Cassville Democrat
November 13, 1909, Saturday
November Grand Jury - Short Biography of the Members of the Jury
The following is a short biography of the Grand Jury that has been in session this week.

James H. Braid of Cassville was born in Arkansas, Feb 26, 1853; his parents were Tennesseans. His parents moved to Lawrence County, MO, when he was very young and resided there until he was 16 years of age when he came to Barry County and located near Cassville where he has since resided. He and Miss Dona Matlock were married Dec 10, 1876, Mrs. Braid dying July 10, 1901, and three children were born to them, two living. He is a member of the Baptist Church, a Republican in politics and a likely widower.

Joseph Seitz of Mountain township, was born June 8, 1862, near Jenkins, and has lived there in this county all his life. He is a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. David Seitz. He and Miss Mary Hilton were married in May, 1897, and 8 children were born to them, 7 of whom are living. He is a Republican in politics and a farmer.

Claud M. Cope of Crane Creek township, was born in Lawrence County, MO, near Marionville, Dec 2, 1869, and has lived twice in Barry County and retuned to Barry County in 1901, where he has since resided on a fine farm in the Crane Creek Valley, 1 1/2 miles east of Osa. In January 1891 he was married to Miss Margaret Seitz of this county, and to this marriage seven children have been born, 4 boys and 3 girls, all are living. He is a prominent Democrat and a great believer in fine stock and the improvement of this county.

Lafe Woodruff at Washburn was born Oct 27, 1870 in Franklin County, MO, and came to Barry County in 1878; was married Sept 22, 1909, to Miss Julia Roller of Seligman and is a farmer. He is a member of the C. B. [C. P.] Church and a Republican in politics.

D. N. Jewett of Monett was born Sept 9, 1849 in Union County, Ohio and moved to Schuyler County, MO, in 1854 and served as circuit clerk and recorder of that county for 12 years; was married Jan 4, 1872, to Miss Allie C. Ballinger and 2 children have been born of this marriage; both living. Has been J. P., in Monett for seven years; is a member of the M. E. Church South and a Democrat.

Wm. O. Autry of Shoal Creek township near Corsicana was born Jan 1875 in Shoal Creek township, and has lived there all his life; is a farmer and was deputy collector under Ex Collector, Abe Swindle for two years. He taught schools in Barry and Newton County for three years, is a believer in good stock and is working along those lines. Was married March 18, 1893 to Miss Alice Wright of this county, one son has been born to this marriage. He is a Republican in politics.

Jos. A. Keeling of Liberty township, is a farmer; was born in Perry County, Tenn., Feb 23, 1854; came to Barry County with his parents in 1875, where he has since resided. In 1878 he and Miss Frances Brattin were married to whom have been born four children; two are living. He is a successful farmer, member of the C. P. Church, and a Democrat.

J. R. Kinser of Hailey, Mineral township, was born July 26, 1856, in Knox County, KY, and came to Missouri in 1887. Was married in 18_8 [maybe 1878 or 1898?] in Knox County, KY to Miss Nettie Randalls of that county; two children have been born of this marriage. Mr. Kinser has been a great factor in developing the mineral resources in this section, and has spent time and money in that direction. He is a successful farmer, a member of the M. E. Church and a Republican in politics.

James Harvey Aldridge of near Mano, Roaring River township, was born March 1, 1869, where he resides. Has been married twice; first November 13, 1887 to Miss Martha Wise, who died July 22, 1897. Was married to Miss Anna A. Sparks of Golden, April 13, 1901. Has five children by first marriage and one son dead. He is a farmer and is getting along nicely. He is a member of the Baptist Church and a Republican in politics.

John S. Montgomery of Seligman was born July 13, 1868, near Washburn and has lived in Barry County all his life; he is now running a barbershop. On March 10, 1896, he and Miss Rosa Brookshire were married at Washburn and four children were born to them, two of whom are living. He is a Democrat in politics.

John R. Sullivan of near Cassville was born June 5, 1853, in Ash township, and has lived practically all his life in Barry County. Nov 25, 1875, he and Miss Harriett Cargile were married near Washburn, and have been the parents of six children, five of whom are living. In 1900 he was elected sheriff of Barry County on the Democratic ticket was reelected in 1912, [Probably should be 1902] and served four years and discharged his duties efficiently. He has a good farm one mile south of Cassville and is living happily. John H. Lathim of near Viola, White River township, was born Feb 9,1850 in Polk County, Texas near Galveston, and moved from that state to near Stotts City, Lawrence County, MO, where he was raised. Dec 2, 1877, he and Miss Amelia Jones of that county were married and 9 children were born of this marriage, 5 boys and 4 girls, and all are living has been a member of the Baptist Church and is a Democrat.
State Historical Society of MO Microfilm
Donna Cooper


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