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was married in this county, May 5, 1857, to Miss Sallie E. Miles, daughter of John N. and Margaret Miles, natives of Kentucky. She was born in Lawrenceburg, Anderson county, Kentucky, October 3, 1839. They became the parents of nine children, viz.: Thomas C., born April 17, 1858; Emma A., born November 24, 1859; Margaret J., born April 13, 1862; Robert A. L., born January 24, 1864; Miles W., born March 18, 1866; Susan K., born March 30, 1868; Annie J., born March 24, 1870; Sarah E., born August 17, 1872; Ella, born January 16, 1875. Mr. Smith and his wife are leading members of the Old School Presbyterian Church, and he also belongs to the Masonic fraternity, (Bee-Hive Lodge No. 393.) He has always been the friend of education and religion, an active supporter of schools and churches, a public spirited and valuable citizen, and his dealing and intercourse with his fellow men have always been characterized by just and honorable deportment, and he enjoys the confidence, respect and esteem of all.

W. J. HURT.

William J. Hurt was born in Surrey county, North Carolina, June 22, 1821. He came to Missouri at the age of twenty-one years, and after living in Buchanan county for four years, came to Ray county, and settled upon the farm he now owns and occupies, section nineteen, township fifty-three, range twenty-nine. He owns two hundred and eighty acres of good land, one hundred and fifty acres in cultivation, has a good house and orchard, and is very conveniently and comfortably situated. Mr. Hurt was married in Clay county, Missouri, in 1846, to Miss Mary Crowley, by Rev. George Huffaker. Mrs. Hurt is the daughter of John and Sarah Crowley, natives of Tennessee. She was born April 4, 1825. They have ten children, living, viz.: John W., James T., Riley F., Sarah, Christopher C., Jackson, Alice J., Lavorasly, Daniel and Ella. Mr. Hurt is a member of the Christian Union Church. He is a practical, successful farmer and stock raiser, and a respected and useful citizen.

W L. WATKINS.

The subject of this sketch was born and raised in Woodford county, Kentucky. He came to Missouri and settled in Clay county, more than fifty years ago, first establishing a cotton spinning mill there, and subsequently putting in additional machinery for the manufacture of woolen fabrics, which business he pursued in the city of Liberty for a number of years, and then removed to his present location, just upon the dividing line of Ray and Clay counties. Here he erected a large, spacious, three story brick building, and equipped it with the best improved and modern machinery, for the manufacture of woolen goods. In addition to being a

complete and thoroughly furnished woolen mill, it has also a custom flour and grist department, which turns out a superior grade of flour and meal. Several years ago our subject took his son, John H., into partnership with him in business, and their enterprises are now conducted under the firm name of W. L.Watkins & Son. The junior partner is a thoroughly competent, active and experienced business man and has, of late years, chiefly managed and conducted the business of the firm. Messrs. W. L. Watkins & Son keep from twenty-five to thirty operatives, male and female, employed, and produce an excellent quality of goods, such as blankets, jeans, flannels, cassimeres and a full line of all goods produced by a first-class factory. Their goods are of unexcelled quality, and find a ready sale in the markets of the large cities of our own and neighboring states, and are in good demand in the towns of northwest Missouri. In addition to their manufacturing business, the Messrs. Watkins own 3,600 acres of valuable land, the greatest part of which is farming land, improved, with a handsome, commodious brick dwelling, large substantial barns and other buildings. They are also largely engaged in raising fine stock, making a specialty of Short-horn cattle and Berkshire hogs. Messrs. Watkins & Son have always been active and efficient in the aid of educational and religious institutions, and have done a good work for the advancement of the business interests of their section of the county. Their social and business lives have always been free from any reproachful or dishonorable act, and they enjoy the esteem and respect of a large circle of valuable and influential friends.

M. B. CUMMINS.

Madison B. Cummins was born near Greensborough, Guilford county, North Carolina, October 18, 1827, and received his education there. He came to Ray county, Missouri, when seventeen years of age. In 1850, he went, with the hope of bettering his fortunes, to the gold mines of the new west. After spending ten years in California, he feturned to this county, but remaining only a short time, went again to California, and remained there until after the close of the civil war. He then returned and settled here, permanently. He owns a good farm of six hundred and fifty-six acres, about two hundred and sixty acres under tence, and improved with a comfortable dwelling house and other buildings. He is engaged in raising stock, and handles only the best breeds. His business is in a very prosperous and thriving condition. Mr. Cummins was married in this county, March 19, 1867, to Miss Margaret E. J. Smith, daughter of Jedediah and Jane Smith. She was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, September 5, 1830. They have one child, Lulu S. J., born November 19, 1868. Mr. Cummins and his wife are consistent,

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worthy members of the Old School Presbyterian Church. accommodating neighbor, a charitable man, and a highly respected and valuable member of the community.

JOHN H. MELLON.

John H. Mellon is a native and lifelong resident of Ray county, Missouri. He was born October 17, 1851. He began the business of a dealer in live stock, in 1873, and has continued it, on a larger scale each year, ever since. He devotes his entire attention closely to his calling, and is one of the best as well as the largest stock traders in Ray county. In a pecuniary point of view his operations are very successful. He was married first, in 1877, in this county, to Miss Eliza J. Thompson. She was born September 1, 1845. Mrs. Mellon lived but a few months after her marriage, dying April 21, 1878, and the subject of this sketch was again married, in the month of March, 1879, to Miss Rebecca A. WindShe was born September 15, 1858. The issue of this marriage has been one child, James F., born March 11, 1880. Mr. Mellon is a useful citizen, and has won the respect of all with whom he deals, by his candor, honesty of purpose, and gentlemanly conduct.

W. M. MCGAUGH.

Willliam M. McGaugh was born August 21, 1834, in Ray county, Missouri. He learned the blacksmithing trade in 1851, and after traveling about and working, at that calling in various places, he settled at the thriving town of Vibbard, this county, in the year 1876, and has since pursued his trade at that place. In April, 1881, he built a new shop and is doing a good business. Mr. McGaugh owns several good houses and lots in Vibbard. He was married in Carroll county, Missouri, in April, 1867, to Miss Betty M. Grider, daughter of Samuel and Mary Grider, natives of Kentucky. Three children have been born to them, viz: Walter Lee, born October 23, 1868; Mollie Belle, born August 17, 1869, died in September, 1880; and Ella, died in infancy. Mr. McGaugh is a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 384, A. F. & A. M. He is a good workman, a temperate, industrious man, and a valuable member of the community in which he lives.

MOSES HESS.

The subject of 'this sketch was born in Lafayette county, Missouri, June 25, 1842. He is the son of Joseph and Margaret Hess, natives of the state of Kentucky. At the age of seventeen years he enlisted in company B, 3d regiment of Missouri volunteers, and was engaged in the' battles of Springfield, Neosho, Newtonia, Pineville, Cane Hill and Little Rock. He was discharged in 1865, and soon after came to this county,

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