Among the early pioneer settlers of Chariton County whose memory is kindly cherished by the members of the Old Settler's Association and whose presence is sadly missed at the reunion August 8th, 1896, due to their transition to the great unknown, we note the following: Hon. J. C. CRAWLEY, of Keytesville, Chariton county, oldest lawyer now actively engaged in practice of his profession, added to the pleasure of the day by his presence. Mr. CRAWLEY was born in Howard county, Mo., August 8, 1826 and celebrated his 70th birthday by shaking hands with old comrades of days of the long ago. Mr. C. has been practicing law since 1846 and at Keytesville since 1851.
Hon Wm. HERYFORD, Chariton County's oldest native born citizen, who was born in Salisbury township, April 14th, 1818. Capt. HERYFORD was a very prominent personage in the settlement of this county and led a life of unusual activity. A gentleman of dignified bearing, strict integrity of character and strong benevolence. His death occurred at his home in Salisbury, Dec. 23, 1895, of hiccoughs, after an illness of three weeks.
Judge John M. DAVIS, for seventy years a resident of Chariton county, died at his home in Brunswick April 23, 1896. His birth occurred in Nelson county, Kentucky, Sept. 2, 1817, and at the time of his death was 78 years, 7 months and 21 years of age. Judge DAVIS taught the first school ever taught in Brunswick and in after life occupied many positions of prominence and usefulness in public affairs. In '65 he was admitted to practice law and formed a partnership with Col. C. W. BELL, now of Salisbury. In many respects, Judge DAVIS was a remarkable gentleman; a christian man of untiring industry, vigorous intellect and wonderful memory, he commanded the respect and admiration of all who knew him.
Another gentleman whose recent demise was vividly called to mind by the old settlers present, was Senator Andrew MACKAY, a gentleman of Irish parentage, who was born in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, on the 7th of March, 1821. The memory of this distinguished citizen of early days of Chariton county will long be cherished by a host of old freinds and acquaintances of bygone days.
Due to the intense heat of the day, and to his indisposition, Col. Casper W. BELL of Salisbury, was unable to be present at the reunion. Col. BELL is a native of the "Old Dominion" and was born February 2, 1820, of Irish-English decent, and a decendant from two of the oldest families of the south. His residence in Chariton county dates from 1843, when he located at Brunswick and engaged in the practice of law. His absence was observed and very much regretted by his friends of pioneer days present. August 6, 1844 he was married to Miss Leontine EWEN, of Howard County, a lady of culture and refinement, who has travelled the rugged pathway of life as a faithful companion and wife for these fifty-two years.
Abbot H. JACKSON, born in Chariton county April 22, 1834, was among the enthusiastic patriots who celebrated "Missouri Day" at the old settler's reunion August 8, 1896. About 1850, while in the mountains of California, Mr. JACKSON had his feet frozen, which afterwards necessitated amputation. Though his health was poor for some time, it is now good and he maintains a cheery humor. In early days, Mr. JACKSON taught school in this county and his reminiscence of pioneer school days are truly interesting.
Judge Lucius SALISBURY, one of the pioneer settlers and until recently a resident of Chariton county, but now of Kenton, Ohio, accompanied by his most estimable lady, was a very happy guest of the reunion. Judge SALISBURY was born in Vermont, June 11, 1824 and in 1845 settled in Keytesville, engaging in the mercantile business. To his enterprise and unceasing industry now stands the beautiful city of Salisbury, Mo.
Due to the extreme heat, old age and feebleness of body, a good number of old settlers of the county were unable to attend the reunion, yet many were present and from all outward appearance enjoyed the pleasures of the day very much.