Jackson County Biographies
Jackson County Biographies
From The Memorial & Biographical Record of Kansas City and Jackson County, Missouri HON. BLAKE L. WOODSON Stands today among the most prominent members of the Kansas City bar, and, by reason of his oratorical abilities, his sound logic and knowledge of the law, is no one more worthy of a place in this work of representative men. He was born May 25, 1835, in Roanoke county, Virginia, and is a son of William and Martha G. (Haythe) Woodson, who were also natives of the Old Dominion. He traces his ancestry back to Dr. John Woodson, who emigrated to Virginia with Sir William Harvey, the latter being sent from England to act as royal governor of the colony of Virginia in 1632. When the oppression of the mother country had become so great that the colonies attempted to throw off the yoke of tyranny, the male representatives of the Woodson family were found among the patriots who fought long and earnestly for American independence. Different ones served in the various military capacities, some winning distinction as officers of the colonial army, while in the Indian war preceding and in the war of 1812 the Woodsons were also defenders of their country. In various walks of life they became distinguished, and especially in the legal profession there were many eminent members, while in the affairs of state they were also prominent. The Woodson family has furnished governors to some of the southern states, and by intermarriage they have become connected with some of the best known and honored people of Virginia and Kentucky. The maternal grandfather was also a general in the revolutionary war. The father of Major Woodson was a farmer and died when a young man, leaving 4 sons and 1 daughter: Achilles A., now a merchant and farmer of Virginia; Blake L.; William D., who operates the old homestead; and Charles A., a Baptist minister of Virginia. The Major remained upon the old home farm until 15 years of age, and attended the country schools and boarding schools of the neighborhood. His literary education was completed by his graduation at Lynchburg College, in 1858, with the degree of A. B. He determined to make the practice of law his work and began his preparatory studies in the law school of John W. Brockenbrough, of Lexington, Virginia, and subsequently attended the university of his native state. On the breaking out of the civil war, Mr. Woodson enlisted, in May, 1861, in the Confederate army, raising the Lynchburg Beauregards, of which he was made first lieutenant, while his cousin, a graduate of a military institute, served as captain. During the 1st year of the war he was stationed at Norfolk in the artillery service, and when that place was evacuated he went to the command of John B. Floyd in western Virginia, where was organized the 45th Virginia battalion, to which Mr. Woodson's command was attached, while he was promoted to the rank of major, and brevet lieutenant-colonel. He served with this battalion until the close of the war, in May, 1865, and was twice wounded, first during a skirmish by a shell and the second time by a gunshot. He was captured at the battle of Piedmont in July, 1864, while he lay on the field wounded, but was paroled and exchanged on account of his wound. He was in all the engagements in which his battalion participated, including some of the most hotly contested battles of the war, and was a fearless, courageous soldier. When the war ended, Major Woodson was paroled and returned to his home. There he immediately began a review of his law studies at Fincastle, Virginia, and remained in that locality until 1868, when he was elected a member of the Virginia legislature as the representative from Craig and Alleghany counties. This was a memorable assembly. It was the first legislative assembly that convened after the war, and in consequence the lawmakers had an arduous task upon their hands. It was a necessity to change the statute law of the state to conform with Virginia's new constitution, which had been framed at a constitutional convention held in 1867. Those who took their seats as members of this assembly continued in an uninterrupted session until 1871. In July of the same year, Major Woodson left his native state and emigrating westward took up his residence in Kansas City, Missouri, where he entered into a law partnership with Hon. Robert E. Cowan, which connection continued until the latter's election to the bench. They won a foremost place among the leading law firms of the city and from the public received a liberal and extended patronage. In 1884 the major was elected prosecuting attorney, and so capably did he fill the position that he was again called to that office in 1886, serving 2 terms of 2 years each. He was for some time judge of the criminal court of Jackson county, and has held many other positions of an important nature in civil life. He has been and is today a prominent man of the city, and his legal skill and ability are widely recognized. He has been retained as counsel on many historical cases, and his arguments are often eloquent, always telling and seldom fail to convince. Judge Woodson has been twice married. In 1870 he was joined in wedlock with Miss Lelia Word, of Fincastle, Virginia, daughter of Colonel William E. M. Word. She died in August, 1871, after a short but happy married life, and after remaining single for a number of years the Major was again married, in the Fall of 1880, his second union being with Miss Nora Delany, of Kansas City, by whom he has 3 children - Constance D., Mary B. and Nora G. Judge Woodson is an esteemed member of the order of Knights of Pythias, with which he has been connected since 1877. He also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He has always taken an active interest in charitable and benevolent work, giving freely of his means to those less fortunate in life than he with the true spirit of kindness and generosity for which Virginia's sons are noted. He also contributes liberally for the advancement of public enterprises calculated to benefit the city. He possesses to the fullest extent those qualities which go to make up the successful advocate. As an energetic, upright and conscientious lawyer he is destined for still higher successes at the bar of his adopted city. Major Woodson is of fine physique, standing 5 feet 10 ½ inches in height, and weighing about 200 pounds, having had always remarkable health; he is strong and active. While a man who would not be considered handsome, he is a gentleman of fine address and appearance, always greeting strangers and friends with a hearty welcome. He is courteous to all, and the first impression one obtains of him is a lasting one. BRUMMELL JONES Physician and surgeon, is one of the distinguished practitioners of the medical profession in Kansas City. He is a gentleman so well known in professional social and literary circles that a brief review of his life will be of exceptional interest. Of marked personality in his youth, he early evinced talents of an uncommon order, and although his early educational advantages were somewhat interfered with by the influence of the late war upon his early life, it in no wise materially checked his rise and progress in the world. He was an indomitable spirit in youth, obstacles he overcame, persistency and courage were strong characteristics in his nature and he always arose equal to the occasion. The qualities here indicated were undoubtedly inherited by him from his sturdy English and Welsh ancestors. He is a native of North Carolina, born in Davidson county, May 23, 1845, and is a son of Thomas and Lucy (Brummell) Jones, natives of the same state. It is a matter of record that the Brummell family are of English descent, and settled in Virginia about 1750; the Jones family came from Wales in the 17th centure and located in North Carolina. Members of both these families bore a prominent part in the war of the Revolution and the later contests of our country with foreign powers. Charles Lannier, a grand uncle, was a gallant soldier in the war of 1812; Randall Brummell, an uncle, participated in the Mexican war, and died of cholera at Camargo, Mexico, in 1847. Charles Brummell, a lawyer of fine attainments, and the friend of education, was a pioneer in the establishment of the public-school system in North Carolina. The father of our subject was a prominent Methodist minister, notable for zeal and courage in his calling. His whole work was done in his native state; he died in 1856. He wife, a lady possessing many of the graces of ideal womanhood, and a devout Christian, is also dead. They were parents of 4 children, 2 living: Mrs. W. H. Picher, of Joplin, Missouri; and Brummell, the subject of this memoir. He was educated at Trinity College, where he was in 1861, when the war broke out between the states. Although only 16 years old he enlisted in Company L, 22nd North Carolina infantry, the gallant Colonel J. Johnston Pettigrew commanding. This regiment belonged to General A. P. Hill's division of “Stonewall” Jackson's corps. With his command he participated in many of the most sanguinary battles of the war, second Manassas. Seven Pines, Yorktown, Fredericksburg, Hatcher's Run, and the incessant long-drawn-out struggle of the Wilderness, where he was wounded by a gunshot, having his left hop broken and being shot through the abdomen. He was sent to Charlotteville and subsequently to Lynchburg for treatment, remaining in both places about 6 weeks. The wounds were severe and he was furloughed home, remaining 6 months. When convalescence was established and he regained his strength, he rejoined his command. On the memorable 2nd day of April, 1865, when Richmond and Petersburg fell, he belonged to the rear guard that covered Lee's retreat. After some narrow escapes he reached Greensboro, North Carolina, and reported for duty. Upon one occasion he stood in the waters of the Appomattox up to his chin, for 10 hours, to escape capture at the hands of a colored cavalry patrol! The Doctor admits the water was a little chilly, it begin in April, but thinks he could have endured it a week rather than capture. After the close of hostilities he returned to Lexington, North Carolina, where he took up the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. Robert L. Payne. In 1866 he entered Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia. Two years later, in 1868, he graduated, and came immediately to Missouri, first locating in Pettis county, and later in Sedalia, where he successfully practiced 15 years. While here he was health officer of Sedalia and coroner of Pettis county. He was the nominee of his party for re-election to these positions when he took his departure from Sedalia in 1882, to come to Kansas City, where he was built up an extensive and lucrative practice, making a specialty of diseases of the brain and nervous system. For 6 years he was connected with University Medical College of Kansas City, filling the chair of materiamedica and therapeutics and later that of physical diagnosis and clinical medicine. In 1895 he was elected to the chair of diseases of the brain and nervous system in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Kansas City. He is chairman of the committee on practice of medicine of the Missouri Medical Association and chairman of the committee on feeble-minded children, Missouri State Teachers' Association, of which latter he is an honorary member. Dr. Jones has long been interested in securing a home for the care and training of feeble-minded children. He lately appeared before the state legislature, which he addressed on this important subject, and awakened so much interest that it is confidently expected that a bill will be passed in the next session authorizing the founding of such a home and school. Dr. Jones has acknowledged literary ability, and is widely and favorably known as literary circles, devoting the most of this spare moments to Shakespeare and Goethe. During the existence of the Scribblers' Club, he was its president, and he is now president of the Shakespeare Club, one of the most popular in the city, its membership extending to several states and comprising some of the ablest men in the country. He is a forceful, pleasing speaker. He is also a writer of notable ability, having contributed largely to leading magazines and newspapers. Of al the prominent medical societies he is an honored and valued member, and is the medical examiner at the gymnasium of the Young Men's Christian Association. In 1882 he married Miss Miriam Vickars, of Lafayette county, Missouri, a woman of rare attainments. The Doctor has two promising boys, Paul and Frank. JOHN R. LEWIS, M. D. Was born in Albemarle county, Virginia, October 28, 1831, and is a representative of one of the old families of that state. His grandfather, Thomas Walker Lewis, was a native of Virginia, and was of Scotch and Welsh descent. He made farming his life work and always lived in the Old Dominion, his death occurring there at an advanced age. His wife survived him for a number of years and died in Missouri. Charles T. Lewis, the father of the Doctor, was born on the old family homestead, and became a large plantation farmer and the owner of about 50 slaves. He was joined in wedlock with Mary Quarles, also a native of Virginia, as was her father, William Quarles, an old-time planter of that state descended from Welsh ancestry. In 1835 Charles T. Lewis brought his family to Missouri and first located in Cooper county, near Booneville. His death occurred in 1854, at the age of 54 years, and his wife passed away at the ripe old age of 86. He served in the war of 1812, where his meritorious service won him promotion to the rank of colonel. In religious belief he was a Universalist, while his wife was connected with the Baptist church. Their family numbered 12 children, -- 5 sons and 7 daughters, of whom 5 are now living, namely - Eliza, widow of John R. William, Charles Quarles; John R.; Emma, wife of Thomas W. Davis; and Helen, wife of J. R. Mills. The Doctor was a child of only 5 years when his parents came to Missouri, and his residence in this state covers a period of 59 years. He began his education in one of the old-time district schools of Cooper county, but is now a man of broad general information. He prepared himself for the practice of medicine, by a course in the St. Louis Medical College, where he was graduated in 1855. He began practice in Cooper, but after a short time removed to Ridge Prairie in Saline county, where he practiced for 25 years. On the expiration of that period he took up his residence in St. Joseph, where he remained for 5 years, when on account of failing health he came to Kansas City and opened a drug store in this place in January, 1893. He also to some extent engaged in general practice. He has a well appointed store, and has secured from the public a well merited patronage. On the 30th of September, 1857, the Doctor was united in marriage with Miss Texanna O. Johnson, daughter of Captain Colin Johnson, who served as a soldier in the War of 1812. Her mother was Mary Ellis Johnson. Eight children were born of this union - 6 sons and 2 daughters, but Colin and Meriweather are now deceased. Charles Thornton, the eldest, married Miss Rebecca B. Wallace and resides in Kansas City. They have 4 children - Blanche, Texanna, Mamie and Charles T. John R. married Miss Louise Quarles, and resides in Kansas City. He is associated with his father in the drug business, and his family numbers 2 children - Ruth, John R., Jr. (3rd) James E. married Miss Mary Horton, and is living in Decatur, Texas, where he is operating a cotton-seed-oil mill and also engaged in agricultural pursuits. Emslie is a traveling salesman, representing a wholesale dry-goods house. Marie is engaged in teaching instrumental and vocal music. In this art the young lady is very highly accomplished. She is a pupil of Prof. Philip B. Perry, a composer of some note. Annie, also studying vocal and instrumental music, completes the family. They have a pleasant residence located at No. 2207 E. 8th Street, and the drug store is situated at No. 1920 E. 10th Street. The Doctor and his wife are members of the Olive Street Baptist church. In politics he has always been a democrat, and though deeply interested in the success and growth of his party he has never been an office-seeker. GEORGE HALLEY, M. D. This is pre-eminently an age of progress and advancement, and there has been no greater improvement in any line than that of medicine. A leader in this advancement Dr. Halley is especially well known as a surgeon, and today ranks among the foremost members of the profession in Kansas City. He was born in Aurora, York county, Ontario, Canada, September 10, 1839, and is a son of George and Jane Halley. His paternal grandfather was a lineal descendant of Sir Edmund Halley, the renowned English astronomer. The grandfather died of typhoid fever when a young man, leaving only 2 children - George and Mrs. Jeannette. The maternal grandfather of the Doctor was James Baird, a native of Scotland and an engineer. He lived to an advanced age, and had a family of 3 sons and 2 daughters. When the Doctor was only 7 years of age, his parents removed to Peel township, Wellington county, Ontario (the then “backwoods”), which was then a new and undeveloped region, where in the midst of the forest they made a farm. This was no easy task, involving arduous labor, which is almost unknown to young men of this day on account of the superior implements and means wherewith to work. In the early days there was no school in the neighborhood, but young George was taught to read at home, and the very fact that he was deprived of educational privileges probably caused him to peruse more assiduously the books to which he had access. His father's library consisted mainly of Rollins' Ancient History, Hume's and Smollett's Histories of England, Addison's Spectator, Reid on the Human Understanding, the works of Shakespeare and the Bible. With these he became very familiar, gaining noble thoughts, an excellent command of English, as well as the historical, philosophical and ethical facts contained therein. He was 15 years of age before he entered school. A district school was then established in the locality, which he attended through the winter term from 1854 until 1857, inclusive. In 1858 he became a student in the county grammar school, and took up the studies of Latin, French, mathematics and the higher English branches, preparatory to entering the University of Victoria College. His studies were greatly interrupted by the illness and death of his 2 brothers, but he studied under private instruction at home, in 1865 passed the matriculation examination in the University of Victoria College, and then entered upon the study of medicine in the city of Toronto. This seemed to lead to the fulfillment of his hope of becoming a physician. In 1867 he was appointed professor of the chair of anatomy, and devoted much of this time to acquiring a thorough knowledge of that branch. In March, 1868, he went to New York, took the spring course at Long Island College Hospital, and attended the clinical instruction at the hospitals and dispensaries of New York City through the summer, returning home in time to enter Victoria College. In March, 1869, he passed the final examination, and in June of that year received his diploma with the degree of M. D. It was not possible for him, however, to engage at once in practice. His father had died, and it was necessary that he should superintend the cultivation of the farm and the settling up of the estate. He was thus occupied until January, 1870. During this period Dr. Halley had been considering the question of a suitable location. He believed the new but rapidly developing west would furnish a good field of labor, and after traveling through Kansas and southern Missouri he identified his interests with those of Kansas City, and has since been numbered among the successful practitioners of that place. At that time the medical institutions of Kansas City were the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and the Kansas City Medical College. During the ensuing summer, however, these two were consolidated under the name of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Dr. Halley was offered and accepted the position of assistant demonstrator of anatomy in the new faculty, thus serving until 1871, when he was elected to the chair of anatomy to succeed Dr. A. B. Taylor, who had been elected to the chair of surgery. For 10 consecutive years he acceptably served in that position, and on the death of Dr. Taylor was elected to fill temporarily the chair of surgery, delivering his first course of lectures on that subject during the school year of 1880-1. When Dr. W. S. Tremain removed from the city Dr. Halley was elected to succeed him as professor of surgery, and continued in that position until 1891. For the past three years he has been professor of surgery in the University Medical College. He performed the first ovariotomy in Kansas City, in May, 1874, and was highly successful in the work, his patient yet living. The professional career of Dr. Halley has been one of arduous and almost unremitting labor, yet has brought its reward. He has carried his investigations far and wide into the science of medicine and surgery, taking up every department with pronounced thoroughness, and gaining for himself a most enviable reputation for skill and ability. It is a successful teacher of anatomy and surgery, however, more than by any other gauge, that his achievements will be measured. He is throughout the west recognized as the authority on surgical diagnosis, and its most popular and successful teacher, and has made the University Medical College to lead all western colleges, having built it from an attendance of 60 to 273 matriculants. Dr. Halley is recognized in this college as one of the foremost promoters and teachers of surgery in all the west. Prominence is accorded only to merit in this profession, and the public is slow to bestow its favors, but when once given stands staunchly by those whom it supports. Such has been the case of Dr. Halley, and though he had much to overcome in his career, he is today recognized as a leader in his specialty. He now conducts a private hospital at the corner of 8th and Lydia streets, and has a very large and lucrative patronage. In 1884 he became associated with Dr. A. L. Fulton in the publication of the Kansas City Medical Record, a valuable medical journal, which has won the same success that crowns everything with which he is connected. In 1871 Dr. Halley was united in marriage with Miss Florence Chiles, and for many years theirs was a very happy home; but in March, 1887, at the age of 51 years, Mrs. Halley died. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and had many warm friends. In November, 1889, the Doctor was again married, his 2nd union being with Miss Jessie Egelston, daughter of Dr. J. Q. Egelston, of Olathe, Kansas. They now have 2 children, George E. and Eleanor J. In the Methodist Episcopal church, south, they hold a membership, take an active part in its work and upbuilding. Their home is pleasantly located at No. 2425 Tracy Avenue. ROBERT W. QUARLES Has for 35 years been a resident of Kansas City, and for more than a quarter of a century has been connected with the bar at this place. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on the 15th of May, 1847, and is a son of William and Harriet (Walpole) Quarles. The family is of Welsh origin and was founded in America by the grandfather, William Quarles, a native of Wales, who on emigrating to the new world took up his residence in Kentucky in pioneer days and became one of the extensive landowners of that state. Prominent and influential in public affairs, he served for 20 years as sheriff of Franklin county, discharging his duties with a fearlessness and fidelity that caused his long retention in office and won him the confidence and high regard of all. He made his home near Frankfort, the county seat, and was about 70 years of age at the time of his death. His family numbered 14 children. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Luke Walpole, previous to the panic of 1821, carried on the most extensive mercantile business west of the Alleghanies, his store being located in Zanesville, Ohio; but in the financial depression that then swept the country he lost much of his property, his remaining possessions being valued at about $100,000. This was a very small amount compared with his princely fortune. In 1828 he removed to Indianapolis, Indiana, where his death occurred, in 1838, when he had attained the age of 70 years. He descended from the prominent Walpole family of England, and was a native of that country. He was a graduate of Oxford, and when a young man came to America simply to visit the country, but was so pleased with the new world that he would not return. He started in business life here as a school teacher, and steadily worked his way upward until he had become the most extensive merchant west of the Alleghanies. His wife descended from the Gillespie family to which James G. Blaine traced his ancestry, and the Ewings of Ohio were also members of the same family. William Quarles, father of our subject, was a native of Kentucky and in his early life studied law. Establishing an office in Indianapolis, he attained considerable prominence as a legal practitioner, and was known as one of the finest criminal lawyers in the state. He married Harriet Walpole, a native of Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of 9 children - 5 sons and 4 daughters - of whom 2 are now living, namely: Robert W.; and Ida, who lives with her brother. The father died in Indianapolis, in December, 1849, at the comparatively early age of 44 years. His wife survived him until 1870, her death occurring in Kansas City, which had become her home in 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Quarles were both consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Robert W. Quarles, whose name introduces this review, was a youth of 13 years when he came with his mother to Kansas City. Here he began clerking, which pursuit he followed for many years, and then took up the study of law under the preceptorship of Messrs. Karnes & Ess, well known practitioners. He was admitted to the bar in 1869, and has since engaged in the prosecution of his profession here. He has met with good success in his undertakings, is a man of precision and keen perception, and while strongly fortifying his own case often attacks with unanswerable argument that of his opponent. He now has a large clientage and is doing a good business. On the 18th of October, 1871, Mr. Quarles was united in marriage with Miss Augusta P. Williams, and they had 4 children, but Percy and Hattie are now deceased. The living are Robert and Ivan. Mrs. Quarles is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Quarles is a prominent republican, and for 3 terms has served as city counselor of Kansas City, and at various times has been chairman of the republican city, county and congressional committees, and also a member of the state committee. JOHN W. KIDWELL There is no one in Kansas City who has taken a more active interest in the upbuilding, improvement and development of the city than this gentleman. He is always found on the side of progress, and to him the community is indebted for many of its progressive interests. The true measure of one's success is what he has accomplished, and he best fulfills his mission in life who best uses his abilities and opportunities. When measured by these standards John W. Kidwell must be classed with those successful men who have made the most and best of themselves. A native of Washington county, Ohio, he was born March 25, 1838, and in 1840 was taken by his parents to Pike county, Illinois, the family locating on a farm that crowned one of the bluffs of the Mississippi. The family afterward removed to Barry, same county, where our subject spent his boyhood days. He was only 12 years of age when his father died, and from that time he was not only dependent upon his own resources but the other children, 4 brothers and a sister, all except the sister, younger than himself, largely depended upon him for support. For about 4 years he worked in a brickyard, receiving from 6-7 dollars per month. He then secured a clerkship in a store, remaining in the employ of one house until he had attained his majority. His employer carried on general merchandising and also handled grain and pork; and so faithful was Mr. Kidwell to the trust reposed in him and so earnestly did he labor to promote the interests of the business that he was made general manager. Subsequently he engaged in teaching school. He had himself received but limited school privileges, but through experience, observation and study in his leisure hours he became a well informed man. Desirous of more advanced knowledge he entered school, but while thus engaged was asked to take charge of a school from which the teacher had been dismissed. He did so and managed to keep up with his classes at the same time. He continued teaching for about 7 years throughout the neighborhood and was very successful in this work. Feeling that his country needed his services, he enlisted in 1862 as a member of the 68th Illinois infantry, under Colonel Taylor, and served at Alexandria and Fairfax, Virginia. Upon his return home he resumed teaching. Another important event in his life occurred about this time, when, in the Fall of 1863, was celebrated his marriage to Miss Eliza M. Jones, who had also been a teacher. They afterward taught together at Rockport, Illinois, and in 1867 came to Missouri, locating on a farm in Index township, Cass county, east of Harrisonville. The land was still in its primitive condition, not a furrow having been turned or an improvement made thereon, but Mr. Kidwell began developing the property, and soon had a fine farm. He made his home thereon for 10 years, and in March, 1877, came to Kansas City. On his arrival here Mr. Kidwell turned his attention to gardening. After renting land for a time he purchased 15 acres of the old Holloway homestead, where he still resides. He still owns the greater part of this tract, but has platted a portion of it. He has always carried on gardening, and for some years did an extensive business along that line, having a large wholesale trade. There is always something attractive in this work, -- in watching the growth and development of a tiny plant until it has reached perfection. The business has also proved very profitable, for there is ever a constant demand for first-class garden products, and Mr. Kidwell places upon the market fine varieties. Each season he has from 4-5 acres planted in tomatoes, and from 5-10 acres in sweet potatoes. He has until recently had a stall in the Central Market, and though he has partially retired from business the income from his garden is still a good one. In 1887 he embarked in the loan business, under the firm name of the A. D. Beedle Company, with which he was connected until 1890. His real estate interests are now valuable, and he is enjoying a prosperity which is the reward of his own well directed efforts. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Kidwell comprises two daughters, -- Minna A. and Anna M. Both are natives of this state and graduates of the high school of Kansas City. After 2 years spent in Lawrence University they entered the Leland Stanford University, and were graduated in 1895, with the first class completing the course in that institution. The younger daughter is now a successful teacher in the Missouri State University, at Columbia, Missouri, having charge of the Spanish classes. She is also a proficient scholar in German and other modern languages. Socially, Mr. Kidwell is connected with McPherson Post, No. 4, G. A. R., and has taken quite an active part in the work of the order. In 1894 he was elected to the city council as alderman from the 10th ward, and was also a member of the lower house of the common council, and is chairman of the committee on water and also on parks and boulevards. He was a stalwart advocate of the present system of parks and boulevards in Kansas City, and always stands for progression in all things. He is always found on the side of improvement, and has been the promoter of many interests which have proven of material benefit to the welfare of the city. He advocated the establishment of the new gas company, the enlargement of the stockyards, the improvement of the market system, and advocated the purchase of the water works. He is a champion of municipal reform, believing that the affairs of the city should be controlled by honorable, conscientious and progressive men, regardless of party affiliations. Kansas City may well be proud to number him among its residents, and in its history he well deserves representation. REV. JAMES GRIGSBY DALTON The esteemed pastor of the Little Blue and Pleasant Prairie Cumberland Presbyterian churches, resides in Sniabar township near the former place. He was born in Greenbrier county, Virginia, June 7, 1824, and in his 15th year came to Missouri with his parents, William and Mary (Renick) Dalton. His father was a native of Albemarle county, Virginia, and the mother of Rockingham county. They made the journey to Missouri by wagon, being about 2 months on the road, but at length arrived at Lexington. They were in limited circumstances, but the father succeeded in purchasing 200 acres of unimproved land in Jackson county, 12 miles northwest of Warrensburg. His death occurred in 1842, at the age of 72 years. He was noted for his power of endurance as a walker, and made the journey on foot from the Old Dominion. At his death he left a family of 5 sons and 3 daughters, of whom 3 are now living. His wife died in 1857. Mr. Dalton, of this sketch, and his twin sister were next to the youngest of the family. James G. remained at home until he had attained his majority and then engaged in school teaching. In 1847 he had become a member of the church, and in his 25th year began to preach, delivering his first sermon on the first Sunday in May, 1848, in the little church in Johnson county. He united with the presbytery about October 1, 1847, was licensed in October, 1849, and ordained on the 1st of April, 1852, near Dover, LaFayette county, by the Lexington presbytery, with which he has always been connected. He spent 5 years on the circuit work in Johnson, Henry, St. Clair and LaFayette counties, with 28 appointments. The territory at that time was but sparsely settled and there were few church organizations and no houses of worship in the circuit. He preached almost entirely in private homes and occasionally in a school house or court house. During the summer from July to October he was engaged in camp meeting, and at each had from 25 to 100 conversions. At a meeting held in Johnson county, after an exhortation made by Uncle Jake Crow, over 100 penitents came forward. Uncle Jake, who lived in the community, was undoubtedly one of the most powerful exhorters ever known. A man of little education he had no training for this work, “but out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh,” and he was a power in church work. He established the Little Blue church, assisted only by Mrs. Lobb, who would do the singing. He had a brother, named Ben, who was his exact counterpart in appearance and their own children could scarcely tell them apart. In the year 1842 there occurred the greatest religious revival that had ever been held in this locality, resulting in the establishment of several flourishing churches. In the spring of 1854 Mr. Dalton came to his present home and took charge of the Little Blue Cumberland Presbyterian church, 3 miles north of Blue Springs. In the same year the congregation erected a frame house of worship, which was in use for 40 years, with Mr. Dalton as pastor. It had a membership of 50 when he assumed charge, but it continued to grow, and in 1860 its membership had reached over 200. Again Mr. Dalton held successful revival services, receiving more than 50 converts into the church, at 2 meetings. He seemed specially fitted for this department of religious work, and the influence that he has exerted on the higher life of western Missouri has been immeasurable. Since the war he has also been the pastor of Pleasant Prairie church, formerly the Union church, at Bone Hill. It now stands on Pleasant prairie in LaFayette county, 9 miles east of his home. He has been the regular pastor of the Little Blue church for 41 years, of Pleasant Prairie church for 28 years, and for about 15 years was pastor of the Chapel Hill church, from which service he retired 2 years since. He organized the Cumberland Presbyterian church at Blue Springs, of which he remained in charge for 2 years. The Little Blue church has now about 100 members, but the churches at Blue Springs, Lee's Summit and Wood's Chapel are all the outgrowth of Little Blue. The last named was organized by Rev. William Horn about 1847, with 5 members, namely: Aquilla Lobb and wife and Rev. Cornelius Yeager and wife, and a Negro who belonged to Mr. Lobb. There are still some members connected with the church who were there when Mr. Dalton assumed the pastorate. These include Calvin and Andy Lowe, William N. Crenshaw, J. A. Steele and Mrs. Daniel DeWitt. Rev. Mr. Dalton was married on the 30th of November, 1865, to Miss Lucy Jane Crump, daughter of Samuel Crump, of Sniabar, who had been one of his pupils in the public schools and whom he had baptized into the church at the age of 15 years. Their family members 3 children: Samuel Grigsby, who was born June 12, 1867, and aids in the cultivation of the home farm; Mary Elizabeth, who is engaged in teaching; and Paulina Agnes, at home. In 1871 Mr. Dalton moved upon the farm which he has since made his home. He makes his ministerial work his chief duty in life but in his leisure hours engages in the cultivation of his farm and the improvement of his land. In politics he is independent, supporting the man whom he thinks best qualified for the office. His career has been such as to commend him to the regard of all, of both his own and other denominations, and the most genuine respect is universally extended him. SETH D. BOWKER, M. D. A skilled physician and an eminent scholar of Kansas City, is numbered among the native sons of the Empire state, being born in Pitcher, Cortland county, New York, February 10, 1830. While it is true that some men inherit greatness and “others have greatness thrust upon them,” the larger number of citizens win their prominence entirely through their own efforts, and are architects of their own fortune. Such a one is Dr. Bowker, and he has built nobly and broadly. Neither has he yet reached the zenith of his career, for a man of his progressive spirit is continually advancing, and judged by the past the future still has many honors in store for him. The Bowker family came from Canada to the United States. The grandfather, Frank Bowker, a Canadian by birth, emigrated to New York in colonial days, and, when unable longer to withstand the British oppression the colonists attempted to secure independence, he joined the ranks of the Revolutionary heroes. His son, Comfort Bowker, the father of our subject, was born in Granville, New York, in 1805, and was by occupation a farmer and speculator. He died in 1882, at the age of 77 years. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Eunice Brooks, and was a daughter of Samuel Brooks, a native of New England, who was also a soldier of the Revolution. Mrs. Bowker died in 1843, at the age of 42 years. Of the family there are now 5 surviving members, namely: Simeon, who is living retired in Odebolt, Iowa; Mrs. Sarah Huntington, of McGrawville, New York; Philander, a contractor and builder at Watertown, New York; Harmon, who is living retired in Indianapolis, Indiana; and the Doctor. Our subject was reared in Chenango county, New York, to which place his parents removed during his early boyhood. When very young he began to earn his own living, and in this way he earned the money with which to educate himself. After completing a common school course he entered Dennison University, of Granville, Ohio, in 1852, and was graduated in that institution in 1857 with the degree of Master of Arts. He then entered the work of the ministry as a preacher of the Baptist church, and to that service devoted his energies from 1857 until 1867. In the latter year he came to Kansas City and entered the Kansas City Medical College, at which he was graduated in March, 1871. Immediately afterward he began practice here, but in a short time removed to Colorado, where he prosecuted his profession for 10 years. Since 1880 he has been a permanent resident of Kansas City and an able representative of the medical fraternity. Dr. Bowker organized the Kansas City Hospital College of Medicine. He drew around it a professorship of great ability and the college attained a high standing. Its charter was afterward changed and it is now known as the Kansas City Homeopathic Medical College. The character of the original college was non-ethical, and conferred degrees of the allopathic, the homeopathic and eclectic systems of medicine; and, although the state board of health at first refused to recognize the graduates of the school, a decree of the supreme court of Missouri compelled them to issue certificates of graduation and license to practice. Dr. Bowker has won a most enviable success in his chosen calling and makes a specialty of surgery and gynecology. He is a man of broad culture and liberal education, not only in the line of his profession but in the field of literature and science, and is a finished Latin, Greek and Hebrew scholar. As a specimen of his pungent style of public address we may quote from his discourse to the graduating class of Kansas City Hospital Medical College in March, 1883: “If you do you work well you will be rewarded with the grateful affection of your patients, and a cheerful and liberal remuneration for your services. Perhaps it will prove true that you will have greater facilities and more frequent calls than other men to demonstrate your willingness to labor without pay; yet this is not the object for which you have chosen the medical profession. Honesty requires you to state fully at the outset that you pretend to undertake nothing but a business enterprise by which, in common with other professions, you hope to provide for yourselves and those dependent upon you. Any flourish of words, such as we often hear on occasions like this, such as we often hear on occasions like this, that would lead the people to believe that you have been endowed by Heaven with the grace of giving to them your unrequited life toil is the cheapest sort of quackery and deception. The people of this age are not to be hoodwinked into the belief that in choosing this as a calling you have thereby constituted yourself into a benevolent society. With all your skill in hiding your true motives, they will mark you as a heartless pretender. If the time ever comes when you do not enjoy the confidence and a reasonable share of the patronage of the people, you better conclude that they have discovered in you one of 2 hindrances to success; either a lack of knowledge needed in your profession, or a prostitution of your powers to base purposes. The very common remark that a well-educated and honest and active physician will often suffer starvation for lack of business, while the “ignorant pretender” may enjoy the confidence and patronage of the people, no longer bears even the semblance of truth. The people will employ the man who curses them without regard to name or outward appearance.” “We send you forth with no shackles upon your consciences or your intellects. We bind you in no chains or iron-clad oaths with which to hinder your grasp of every possible phase of truth. We bid you in the name of God and all that is honest to be on the alert for all facts that will increase your powers over disease and render you a blessing to mankind; and we entreat you to 'quit you like men' in breaking away from every alliance to 'incorporated monopolies' which come to you in 'sheeps clothing.” “Your enemies will traduce you and cry 'Great is Diana of the Ephesians,' and charge you with imposing upon the credulity of the 'dear people.' Not because you, forsooth, know less than they do, but because it makes all the difference in the world 'whose ox is gored.' They will tax their fiendish skill to brand you with opprobrium. They will call you quacks, irregulars. They will try to divert the attention of the people to the finely wrought distinction between similia similibus curantur and contraria contraries curantur. They will do a thirdrate practice, and, to atone for their lack of a foothold among the people, will obtain a cheap notoriety by falsely declaring that they have the prestige of a university in full blast, and in all its appointments, when not a dozen lectures have been delivered outside of the meagerly equipped medical department.” During the war Dr. Bowker served as chaplain of the 124th Ohio volunteer infantry, under Colonel O. H. Payne, the son of Hon. H. B. Payne, afterward senator from Cleveland one year. From 1880 to 1888 Dr. Bowker was United States pension surgeon in Kansas City, during which period he examined 10,000 soldiers. For 30 years the Doctor has been a Master Mason, and he is a member of the Order of Knights and Ladies of Honor, also of the Order of the Eastern Star and of the Grand Army of the Republic. In 1849 the Doctor was united in marriage with Miss Judelia Wood, of Norwich, New York. To them were born 10 children, but only 4 are now living, namely: Mrs. Emma Wood, of Kansas City; Mrs. Agnes M. Clark, of Denver, Colorado; Mrs. Eunice I. Gray, of Kansas City; and Mrs. Nellie M. Clark, of Sunshine, Colorado. CAPTAIN FREDERICK AUGUSTUS FREEMAN Is a retired shipmaster now living in Kansas City. There are few men in all America whose lives have been filed with more interesting and ofttimes thrilling adventures than that of the Captain, who has traveled all over the globe and undergone experiences which if written out in detail would frequently prove more exciting than the overdrawn tales of fiction. Through the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific he has sailed, visiting the islands of the west and the interesting nationalities of the orient, gaining through travel a knowledge of the people and places that could never be secured through reading. Captain Freeman is a native of Massachusetts. He was born in Brewster, Barnstable county, on Cape Cod, October 31, 1831, and descends from some of the most illustrious families of New England. He traces his ancestry in direct line back to Edmond Freeman, who was born in Devonshire, England, in 1590, and came to American in 1635, on the sailing vessel Abigail. His son, Major John Freeman, married Marcy Prince, a daughter of Governor Prince and a granddaughter of Elder Brewster, who was one of the original pilgrims and probably the founder of Brewster, Massachusetts. Their son, Dea Thomas, married Rebecca Sparrow, and they became the parents of Colonel Edmond Freeman, who wedded Phoebe Watson. Their son, Captain Watson Freeman, wedded Sarah Gray, and to them was born Elkanah Freeman, who married Abigail Mayo. The next in the line of direct descent was Captain Elkanah Freeman, the grandfather of our subject, who married Polly Myrick. He was a seaman on the sloop Wolf, commanded by Nathaniel Freeman during the Revolutionary War, and was captured by the British. In the War of 1812 he commanded a privateer and was again captured, being incarcerated in Dartmoor prison. On the maternal side the ancestry is also traced back to Edmond Freeman, the founder of the family in America, but the lines diverge in the 3rd generation, which on the paternal side is represented by John Freeman, who wedded Sarah Myrick. Their son, Nathaniel, wedded Mary Wadsum, and to them was born a son, Prince Freeman, who married Abigail Dillingham. Their daughter, Abigail, became the wife of Theophilus Pinkham, by whom she had a daughter, Mary, who became the wife of General Elijah Cobb. General and Mrs. Cobb were the maternal grandparents of Captain Freeman of this review. Elijah Cobb has the right to two titles, -- that of “Honorable” from the fact of his being in the Massachusetts senate, and “General” because of his commission in the Massachusetts militia. For many generations the male members of the family on both sides have been seafaring men. General Elijah Cobb went to sea when only 12 years of age, and for many years was captain of a vessel. He kept a journal, which is full of reminiscences of adventures, and one entry in this interesting little volume recounts an experience which he had in France. It occurred in the summer of 1794, when he was 26 years of age. While sailing on the high seas his vessel was captured by a French frigate and sent to Brest, France. America at that time had no consul nearer than Paris, and General Cobb therefore had no one to advise or aid him. It was at the time of the upheaval in that country, when France was under the reign of terror and when Robespierre was at the height of his power. General Cobb had to depend upon his own judgment. After several months of delay he secured possession of his vessel, which he sent home in charge of the mate, while he remained to get pay for his goods and secure damages. He obtained a permit to go to Paris in one of the government mail coaches. The difficulty of travel at that time is a matter of history; but finally he secured a passport from an official, and the journey, which was attended with much danger, was at length accomplished. After applying to the American consul and several different officials, who advised him to wait patiently, he resolved to apply to Robespierre, and sent a card on which was written - An American citizen, captured by a French frigate on the high seas, requests a personal interview in order to lay his grievances before Citizen Robespierre. Respectfully, E. Cobb. An hour later a reply came, which read as follows: I will grant Citizen Cobb an interview tomorrow, at 10 a.m. Robespierre. He met the leader of the revolution the next day in the Tuilleries and told his story. The name of Robespierre was an open sesame at the official headquarters, and a few days later his business was satisfactorily settled. On the 28th of July, General Cobb witnessed the execution of the wily and diplomatic but inhumane leader of the French revolution, together with other instigators of that reign of terror. General Cobb afterward made other voyages to France and to different parts of the world. He commanded a vessel during the War of 1812, and being captured was confined on the prison ship Jersey. He was a man of prominence in public life, and represented his district in the state senate. Captain Frederick Freeman, father of our subject, was also born in the Bay state, and married Ann, daughter of General Cobb. He was master of merchant vessels engaged in the West India trade, and followed the ocean for many years, was engaged in merchandising at Trinidad, a city on the southern coast of Cuba. Much of the boyhood of Captain Frederick Augustus Freeman was passed there, having been taken to that place during his infancy. His education was acquired there and in Warren, Massachusetts. He learned the Spanish language and continued his residence in Cuba until his father's death. In 1840, when a boy, he made his first voyage, acting as cabin boy upon a vessel that sailed to the Spanish main and the West Indies, that trip consuming 9 months. He then shipped before the mast, and was promoted from rank to rank, until he became chief officer of a ship, subsequently entering his father's counting-room, where he obtained a practical commercial education. Afterward he was made master of a vessel engaged in the East India trade. During the greater part of his active business life he was connected with the East India and the China trade. He continued as master of a vessel for 16 years, and during ½ of the time was in the employ of an Arabian mercantile company, sailing from Calcutta for the firm of Hadjee, Jackariah, Mahommed & Company, of Calcuta, in the Arabian and China trade. He sailed in the Indian ocean, and opened trade for that firm in the Persian gulf, commanding the largest ship that had then sailed on that gulf. This company was the owner of 35 vessels, and in 5 years he advanced from the position of junior officer until he was made commander of the fleet with the rank of commodore. He was also the only one that obtained the fullest confidence of his employers, who told him to take his vessel and do the best he could, and all other captains had to dip ensigns on passing his vessel. He acquired a thorough knowledge of the languages of the various peoples with which he dealt, also of their habits and methods of traffic. The vessels which he commanded had a mixed crew of Bengalese, Arabs and Malays. At one time he was detained with his ship under the guns of the fort at Muscat, Arabia, for 118 days, owing to complications between the Arabian and British governments; but while there was entertained by the sultan, whose interpreter was educated in Salem, Massachusetts. On another occasion a mutiny arose and 60 of his mixed crew, who had indulged too freely in the use of opium, refused to do their duty. They were therefore taken in charge by the authorities and sent in irons to Bombay, while the voyage was completed with Arabs from the desert. In 1840, when a boy, he made his first voyage, acting as cabin boy upon a vessel that sailed to the Spanish main and the West Indies, that trip consuming 9 months. He then shipped before the mast, and was promoted from rank to rank, until he became chief officer of a ship, subsequently entering his father's counting-room, where he obtained a practical commercial education. Afterward he was made master of a vessel engaged in the East India trade. During the greater part of his active business life he was connected with the East India and the China trade. He continued as master of a vessel for 16 years, and during ½ of the time was in the employ of an Arabian mercantile company, sailing from Calcutta for the firm of Hadjee, Jackariah, Mahommed & Company, of Calcutta, in the Arabian and China trade. He sailed in the Indian ocean, and opened trade for that firm in the Persian gulf, commanding the largest ship that had then sailed on that gulf. This company was the owner of 35 vessels, and in 5 years he advanced from the position of junior officer until he was made commander of the fleet with the rank of commodore. He was also the only one that obtained the fullest confidence of his employers, who told him to take his vessel and do the best he could, and all other captains had to dip ensigns on passing his vessel. He acquired a thorough knowledge of the languages of the various peoples with which he dealt, also of their habits and methods of traffic. The vessels which he commanded had a mixed crew of Bengalese, Arabs and Malays. At one time he was detained with his ship under the guns of the fort at Muscat, Arabia, for 118 days, owing to complications between the Arabian and British governments; but while there was entertained by the sultan, whose interpreter was educated in Salem, Massachusetts. On another occasion a mutiny arose and 60 of his mixed crew, who had indulged too freely in the use of opium, refused to do their duty. They were therefore taken in charge by the authorities and sent in irons to Bombay, while the voyage was completed with Arabs from the desert. At another time pirates chased and boarded his vessel and a severe fight occurred, but they were at length repulsed, although the captain sustained several severe wounds. His officers were Americans and English. The remainder of his seafaring life was in the general China, Austrailia and California trade, and in 1870 he left the ocean, having visited all the leading points of the orient, including the Himalayas of India. On the 16th of July, 1868, Captain Freeman was married, in Farmington, Maine, to Miss Selina E. Tufts, of that place, a daughter of Hon. Peter R. Tufts, of Farmington, and one of the prominent citizens of the Pine Tree State. The wedding trip of the Captain and his wife consisted of a voyage around the world! The Captain and his wife had one child, Frederick Mellville, who died in early manhood and in the year of his graduation. On his retirement from the sea in 1870, he located in California. He was engaged in merchandising and ranching until the fall of 1881, when, on the 21st of September, they arrived in Kansas City. Here the Captain became interested in the real-estate and loan business. Captain Freeman is a very prominent Mason. He was initiated into the mysteries of the order in 1859, at Taylorsville, Kentucky, riding 75 miles across the country to take his 1st degree. He became a Master Mason in Quaboog lodge, of Warren, Massachusetts, just before sailing for India. He has been welcomed into Military, No. 235, Mauritius; St. Luke, No. 1150, English register of Dum Dum, India; Fidelity lodge, No. 1042, Singapore, Eastern Archipelago; British lodge, No. 1038, Hong Kong, China; Humility with Fortitude lodge, No. 779, English register, Calcutta; Courage with Humility lodge, No. 551, English register, Calcutta, of which he became a member; St. Thomas in the East, No. 404, Scotch register, Calcutta; Tretland, No. 68, Hong Kong, China; Star of Burmah, No. 614, Rangoon; British Columbia, No. 1187, English register, Victoria, Vancouver's island; Australia lodge of Harmony, No. 556, Sydney, Australia; Robert Burns, No. 817, and Unity No. 1169, of Sydney, Australia. On the 4th of March, 1871, he placed his membership with Sebastopol lodge, Sonoma, California; was dimitted January 16, 1875, to Calistoga lodge, No. 233; and to Rural lodge, No. 316, Kansas City, October 12, 1881. On the 16th of December, 1865, Captain Freeman was made a Royal Arch Mason in Holy Zion chapter, No. 392, of Calcutta, India, and now belongs to Orient chapter, No. 102, R. A. M. He became a charter member of Orient chapter on the 26th of December, 1882, was captain of host under the chapter, and was promoted from rank to rank until he became high priest in December, 1886. He was anointed and consecrated to the holy order of priesthood at St. Louis in1887; was dubbed and created a Knight Templar in Oriental commandery, No. 35, of Kansas City, November 3, 1882; became a Scottish Rite 32nd degree Mason in the consistory of western Missouri in June, 1885; and a Noble of the Mystic Shrine in Ararat Temple, December 28, 1887. In politics the Captain is a stalwart republican, having always supported that party, to which he gives an unwavering allegiance. In education he is far above the average, possessing that broad general information which comes from travel. He is a linguist of superior ability, and few men are better informed concerning nationalities, their customs and habits and those events which form the history of the 19th century. WILLIAM EDWIN CHAPPELL, M.D. Who since 1881 has engaged in the practice of medicine, in Kansas City, is a native of Kentucky, his birth having occurred in Todd county, on the 31st of May, 1854. His parents, Robert and Fannie (Turnley) Chappell, were also natives of Kentucky, the former born in Owen county, the latter in Todd county. For some years the father engaged in merchandising at Elkton, Kentucky, but soon after the death of his wife he sold out and removed to Boston, Massachusetts, where he followed the same pursuit. When the civil war broke out he offered his services to the government and with a Massachusetts regiment went to the south. He participated in a number of important engagements and was wounded at the first battle of Manassas. When the war was over, he returned to Massachusetts, where his death occurred in 1867. He was a member of the Baptist church, and his well spent life gained him the high regard of those with whom he was brought in contact. His father, Robert Chappell, was a Virginian. The Doctor was only 6 weeks old when his mother died. He was reared on a farm in the county of his nativity and his elementary education, acquired in the common schools, was supplemented by a course in the Southwestern Presbyterian University at Clarksville, Tennessee. Wishing to enter the medical profession, he took up the study of medicine in the Vanderbilt University at Nashville, Tennessee, at which he was graduated in 1876. After that he attended the old Nashville University, and later became interne in the city hospital, a position which he filled for 8 months. On the expiration of that period he removed to Memphis, Tennessee, to take charge of the western division of the penitentiary hospital, where he remained for a few months, when he returned to Todd county, Kentucky, spending about 6 months there. His next place of residence was Long View, Christian county, Kentucky, where he engaged in practice for 3 years. In the winter of 1880-1 he pursued a post-graduate course in the Bellevue Hospital, of New York city, and in February of the latter year he came to Kansas City, where he has since remained. The Doctor has succeeded in building up an excellent practice here. He is thoroughly versed in his profession, is continually studying in order to further perfect himself, and now has a large and lucrative business. He is yet a young man, and may attain still greater successes in the future. In January, 1881, the Doctor was united in marriage with Miss Rena Shaw, and they now have 2 sons, -- William Edwin and Thomas C., who add life and brightness to their pleasant home, which is located at No. 906 E. 6th Street. In politics the Doctor is a democrat, socially is a Master Mason, and is a gentleman of unvarying courtesy, highminded and scrupulously faithful to every trust committed to his care. ANDREW J. SNIDER Ranks among the most prominent business men and popular citizens of Kansas City. Throughout the greater part of his life he engaged in stock dealings; and well directed efforts, close application and sound judgment have brought to him a prosperity that places him among the wealthy residents of this place. Among the galaxy of distinguished men who have been foremost in promoting the welfare of Jackson county and aided the material prosperity of the entire state of Missouri, he occupies a most honorable position. Launching his life-boat at the age of 17 years without money but with courage and brains to direct it he has successfully weathered life's storms till now, and is safe within the harbor of honorable success. A native of Ohio, Mr. Snider was born in Lancaster, on the 3rd of March, 1833. His boyhood days were passed on the old home farm in the Buckeye state, and during his boyhood he was employed by a stock drover, taking cattle across the Alleghanies. At the age of 17 he took a drove of mules to Singapore, India, about 1 year being consumed in this task. On the expiration of that period he returned to Ohio, and then, prompted by a spirit of adventure and a desire to improve his financial condition, he came to the west, locating at Leavenworth, Kansas, where he engaged in stone contracting. Among the buildings which he erected was the old stone fort in use until quite recently. Mr. Snider also went to overland to Pike's Peak during the time of the gold excitement there and spent a year engaged in mining. When the report of the discovery of gold in Montana reached him, he proceeded to that state. At that time Green Clay Smith, of Kentucky, was governor of Montana territory and Mr. Snider served as brigadier general on the governor's staff. He was interested in mining in the northwest until 1869, when he left Fort Benton for New Orleans, traveling by steamer. His intention was to purchase a plantation in the South, but certain circumstances arose which led him to change his plan and instead he located in Platte county, Missouri, where he remained for a year. In the spring of 1870 Mr. Snider came to Kansas City, and engaged in the Texas cattle business, owning a large ranch in the Cherokee strip of the Indian territory. He raised large herds of cattle there, selling as high as 30,000 head per annum. He did not give his personal supervision to the ranch, leaving it to the care of a foreman, but managed his interests from Kansas City, and here established the commission house of Barse & Snider, stock jobbers of Kansas City. This firm was in existence from 1873 until 1887, and did a very extensive and profitable business. He was one of the leading dealers in the stockyards of this place and his trade assumed extensive proportions. He studied closely the market and his foresight was displayed in his advantageous purchases and profitables sales. His commission business he closed out in 1887, but continued to carry on the ranch until 1889. He is still interested to some extent in cattle dealing, but has largely laid aside business cares to enjoy the fruits of his former labor. His life has been a varied and eventful one and he is familiar with many of the experiences of frontier life. Thrown into contact with all classes of people, his charming cordiality of manner and genial, social disposition has won him a host of warm personal friends wherever he has gone. In Platte county, Missouri, Mr. Snider was united in marriage with Miss Hannah C. Berry, and they had two sons: Andrew J., who died in 1887, at the age of 32 years, was a prominent business man and a member of the firm of Andrew J. Snider & Company. In his youth he served for 2 years as a cadet at West Point; but failing health compelled him to leave that institution, and he went to Colorado, where he was greatly benefited, but never entirely regained his original strength. He was an active and valued member of the firm and possessed excellent business and executive ability, and his honor and integrity were above question. A man of magnetic personality, he was very popular and had the high regard of all who knew him. Chester A., the other son, is now engaged in the stock commission business and is a worthy successor to his honored father. Mr. Snider and his wife reside at a beautiful home located at the corner of 10th and Forest streets. Mr. Snider is a lover of fishing and hunting, and finds one of his chief sources of recreation in this way. He usually takes a hunting trip each year, and he spends his winters in Florida, in the more balmy climate of that beautiful southern district. He is a man of fine personal appearance, a courteous gentleman of the old school and his standing in business and social circles in Kansas City is among the foremost. CHESTER ALLYN SNIDER Is the vice-president of the great livestock commission company, the Evans-Snider-Buel Company, of Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City, being the resident manager of the company at its Kansas City office. Actuated by an honest, manly purpose and with firm confidence in the right, he has by earnest effort secured the favorable result that usually rewards well-directed labor, and by his straightforward course has won the respect and confidence of his associates. He is a young man imbued with the progressive and enterprising spirit of the age, and stands as a leader in his line of business in Kansas City. Mr. Snider was born in Platte county, Missouri, August 9, 1860, and is a son of Andrew J. and Hannah (Beery) Snider. The family name has for the past 25 years been prominently connected with the city's live stock interests. Reared on a farm near Lancaster, Ohio, his father early began driving cattle to market across the Alleghanies, and later turned to the West and engaged in contracting, some of the old buildings at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, being erected by him. He passed through the early mining experiences of Colorado and Montana during the gold excitement. Returning to the states in 1870, he identified his interests with those of Kansas City, and for nearly 20 years was the leading cattle merchant of this city. Our subject was about 10 years old when he began his education in the public schools of Kansas City, and completed his studies in Bethany (West Virginia) College. At the age of 21 he laid aside his text books to learn the sterner lessons of practical business life. Returning from college, he went to his father's cattle ranch, which was located on the Cherokee strip, Indian Territory, where he remained for some 3-4 years. His father retiring from business, owing to ill health of his eldest son, our subject, after a year's travel abroad, entered the commission field, the Evans-Snider-Buel Company being imcorporated in 1889. This company has since conducted the largest livestock business in this country. During the past 7 years it has handled on commission at its 3 offices over three million head of livestock, and its actual money transactions during this time have aggregated over one hundred and eleven millions of dollars! On August 23, 1882, Mr. Snider married Miss Lillie C. Hyatt, daughter of W. W. Hyatt. The only child by this marriage, Lillie Hyatt, is now 12 years of age. The mother's death occurred on Thanksgiving day, 1883. On December 27, 1888, Mr. Snider married Miss Olive Olga Oglesby, eldest daughter of Governor Richard James Oglesby, of Illinois. They were married in the executive mansion in Springfield. Mrs. Snider spent her girlhood days in Decatur, and acquired her education in Springfield and in a convent near Washington, D. C., while her father was serving as United States senator there. One child has been born of this marriage, Catherine Oglesby Snider. Mr. Snider is a valued and esteemed member of various business and social organizations, belonging to the Kansas City Club and the Commerical Club, and is a director of the National Bank of Commerce and the Union Avenue Bank of Commerce. He served for 5 years in the directory of the Kansas City Livestock Exchange, declining a further election. Lovers of music, both he and his wife take an active interest in promoting this art in Kansas City. Mr. Snider is at present the vice president of the Symphony Orchestra. Their home is noted for its hospitality, and their circle of warm friends is extensive. The home is adorned with many choice paintings and other works of art - all that refined taste can suggest. The library is one of the finest private collections in the west. Few persons in this commercial section of the world know as well as Mr. and Mrs. Snider how to manage their wealth to the best advantage, obtaining more happiness out of a given sum that untrained people can. Many persons think that if they only had a little more money they would be happy, even when they are in possession of more than other, happier people in their community. Not so with the subject of this brief notice, who knows the more important art of spending money, as well as the art of earning it. JAMES W. NOEL To its farming community Jackson county is largely indebted for its progress and upbuilding. The rich lands surrounding the cities and towns of this locality furnish trade to the commercial centers and utilize their railroad facilities for shipping. The well conducted business interests of the farmers is the foundation upon which rests the activity in trade circles. Mr. Noel is a representative of a family that has long been connected with farming interests and has devoted his own energies to the cultivation and improvement of land until he is today one of the leading agriculturists of Jackson county. Our subject is numbered among the native sons of this county, his birth having occurred September 18, 1841, in Van Buren township, on the adjoining section to his present home. His grandfather, John Noel, was a native of Kentucky, whence he removed to Anderson county, Tennessee, where he married Sallie Tatum. Their family numbered 4 sons and 4 daughters, namely: James, John, William, George, Polly, Barbara, Elizabeth and Martha Jane. Elizabeth was the wife of Spencer Rice. The father of our subject, James Noel, was born in Claiborne county, Tennessee, and was reared in that state on a farm. He married Rachel Powell, who was born in the same county, in 1812, a daughter of Joseph and Annie (Jusan) Powell, who were early settlers of Jackson county, Missouri, and lived with their children here until their death. The father served as an officer in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Powell was 3 times married. He first wedded Susan Edward, and their children were Thomas, Joseph and Abraham. His second wife bore the maiden name of Ruth Jones, and their only child, Ruth, became the wife of John Smith. The children born to Joseph and Hannah Powell were John, who married Esther Bealer; Jonathan, who married Annie Rice; Richard, who married Susan Mayes; Joab, who married Anna Bealer; Absalom, who married Elizabeth Rice; Annie, wife of James Bridges; Jane, wife of John Bealer; Polly, wife of Stephen Adams; Rachel, wife of James Noel. There were 8 children born to the paternal grandparents of our subject. The eldest was the father of James W. John, who died in California in 1851, married Melinda Jackson, and had 3 children: Nancy, who died in 1857; George, who died in the Confederate service in January, 1862; and Sarah, wife of D. A. Linder, of Delavan, Missouri. William, who married Raney Waters. George, who married Minta Farmer, and had 2 children - Alice, who died in 1883, and Henry, who is living with his mother. After the death of her husband Mrs. Minta Noel married James Gates, and now lives in Vacaville, California. Polly and Barbara were the next of the family. Elizabeth became the wife of Spencer Rice. Martha Jane was the youngest. Hon. Thomas E. Noel, who was a law partner of General Frank P. Blair, of St. Louis, Missouri, and died in the United States service, was a second cousin of our subject. Ephraim Noel, a prominent Methodist minister, was also a second cousin. The parents of our subject were married in Tennessee, where they lived until 1832, when they came to Missouri and made a temporary location on the Roop farm, on Section 32, Van Buren township, Jackson county. They afterward made a permanent location on Section 14. The land on which they settled was all wild, and Mr. Noel entered the greater part of it from the government, but it is now one of the oldest improved places in the township. There the father carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred March 28, 1877, while his wife died August 17, 1893. In their family were 14 children. The eldest, John P., is deceased. Elmira is the wife of Frederick Bunn, of Oregon, and they have 1 child, John Marion. Louisa and Alvis Taylor are both deceased. Sarah Jane is the widow of Walter Davidson, and has 3 children - James, William N., and Mary Anna. Since the death of her first husband she has been again married, and 1 son, Alvis W. Biggs, has been born of this union. Joseph E. married Jennie Meador, and lives in Cass county, Missouri, with his wife and 2 children - Ralph and Ethel. James W. is the next younger. Absalom Marion and Emeline have passed away. Mary became the wife of T. T. Maxwell, and died leaving 6 children - Lydia, James N., Mary, Ollie, Thomas and Grover Cleveland. Margaret Ann became the wife of Thomas Sanders, who died leaving 2 sons - Ernest and Watts. She has since married David Mays, by whom she has 2 children - Susie and William. William A. married Addie Colburn, now deceased, and their 2 children have also passed away. His home is now in Kansas City. Martha is deceased. George Henry married Minnie Shaw, by whom he has 1 son, Joseph, and resides on Section 14, Van Buren township. The mother of his family was a member of the Missionary Baptist church. 3 sons served in the Civil War, namely: Alvis T., Joseph E. and James W., -- all members of the same regiment. We now take up the history of James W. Noel, feeling assured that it will prove of interest to many of our readers, as he is both widely and favorably known in his native county. He is indebted to the district schools for his educational privileges: was reared on the old home farm, all of the children of the family remaining at home until after they had reached mature years. During the Civil War, when sectional feeling ran so high on the border between Missouri and Kansas and one was obliged to announce his sympathies either with one party or the other, he joined the Confederate service and was with the commands of Cockrell, Upton Hayes and Robert Renick, participating in the battle of Lone Jack, and was afterward arrested by Colonel Penick and held a prisoner in Independence. On his release he went to Carroll county, Missouri,where he remained until the close of the war. When hostilities had ceased Mr. Noel returned home; but after 2 years went to Texas, where he remained for about 12 months. The following 8 years he spent in Johnson county, Kansas, then formed a partnership with his brother, William A., and operated the home farm and engaged in cattle dealing in Colorado and New Mexico for 11 years. He now lives upon the farm, which was the old Major & Russell ranch, having made his home here since 1888. It comprises 640 acres of valuable land, all highly improved with the exception of an 80 acre tract of timber. Mr. Noel successfully carries on general farming and stock raising and is a wide awake, progressive business man, energetic and far-sighted. He has achieved considerable success in life and now ranks among the substantial farmers of the community. In 1883 Mr. Noel was united in marriage with M. J. Cox, a native of Van Buren township, and a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Keirsey) Cox, both now deceased. Their family numbered 3 children, viz: Mrs. Noel; Fannie, wife of Jonah Tucker; and Mattie, deceased. 3 children also grace the union of our subject and his wife, namely: James Cox, William Lee and Forest Rothwell. Mrs. Noel is a member of the Missionary Baptist church, and her many excellencies of character have gained her a warm circle of friends. In politics Mr. Noel is a stanch democrat, and is a warm advocate of Grover Cleveland. He is now serving as president of the local school board of the Plum Grove district, and takes an active interest in educational and all other work or interests calculated to prove of public benefit. DUNCAN M. TAIT Who is serving as supervising grain inspector of Missouri at Kansas City, was born at Chatham, Ontario, August 29, 1868, and is a son of James and Mary (McIntyre) Tait, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Canada. They had a family of 5 children, of whom 4 are now living, Martin, James, Duncan M. and Nan. The father is a Miller of Polo, Missouri, having resided in that locality since 1869 - the year of his arrival in Missouri. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian, while his wife is a member of the Baptist church. The paternal grandfather of our subject was James Tait, a native of Scotland, who crossed the Atlantic to America and died in Canada at an advanced age. He reared a large family. The maternal grandfather, Duncan McIntyre, was also born in Scotland, and was a farmer, and died in Canada, at the age of 80 years. His family numbered 2 sons and 6 daughters. During his early childhood our subject was brought by his parents to Missouri and was reared in Taitsville, while in the public schools of the neighborhood he acquired his education. His father following the milling business, he became familiar with that trade in early life, and learned much about grains. This proved an excellent preparation for his present service. In 1889, at the age of 21 years he removed with his parents to Polo, where his father continued the milling business, while in 1893 he came to Kansas City. Soon afterward he was appointed grain inspector by the board of railroad and warehouse commissioners, and is now capably discharging the duties of that office. On the 25th of October, 1892, Mr. Tait was united in marriage with Miss Mae Cowgill, a daughter of James and Ella (Myers) Cowgill. One daughter was born to this union, Helen by name. The mother is a member of the Baptist church, and is an estimable lady who has many warm friends in the community. Socially, Mr. Tait is connected with the Knights of Pythias fraternity, and in politics is a stalwart democrat. He is well known for his sterling worth and all who know him have for him high regard. JUDGE CLEVELAND F. MOULTON An esteemed member of the bar of Kansas City, was born in Genesee county, New York, July 4, 1828, and is a son of Daniel J. and Eliza Charlotte (Cleveland) Moulton. His maternal grandfather was Moses Cleveland, to whom the land on which the city of Cleveland, Ohio, now stands was granted by the government in consideration of military services. His mother is a cousin of President Grover Cleveland. The father of the Judge, removing from the Nutmeg state, became a resident of New York in 1824, and there followed the occupation of farming until his death, which occurred 50 years later. His wife survived him 13 years, and died in 1887, leaving 5 children out of a family whose original number was 12. These are Ms. Louisa J. Warner, now living in Cleveland, Ohio; John Jay, a resident of Springfield, Illinois; George A., who makes his home in San Francisco, California; Mrs. Frank Rogers, now of Chicago; and the Judge. In early manhood our subject, leaving the Empire state, went to Mobile, Alabama, where he engaged in reading law, and was admitted to the bar in that city in 1849. He at once entered upon the practice there and continued his labors as a member of the profession until the beginning of the war, when he entered the Confederate service as a private of Company A, Mobile Continentals, first Alabama regiment. February 25, 1861, he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the 48th Alabama regiment, of which Colonel Makinstry was in command at the time; and when the latter was made judge advocate of the southern Confederacy Mr. Moulton was commissioned colonel of the regiment. He also served on the staff of Governor Gill Shorter, of Alabama, and from 1864 till the close of the war he served on the staff of Governor H. Watts, of Alabama, and at this time he was still in command of the 48th regiment and was a member of the state legislature. To this position he was elected by the conservative party whose political object was to bring the war to a close. He remained in the legislature 4 terms and then returned to the service, continuing in the Confederate army until the close of the war. When hostilities had ceased, Colonel Moulton resumed the practice of law in Mobile, and in 1866 was elected to the office of city attorney. He was afterward prosecuting attorney, and in July, 1868, was appointed judge of the circuit court at Mobile, and served in that capacity for 8 years, discharging his duties in a most efficient manner. In 1875 he removed to St. Louis, where he practiced law until 1882, and then retired to the farm which he had previously purchased in Bates county, Missouri. For 6 years he devoted his energies to the management of his agricultural interests. In 1873, while on the circuit bench of Mobile, Alabama, he was elected mayor, and reelected in 1874. In 1888 he came to Kansas City and opened an office for general practice here. For a time he was associated in business with Webster Davis, and the partnership continued one year. The Judge has since been alone and now enjoys a liberal clinetage. Judge Moulton was married in 1858 to Miss Ruth Perkins Pomeroy, of East Hampton, Massachusetts. The children of this marriage are Williston Jay, a farmer now residing near Adrian, Missouri; John Dane, a merchant of Kansas City; Reverdy Halleck, who is engaged in merchandising in Harrisonville, Cass county, Missouri; and Cleveland F., who is now following farming near Adrian, Bates county. The mother of this family was called to her final rest February 19, 1892, and her remains were interred in the cemetery at Adrian. MARK EDGERTON, M. D. Ex-dean and professor of material medica in the Kansas City Homeopathic Medical College, was born on the 23rd day of March, 1854, in the town of Delhi, Delaware county, New York. His father, Judge Albert Edgerton, was a native of the same state and a son of one of the Revolutionary heroes who aided the colonies in their struggle for independence. The Judge was a self-made man and became quite prominent in the community in which he lived. In 1859 he removed with his family to St. Paul, Minnesota, and in that city the Doctor attended the public and high schools, after which he entered the Delaware Literary Institute at Franklin, Delaware county, New York, where he completed his literary education. In 1874 he took up the study of medicine under a preceptor in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in the centennial year went to the city of Philadelphia. Mr. Edgerton, however, had another object than that of visiting the exposition. He entered the Hahnemann Medical College there, pursuing a 3 year course in that justly celebrated institution, under the preceptorship of Dr. Charles Mohr, at the same time making his home with the Doctor, whom he found a wise counselor and faithful friend. His earnest application and thorough investigation gave him an excellent knowledge of his chosen calling, and he left the college to learn the most practical lessons in the school of experience. In March, 1879, he was graduated and granted a diploma. Immediately afterward he started for the west and spent a few days in Kansas City, but continued his journey to Junction City, Kansas, where, on the 3rd of May of that year, he was united in marriage with Miss Lillian Gray, whose acquaintance he had formed several years previously in St. Paul, Minnesota. After a short bridal trip the young couple located in a small town in southeastern Nebraska, where the Doctor opened an office and practiced for about 1 ½ years. Not finding country practice congenial, however, he removed to Stillwater, Minnesota, a city of about 17,000 inhabitants, where he entered into a partnership with Dr. W. H. Canie, a friend of his boyhood days. Better success came to him in his new home, and he remained there for 2 years, when, on account of failing health, due to the long, severe winters, he decided to find a new location, where the climate conditions were more favorable. This led to his connections with Kansas City, where he opened an office in June, 1885. In 1887 Dr. Edgerton became a charter member of the Kansas City Homeopathic Medical College, and was elected to the chair of physiology. After lecturing for 3 years on this branch he was tendered the chair of material medica, -- the most important professorship in the institution - which he accepted and has since creditably and satisfactorily filled. During his connection with this institution he has for 5 years been honored with official positions, serving for the past 2 years as dean of the faculty. The duties of teaching added to the cares of a very extensive practice, makes his life a busy one, and did he not possess an excellent constitution and robust health he could not stand the arduous demands made upon his time. That he is recognized as one of the most capable members of the profession is shown by his large patronage, and his brethren of the fraternity also acknowledge his superior skill and merit. The Doctor and Mrs. Edgerton have one child, an interesting little daughter of 5 years, whom they have named Ruth Gray, and who is the light of the parents' home. The Doctor is especially fond of children and young people, whom he is ever ready to aid and encourage as they seek improvement. Aside from his profession he is a man of broad mind, of general information and liberal culture, and since coming to Kansas City, under a competent foreign-born German professor, he has learned to read, write and speak the German language fluently. Improvement has ever been his watch word and is the keynote to his success. A. LESTER HALL, M. D. It is much to achieve success, it is infinitely more to win the gratitude of the suffering and afflicted. For about 28 years this gentleman has devoted his time and energies to the aid and relief of his fellow men, has worked his way upward to a foremost rank in the medical profession, and such has been the cordial, kindly, generous manner of this ministration that in the hearts of those who have received it there is a sense of grateful recognition that words cannot express. Dr. Hall is a native son of Missouri, his birth having occurred at Arrow Rock, March 10, 1845. The ancestry of the family is Scotch and English. The paternal grandfather, Rev. Nathan H. Hall, was a Presbyterian minister, a native of Kentucky. For a quarter of a century he engaged in preaching in Lexington, Kentucky, and then spent some years in pastoral labor in St. Louis. His death occurred in Columbia, Missouri, when he had attained the age of 76 years. He was a man of striking personal appearance, large and well formed, and was an orator of superior ability, an earnest, logical speaker and a successful evangelist. The Doctor's father, Matthew W. Hall, was born in Kentucky, and also followed the medical profession. In February, 1845, he removed to Missouri, locating at Arrow Rock, where he made his home for 12 years. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode on a farm near Marshall, where he spent his remaining days. He was united in marriage with Miss Agnes J. Lester, a native of Virginia, and a daughter of Bryan Lester, who was born in Charlotte, Virginia, and was a farmer by occupation. He was a man of great force of character but of very amiable disposition, gentle and considerate. To many of his slaves he gave their freedom. He reared a large family and died when about 60 years of age. Dr. Matthew Hall and his wife were prominent settlers of Arrow Rock, and were numbered among Missouri's pioneers. In the Presbyterian church they held a membership, and the Doctor served as elder, taking a very prominent part in its work. During the civil war, he served as surgeon in the Confederate army. In the community where he lived he was a recognized leader, and twice represented his district in the legislature. His death occurred on the 7th of November, 1894, at the age of 78 years, and his wife passed away in 1883. They were the parents of 11 children, 8 of whom are now living, namely: Dr. C. Lester; William Ewing, of Kansas City, Missouri; Dr. John R., of Marshall, Missouri; Louisa F., wife of W. W. Trigg, of Booneville, Missouri; Matthew W., of Saline county, Missouri; Florida L., wife of Judge D. W. Shackleton, of Booneville, Missouri; Dr. Thomas B., of Saline county; and Effie B., wife of Fred B. Glover, of Parkville, Missouri. Dr. C. Lester Hall was reared in Saline county, this state, and acquired his early education there. He afterward attended school at Booneville until 17 years of age, when, in 1862, he joined the army of General Price, and went to Lexington, Missouri. At that place he was taken sick and returned home, but in December he again joined the army. At Milford's surrender he was taken prisoner and held in captivity for 3 months, after which he took the oath of allegiance to the United States and returned home. The Doctor began studying medicine in 1864, in Booneville, and subsequently attended the St. Louis Medical College through the school year of 1864-5. During the winter of 1866-7 he was a student in Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, and in the spring of 1867 he graduated and joined his father in the practice of his chosen profession, this partnership continuing for 6 years. In 1873 Dr. Hall removed to Marshall, Missouri, where he enjoyed a large and lucrative practice until September, 1890, when, desiring a broader field of labor, he came to Kansas City, where he has since made his home. Although he successfully engages in general practice, he makes a specialty of the diseases of women. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the Western Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Jackson County Medical Society. He is now the honored president of the Missouri State Medical Society, and in 1894 was president of the Kansas City Academy of Medicine. On the 16th of June, 1869, Dr. Hall was united in marriage with Miss Katherine Sappington, daughter of Hon. E. D. and Penelope (Breathitt) Sappington, her grandfather Breathitt being at one time governor of Kentucky. Five children were born by this marriage - Darwin Walton, Penelope, C. Lester, Katherine May, and one who died in infancy. The Doctor and his family hold a membership in the Central Presbyterian church, take a deep interest in its prosperity, and while living in Marshall he served as elder of the church. He is a Master Mason. The family home is located at No. 2720 Troost avenue, and is noted for its hospitality. WILLIAM DAVIS FOSTER, M. D. One of the most eminent members of the medical profession and successful practitioners of Kansas City, was born in Van Buren county, Iowa, on the 7th of September, 1841, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Kummler) Foster. His father was a native of Vermont, and during the war of 1812, as a member of the American army, fought in the 2nd encounter with England. His wife was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, and was of German lineage. They were married on the 5th of April, 1830, and in 1837 emigrated to Iowa, which was then a territory. The father died in Birmingham, Van Buren county, that state, in November, 1855. He was a very prominent man, possessing superior intelligence and ability. A graduate of Yale, he was familiar with 6-7 languages, and possessed broad general information and ripe scholarship. For many years he was county judge of Van Buren county, Iowa, and throughout his life was a stalwart advocate of Democracy. There were only 3 white families living in Van Buren county when he took up his residence there in 1837, and his nearest neighbor was 6 miles away. The Indians, however, were very numerous and the wild and undeveloped land was unmarked by any trace of civilization. Mr. Foster took a very prominent part in the work of upbuilding and progress, and his name is enrolled among the pioneers of the Hawkeye state. His wife long survived him, finally passing away in Marion county, Missouri, in 1886, at the age of 94 years. Their family numbered 6 sons - Joseph, born January 21, 1831; Hiram I., born August 2, 1832; Judah H., born July 14, 1834; Benjamin U., born February 8, 1837; James, who was born August 24, 1839, and died on the 24th of December, following; and William Davis, of this sketch. The Doctor acquired his literary education in the public schools and academy of Birmingham, Iowa, and to fit himself for the practice of medicine, which he determined to make his life work, he entered the office of the late Dr. David Prince, the distinguished surgeon of Jacksonville, Illinois. He began his studies in 1857, but circumstances prevented him following a continuous course. He, however, made the best of his opportunities, and in the winter of 1860 attended medical lectures in the University of Pennsylvania. In the early spring of the following year, the country became involved in civil war, and with the blood of Revolutionary forefathers flowing in his veins, Mr. Foster with patriotic ardor entered the army, and in addition to aiding his country he made rapid progress in his studies under the able guidance of Elery P. Smith, surgeon of the 7th cavalry, Missouri volunteers, at the same time gaining an experience which was of incalculable benefit to him. With the opening of the campaign in 1863 he was commissioned surgeon of that regiment, thus serving until the close of the war. During the active operations of the forces in Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana, Dr. Foster was engaged with various boards of operating surgeons, his duties being the examination of applicants for discharge on surgeon's certificates, for transfer to the invalid corps, for leave of absence and for furloughs on surgeons' certificates of disability. After the battle of Lone Jack, Missouri, on the 16th of August, 1862, he assisted in the organization of the hospital at Lexington, and after the battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, December 7, 1862, he aided in the organization of the hospitals at Fayetteville, that state. He was present at the capture of Little Rock, and during the military occupancy of that city was in the hospital service there. The “bloodless battles” of the war were often as arduous and dangerous as those that took place on the field, and the part which the army surgeons performed in the service was no less beneficial to the country than that of him who carried a rifle in the ranks. His labors have not as often been made the theme of story and song, but they are no less worthy the gratitude of the nation. When the war was over, Dr. Foster located in Hannibal, Missouri, where he entered into partnership as a practitioner with Dr. George B. Birch, now deceased. During his residence there the question of homeopathy came prominently before him, he began research and investigation along that line, and becoming convinced of its superiority he began practice as an advocate of the new school. By reason of his active temperament, industry and aggressive course he speedily built up a large and lucrative practice, and in 1869 he was graduated at the Homeopathic Medical College of Missouri, in St. Louis. In 1881 Dr. Foster became a resident of Kansas City, and soon was recognized as one of the most skilled and prominent surgeons of the western part of the state. He was called to the chair of surgery in the Kansas City Homeopathic Medical College in 1889, and is still filling that position, while at the annual election in April, 1894, he was elected dean of the faculty. The phenomenal growth of this institution is largely due to his energy, influence and perseverance. He keeps himself thoroughly abreast with the times, is an advocate of all advanced surgical methods and an enthusiast on the subject of asepsis and antisepsis. He has a large private practice and visits all parts of the west in consultation and operations. Dr. Foster is a valued member of various medical organizations, and is recognized authority on many matters pertaining to his profession. He is a senior member of the American Institute of Homeopathy, belongs to the Missouri Institute of Homeopathy, is a member of the Kansas State Homeopathic Medical Society, is a member of the International Homeopathic Medical Congress at Basle, in 1886, and is chief surgeon of the Kansas City, Osceola & Southern Railway. In 1878 Dr. Foster married Mrs. Christe Farwell, a native of Yonkers, New York. Socially, he is connected with the Masonic lodge of Hannibal, Missouri, belongs to the Loyal Legion, of Missouri, is a member of the National Association of Railway Surgeons, and holds membership in various other benevolent and fraternal organizations. His success in life is an example of the power of patient purpose, resolute working and steadfast integrity. In his character he combines the qualities of mind and heart that render him deservedly popular, and secure to him the warm friendship of all who enjoy his acquaintance. GEORGE C. HALE There is nothing more important to the welfare of a city or more effective, than the preservation of property as well as life, the chief institution for which purpose is a well equipped and conducted fire department; and the man who successfully fills the position of chief must possess keen foresight, unbounded energy and an alertness and readiness to respond at every call. Of no department has Kansas City more reason to be proud than her fire department, which in its proficiency, equipments and the skill of its members is almost without a peer. Standing at the head of this organization is George C. Hale, who has practically given to the department its prestige - a scholarly, genial, courteous gentleman, who places duty above every other consideration and who takes just pride in the efficiency of his men and their faithful performance of the tasks allotted to them. There is in Kansas City few men who are more widely known and none who is held in higher regard by his friends than George C. Hale. This gentleman was born in Colton, St. Lawrence county, New York, October 28, 1849, and when a youth of 14 came to the city which has since been his home. This was in 1863, and he at once obtained a situation with the firm of Lloyd & Leland. His close application, his thoroughness and his earnest endeavor to perform to the best of his ability every task intrusted to his care soon attracted the attention of his employers and he was raised from the position of shop boy and put in charge of a large engine that ran the machinery of the shops. He held that position for some time and during that period lost no opportunity to master every detail connected with the business. He undoubtedly possesses natural talent as a machinist and was very quick to learn; and it was often remarked that if he saw a piece of work done he could at once duplicate it. His ability in the line of mechanics has been constantly demonstrated. In 1866 he took charge of the machinery of the great bridge that spans the Missouri river at this city, under the direction of O. H. Chanute, the engineer for the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad Company, and remained in that service until the completion of the bridge and the ceremonials attending its dedication July 4, 1869. Soon afterward Mr. Hale became connected with the Great Western Manufacturing Company of Leavenworth, Kansas, where he remained until the fall of 1871, and then returned to Kansas City. His connection with the fire department covers a period of a quarter of a century. In that year he was appointed engineer of John Campbell Engine, No. 1, the first engine ever owned by Kansas City. Subsequently he was transferred to engine No. 2, where he served until 1877, whenthe introduction of the water works system into the city caused the steamers to be thrown out of commission for a number of years and Mr. Hale was appointed foreman of one of the hose companies. In 1881 he was promoted to the position of assistant chief under Colonel Frank Foster, and upon the retirmement of the latter in 1882 he was selected as the best man to place in charge of this responsible office; and his 13 years' administration has shown the wisdom of the choice made. Colonel Foster said of him: “I have known Mr. Hale for 12 years and know him to be a fine mechanic and most practical fireman, a thorough gentleman, and one whom I can, in my judgment, recommend as the most competent in our whole city to control and manage our fire department. I assure you if Mr. Hale is appointed you will never have cause to regret it.” Our subject has put forth every effort to make the Kansas City fire department equal to any in this country and has succeeded in accomplishing this result, bending every energy to that end. He possesses all the necessary qualifications for an able fire department chief, and, though realizing to the fullest extent the responsibilities resting on him, in times of fire he is perfectly cool and collected, and therefore able to capably direct his men and make their service the most effective. His judgment is sound - an essential quality, for in case of fire the chief is autocratic and his word is a law from which there is no appeal. Mr. Hale is perfectly fearless in the discharge of his duties, and not only commands his men but leads them where the danger is greatest. His method of fighting fire is at once systematic and scientific, and consequently no time is wasted in false moves, which is sometimes the case where there exists a lack of system. His discipline, while firm, is not severe or arbitrary, and his kindness and solicitude for the welfare of his subordinates has won him the esteem of the entire force of the department. Mr. Hale has closely studied the whole field of Kansas City and laid his plans so as to make the service most beneficial. The various departments are equipped in a most complete manner with all modern machinery and accessories, including several of Mr. Hale's inventions. Among the chiefs of other fire departments he has the reputation of being the mechanical genius of the order. His inventive mind has been steadily engaged upon new and important devices whereby a fire can be most scientifically and successfully fought. Most of his inventions have been in connection with fire apparatus and department supplies. One of his earliest inventions, however, was the Hale rotary steam engine, which is highly recommended by the United States navy. His device for hitching horses used in fire departments, whereby at the sounding of the alarm the halter becomes detached, allowing the animal to spring to position, was also among his earlier inventions. Believing that one moment at a fire in its incipiency is worth an hour after it is fairly underway, Mr. Hale's inventions have been perfected with this aim in view. One of the most important of these is the Hale swinging harness. It embraces the most complete, the quickest and least complicated method of hitching in use, and is employed in fire departments throughout the United States. The time required for hitching by this method is from one and three-quarters to three seconds. In February, 1888, he completed his automatic horse cover. He also invested the Hale cellar pipe with improved spray nozzle. This is designed for fires in cellars and basements. The Hale tin-roof cutter and the Hale electric wire-cutter were two very important additions to fire appliances; the Hale improved telephone fire-alarm system, which was the production of his mind, has proved of the greatest importance to the fire department of Kansas City; also the Hale water tower, which is perhaps one of the most important additions to fire apparatus of the 19th century. Mr. Hale had the honor of representing his nation in the International Fire Congress held at Agricultural Hall, London, June 12 to 17, 1893. With a picked crew of 8 members of the Kansas City fire department and a team of trained horses, together with all the necessary equipments found in a model engine-house, he left Kansas City, and after being handsomely entertained by the Chief Engineers' Club of Massachusetts, in Boston, and by the New York Press Club and others in New York, he and his men took passage on the City of Rom on the 27th of May, and on the 4th of June, as the steamer neared Moville, Ireland, they were met by a small boat having on board a committee of reception to escort them to London. On the evening of the same day they landed at Greenock, Scotland, and visited in Glasgow for 2 days, where they were royally entertained. They received like treatment in Edinburg, and floating over many of the large buildings in the different cities could be seen the American flag in honor of their visit. On the morning of the 8th of June they arrived in London and were escorted with ceremony to the Royal Agricultural Hall. After the opening ceremonies the various fire companies representing the different nations passed in parade around the extensive arena, and America was given the post of honor, leading all other nations with the stars and stripes floating above. The little band of picked men from the Kansas City fire department gave several creditable exhibitions, which won the heartiest applause from the multitude assembled, and demonstrated the superiority of the methods of protection against fire in the country. On the evening of June 17, immediately after completing their last exhibition, they were marched up before the royal box, and after a very complimentary speech delivered by Lieutenant Colonel Seabrook upon the American methods of drills and displays of apparatus each one was presented with an elegant gold medal, the presentation being made by Miss Shaw, daughter of Sir Eyre M. Shaw, ex-chief of the London fire brigade. They were also presented with 2 handsomely engraved diplomas for best drills and apparatus. In Glasgow, where they were again entertained most royally and where they gave exhibitions, they were presented with a handsome silver water set. The honors which Mr. Hale received were certainly well merited, and he is indeed a worthy representative of that line of service on whose faithful performance so often depends not only extensive property interests, but the safety of many lives. The deeds of the firemen today rival in bravery those of the chivalrous knights of olden times. Personally, Mr. Hale is a broad-minded man, a student, analytical, carrying his researches and investigations far beyond the required limits of his duty. In manner he is pleasant, courteous and genial, and to his hosts of warm friends at home he added many during his stay abroad.
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