USA > Missouri > Greene County > Past and present of Greene County, Missouri, early and recent history and genealogical records of many of the representative citizens, Volume II > Part 55
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David Edward Ross, a successful general farmer and stockman of Murray township. Greene county, has been content to spend his life in his native community, and, being a man of industry, sound judgment and a close observer he has forged ahead until he now ranks among the leading men of his calling in this locality. Mr. Ross was born near Willard, Greene county, Missouri, July 11, 1869. He is a son of Lafayette A. and Malinda (Evans) Ross. The father of our subject was born in Robberson township. this county. February 21. 1835. the son of David and Louisa (Robinson ) Ross. David Ross, who was born in Kentucky in 1812, was one of the prominent pioneer preachers of the Methodist church in southwestern Mis- souri and one of the leading farmers of Greene county of that period, having come here when he was twelve years of age from Cooper county, Missouri with his parents, William and Elizabeth Ross. William Ross was a sur- veyor and he laid out the town of Boonville, this state, and was also employed
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by the government of Mexico to help survey what is now the state of Texas. He left Greene county and engaged in merchandising in Bolivar, Polk county, for a number of years, later moving to Versailles, Morgan county, where his death occurred at an advanced age, he and his wife both passing their four-score mile-post. David Ross engaged in farming in the northern por- tion of Greene county, erecting a log cabin on wild land, and, working hard and managing well, finally had a fine farm of about five hundred acres and a large comfortable home took the place of his little primitive dwelling. He handles large numbers of live stock of various kinds and is a good judge of stock. For a period of over thirty-five years he preached the gospel all over this country and was a powerful preacher of his type. His wife, Louisa Robinson, was born in Tennessee about 1815 and her death occurred on the homestead here, and he died on January 6, 1869, at the age of fifty-six years, after a successful and useful career, although comparatively brief. To these parents twelve children were born, namely: Lafayette A., father of the immediate subject of this sketch; William, Dr. Francis E., Mrs. Elizabeth J. Whitlock; Mrs. Mary L. Skeen, David W., Mrs. Sarah M. Watson, Mrs. Henrietta J. Robinson, Mrs. Cordelia Robinson, Bennett J., Mrs. Laura M. Appleby, and Dr. Leonidas C.
Lafayette A. Ross has spent his entire life in the vicinity of his birth with the exception of three years in California during the early fifties, the gold-fever days, having been but nineteen years of age when he made the hazardous trip across the plains. Returning home in 1856, he took up farm- ing and stock raising here, which has since claimed his attention, and he is owner of an excellent farm in Murray township of one hundred and twenty acres, having lived on the same farm for a period of forty-six years. He and Malinda A. Evans were married September 21, 1856. She is a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Leathers) Evans, all three of whom were born in North Carolina. Joseph Evans was a millwright by trade, which he followed during the winter months and farmed in the summer time. He moved his family to Greene county, Missouri, in 1840, locating on a farm at the edge of Robberson Prairie. He built the first frame house, also the first saw mill and grist-mill in this county, and became a prosperous and influen- tial citizen here. His death occurred in 1888, when eighty-five years of age. His family consisted of ten children, all now deceased but four, namely : Alexander, of Springfield; Daniel M., of Willard; Malinda A., who is the mother of our subject; and Mrs. Emma McDaniel, of Springfield. To La- fayette A. Ross and wife six children were born, named as follows: George Emery lives in Texas; William J. is a resident of Morrisville, Polk county ; Mrs. Emma Ault lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Mrs. Lula R. Appleby lives
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with her parents; David Edward, of this sketch; and Walter Evans, who lives in Oklahoma.
David Edward Ross, always called "Ed Ross," grew to manhood on his father's farm and there he worked when a boy, and he received his education in the public schools of his community and at Morrisville College in Polk county. He remained on the home farm until his marriage at the age of twenty-four years, after which he rented a farm just north of his present place which he operated one year. and in 1894 moved to Willard and en- gaged in mercantile pursuits, which he continued until in February, 1901, enjoying a good business and an extensive trade with the town and com- munity as a result of his straightforward and courteous dealings with his customers and the fact that he always carried a well-selected stock of general merchandise. He moved back to his father's farm in 1900, where he now resides and has been very successful as a general farmer and stockman, dealing extensively in buying and selling mules during the winter months. He raises large numbers of mules for the market, also horses, and it is safe to say that there is no better judge of both mules and horses than he, and no small portion of his comfortable competence has been secured through the judicious handling of these animals. In 1911 he moved to Springfield, where he was in the horse and mule business and engaged in trading until 1913, when he returned to the farm and is now active in general agricul- tural pursuits. His counsel is often sought by his neighbors and friends in regard to the horse and mule market and as to the value of certain animals and his advice is usually followed with gratifying results. His farm is well kept, well improved and indicates that a gentleman of thrift and good taste has its management in hand.
Mr. Ross was married September 28. 1893, to Ida M. Watson, who was born, reared and educated in the vicinity of Willard. She is a daughter of John P. and Nancy (Bryant ) Watson. Mr. Watson was born in Tennes- see, October 22, 1840, where he spent his early boyhood, making the tedious overland journey from his native state to Greene county, Missouri, when he was ten years of age, with his parents, Barney and Jane Watson, who settled on a farm in Murray township, and here John P. grew to manhood and received his education in the early schools of this vicinity. His father took up a claim in this township, which he developed into a good farm and here devoted his remaining years to general farming and died here. John P. Watson has devoted his active life to general agricultural pursuits, becoming owner of a good farm in this locality but for several years has been living retired, having bought a home at Morrisville. Polk county, about 1904. where he still lives. He has been twice married. He is the father of four children by his marriage to Nancy Bryant, who was born in 1839. being a native of
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Missouri, and her death occurred when her daughter, Ida M., was six years of age. These children were named: Mollie, who is the wife of William J. Ross, a merchant of Morrisville, Missouri; David is deceased; Mrs. Lula Appleby lives near Willard, this county; and Ida M., wife of the subject of this sketch. The second wife of John P. Watson was Sarah Ross, and to this union one child was born, Ross Watson, who is engaged in busi- ness at Willard.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Ross, of this sketch, namely : Charles H., who is working in the oil fields of Oklahoma with his uncle, Walter Ross; and John A., who is at home with his parents.
Mr. Ross is. a Democrat but has never been an aspirant for political honors, although he is active in all movements looking to the general progress of his township and county. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and of the Masonic Blue Lodge. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, at Willard and are active in the affairs of the same. Mrs. Ross is third vice-president of the Foreign Missionary Society of the same.
WILLIAM ROY STEWART.
Greene county has been especially fortunate in the character of her pio- neers, who, save in rare instances, possessed the pluck, fortitude and sound judgment of the true Anglo Saxon-that race which appears to delight in difficulties, because thereby an opportunity is afforded to conquer them. The founders of this country were brave, strong-armed, far-seeing, law-abiding citizens, patriotic and true to their native land, and conscientious in the dis- charge of their every duty toward their fellow men. Such was the Stewart family, who emigrated from the old Blue Grass state to Greene county, Mis- souri, fifty-four years ago, and have proven to be among our substantial citi- zens from that remote day, over a half century ago, to the present time. One of the best known of the present generation is William Roy Stewart, who, although a young man, holds the responsible position of yard-master at Springfield for the Frisco railroad.
Mr. Stewart was born in this city on January 31. 1883. He is a son of John W. Stewart, who was born in Kentucky, near the old city of Lexington. and from there he came to Greene county, Missouri, in 1861, and has since resided here, living now on College street. After attending the common schools he began his railroad career, in 1880, as brakeman for the Frisco, becoming conductor in 1881, and he continued in this capacity until 1908, or a period of twenty-seven years, during which time he was one of the best
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known conductors on the system, and that his work was highly satisfactory in every respect is indicated by his long service. in 1938 he quit the road and entered the yard service of the Frisco as switchinan in springheld, which position he has held ever since. Politically, he is a Republican. He belongs to the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and the Knights Templars; also the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Order of Railway Conductors, and to the Methodist Episcopal church.
John W. Stewart married Emma Kite, whose death occurred in Decem- ber, 1905, at the age of forty-three years, and she was buried in Maple Park cemetery. Three children were born to these parents, namely: W. Roy, of this sketch; Walter, who was in the employ of the road, and was killed in 1913 by a locomotive : Guy D. died in infancy.
A. Dudley Stewart, paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, spent his earlier days in kentucky, removing with his family to Springfield, Missouri, about the commencement of the Civil war. He has devoted his active life to railroad service, and for many years worked as carpenter and car repairer in the North Side Frisco shops. He is still living at the advanced age of eighty years, making his home on North Jefferson street, this city.
William Roy Stewart moved with his parents from Springfield to Deni- son, Texas, when a child and there spent his boyhood and received his education in the public schools, but left the school room when only fourteen years of age to begin his railroad career, his first work being that of night baggage agent at Joplin, Missouri, in 1899. for the Frisco. In 1900 he began braking out of Monett and in 1902 was promoted to conductor, his run being between Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and Sherman, Texas, also ran out of Monett, Missouri, as conductor. He resigned this position in the spring of 1905 and in the fall of that year went to work as switchman in the Springfield yards, and in the same year was promoted to the position of yardmaster, which position he has held to the present time, having twenty-five hands under his direction. In all capacities in which he has worked for the Frisco he has given eminent satisfaction. He has charge of the work in the yards at the passenger station.
Mr. Stewart was married in 1904 to Kate Crow. a daughter of James P. Crow, a native of Louisiana. To this union one child has been born. Belva Stewart, now ten years old and attending school.
Politically, Mr. Stewart is a Republican. He belongs to the Order of Railway Conductors, holding the office of assistant chief conductor in the local lodge. He is president of the local Switchmen's Union. He be- longs to Solomon Lodge No. 271. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal churchi.
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HARVEY W. HOWARD.
Although Americans do not take nearly so much interest in their family trees as do the Europeans or better classes of Orientals, yet it should be a matter of pride with us, who like the subject of this sketch, is able to refer to a long line of honorable progenitors-men and women who have left be- hind them records of which their descendants may not be ashamed but proud. Records of this fine old family may be traced back to William the Conqueror of England, to the year 1066, and their record in America goes back to our first settlers, when the original of this name landed either in Rhode Island or Massachusetts, it is believed in the year 1628, not so very long after the memorable arrival of the Mayflower.
Harvey W. Howard, pit foreman in the new shops of the Frisco at Springfield, a direct descendant of this old family, was born in Peabody, Kansas, September 27, 1877. He is a son of Albert S. and Charlotte E. (Trimble) Howard, the mother now a resident of the state of Idaho, being at this writing seventy-six years of age. The father was born in Wisconsin, from which state he came to Kansas in an early day. In his earlier life he followed the trade of millwright, later devoting his attention to carpen- tering and contracting, and although he is now seventy-seven years of age he is still active. He makes his home at Boise, Idaho. Politically, he is a Republican, and he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His family consisted of four children, namely: Clinton, who was killed some years ago in a railroad accident; Samuel, who is a brass-maker, lives in Denver, Colorado; Hattie married Rev. P. B. Knepp, minister of the Metho- dist Episcopal church, now stationed at Axtell, Kansas; and Harvey W. of this sketch.
Mr. Howard of this review received his education in the common schools at Council Grove, Kansas, but left school when sixteen years of age, and began learning the machinist's trade in that town, working under his father in a contract shop; after serving his apprenticeship he worked for ten years at his trade in Osawatomie, Kansas, then worked there in the Missouri Pacific shops at his trade. For two years he worked in Colorado City as machinist for the Hassell Iron Company. His next position was with the Colorado Midland railroad, continuing his trade, part of the time in Colorado City, then went to La Junta, Colorado, for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad, working in their shops there until in 1903, when he came to Springfield, Missouri, and took a position in the south side Frisco shops, working as machinist a year, then went to Leadville, Colorado, and was division foreman for the Colorado Midland a year, after which he went back to the Hassell Iron Works at Colorado City for five months, then
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came back to the south side shops in Springfield, and after working here as machinist for three months he was promoted to the position of erecting foreman, which he held over three years, then went to the new shops in 191I, working as machinist for six months, then was promoted to the po- sition which he now holds, that of pit foreman in the erecting department. He has about twenty hands under his direction and is giving eminent satis- faction in this important position. He is regarded as one of the most expert machinists the Frisco has ever employed from a Western road.
Mr. Howard was married on March 15, 1899, to Hattie Stickney, a daughter of John and Jane (Helm) Stickney, of Springfield, and to this union one child has been born, Helen Charlotte Howard, born January 15, 1905. John Stickney, father of Mrs. Howard, served in the Union Army. The maternal grandparents of our subject's wife were born in Germany.
Politically, Mr. Howard is a Republican. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. He holds membership in Orient Lodge No. 86, Knights of Pythias, of which he was elected chancellor commander for the year 1915, and is also a member of the Machinist's Union No. 363.
CHARLES WALTER KERR.
In years gone by farmers were looked upon as a class of people who were not educated, who could do nothing but farm. Now times have changed -one can not make a pronounced success as a farmer unless one is educated, not necessarily in the classics, it is true, but educated in the things that he has to employ in his vocation-the care and management of his place. A farmer, to be a successful farmer, must carefully manage his farm and know what he is gaining or losing, and on what branch there is no profit, just the same as the business man of the city manages his business. in a way, he should be a good bookkeeper. Among the tillers of the soil in Brookline township, Greene county, who not only knows how to plow and hoe, but also how to properly manage the business end of his farm, is Charles Walter Kerr.
Mr. Kerr was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, August 9, 1874. He is a son of James A. and Sarah (Irvin) Kerr. The father was a native of In- diana, in which state he grew to manhood, and was educated in the common schools, and he remained in his native state until about 1869, when he re- moved to Illinois, and from that state he brought his family to Greene county, Missouri, when the subject of this sketch was six years old. the family lo- cating in Brookline township. in 1880, and here our subject has since resided. To James A. Kerr and wife seven children were born, three sons and four
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daughters, namely: J. Owen, born in 1870, lives in Republic ; Elmer E., born in 1866, died in 1894: Mary E., born in 1868, married D. F. Leabo, and they live in Carthage, Missouri : Emma V., born in 1872, married R. A. Bowland, and they reside in Springfield : Charles W., of this sketch: Olive M., born in 1876, married H. H. McElhaney, and they live in Brookline township; Edna May, born in 1880, is unmarried and resides with her mother on the home place in this township. The father died, October 23, 1903.
Charles W. Kerr grew to manhood on the home farm and assisted with the work during the crop seasons, attending the public schools in the winter time in his district. He has always followed farming, on the home place, managing the same for his father until the latter's death in 1903, since which time he has operated the place on his own account. He has kept it under an excellent state of improvement and cultivation. He recently completed an attractive residence, on the bungalow order, near the old home. It is on the main highway between Springfield and Republic, and is surrounded by a beautiful oak grove, and is appropriately named "The Oaks."
Mr. Kerr was married in 1911 to Frances Short, a daughter of Frank and Nancy Short, who live in Christian county, Missouri, where Mrs. Kerr was born, reared and educated, the date of her birth being 1878.
Politically, Mr. Kerr is a Republican, but while he supports every move- ment calculated to be of general public interest, he has never been a candi- date for public office. He belongs to the Baptist church at Republic.
DR. GEORGE L. NOLAND.
Osteopathy has an able exponent in Springfield and Greene county in the person of Dr. George L. Noland, a man who has studied hard and left no stone unturned whereby he might get to the top of his profession. Thorough- ness, promptness and honesty have been watchwords with him and he is in every way deserving of the large success and the popularity which he has at- tained, for he began at the bottom of the ladder and has mounted its rungs unaided. He seems to have inherited many of the traits that win in life from his sterling ancestors of the old Buckeye state.
Doctor Noland was born at Big Plain, near Columbus, Ohio, in 1868. He is a son of Beckworth and Martha ( Biggert) Noland, a highly respected family of that place. the elder Noland spending his life on a farm and was one of the enterprising citizens of his community. George L. Noland was reared in his native vicinity and when of proper age he assisted his father with the work on the farm during the crop season, and during the winter attended the public schools, later entered the State Normal School at Dan-
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ville, Indiana, completing the prescribed course there, after which he re- turned to Ohio, and was married to Lou Tway, of London, that state, on November 2, 1891, and then he engaged in farming for three years on the old home place. He removed from the scenes of his childhood to Mt. Ayr, lowa, where he engaged successfully in the live stock business until the fall of 1899, when he sold out and moved to Kirksville, Missouri, and there he and his wife entered the American School of Osteopathy, where they both made splendid records, and were graduated in due course of time. Imine- diately thereafter they came to Springfield, Missouri, and began the practice of osteopathy here in July, 1901, and they have continued the same to the present time with ever-increasing success, and are among the most skillful and best known osteopathic physicians in southern Missouri, and each of the thirteen years they have been here has found them further advanced and with more patients and with more friends than the preceding.
Mrs. Lou Tway Noland was born on July 16, 1870, in Fayette county. Ohio, and there spent her early girlhood. When twelve years of age she went to London, where she resided until 1895. She was graduated from the higli school there in 1888, and. subsequently, took a post-graduate teacher's course in the State Normal at Ada, Ohio, after which she spent several years teach- ing school in Madison county, that state, and was regarded as one of the leading public school instructors of that county, and it was in London that she and Mr. Noland were married. She spent six months studying in Europe. in 1908, and took a course of lectures in osteopathy in University of Vienna. Austria. She is profoundly versed in this science, has met with pronounced success during her professional career and has been of great assistance to her husband. She is a daughter of Perry and Clara (Cartlich) Tway, the mother a daughter of Abraham and Lucinda ( Will) Cartlich. Lucinda Will was a daughter of George Will, who was born on May 3, 1749, and he died on October 13, 1828. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, serving as first lieutenant and adjutant of the Sixth Pennsylvania Regiment. He was commissioned first lieutenant on February 5, 1877, and his name is the last one on a list of officers, dated August 27. 1778. This regiment was in the disaster at Fort Wellington on March 16, 1776.
Mrs. Noland has served three years as treasurer of the Missouri Os- teopathic Association, which position she still holds. She is also secretary of the Ozark Osteopathic Association, and has discharged her duties in these capacities in a faithful and commendable manner. She is one of the most widely known Osteopaths in the state and is popular in the various associa- tions. Religiously, she belongs to the Grace Methodist Episcopal church. She is an active member of the American Osteopathic Association, belongs to the Royal Neighbors of America, the Sorosia Society, and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
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To Doctor Noland and wife one child was born, Percy Ray Noland, wnose birth occurred in February, 1895, at Mt. Ayr, Iowa, and died on Feb- ruary 27, 1906, in Springfield, Missouri.
Doctor and Mrs. Noland have an up-to-date suite of offices in the Landers building, and they are pleasant people to meet, intelligent, experienced, and courteous to all.
ALBERT SIDNEY McLINN.
Diversified farming is essential to profitable production and main- tenance of soil fertility, but it is necessary to specialize on something to secure a superior standard of excellence. A well-diversified farm will have the customary crops that are grown in the locality, together with the usual farm animals, and some one crop or some one kind of animals should be singled out as a specialty, or the farmer should give his close attention to some phase of endeavor more than others. Albert Sidney McLinn, one of the most progressive general farmers of Murray township, Greene county, has succeeded in a general way, but has made a specialty of dealing in live stock, for some time feeding, buying and shipping, and is one of the best known stock men in the northern part of the county.
Mr. McLinn was born in Washington county, Tennessee, March 31, 1862. He is a son of Robert Alexander McLinn and Margaret Caroline (Seehorn) McLinn, and a grandson of William Richard McLinn, who was a native of Tennessee, and whose father was a native of Ireland, from which country he immigrated to the United States in old Colonial days, and from him descended the present numerous McLinn family. Robert A. McLinn, father of our subject, was born in Washington county, Tennes- see, in 1827, and he spent his life within one-fourth of a mile of the old homestead there. He was a farmer and stock trader, bought and shipped mules, cattle and hogs. He was a man of prominence in his community and was a leader in Democratic politics. He served one term as judge of the county court. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, in which he was an elder for a number of years, and he took a very active part in church work. His wife was also a native of Washington county, Tennessee, was a member of the same church and was active in church and Sunday school work. His death occurred on October 18, 1895, she having preceded him to the grave on August 16, 1880. They were the parents of nine children, namely: William Richard, deceased; Mrs. Mary Ida Sellers lives on the old homestead in Tennessee; Mrs. Anna Cordelia Robinson lives in Lock- ney, Texas; Albert S., of this review; Luella McLinn died in Ft. Worth, Texas; James Alexander also lives in Ft. Worth, Texas; Charles Seehorn
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