Biographical Sketches
A. E. AXLINE
Is one of the most extensive and best known stock breeders of Western Missouri, making a specialty of the breeding of Poland-China hogs. He has one much to improve the grade of stock raised in this section of the country and in addition is a large shipper. He was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, September 24, 1852, and when only 3 years of age was brought to Missouri by his parents - Joseph E. and Amanda J. (Kalb) Axline. They settled a half mile east of where our subject now resides, and within his farm was comprised 20 acres of the old homestead. The father owned 190 acres and carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in October, 1871, at the age of 43 years. He served as township clerk, and was a member of the school board from its organization until his death. He had been a school-teacher in his early life and was deeply interested in the cause of education, doing all in his power for its advancement. In the Axline family were 12 children, but only 2 passed the age of 12 years - our subject and his brother William M., who manages a part of the old farm. Mrs. Axline sill resides on the old homestead, which has been her place of abode for 40 years. Our subject was reared there and remained at home until his marriage, which occurred on the 17th of December, 1874, the lady of his choice being Miss Florence Woodward. She died May 16, 1886.
Upon his marriage, Mr. Axline bean farming on a small scale. He had inherited 60 acres of the old homestead and to this he has added from time to time as his financial resources have increased until he now owns 320 acres, all in one body, together with an 80 acre farm in LaFayette county, 3 miles distant. His specialty, however, has not been the raising of grain. He has given the greater part of his time and attention to stock dealing. For 20 years he has been extensively engaged in feeding cattle, and now has upon his farm 125 head. About 12 years ago he began the breeding of Poland-China hogs and now raises more than 100 a year, his sales extending all over the country. He is a member of the Missouri State Swine Breeders' Association, also of the Standard Poland-China Record Associations. His animals are all registered, and he has some of the finest specimens of the breed in the country. At the head of his drove is Roy U. S. 13,843, and Western Wilkes, 12,846. He has never been an exhibiter but sells exclusively by catalogue and advertising, and has been very successful in his business. He has one of the best equipped stock farms in this section of the country; has recently built a new feed barn, 40 x 100 feet and 16 feet high, which will accommodate about 100 head of cattle. He also has a general barn, 52 x 72 feet with a basement under the entire structure. He has also bought and shipped stock in company with some of his neighbors, sending out about 50 car loads annually, for 15 years, and has engaged to some extent in the breeding of mules, trotting and saddle horses, owning a number of very fine animals.
He is a man of excellent business ability, sagacious and far-sighted, straightforward and honorable in his dealings, enterprising and progressive in this methods, and his prosperity is the merited reward of his own labors.
The children of Mr. Axline's first marriage are Berta L., aged 19, and Joseph Ewing, aged 16. On the 3rd of May, 1888, Mr. Axline was again married, his second union being with Miss Tura A. Pallette, daughter of A. C. and Martha B. Pallette, pioneers of this community, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Virginia. Two children grace this union: Ivy Irene, age 6 years, and Ora Orene, a little maiden of 3 summers.
The parents are prominent and active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, south, of Pleasant Prairie, of which Mr. Axline has served for many years as steward. He has been district school clerk for 10 years, and a member of the board for 5 years, and in politics is a supporter of democratic principles.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.