M. P. Claypool, of Murdock township, is one of the successful farmers and stockmen, whose enterprise and effort have made Butler county one of the great, political sub-divisions of the State of Kansas. Mr. Claypool was born in Knox county, Missouri, in 1851, and he is a son of Josephus and Sarah E. Claypool, the former a native of Indiana, and the latter of Virginia. The Claypool family, consisting of the parents and five children, came to Kansas in 1870, settling on a farm of 160 acres in Murdock township, Butler county. When they first came here, the wagon in which they drove across the country was their only home, until they built a little house.

Their first home was built of native lumber, which was sawed at the little mill at Towanda. There were lots of deer here at that time,

and prairie chickens could be found on the plains in countless numbers. The elder Claypool was quite a buffalo hunter, and made several trips, a little farther west where buffalo were still plentiful, and always returned with a good supply of meat. The settlers at that time depended largely upon buffalo, deer, and prairie chickens for their supply of meat. Staple supplies, such as meat and groceries, were very high priced; flour and sugar were about twice the present price, and bacon was about thirty-five cents a pound, and money was scarce. M. P. Claypool killed lots of deer and prairie chickens, but his father did most of the buffalo hunting for the family.

M. P. Claypool recalls many incidents in the pioneer life of Butler county. Whitewater was a popular rendezvous for Texas cattlemen, who wintered large numbers of cattle there, and frequently the Texas cowboys attended local dances, in the neighborhood, dancing being the principal pastime of the young people. Sometimes the cowboys would get rough, but their rows were generally between themselves, and no serious harm resulted. The young men among the early settlers of Butler county were law-abiding, and, as a rule, a very honorable class of young fellows.

Mr. Claypool has made farming and stock raising his life's occupation. In 1900, he bought the old home place in Murdock township, and afterward bought a quarter section adjoining it, and now has a splendid farm of 320 acres. The neat appearance of the place bespeaks the industry and prosperity of its owner. Mr. Claypool keeps a number of work horses and usually keeps his place stocked with about seventy-five head of cattle, and an equal number of hogs.

In 1882, Mr. Claypool was united in marriage with Miss Cora Metz, the daughter of Thomas and Thurza Metz, who came to Kansas in 1880, and settled in Butler county. To Mr. and Mrs. Claypool have been born the following children: Mrs. Hattie Stuart, Benton, Kans.; Frank, Whitewater, Kans.; Rilla, Whitewater, Kans.; Mrs. Della McCann, Benton, Kans.; Mrs. Pearl Mason, Furley, Kans., and Thursa, Gladys, Pauline, and Mildred, all residing at home.

The members of the Claypool family are well known in Butler county, and are highly respected. Mr. Claypool takes a lively interest in local affairs insofar as good citizenship is concerned, and has served as trustee of Murdock township for twelve or fourteen years, and has also served as township treasurer.

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