
Of Mrs. Burton's brothers and sisters, a more com- plete statement will be found in another chapter of this history. However, the following statement will be made here :
Delia was Mrs. Mitchell Smith of Arkansas. She died in the year 1911.
Mary, wife of John Bell. She is now deceased.
James F., now a resident of Afton, Okla., was a man prominent in the affairs of Dade County up to 1915. He was a Democrat in politics, in which he took an active part, being a candidate for Probate Judge in 1914.
Lucy, now Mrs. John Sullivan, lives at Paris Springs.
The John D. Burton farm of 329 acres is one of the most desirable in the south part of Dade County. It is well watered and very fertile. Modern machinery is used for pumping and driving appliances. Mrs. Burton and family are members of the M. E. Church (South), and are much given to hospitality. Their farm has the air of general prosperity and the family impresses one as being surrounded by home conditions which are congenial.
EDWARD HENRY CARENDER.
Was born in Barton County, Missouri, Dec. 25th, 1878, son of Alfred Steven Carender, who was born in Cole County, Missouri, Dec. 9th, 1842, of Scotch-Irish parentage. George Washington Carender, the grandfather of Edward, lived in Kentucky in an early day. He came first to Cole County, Missouri, and later to Barton County, where he ended his days. He was a veteran of the Mexican war.
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