father emigrated to Missouri, settling at St. Louis, but a short time afterwards, located at Jefferson City, where he embarked in mercantile pursuits, in which business, by his untiring energy and close attention, he became one of the most wealthy and influential citizens of Central Missouri. In 1839, Gen. Price was elected the first Mayor of Jefferson City. In 1845, he was defeated for the State Senate. In 1847, he was appointed Brevet Maj.-General of the Sixth Division, Missouri Militia. In 1849, he was elected Lieut.-Governor. In the year 1860, he was elected to represent Cole County in the State Legislature, and in 1861, he was commissioned Brig.-General by President Lincoln. In 1862, he was elected to Congress. His life was one of untiring industry and activity, and though endowed by nature with extraordinary health and an iron constitution, his strength at length gave way under the severe tax of mind and body, exacted by his varied pursuits, and at his residence in Jefferson City, on the 16th day of July, 1870, his active and useful life was brought to a close. The subject of this sketch was born in Jefferson City, May 19, 1849. He received a primary education in his native city, completing his literary education at Litiz, Lancaster, Co., Penn., and St. Louis University. He was married to Miss A. C. Bear, of Rockingham, Va., daughter of Col. A. C. Bear. From this union there are two children, viz: Lawson C. and Celestia. Mr. Price resides on his splendid estate in the northwestern part of Pettis County, devoting his energies to stock breeding and the management of his extensive patrimony. "Avondale" is the name of this beautiful home with its 800 acres. The residence, which cost $15,000, and is a model of architectural beauty and elegant finish, is with one exception, the finest farm house in the State, (see p. 490). The grounds, barns, carriage and other out-houses are in keeping with the house. So, too, is the farm, with its forty and eighty acre lots, eight miles of hedge, water courses, springs and ponds, admirable timber shelter along the creeks, and the perfect order of the whole estate. Mr. Price grows 120 acres of corn, and from sixty to one hundred acres of wheat; he has 620 acres in blue grass, feeds about 140 steers, and has a herd of thirty-five herd-book Short Horns, of the favorite Rose of Sharon and Monarch families, all solid red and finely bred. Mr. P. grazes and feeds about 300 mules for the market. He has a lot of brood mares, and raises the best harness and saddle stock from his stallion, Avondale. Mr. Price is one of the heaviest stock dealers in the State, owning magnificent landed estates in Kansas and Texas.

Post-office, Brownsville.

B. F. PRIGMORE.

Another of Blackwater Township's enterprising and worthy citizens is the subject of this sketch, B. F. Prigmore. He is the son of Isaiah Prigmore, a native of Kentucky, but who came to

Missouri when he was quite young, and located in the northwestern part of Pettis County, where he lived until the year 1849, when he went to California, dying on his return home. In the early history of this county Mr. Prigmore held a very prominent position as a citizen. The subject of this sketch was born in Pettis County, Oct. 23, 1838. His advantages for an early education were as good as the county afforded at that day. Mr. Prigmore was married on June 8, 1858, to Miss Angeline Berry, a daughter of Mrs. Jane Berry, and was a native of Saline County, Mo. From this union there was one child, which died when young. Mrs. Prigmore also dying, Mr. Prigmore was married again, Jan. 9, 1860, to Miss Mattie J. Warren, a daughter of Mr. Thos. Warren, of Johnson County. From this union there are two children, both of whom are now living, viz: William T. and Robert W. Since Mr. Prigmore has been a man grown, he has been engaged in farming and the raising of stock. He owns a beautifui farm of 320 acres, finely improved, with a handsome residence, barns, and other out-buildings. Mr. Prigmore is a man of honor and integrity, and is highly esteemed by his neighbors.

WILLIAM T. ROBERTS.

Stock raiser and farmer; post-office, Lamonte. He is a prominent old settler of this county, and was born in Cooper County, Mo., on the 18th day of August, 1818. His father, Edward Roberts, was a native of Kentucky, and came to Cooper County at an early date in its history. In 1838, Wm. T. Roberts came to Pettis County, locating in what is now township No. four, about six miles northeast of his present farm, where he remained about two years. His father soon afterwards came to this county, and died here, Oct. 7, 1846. In 1840, Mr. Roberts made a trip to Texas, remaining one winter in Collin County, and in the spring of 1841, returned to Pettis County, locating on a farm now owned by Mr. J. C. Higgins, and after a lapse of a few years he again went to Texas, remaining one winter, and once more came back to Pettis County. Soon after this he purchased his present farm, and in the autumn of 1858 he disposed of it and again sought the wild prairies of the Lone Star State, where he purchased a farm in Denton County, on which he remained one year; then returned to this county, and has since made it his home. He bought back his original farm and has since extended it until now it consists of 220 acres. It is well improved, with a handsome. and commodious dwelling, comfortable barn, grand old orchard, and in fact his entire surroundings are suggestive of the man of enterprise and industry. He was married Feb. 7, 1839, to Miss Minerva Edwards, a daughter of Samuel Edwards, one of the pioneer settlers. She was born in North Carolina, and is a lady of estimable character. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have long been associated with the Regular Baptist Church, and

were among its pioneer workers. They have reared a family of eight children, and lost three. Mr. Roberts is now giving his attention to the duties of a large stock raising business and the management of his farm, and although advanced in years, is still engaged in active business life.

ZACHARIAH ROBERTS.

Farmer. Post-office, Lamonte. A native of Blackwater Township, Pettis County. Was born in 1841, and is a son of William T. Roberts, one of the pioneers of the county. He was twice married: first in September, 1863, to Miss Minerva Coats, who died in 1869; and in 1873 he was again married, this time to Miss Julia E. Ramey. This last union has brought them three children who are still living, Estella, Millie and Daisy. Mr. Roberts owns a nice farm in Blackwater, which he has recently purchased. He has seen nearly the entire growth of Pettis County. Is a member of the Regular Baptist Church.

WM. H. RISSLER.

Post-office, Lamonte, Lamonte Township. Lamonte Township. Among the worthy young bachelors of Blackwater Township, none stand higher in the estimation of the citizens as a worthy, straight forward business young man, than the subject of this sketch. Wm. H. Rissler is the son of J. G. Rissler, who was a native of Jefferson County, Va., but who emigrated to Missouri in an early day. Wm. H. was born in Cooper County, Mo., July 17, 1853, and is the fifth child in a family of ten children. He received a good practical education from the schools of his native county. Since Mr. Rissler has been a man grown he has been engaged in farming and stock raising. He owns a fine farm of 290 acres, situated on the beautiful rolling prairie of the northwestern part of Pettis County; and for productiveness of soil, this farm is not excelled by any in the county.

FIRMIN SEBRING.

Post-office, Rowletta, Blackwater Tp. Where there are so many good citizens and worthy men as this township contains, it would be hardly probable in our brief sketches that full justice would be done, but we should feel our task was not complete without mention of this quiet and retired citizen, Firmin Sebring. He is the son of Jacob Sebring of New Jersey, and was born in Sussex County, N. J., Aug. 28, 1811, and was the fifth child in a family of seven children. When Mr. Sebring was about four years old, his father moved his family to Ohio, settling at Cincinnati, where he remained a short time; then he moved to Butler County, Ohio, from Butler County to Darke County, where he died, July 9, 1858. In the summer of 1866, Mr. Sebring moved his family

from Ohio to Missouri, settling in the northwestern part of Pettis County, where he has since resided. He was married Nov. 24, 1831, to Miss Sarah A. Lourimore, a daughter of Hugh Lourimore, a native of Pennsylvania. From this union there are seven children living, viz: Martha, Hugh, John B., Isaac W., Mary E., Christopher C. and Catharine. Mrs. Sebring dying, he was again married, Aug. 22, 1860, to Mrs. E. Martin. From this marriage there are no children. Since Mr. Sebring's residence in Pettis County he has been engaged in farming and raising stock. He owns a nice little farm of 160 acres well improved.

JOHN GRADISON SENIOR.

Post-office, Knobnoster. Of the worthy and well-to-do citizens of Blackwater township, there is none more worthy of mention than J. G.

Senior. He is the son of Samuel Senior, who was a native of Virginia, but who emigrated to Boone County, Mo., in the spring of 1817, remaining in Boone County until the spring of 1834, when he moved to Johnson County, settling near the Pettis County line. Here he remained until his death, which occurred May 15, 1860. The subject of this sketch was born in Johnson County, June 4, 1840. He was educated in the common schools of his native county. Mr. Senior was a soldier in the Confederate army for almost four years, and participated in some of the hard fought battles of the late war. He was engaged in the battles of Pea Ridge, Corinth, Champion Hill, siege of Vicksburg, Alexandria, Salem River and a number of smaller engagements. He received a slight wound at the battle of Corinth. After peace had been declared Mr. S. returned to his father's old homestead in Johnson County, having not only lost his

́four years' time, but also his earnings. Here he had to begin life anew, and it was at this time he laid that firm foundation upon which he has, by his industry and economy, built up so handsome a fortune. In the spring of 1869 Mr. Senior moved to northwestern Pettis County, where he has since resided. He was married Feb. 22, 1870, to Miss Josie Honey, a step-daughter of the Rev. A. F. Scruggs, she being a native of Kentucky. From this union there were six children, four of whom are now living, viz: Minnie L., Lizzie, Allie D. and Franklin L. Since Mr. Senior's residence in Pettis County, he has been engaged in farming, raising and feeding of live stock. He owns a fine farm, "Highland," of 420 acres, with a handsome dwelling and other out-buildings. A view of the residence appears on the preceding page. He raises on this farm 140 to 170 acres of wheat, and from 100 to 120 acres of corn. In politics, Mr. S. is a Democrat, and in religion a member of the Christian Church. He is a man of fine business qualifications, highly esteemed and honored by all who know him.

J. L. SHEPHERD.

Post-office, Lamonte. Among the self-made young men of Blackwater township is J. L. Shepherd. He is the son of Umphrey Shepherd, who was a native of Virginia, but emigrated to Missouri about the year 1828, and settled close to Old Franklin, in Howard County, where he remained two years, then returned to Virginia. Then, in Nov., 1855, the father again moved his family to Missouri, settling this time in Pettis County, on what is known as Heath's Creek, where he remained until his death, which occurred Jan. 18, 1874. The subject of this sketch was born in Loudoun County, Va., July 4, 1848, and is the youngest child in a family of fourteen children, all of whom lived to be men and women grown, excepting one. Mr. S. received a primary education in the common schools of this county. He was married Jan. 12, 1871, to Miss Millie H. Benton, of Lafayette County, Mo., a daughter of Levi T. Benton, who emigrated to Missouri from Harrison County, Ky., in 1854; from this union there were five children, four of whom are now living, viz: Annie C., Rosa M., Hattie D. and Josie I. Since Nr. L. has been a man grown he has been engaged in farming. He owns a fine little farm of 100 acres, which, to his credit, it can be said, is the product of his own industry and economy.

SAMUEL SHANKS.

Post-office, Brownsville. One of Pettis County's most honored citizens is the subject of this sketch. He is what may be strictly termed a self-made man. His father, Jacob Shanks, was a native of Virginia, but died in a few years after emigrating to Missouri. Samuel was the