JAMES DRYSDALE of Rush county, Indiana

[Russell Lynn Drysdale]

....

JAMES DRYSDALE.

The subject of this srvetch was born in Rush county, Indiana, in 1843;
was the third child of William and Elizabeth (Ernest) Drvsdale. The
former was born in Montgomery county, Kentucky, in 1815, and was of
Scotch descent, and the latter was born in Severe county, Teniicssee, in
1821, and was of German desent. They immigrated to Rush county, Ind.,
in 1835, became acquainted and were married in 1837. James was brought
up on a farm, and in a mill which his father was engaged in at that time.
Was educated principally at country and select, or subscription schools.
Entered the army in 1862, serving in the 22nd Battery of Light Artillery.
Was a non-commissioned officer as line surgeon. Was with
Sherman on the Atlanta campaign, and with Thomas at Frank-
lin and Nashville. Was dischaiged at the end of the war in 1865. Moved
to Morgan county, Mo., in 1867. and to Bates county in 1868. Settled in
Charlotte township on sec. 34, improved farm of 120 acres, taught school
at No. 6, New Home township, during the fall and winters of '72, '73 and
'74. In 1876 was elected clerk and assessor of the township, and also was
appointed and took the census of the township for '76, which was the Cen-
tennial year. Was twice again elected and filled the office of Clerk and
Assessor of the township. In 1S90 he was elected County Clerk by the
Union Labor party, and filled that offie for the term of four years. In 1895
was appointed City Clerk for the city of Butler and filled that office until
the next city election. In 1898 he was nominated for Mayor on the
Citizen's Ticket, but was defeated by a small majority. In 1898 he was
nominated by the People's party for Presiding Judge of the County Court,
and was defeated by Samuel West, Democrat, by a tew votes. Is at present
time treasurer ot the Old Settler's organization and engaged in the real
estate business. He has been a ruling elder in the C. P. church for many
years. In 1874 was married to Elmira M. Elswick, daughter of Oliver Els-
wick. She was born in Monroe county, Iowa, in 1852, and moved with
her father's family to Bates county. Mo., in 1858, where she has since re-
sided, except in time of the war. They have three children. Charles
Harlen, Cora Myrtle and Mary Estella, who are all now grown.

..''James Drysdale, being interviewed said:

"I came to this county in 1868, and settled on a farm one
mile west of Ft. Toothman. I also own the 40 adjoining the
Toothman farm on the west.''.. he went on about a battle

and 21 bodies being buried nearby 

Source: page 188

The old settlers history of Bates county Missouri