A Reminiscent History of the Ozarks Region

The peculiar responsibility which attaches to the compounding and dispensing of prescriptions and kindred functions, imparts to the calling of the druggist an interest and importance somewhat unique in this respect among the arts and sciences, and therefore it is that accuracy and vigilance become elements closely akin to knowledge and skill in the laboratory. In such connection we make due reference to Mr. Jasper N. Farmer, the prominent drug man at Sparta, whose neat and popular pharmacy commends itself to all. This prominent business man was born in Christian County, on the old home place, July 2, 1855 and is the son of Andrew J. and Nancy (Preston) Farmer, natives of Roane County, Tenn. Our subject attended the schools of Sparta and began his business career about 1878. The drug business has occupied his attention for the most part, but he was engaged in other occupations for the short time he resided in Springfield. In selecting his companion in life Mr. Farmer chose Miss Eliza Smith, a native of this county and a daughter of Easson Smith, of Ozark. Four children are the fruits of this union: Claude, Donnie B., Rose and Anna. In his political views Mr. Farmer is a Democrat and takes a deep interest in politics. He has made a complete success of his business and it’s the owner of considerable real estate in Sparta. He is descended from one of the old and prominent families of Tennessee and his father was one of the early settlers of this region, and a man highly respected. Mr. Farmer’s reputation as a man of business as well as that of a public-spirited citizen has made him a host of friends. He carries a carefully selected stock, embracing pure, fresh drugs and chemicals, druggists’ sundries and the usual complement of a first-class pharmacy.

JOHN D. FORBIS

Among the worthy residents of Lincoln Township, Christian County, Mo., it is but just to say that Mr. Forbis occupies a conspicuous and honorable place, for he has always been honest, industrious and enterprising, and as a result has met with more than ordinary success. He is a man well known in agricultural circles, and is recognized as a careful, energetic farmer and stockdealer, who by his advanced ideas and progressive habits has done much to improve the farming and stockraising interests of his section. He has a native pride in this township, for he was born here in 1848, and it is but natural that he should strive to see all its matters placed on a footing equal, if not superior, to the affairs of other counties in the State. His father, Joseph G. Forbis, was probably born in North Carolina about 1815, but when quite small immigrated with his parents to Kentucky. While but a youth he left his parents and went to the Prairie State where he remained until about 1830, when he came to what is now Christian County, working as a farm hand there for some time. Later he married Miss Sarah Dixon, mother of our subject, and located in the woods near where the James Bridge is on James River, nine miles east of Billings and sixteen miles south of Springfield. Here he improved a good farm, but subsequently settled on another farm in the woods near by, on which he spent the remainder of his days, dying in 1882. He was a lifelong farmer and an honorable, upright and industrious citizen. This worthy man was one of the very first settlers of Christian County, and one of its most thrifty and progressive citizens. He settled in this county long before the Indians were removed. His first wife died in 1862 and his second union was with Mrs. Louisa Owens (nee Hinds), by whom he had six children. Our subject was second in order of birth of five children: Robert A., a prominent farmer of this township; subject; Samuel D., another farmer of this township; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of William Owens, and Martha A., who died young.

Our subject has spent all his life in this neighborhood and received but very little schooling. In July, 1864, when but seventeen years of age, he joined Company H, Seventy-second Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, for sixteen months and served until the close of the war. His principal service was on Gen. Price’s raid, during which time he fought at Booneville, Jefferson City, Fort Scott, Kan., and Newtonia. He was discharged at Springfield in 1865. Mr. Forbis selected his wife in the person of Miss Sarah Lucy O’Bryant, a native of this county, and their nuptials were celebrated in 1873. Her parents, Jackson and Louisa O’Bryant, were very early settlers of what is now Christian County, and the former is now residing in Republic. Mrs. O’Bryant died a number of years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Forbis’ union was blessed by the birth of eight children, as follows: Sarah, wife of H. F. Bledsoe; Robert J.; Mary, died when fifteen years of age; Martha; Cretia Beulah; and Joseph J., Noah and Martha died in infancy. The mother of these children died in August, 1889. For about twenty years Mr. Forbis has lived on his present farm of 335 acres, adjoining the farm on which he was born, and has it well improved and well cultivated. He devotes all of his attention to farming and stockdealing, and is engaged in buying and feeding. Mr. Forbis has made his property by his own exertions and is now a stockholder in the Bank of Billings. In politics he is a Democrat, but has never sought for office.

ELISHA E. FRAZIER

The subject of this sketch is one of the prominent farmers and stockraisers of Lincoln Township. He is the son of Dr. Lorenzo Lowe and Hannah (Bryant) Frazier, natives probably of North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively, the former born July 11, 1819, and the latter March 3, 1821. When a boy Dr. Frazier went with his parents to Tennessee, and received a moderate education, but a rather liberal one for that day. On the 9^th of July, 1839, he was married to Miss Bryant and later emigrated to Missouri, where he taught school for some time. He served under Capt. Cunningham in the removal of the Cherokee Indians to the Territory, and for this received a tract of land in what is now Lincoln Township, Christian County, Mo. To this farm he removed in 1849, and died on the same August 31, 1890. When a young man he read medicine with a Dr. Clark in Tennessee, but followed agricultural pursuits until after he came to Missouri, which was about 1847 or 1848. For the first year or so he rented land, but on account of the ill health of the family there moved the next year two miles west, on his grant and into a rail pen with his wagon cover for a roof. Gradually, after coming to Missouri, he began practicing his profession and soon became the leading physician of the entire region. He was a contemporary with Dr. E. T. Robertson and practiced all over the region during the war. He met with many thrilling adventures and was often captured and chased by bushwhackers, etc. Early in the war he became first lieutenant of a company of Home Guards, and as they were without a captain at the beginning of the Wilson'’s Creek fight he commanded the company. During this engagement his command was cut off and he and others retreated into Kansas. He soon returned, and many of the Confederate citizens requested Gen. Price, who was then in command of the Confederate forces at Springfield, to allow Dr. Frazier to practice his profession without molestation. He took the oath and was permitted to practice at his will. In this and adjacent counties he was well known and very popular. Formerly a Democrat in politics, he later affiliated with the Republican party and although frequently solicited to run for office his devotion to this profession caused him to refuse. From the age of nineteen he was a devoted Methodist and his career was above reproach. His father, John Frazier, was probably born in North Carolina and from there removed to Tennessee at an early date. He was of French origin and a Revolutionary soldier. He and wife passed the closing scenes of their lives in Tennessee, where they reared eleven children, six sons and five daughters, only four of whom came to Missouri. The mother of our subject was also a worthy member of the Methodist Church. Her death occurred December 24, 1887. Her father was a millwright by trade and followed that in Tennessee until his death. He was of English-German descent.

Our subject was the fifth in order of birth of nine children born to his parents, as follows: Keziah, wife of P. M. Maples, of Stone County; Rebecca, widow of B. F. Rhodes, resides in this county; Sarah Jane died in early youth; Elizabeth died in Tennessee when a child; subject; Minerva, wife of Timothy Maples, of this county; John Winton died young; Solomon Bryant died young, and Samuel Grant, of this county. The original of this notice was born in Bradley County, Tenn., June 29, 1847, and like the average country boy his time was divided in assisting on the farm and in attending the district school where he secured a fair education. When eighteen years of age he started out for himself as a tiller of the soil, and by his father’s advice remained at home during the war to care for the farm and family. He was captured three times by the Confederate soldiers, but was soon afterward released. On the 20^th of August, 1865, he was married to Miss Margaret Jane Sharp, a native of Greene County (now Christian County), Mo., and the daughter of Joseph B. and Mary Sharp, who came to Tennessee from North Carolina at an early date. Both died at the home of our subject. Mr. Sharp was a farmer by occupation. During the gold fever excitement he went to California, where he remained several years. He also made several trips back to Tennessee with a four horse team. To our subject and wife have been born twelve children, as follows: Mary, wife of V. L. Dunham; Joseph Lorenzo; Susan Jane, wife of A. J. Holder; Sarah Victoria died when nine years of age; James Sharp; Charley Edmond; Nannie Belle; David Solomon; Phoebe Keziah; Lydia Lowe; Martin Eli, deceased, and an infant. In 1867 Mr. Frazier removed to Howell County, Mo., where he began improving a claim, and where he remained for four years. He then returned to the old home place in Christian County. This was in 1872 and he has since resided here. He is the owner of 880 acres in different tracts, 460 acres in the home farm, mostly fine bottom land. Mr. Frazier raises cattle, horses, hogs, and has about 450 acres under cultivation, having cleared all but about 100 acres himself. He has held a number of local positions and was justice of the peace nine years. Socially he is a member of Friend Lodge, A. F. & A. M., No. 352, at Ozark, and he and his wife have affiliated with the Methodist Church for over a quarter of a century and are devoted Christians. His father was also active in religious work and when he first came to Missouri there was no Methodist organization in his neighborhood. He took it upon himself to engage a minister and erected a small church on land which he afterward donated to the church, together with a burying-ground. This is known as Lorenzo Chapel.

JAMES H. FRENCH

The agricultural part of any community is the bone and sinew from which comes the strength and vigor necessary to carry on the affairs of manufacture, commerce and the State. When the farming people are composed of men and women of courage, enterprise, intelligence and integrity, prosperity will attend all departments of activity, and this is preeminently the case in Christian County, Mo., and among those who hold high rank as a tiller of the soil is Mr. French, who springs from one of the pioneer families of this section. He is the youngest but one of the children born to Joseph and Lucy (Scott) French, his birth occurring in Caldwell County, Ky., August 28, 1851. He was but an infant when his parents came overland to what is now Christian County, and here was reared to manhood on the old home place and attended the school of his neighborhood, the same being known as the “Dillingham School House”. In 1872, or when twenty-one years of age, young French started out to fight his own way in life, which thus far has been passed in agricultural pursuits, as it is but natural that he should choose that as his occupation.

The same year that he branched out for himself, he wedded Miss Anna Smallwood, a native of Illinois, born in 1854, and the daughter of Vincent and Mary (Stivers) Smallwood, who came here from the Prairie State. Both parents are now deceased. Mr. French located on the farm where he now lives after marriage. This consists of forty acres, all of which is under a good state of cultivation. He also owns a good farm two and a half miles from Billings. He has made a complete success as a farmer, and a glance over his well-kept fields shows that he thoroughly understands his work. In politics he is with the People’s party, but in previous years supported the principles of the Republican party. Public spirited and progressive, he is one of the county’s best citizens. To his marriage were born ten children, namely: Mary, who died when twelve months old; Delia, wife of Galey Johnson, a young farmer of Lawrence County; Lucy; Nettie; Maud; Virgie; Ida; Lizzie; Ora, and Etta.

JOHN M. FRENCH

It should be impressed upon the minds of youth that at an early age they should practice introspection and should seriously study the famous Delphic oracle, “know thyself.” They will thus find as suitable an occupation as did John M. French, who at an early age showed much ability as an agriculturist. While Mr. French would unquestionably have made a success as a businessman or as a practitioner of law or many other of the learned professions, it is likewise true that no farmer of the county has gone deeper into the details of his occupation, or carried the same to greater perfection. Mr. French is a native of this county, born on his father’s old homestead, October 22, 1853, and is the youngest child of the family. Like the majority of farmer boys, he attended the district school which was taught in an old log building erected before the war, but his school days were limited, attending only a short time during the winter months. Until 1872 he remained under the parental roof and was then married to Miss Sarah L., daughter of William and Lucinda Jones, born on the 3^rd of September 1854, in Christian County. William Jones and wife were among the pioneers of this county, coming here from the Blue Grass State and locating in the neighborhood of Billings, in 1849. There Mr. Jones died in 1889. His widow resides on the old home place. Five children were born to this worthy couple, as follows: William T., James J., Mary E., W. A. and Sarah L. These children are all residing in this neighborhood.

After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. French they lived on the farm of Joseph French, the father, for a number of years and then in 1881, came to the farm where they now reside. Mr. French has 100 acres of as good land as is to be found in this county and is classed among the most prominent and successful young agriculturists of his section. He has his farm well improved and all but about four acres of woodland under cultivation. All his attention is given to farming and stockraising. In politics he is in harmony with the Republican party and has ever been active and public spirited. He has held a number of local offices and has been director in his school district for some time. He and his family attend the Christian Church, of which Mrs. French and the elder children are members. Seven children have been born to them, namely: Joseph William, James M., Sarah L. E., Dora A., Katie E., Polly A. and Thomas A., who died when eighteen months old. Our subject and family stand high in the community, and the French family is well and favorably known throughout the county. Mr. French takes a great interest in educational matters and is giving his children every opportunity to obtain a good education. His pleasant home is located three miles from Billings and within a quarter of a mile of where he was born.

WILLIAM FRENCH

The French family are among the prominent of the early families of Christian County, Mo., and have for many years ranked among the leading agriculturists, in following which calling the male members of the family have been pronouncedly successful. William French, one of the early citizens of the county near Billings, is a native of Kentucky, born in Caldwell County, in 1835, to the union of Jospeh and Lucy (Scott) French. The father was also a native of Kentucky and was a son of William and Jane (Ross) French, the former a descendant of German ancestors. The French family came to the United States at an early day and made their home in the South until about 1800, when they came to Kentucky. They became very prominent there. The grandmother of our subject had seven brothers in the Revolutionary War. Joseph French, father of our subject, was reared in the Blue Grass State and remained there until 1851, when he came to Missouri, locating in Greene County (now Christian County), where he took up Government land. This place was located about two and a half miles from Billings. He had married Miss Scott in Kentucky and their union was blessed by the birth of ten children, seven of whom are living: William, subject; Irene M., Joseph, Sarah J., Adelia C., Polly P., George, James, John and Lucy J., who died when a child. The mother of these children died in 1875 when sixty-five years of age. She was a daughter of Hubbard Scott and a native of Virginia. She was reared in Tennessee; whither her father had moved when she was small. Joseph French was a Democrat in his political views up to the breaking out of the Civil War, but later he affiliated with the Republican party. Three of his sons were in the war: George, Joseph and William. George, who was single, died near Nashville, Tenn., while in service. Joseph served about eighteen months in the United States service. Mr. French became a wealthy farmer and stockraiser and was ever public-spirited and enterprising. He and his first wife experienced many of the hardships and privations of pioneer life, but were never weary with well doing. He was a member of the Baptist and she of the Christian Church. Mr. French’s second marriage was with Miss Sarah Foster. He died in 1888, when eighty-three years of age.

The original of this notice grew to mature years in Kentucky and received but a limited education. He was seventeen years of age when he came with his parents to this county and here he has remained ever since, witnessing the growth and improvement of his section and assisting materially in its advancement. He selected his wife in the person of Miss Martha Pettil, daughter of George H. and Jane (Cathrey) Pettil, and their union was celebrated in 1853. Her parents emigrated from Kentucky to this county about 1847 and here passed the remainder of their days. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. French located on the farm where they now live, and, with the exception of about six years spent in Billings, have remained here ever since. During the Civil War Mr. French enlisted for three months in the United States Army, but was discharged before his time was out. He held the rank of corporal. After leaving the army he was in the State Militia for some time. Until the breaking out of the war Mr. French was a stanch Democrat, but later he became a Republican and now he is with the People’s party. He has ever been active in political matters, was justice of the peace at an early day and is one of the honored and highly esteemed citizens of the county. He owns a good farm of 160 acres two miles north of Billings, adjoining the town, and he also has twenty-five acres where he lives. He and family attend the Missionary Baptist Church, in which he is a deacon. All measures of morality, education, temperance and others of like nature find in him a strong advocate. By his first union he became the father of the following children: Julia A., wife of George H. Gardner; Irene M., wife of John L. Williams, of Greene County; William, a railroad man is married; George W. resides east of Billings; Thomas, a single man, in Kansas; John, a resident of this county; Lucy J., wife of Benjamin Ealy, of this county, and Elizabeth, who is single and at home. Mr. French lost his first wife in 1888. His second marriage was with Miss Drucilla M. Sanders, who bore him three children: Paule, Charlotte C. and one died small. He is vice-commander of the post, G. A. R., and has held other offices. This family is one of the most influential ones of the county and its members have ever shown themselves to be useful and progressive citizens.

E.G. FRIEND

E.G. Friend who was born near his present home near Sparta, Christian County, Mo., August 29,1833, is one of the prominent farmers and stockraisers of his section, and a man well posted on agricultural topics. He is a son of William and Elizabeth (Grimes) Friend, and a grandson of James Friend, who was a native of Scotland. The latter crossed the ocean with his two brothers to America at an early date, and settled in the grand old State of Virginia, where he was married and raised a large family. Later he moved to Ohio, and from there to Missouri, where he settled near New Madrid. There he resided for some time and then moved to Marion County, Ark., but remained there only a few years, when he died there in the twenties, at the age of one hundred and ten years. He reared a large family as follows: Andrew, Gabriel, James, Augustine, Jessie and William and others forgotten. His wife died while he was residing in the Buckeye State or Virginia, and was of German origin. Our subject’s father, William, who was a native of Ohio, moved to Minaberton, MO., and resided there a short time and then moved to Linden, on the classical Finley, a stream running through Christian County, after the death of his father, and made his home there until 1853, when his death occurred at the age of sixty-nine years. His wife, who was a native of the Hoosier State, passed away in 1847. William Friend was on the most noted hunters of his day, and killed many deer and bears, panthers and elks and other smaller game; he has also killed elks in the vicinity of where the town of Sparta is situated. When the family first located at Linden it was a camping ground for the Indians, and neighbors were few and far between. Our subject’s father, William Friend, was the first white settler in Christian County, MO., his nearest neighbor being fifty miles away. Later on Jeremiah Pearson moved and located where the town of Waldo, Webster County, is now situated, and he was the nearest neighbor at that time. Another neighbor, Thomas Paterson, moved in the neighborhood and settled at the little Indian village on the James River called Delaware Town, fifteen miles away; this place was named after the tribe of Indians that resided in it. William Friend was a soldier in the Indian wars, was in many battles with the Indians, and was taken prisoner by the Indians several times., but always made his escape. William Friend owned a large tract of 300 acres of land on both sides of the Finley, where the town of Linden is now situated. Thirteen children were the fruits of his marriage: Isaac died young; Hannah died young; James, who died in 1858, was married and the father of a number of children; Andrew died in Taney County in 1850, was marred and raised two children; Elsie was the wife of Joseph Murray, raised a large family, was a member of the Baptist church and is now deceased; Catharine married John Martin, raised a large family and is now deceased,; Reason, residing three miles from Sparta, is seventy-four years old, was in the late Civil War and is able to travel about; William, who died in 1868, raised a family of three children, served as first lieutenant, Seventy-Second Regiment, Company H, of Missouri, and was sheriff of Christian County about the close of the war; Armetta, deceased, was the wife of Robert Stubbs, raised a large family and was a member of the Baptist Church; Hiram was a married man, raised no children, devoted the greater part of his time to the study of the Scriptures, was a member of the Methodist Church for a number of years, and died in 1884; Elizabeth was the wife of Garrett Harrison, raised no children, was the youngest girl of the family, and is deceased; our subject, E.G. Friend, who is the youngest of the family. In the common schools of the county our subject passed his school days, and assisted on the home place until the father’s death in 1853. From there, in 1855, he went with Gen. Pool on the plains, searching for the discovery of Pike’s Peak, but failed to find it and returned home, and in the spring of 1857 he in company with William Cloud and John Thrower and families crossed the plains to California, not knowing they would ever return to their native State again, as the plains at that date were lined with red men, who were seeking the lives of all the whites they could find, scalping men, women and children. He arrived safely in California, stayed in that country until 1861 became the possessor of some wealth and then returned to New York on ship and then to Missouri. As the war question was becoming somewhat agitated he became dissatisfied with Missouri and returned to California by way of New York, and from there on ship to San Francisco. Returning to Missouri the second time from California on the ocean and then enlisted in the Seventy-second Regiment, Company H, Missouri Volunteers, serving until peace was declared. He was in a number of prominent engagements and numerous skirmishes, and was taken prisoner at one time. A the close of the war he got a sub-contract from Joseph Weaver to buy some mules, horses and cattle for the Government, following this for some time; he then located on his farm, and since that time ahs been farming and handling stock, and has 440 acres of good farming land; his farm is one of the best in Christian County. All his life Mr. Friend has advocated the principles of the Republican Party, and the members of this family were strong Unionists during the war. On the 7^th of October, 1863, E.G. Friend was married to Miss Charlottie Tyndall, the oldest daughter of William V. Tyndall, who raised a large family in Christian County, Mo. She was born in 1843; she is a member of the Sparta Baptist Church. The following children were the fruits of this union: William V. died when young; Elias G., Jr.; single, is a farmer and stock dealer, was elected to the important and responsible office of public administrator of Christian County, Mo., for two terms, is a Mason and belongs to Friend Lodge No. 352; Elizabeth died when young; Tima Dec., born December 5, 1869, died February 24, 1894, was a member of the Sparta Baptist Church; Hiram, single, is a farmer and stock dealer; Hannah, the youngest child, single. E.G. Friend joined the Masons, Chico Lodge No. 111, and A.F. & A.M., Chico, Cal., in 1860; he moved his dimit to Springfield, Mo., to United Lodge. He afterward helped organize the first Masonic Lodge in Christian County at Ozark. The lodge was named for Mr. Friend, Friend Lodge No. 352. He was member there a number of years, and was a strong supporter of Masonry having taken out his dimit from Friend Lodge No. 352, and helped organize the first lodge in Sparta, Mo., Sparta Lodge No. 296, of which he is still a member. He is also a member of Capt. Robertson Post, G. A. R., Ozark. Being one of the pioneers of the county, Mr. Friend has witnessed all of the wonderful changes that have taken place, and has contributed his share toward its advancement. He is a self-made man and one of the representative citizens of the county. He belongs to the Church of Christ.

REV. WILLIAM J. FULTON

The career of this gentleman is one well worthy the respect of all, for he has for many years labored faithfully for the good of others, and on many occasions has cast aside personal considerations in order to do this. He was born in Robertson County, Tenn., November 26, 1840, and was there reared and educated. His parents, William and Elizabeth (Chapman) Fulton, were also born in that State, the birth of the former occurring in 1809. He was a son of Ira Fulton, who was one of the very early pioneers of the State. William Fulton followed farming in Tennessee, until 1851, when he moved to Greene County, Mo., and located on a farm where he lived until his death, which occurred October 1, 1891. He was a successful farmer and stockraiser, and in politics was a Republican. His wife died in 1880 at the age of sixty-five years, after having become the mother of eight children, four of whom are living: William J. Fulton; Rebecca A., who was first the wife of John Morrisett, and after his death the wife of David Cinnamon, of Webster County; Christopher C., who owns a good farm nine miles southeast of Springfield, Mo.; Benjamin A., resides on the old homestead, is a man of family and a farmer by occupation; Mary; Amanda, and two infants deceased. The mother of these children was a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

The subject of this sketch has resided in Missouri since he was eleven years of age and obtained his education in this State and Tennessee. After starting out in life for himself he followed school teaching for six years in Greene, Christian and Douglas Counties, and was then called to the ministry and connected himself with the General Baptist Church. He has been engaged in his ministerial duties for the past fifteen years, and is located near Rome, Douglas County, Mo., and attends the church near Arno, but preaches at other points. He has done noble service for the Master, and has increased the membership of his church very greatly. He resides on a farm about twelve miles from Ava, comprising 160 acres, and is one of the successful and prosperous farmers of the county. In 1861 he enlisted in the Home Guards, but in 1862 became a member of the Eighth Missouri Cavalry, with which he served until July 20, 1865, as first corporal of Company E. He was at the battles of Prairie Grove, Brownsville, Little Rock and Duvall’s Bluff, but owing to sickness, did not serve regularly. He is a stanch Republican in politics, a member of the G.A.R., and belongs to Freeport Post No. 307. He has always been active in politics, is prominent in the affairs of the county, and is a member of Ava Lodge No. 26 of the A.F. & A.M., and I.O.O.F., Douglas Lodge No. 319. He was married in Christian County to Miss Sarah J. Stubbs, a daughter of Robert and Arnetta (Friend) Stubbs, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Fulton was born in Christian County, Mo., in 1845, and she and her husband have nine children: William R., is a man of family and a farmer of this county; Leota; Aaron N., is a man of family and resides in Greene County, Mo.; Sarah E.; Amanda A.; Isham C., died at the age of three years; Della L.; Benjamin H. and Marvela. Mr. Fulton is a public-spirited gentleman, and is a useful, law-abiding citizen.

CHARLES R. FULBRIGHT

In tracing back the genealogy of the Fulbright family we find that it sprang from good old German stock. William Fulbright, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a native of the Old North State, and spoke the German language fluently. He married Miss Ruth Hollingsworth and went to Tennessee where he became the owner of a large farm and many negroes. In the spring of 1830 he came to Greene County, Mo., with his family, making the trip in wagons; he also brought thirty slaves. He had four brothers who came to Missouri with families: David, John, Martin and Daniel, and from these brothers sprang the Fulbrights. Several of them settled in Laclede County, William being the only one to remain in Greene County, and he settled near a spring near the Gulf Railroad shops. This spring was ever after called the “Fulbright Spring”. He entered a large tract of land, and most of the south part of Springfield is now on that land. The country was open, covered with grass and with large trees scattered about, presenting a beautiful appearance. The country was full of game – deer and wild turkeys. Mr. Fulbright was a practical farmer, which business he carried on extensively, and provided the largely increasing migration which came into the county with farm products. He had one unvarying price for his products without regard to the market prices, his price for corn being 50 cents per bushel. It being a new country, corn was high and often sold for $1 per bushel, but he did not alter his price. Himself and wife were members of the Christian Church. Mr. Fulbright lived to be about sixty years of age. His house was always open to the early settlers and many of them made it a stopping place. He weighed 300 pounds, and was known far and wide among the pioneers. His children were named as follows: Ephraim R., Henry, John L., David L., Wilson, Samuel, William D., Daniel N. and Elkana. The eldest of these children, Ephraim R., grandfather of our subject, was born in North Carolina, January 15, 1809, and was about five years of age when his parents moved to Tennessee in 1814, and was a young man of twenty-one when the family moved to Springfield. He was reared a farmer and received but little education, but could read and write and do ordinary business. He married Miss Elizabeth Yount, daughter of John and Abigail (Brouton) Yount. To this union were born eight chidren: Telitha, Francis A., Henry V., John Y., William W., Abigail, Mary E. and Annie S., all born in Greene County, Mo., except the eldest, who was born in Cole County, Mo. After his marriage Mr. Fulbright remained in Jefferson City a year or two then returned to Springfield. There he followed farming on the old homestead until 1862, when he moved to Boone County, Ark., where he settled on a farm. He is still living, and although eighty-six years of age has retained his faculties well. He was one of the prominent old settlers before the war, owned thirty negroes, but lost greatly during the war, his farm buildings and fences having been burned. All through his life he was a peaceful, industrious, law-abiding citizen, and brought up a respectable family of children. His son, John Y., father of our subject, was born on his father’s farm, near Fulbright Springs, May 2, 1836, and received his education at Arkansas College, at Fayetteville, Ark. Late he entered upon his career as an agriculturist and married Miss Martha H., daughter of Charles A. and Louisa Ann (Weaver) Hayden. Mr. Hayden was of an old American family of English descent, and was born in Kentucky. His father was a Christian preacher, and the first of that denomination to preach in Greene County, Mo., also the first to register in the United States Land Office at Springfield. Charles A. Hayden was a colonel in the Missouri State Militia before the war, has been a prominent farmer and citizen, and is yet living and doing business in this county.

After marriage Mr. Fulbright settled on land two and one-half miles west of Springfield, and there he still resides. This is a fine farm of 160 acres, besides which Mr. Fulbright owns 340 acres in Greene County, some of which is near the corporation and valuable. To Mr. and Mrs. Fulbright have been born four children: Lucy, Charles R., Mary and William. Mrs. Fulbright is a member of the Christian Church, and socially Mr. Fulbright is a member of Solomon Lodge of Masons, of Springfield, was master of his lodge eleven years, and was district deputy grand master four years. Politically he is a Democrat. Mr. Fulbright has devoted most of his attention to agriculture and stockraising. He is a member of the State Board of Agriculture, and holds the office of vice-president. He is a man of education, excellent business acumen, stands high as a man of integrity and of character, and comes from one of the oldest and best Southern families. His son, Charles R., subject of this sketch, and a prominent hardware merchant of Sparta, Mo., owes his nativity to Greene County, Mo., his birth occurring May 4, 1863. He secured a good practical education in the schools of Springfield, and started out in business for himself as a hardware merchant of Sparta in 1886. Since that time he has carried on a very successful business, has a full line of light and heavy hardware, and has already proven himself a competent, reliable man. He is with the Democratic party in politics, and has taken a prominent part in all public matters. He has been chairman of the County Democrat Committee for the past four years, and has been a delegate to all the State conventions since he has lived in Sparta. He is a leader in politics in Christian County. Fraternally he is a Mason, a member of Sparta Lodge No. 296, and an Odd Fellow of that lodge at Sparta. He has held offices in both the orders. Mr. Fulbright selected his wife in the person of Miss Laura Hornback, a native of Christian County, and the daughter of John Hornback. One child, Maxie J., has been born to this union. The family attends the Christian Church, of which Mrs. Fulbright is a member, and they are leading young people of the county. Mr. Fulbright is an active, pushing businessman, has made a good property, and has a pleasant home in Sparta. He is also the owner of considerable real estate. He is doing an annual business of $10,000.

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