Henry Boemler, farmer and mechanic of Meramec Township, is a native of Alsace, France, born in 1835, and is the eldest of three children born to Michael and Madaline (Herrman) Boemler, who were natives of Alsace, France, where they passed their entire lives. The father was a cabinet-maker by trade, and died in 1839. The mother died in 1872. Henry received a fair education, and served three years as an apprentice at the carpenter's trade. At the age of nineteen he removed to St. Louis, where he worked at his trade for eighteen years. In 1857 he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Frederick and Elizbeth Geissert, natives of France. Mrs. Geissert died, and the father came to the United States in 1851. Five children were born to Mr. Boemler's marriage three of whom are now living: Henry P. G., M. F. William and J. Lizzie. In 1873 Mr. Boemler removed to Jefferson County, and located near the mouth of Big River, where he has a fine farm of ninety-six acres, making a good and comfortable home. In politics a Republican, his first vote was cast for John C. Fremont, in 1856. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and is an honest, industrious citizen.

Michael Boemler, farmer, of Meramec Township, was born in Alsace, France, in 1838, and is the son of Michael and Madaline (Herrman) Boemler, also natives of Alsace, where they spent their entire lives. The father died when our subject was but seven weeks old, and the mother followed him to the grave in 1872. Young Michael remained with his mother until sixteen years of age, receiving a very limited education in the common schools. He then came to the United States, and passed the first five years in Cass County, Ill., as a farm hand, after which, in 1860, he went to St. Clair County, and was there employed on a farm until 1864, when he married Miss Caroline Geissert, daughter of Fred and Elizabeth Geissert, who were also natives of Alsace, France. Mr. Geissert came to the United States about 1851, but his daughter did not come until ten years later. To Mr. Boemler and wife were born seven children, six of whom are now living: Fritz, George, Lena, John, Charley and Emil. Mr. Boemler remained in St. Clair County, and farmed as a tenant until 1878, when he came to Jefferson County, and settled on Big River, about three miles above the mouth, where he has a fine farm of 248 acres, in fact one of the finest farms in the county. Politically, he is a conservative Republican, and his first presidential vote was cast for A. Lincoln. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and a liberal supporter of the church.

Daniel Bonacker, farmer by occupation, a native of Germany, born in Hessen, March 8, 1827, is the son of Conrad and Elizabeth Bonacker. At the age of four years the father died and at the age of thirteen the mother also died, leaving two sons of whom he was the youngest. He was thus thrown upon his own resources at a very early age. He received a good education in the common schools; in the year 1848, February 13th, immigrated to America via Bremen and New Orleans, securing passage on one of the old-time sailing vessels which took eight weeks to make the trip. Not being satisfied with the Southern climate, he concluded to go North, stopping at St. Louis. He immediately came to Jefferson County, where he entered land or a homestead in Rock Township, and, after working three years as a farm hand for $4 per month, he began on his own responsibility. In 1851 he married Miss Catherine Miller, also a native of Germany, born also in Hessen. She died in 1859. Three children were the result of this marriage: August, Catherine and Dora. In 1860, he married Miss Caroline Riechman, also a native of Germany, born in Hanover. She died in 1876, leaving seven children, viz.: Daniel, Ernest, Louise, Caroline, Edward, Lydia and Benjamin, the first and last of these have died since their mother died. Mr. Bonaker has spared no pains in the education of his children. He lived on the homestead up to 1868, then moved to St. Louis, where he remained two years. In 1870 he returned to Jefferson County, settling on Big River, two miles from House's Springs, where he has a farm of 200 acres of land. He was in Company B, Eightieth Missouri Militia under Gen. A. J. Smith, during Price's raid through Southeast Missouri. Politically, he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Lincoln, in 1860.

Hon. Sherman W. Bowen, attorney-at-law, and resident of Rock Township, three miles north of Kimmswick, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., in 1823, and is the youngest of nine children born to Simon and Nancy (Waterman) Bowen, natives of Berkshire County, Mass., where they were reared and married. They afterward removed to Oneida County, N. Y., where the mother died when Sherman was but three years old. The father removed to Joliet, Ill., in May, 1835, where he made his home, but in February, 1836, while making a tour through Western Illinois, he was overtaken by a blizzard, and found forty miles from any habitation, frozen to death. He was an enterprising and influential farmer. Both parents were of Welsh descent. He was a descendant of the old Quaker stock of New England, and his father, Nathan Bowen, served in the War for Independence. Sherman received a good common-school education before his coming West, and after the death of his father spent about two years clerking in his brother's store at Savannah, Ill., after which he was in a store at Joliet for five years, when the firm disbanded and he was thrown out of work. He then began the study of law with Judges Henderson and Wilson then of Joliet, and was admitted to the bar at the age of twenty-one. He was quite successful as a lawyer, his practice extending over the counties of Will, Du Page, Grundy, Iroquois, Kankakee and adjoining counties. After holding numerous school and city offices, he served seven years as State's attorney of the Eleventh Circuit in Illinois, from 1849 to 1856, the first time to fill a vacancy. He was also active and rendered valuable assistance in establishing the penitentiary at Joliet, and the iron works and other improvements in that town. In 1860 he married Miss Julia A. Howard, daughter of Alexander and Martha (Sabin) Howard, natives of Attica, N. Y., but who removed to Illinois in 1833 and settled thirty miles west of Chicago, where the father died in 1850. The mother is still living, and is residing with our subject. Mr. Howard was a prominent merchant, was postmaster at Naperville for twelve years, and was one time deputy sheriff of what was then Cook County, Ill. His father was a native of England. To Mr. and Mrs. Bowen were born three children, only one now living, named Sherman W., Jr. In 1861 he was elected mayor of Joliet, re-elected in 1862 and again in 1865. He was also largely engaged in the real estate and insurance business, rendered important service to that town in building the Cut-off Railroad, an important branch of the Michigan Central Railroad. Mr. Bowen remained in Joliet until 1873, when he came to Jefferson County, Mo., and located on his present residence, which consists of sixty acres of land or thereabout. For some years he has been afflicted with paralysis, which prevents further law practice. He has always been an earnest worker for the cause of education, and assisted largely in establishing a good school in the neighborhood where he resides, and in Joliet. Politically, he is a Democrat; his first vote was cast for J. K. Polk in 1844. He was a personal friend of S. A. Douglas, and used every effort to secure his election, in 1860. He has often been a delegate to State conventions, and was a delegate to the convention that nominated or endorsed Horace Greeley for the presidency, in 1872. He was a member of the I. O. O. F., also a member of the Universalist Association at Joliet, and is a liberal supporter of all churches. His first marriage, in 1846, was to Sarah M. Kinney, who died in 1851, leaving one son, Albert, a civil engineer in St. Louis. During the war he was offered the position of lieutenant- colonel of the One Hundredth Illinois, but declined it. He was actively engaged in the recruiting service, and did good work for the Union cause in his State. Col. Bowen, as he is familiarly known, is a man of fine talent and culture. He has one of the largest and most carefully selected libraries in the State, comprising a choice selection of 700 or 800 volumes.

Gabriel Boyce was born near Lexington, Ky., September 1, 1824. His parents were slaves, and were owned by Mr. John Boyce, who brought them, in company with fifteen others, to St. Francois County, Mo. Gabriel lived with his "master" until the death of the latter, when he was inherited by a son, William Boyce, whom he served for several years, who sold him to Thomas Donell, on Plattin Creek; he was the property of Mr. Donell at the time of the emancipation proclamation. After he was free Mr. Boyce reported for service in the Union army, but was rejected. The following six years he worked a piece of land on shares, which was a portion of the "Plattin Rock" farm of W. S. Jewett. In September, 1848, he married Helen Minerva (born March 7, 1826), one of the number of colored people owned at that time by Mr. W. S. Howe. This marriage resulted in the birth of seven children, whose names are Harriet, born December, 24, 1848; Anderson, born April 12, 1850; Abraham, born March 5, 1853; Charlotte, born June 21, 1855; Nathan, born November 21, 1857; Gabriel, born June 17. 1860, and Clarissa Ann, born October 6, 1864, the latter deceased. January 20, 1874, Mrs. Boyce died. Mr. Boyce began life for himself with only a young horse and $100 in money. By close economy and industry he was able to purchase a tract of land consisting of 216 acres, where he now resides, of Mr. Kennett. This he paid for in less than four years, and had some money at interest also. He has built a commodious dwelling on his farm, and improved his property generally. October 24, 1846, [sic] he married Miss Catherine Smith, who was born of slave parents in Frederickstown, Madison Co., Mo., August 3, 1853; her education was acquired while attending school nine months, in St. Francois County. By this marriage five children were born, viz.: Henry, born May 19, 1877; John, born June 6, 1878; Phoebe, born December 15, 1879, and died September 19, 1880; Charles, born February 24, 1880; Justine, born December 10, 1882. Mr. Boyce is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and also of the "Tabernacle," an organization composed strictly of colored people. He and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Edwin Boyne, retired farmer, of De Soto, is a native of Leeds, Yorkshire, England, and was born in 1819. He is a son of Thomas and Mary (Craven) Boyne, the former of whom, a tobacco manufacturer, went to Paris on a pleasure trip, in 1844, and was stricken with cholera, dying the following day; he was the father of seven children, of whom Edwin was the youngest. When fifteen years of age the latter was apprenticed to learn the mechanic's trade, and served an apprenticeship of five years, at the end of which time he abandoned the trade. In 1850 he immigrated to the United States, and entered 120 acres of land in Jefferson County, Mo., which tract now comprises the fair grounds, and a portion of the town of De Soto, at that time an unbroken forest, and but sparsely settled. In 1851 Mr. Boyne married Miss Hannah Brook, who was born in England, in 1829. They have been blessed with four children, viz.: Mary, wife of Charles Hopson; Charles; Sara, wife of John Wright, of Decatur, Ill., and William, a saddler by trade. Mr. Boyne is one of the oldest citizens now living in De Soto, having seen the first house erected in that place. He has resided on his present place for the past thirty-eight years, and is a man universally esteemed for his honesty and integrity. He has preferred the life of a quiet citizen to that of a politician, and votes for principle rather than party. He and wife are members of the Episcopal Church.

William Brackmann, collector of Jefferson County, was born in St. Louis in 1850, and is the son of Gottlieb and Helena Brackmann, natives of Germany. While quite young the parents came to St. Louis, where they were married, remaining until December, 1853, when they removed to Jefferson County, locating one mile south of Dittmer's Store, where they lived for thirty years. They then sold out and purchased the Mattocks' Mill Farm, on Big River, where they still live. He served in the militia during the war. William was reared at home, with about sixteen months' education in the public schools and a fair German education. He then served an apprenticeship of two years at the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1876, after which he engaged in merchandising at Dittmer's Store, and was postmaster for nine years. He then removed to High Ridge where he has a store, a saloon, hotel, etc.; is also postmaster at High Ridge and was justice of the peace for four years while at Dittmer's Store. In 1886 he was elected collector of Jefferson County. Previous to this, in 1874, he married Miss Ernestine, daughter of John G. and Louisa Dahn, natives of Germany, and to this union were born five children (four now living): Oscar, Ida, Arthur (deceased) and Edwin, the first three now being educated in the English language. Mr. Brackmann is a Republican in politics, and cast his first presidential vote for Gen. Grant, in 1872; is a member of the Masonic fraternity, also a member of the A. O. U. W., was christened and confirmed in the Protestant Church, to which he contributes liberally.

Joseph Bradford, superintendent of the Mammonth [sic] Mines, Valle Township, and gravel road contractor, was born in Liverpool, England, June 10, 1850, and is the son of John Bradford, also a native of Liverpool. The parents immigrated to the United States in 1857, and settled in New York City, where Joseph was reared and educated. They subsequently returned to their native country, but Joseph remained in his adopted home, and has been engaged in contracting on public works for several years. He was one of the foremen in the construction of the Hoosac tunnel, built the Bloomingburgh tunnel, New York, and also the Fourth Avenue tunnel in New York City. He was foreman in the construction of the Beacon Street tunnel, which supplies Boston with water, and, with a partner, did all the rock work on the Northern Missouri Railroad between Ferguson and the Union Depot, St. Louis. In 1876, he sunk a shaft 170 feet deep in Mammoth Mines, Jefferson County, Mo., and one at the Virginia Mines, Franklin County, to a depth of 300 feet. In January, 1870, Mr. Bradford married Jane, daughter of James Mercer. Mr. and Mrs. Bradford are the parents of the following named six children: John, Charles, Mary E., Joseph, Jennie and an infant. Mr. Bradford owns ninety acres of land.

Henry Brady, who is another prosperous farmer of Central Township, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1815, and was left an orphan at the age of five. He then lived on a farm with his grandfather, Philip Mann, who was of German descent, and who was a soldier under Napoleon. Henry Brady worked on farms in different places for his support until seventeen years of age, and received a very limited education. He then found a position on the "Post Boy," an Ohio River steamer, as a deck hand, where he remained for three years. From 1839 to 1846 he was on the Mississippi River and its branches, with headquarters at New Orleans. He then located at St. Louis until after the war. He followed river life for thirty-five years, holding the positions of deck hand, watch hand, pilot and captain. He served on transport for Gen. Grant during the war until just before the fall of Vicksburg. In 1865 he moved to Jefferson Count, and located six miles north of Hillsboro, where he has a fine farm of over 167 acres, 100 of which are under cultivation. Previous to the war, in 1854, and, St. Louis, he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth M. Monroe, daughter of Charles and Huldah Williams, and a native of Connecticut. Mr. Brady is a Democrat in politics, and his first presidential vote was cast for Gen. Harrison, in 1840. Mrs. Brady united with the Presbyterian Church, at New Haven, Conn., when young, and has since lived a true, religious life.

Thomas G. Brent, of Selma Hall or Kennett's Castle, on the banks of the Mississippi River, in Plattin Township, Jefferson Co., Mo., was born at Bayou Grost Tete, Louisiana, February 6, 1846, and is, therefore, but little past the age of forty-two years. While quite young he lost his parents by death, after which he accompanied his grandmother to Florissant Valley, St. Louis Co., Mo., where he grew to manhood, enjoying the privileges of a good education. This was principally obtained at the University of the Jesuit Fathers at St. Louis. Subsequently he became engaged in lead mining in Washington County, where he had moved, as a member of the firm of Murphy, Shocker. Tyler & Co., continuing this business from 1869 to 1871. June 5, 1872, he was united in marriage with Miss Agnes L. Kennett, eldest daughter of the late Col. Ferdinand and Julia (Deaderick) Kennett. Mrs. Kennett's father was John Smith T., an early pioneer in Missouri, and a noted character of the State. Reference is made elsewhere to his settlement in this vicinity. Col Kennett was born Falmouth, Pendleton Co., Ky., and when a young man came to Missouri with his brothers, Mortimer and Luther M., the latter of whom served a term as mayor of St. Louis. They located and operated the Granby Lead Mines, and also had large interests in the Washington County lead mines, besides which they were engaged in merchandising. Col. Kennett was one of the principal stockholders and promoters of the St. Louis shot tower. He was a man of more than ordinary ability and intelligence, generous and kind to those needing aid, ever ready to assist in any good work, and, as a consequence, had hosts of friends. In 1854 he began the construction of his magnificent home, known as "Kennett's Castle," which he named "Selma Hall." Four years were occupied in its completion. By his marriage to Miss Deaderick five children were born: James W., engaged in mining out West; Mrs. Agnes L. Brent; Ferdinand B., journalist, and occupied in mining, residing at San Francisco, Cal.; the late Dr. Pres. G., of De Soto; and Lotta G., wife of Hon. R. O. Frost, late congressman from the Eighth District of Missouri. Thomas G. Brent, the subject of this sketch, was the son of Dr. John Carroll and Ann Grace Brent, both Kentuckians by birth. The former was a prominent physician and surgeon, and long resided at Bayou Grost Tete near Baton Rouge. La., where he and his wife died They were members of the Catholic Church. In their family were three sons and five daughters, of whom two sons and two daughters survive: Robert, clerk of Judge Dillon's court, at St. Louis; Annie, Mother Superior of the Visitation Convent, St. Paul Minn; Eliza, wife of Judge William S. Murphy, residing on their farm at the "Big Bend" on the Meramec River; and Thomas G. Mrs. Brent was born in Washington County, Mo., and was educated at home. She and her husband are faithful members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Brent is now engaged actively and successfully in farming and stock raising. In the estimation of all with whom he comes in contact he stands high, both for his personal worth and the recognized influence he bears in the community. He has always voted with the Democratic party.

John C. Bridell, a plasterer of De Soto, is the only survivor of the family of ten children born to Isaac and Maria (Roach) Bridell, the latter a daughter of John Roach. Isaac Bridell was a native of Maryland, and when a boy went to Cincinnati, Ohio, removing from there to Aurora, Ind., when a young man, where he was married and then, in 1839, settled in Keosauqua, the county seat of Van Buren County, Iowa, which village then consisted of three log cabins. In 1865 they removed to Jefferson County, Mo., and settled in De Soto. Isaac Bridell was a farmer by occupation in early life, but later followed the plasterer's trade. He died March 18, 1876, and his widow January 19, 1885. John C. Bridell was born in Van Buren County, Iowa, May 16, 1848, and came with his parents to Jefferson County in 1865, He learned his trade with his father. He was determined to go to the war, and twice enlisted, but his father was opposed to his going and took him out both times. After coming to De Soto he joined the Missouri State militia. A brother, William, served three years in Company B, Second Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, and others, and died in De Soto in 1881. He was a policeman and watchman in De Soto for many years. December 24, 1872, John C. Bridell married Miss Eugenia Hague, daughter of Frederic Hague, of Festus, Jefferson County. Mr. and Mrs. Bridell are the parents of five children: Charles, Maud, James, William and Jesse. Mr. Bridell is a member of the I. O. O. F., served as city marshal of De Soto one year, and frequently serves as supply on the police force.

James Brierton, a native of County Meath, Ireland, was born December 18, 1837. He is the youngest son of eight children, four sons and four daughters, born to Matthew and Ellen (Dunne) Brierton, both of whom are natives of Ireland of Irish and Scotch descent, respectively. In 1852 Michael, a brother of James, left his native heath for America, and located in California, and four years later made his home in Johnson County, Iowa. He was followed by James in 1856, who stopped in Rome, Oneida Co., N. Y., for one year, and in 1857 located in Iowa City, Iowa, where he remained two years, being employed as a common laborer. From there he immigrated to Irondale, Washington Co., Mo., where he secured employment as a common laborer with John G. Scott & Co. who were then building the Irondale furnace, and he served them in every capacity from said occupation to that of general manager, holding the latter position for about four years. In the meantime the business changed into the hands of Edwin Harrison & Co., with whom Mr. Brierton still continued in the capacity of general manager. In 1879 the business depreciated to such an extent that the company decided to cease operations, and in November of that year, Mr. Brierton was sent to Leadville, Colo., where he again was installed as general manager of the Harrison Reduction Works and the Argentine Mining Company. After sixteen months, finding the climate unsuited to his health, he was compelled to return to the east. Here he engaged with the Iron Mountain Company, in 1881, as assistant superintendent, serving in that capacity until 1884. In the month of May of that year he came to Festus, and engaged in general merchandising and since that time has been conducting a thriving trade. His marriage to Miss Catherine Byrne occurred July 3, 1864, the result of which was the birth of seven children, named Nellie, Ann E., Joseph M., James, Catherine, John and Edwin. Mrs. Brierton is a daughter of Philip and Ellen (Mawthews) Byrne, natives of County Louth, Ireland. Mr. Brierton and family are members of the Catholic Church, and in political matters he is a Democrat.

Joseph Brooker, painter for the Crystal City Glass Company, was born in