A A CAPP

 

 

A. A. Capp, manager of the men’s clothing and furnishing depart-

ment of the J. S. Bowers and Son Department Store of Moberly has had

a long experience in the mercantile business ancl has been in the employ

of this company for over 32 years. He is a native of Missouri, born in

Monroe County and is the son of M. P, and Margaret J. (Wood) Capp,

both now deceased, M. P. Capp was a native of Pennsylvania and was a

Randolph County pioneer. He came to Cairo at an early date and was

engaged in farming and the mercantile business and for a time was en-

gaged in business at Leverick’s Mill, later at Leesburg and then at Wood-

laun, Monroe County and later Cairo, and spent the latter part of his

life in this county. He and his wife were buried in the Pleasant View

Church Cemetery which is located east of Cairo. They were the parents

of ten children, nine of whom grew to maturity: John W., was a farmer

and died at Cairo at the age of 25 years; Mrs. Jane Gibson, resides at

Cairo, Mo.; A. A., the subject of this sketch; Rev. E. M., a minister of the

Methodist denomination, Milan, Mo.; Mrs. Ella Walker, died at Cairo,

Mo.; Mrs. Emma Newton, died at Moberly, Mo.; Mrs. Alice Baker re-

sides at Cairo, Mo.; J. C., a coal dealer, Moberly, Mo.; and William, who

was accidently killed when 13 years of age. The eldest of the family,

Elisha, died in infancy.

A. A. Capp received a good public school education in the schools

of the early days in Monroe County, receiving a part of his education in

a typical old pioneer log school house. He began his mercantile career

with his father at an early date and for six years was at Cairo. He came

to Moberly in 1887 and entered the employ of Bowers and Reese Company

which later became J. S. Bowers and Son and since Sept. 1, 1887 has been

identified with this company and is now manager of the men’s clothing

and furnishing department.

Mr. Capp was first married in 1877 to Miss Fannie Cochran of Cairo,

Randolph County, who died in 1881 leaving one daughter, Era, who is now

the wife of W. H. Eslen, Moberly, Mo. Mr. Capp’s present wife bore

the maiden name of Emma Belle Nagley, and she was born in Ohio and

came to Monroe County, Mo., with her parents where she was reared and

educated. Mr. Capp has three grandchildren, Emma Leta, William

Augusta and Richard Capp Ensen.

Mr. Capp is one of the progressive citizens of Moberly and takes

an active part in any movement, the object of which is for the better-

ment of the community and the building up of Randolph County. He has

been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for 50 years and been

trustee and a member of the board of stewards of his church at Moberly

for 30 years. He is a member of the National Union.

 

 

A B RUBEY

 

A.B. Rubey, assistant manager for the J. S. Bowers & Son Dry

Goods and Clothing Company, has for many years been identilied with

the mercantile interest of Moberly and has had a life long experience

in the mercantile world, He is a native of Ohio and a son of Dr. James

and Hannah (Hamilton) Rubey, who moved from Ohio to Union City,

Ind.. when A. B. Rubey was a boy. His father was a physician and

died at the age of 64 years.

A. B. Rubey was educated in the public schools of Union City, Ind.,

and attended the high school there. He began his career as clerk at an

early age, clerking at Union City from 1879 to 1886. He then came to

Moberly and began clerking in the store of J. S. Bowers. In fact, he

had clerked for Mr. Bowers in Indiana. Since coming to Moberly, he has

been in the employ of J. S. Bowers and Son.

Mr. Rubey was married in 1890 to Miss Alva Walden, of Moberly.

She is a daughter of Z, and Elizabeth (Frazier) Walden, To Mr. and

Mrs. Rubey have been born one son, William W., who is a graduate of

the Missouri University at Columbia with the degree of A. B. He is

a graduate of the Moberly High School. During the World War, he en-

listed in the Aviation Corps of the United States army at St. Louis and

was at home under orders waiting a call to the service when the armistice

was signed.

Mr. Rubey is one of the public spirited citizens of Moberly and for

the past 25 years he has been one of the prime movers in promoting the

public library of this city and is now the president of the library hoard.

He was a member of that hoard when the library building was erected

and has always been an untiring worker in behalf of the public library.

He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Modern Woodmen

of America, the National Union and is one of the progressive citizens of

Moberly. Mr. Rubey is a member of the Masonic Lodge.

 

 

A W JONES

 

 

 

A. W. Jones, of the firm of Jones and Hale Grocery Company, has

been a resident of Moberly for 37 years and since 1919 has been in the

grocery business with Mrs. Nellie B. Hale, his sister-in-law.

A. W. Jones was born in Howard County, Mo., Jan. 2, 1868 and was

the only child born to Dr. George W. and Nancy (Lynch) Jones. Dr.

George W. Jones, the father, was a native of Salem County, N. J., and his

wife was born in Macon County, Mo. Doctor Jones came to Missouri in

1866, and settled near Bunker Hill, Howard County, where he lived until

1874, when he removed to Saline County, Mo. Seven years later he went

to Cunningham, Chariton County and in 1883 the family settled in

Moberly.

A. W. Jones was educated in the public schools of this state and in

early life worked at his trade as coach painter for the Wabash Railroad

Company for 13 years. He lost his eyesight in 1905 and shortly after-

wards engaged in the grocery business. Notwithstanding the great

handicap under which Mr. Jones labored he has been unusually successful

in business and the firm is one of the prosperous and well conducted

retail establishments of this city. The store is located’ at 1120 Myra

street. Mr. Jones is assisted in the store by his wife and sister-in-law

and Mrs. Hale and hey handle a large volume of business. The store

building is 20x75 feet and a barn 22 x 32 in the rear is utilized as a storage

warehouse and the Jones residence is located next to the store. The

Jones residence is one of the comfortable and well arranged homes of

the city. It is equipped with all modern improvements and was built in

1915.

A. W. Jones was married Nov. 23, 1897, to Miss Rosa M. Neth of

Moberly. She is a daughter of John and Mary (Gingrich) Neth, the

former a native of Germany who came to America when he was 13 years

of age and the latter a native of Pennsylvania. They were married in

Hannibal, Mo., Nov. 28, 1869, and came to Moberly in 1871 and now

reside in this city. John Neth was one of the first cigar manufacturers

in Moberly. He engaged in manufacturing cigars here March 7, 1871

and during his active career did an extensive business. He made the

famous “Moss Agate” cigar.

Joseph M. Gingrich, grandfather of Mrs. Jones, was also a pioneer

settler of this city. He came here April 8, 1868 and was foreman of the

first railroad repair shop here. The shop was located on the present site

of the Young Mens Christian Association building. He bought the first

musical instrument in Moberly. It was a melodeon and is now in the

possession of his daughter, Mrs. John Neth. Mr. Gingrich died June

15, 1916.

Mrs. Rosa M. (Neth) Jones is one of the following children born to

her parents: Rosa M., wife of A. W. Jones, of this review; Mrs. C. A.

Woodington. Moberly; Mrs, W. P. Vandergrift, Moberly, Mo.; Mrs, G. G.

Levick; Mrs, H. B. Hale; Mrs. Charles Kelly; John Neth; Mrs. James

Sincoe and Mrs. Paul Hackett, all of whom reside in Moberly. To Mr. and

Mrs. Jones have been born two children: Alline N. and Rosanna.

Leslie G. Burklund, a leading jeweler of Moberly who is proprietor

of one of Moberly’s best jewelry stores located at 314 West Reed street

has been engaged in business at this location since May 4, 1916. Mr.

Burklund was born at Osage City, Kan., April 27, 1887 and is the son of

Gus Burklund and Elizabeth (Robbins) Burklund, both of whom are now

deceased. The father was a pioneer of Rock Island, Ill., and was a jeweler

by trade. He died at Osage City, Kan., in 1903. His wife who was a

native of Jacksonville, Ill., died at Osage City, Kan., in 1893 and their

remains are buried at Moline, Ill. They were the parents of two children:

Leslie G., whose name introduces this review and Almeda Burkiund who

resides at Boise, Idaho.

Leslie G. Burkiund received his education in the public schools of

Osage City, Kan., and in 1903 began an apprenticeship aI the jewelers

and watchmakers trade at Moline Ill., and afterwards worked at his

trade in Chicago and Kansas City, Mo., and in 1916 engaged in business

in Moberly. and since coming here has met with satisfactory success and

built up a large trade. He carries a very complete line of high grade

watches and jewelry and kindred articles usually found in a first class

jewelry store. He also handles Edison phonographs and records and

has built up an extensive trade in that line.

Mr. Burklund was married Jan. 6, 1909 to Miss Helen Walsh of Kan-

sas City, Mo., a daughter of William Walsh who now resides in that city.

Mrs. Burklund’s mother is deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Burklund have

been born one child, Betty.

Mr. Burklund is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order

of Elks

and since coming to Moberly he has acquired an extensive ac-

quaintance and ranks as one of the substantial and reliable business

men of this city.

 

 

 

Alexander M Mounce Jr

Alexander M Mounce Jr., bookeeper

for the D H Mounce Lumber

Company, Moberly, Mo., is one

of the progressive young men of Randolph

County, who turned from the peaceful

pursuits of business life when the

United States entered the World War

and served during the remainder of

that great conflict.

Alexander M. Mounce, Jr., was

born at Bunker Hill, Kan., April 18,

1888, and is a son of Alexander

M. and Martha (Monson) Mounce, the

latter of whom is now deceased,

having departed this life in October, 1914,

and her remains are buried in

Woodland Cemetery, Moberly, Mo. The

father resides in Moberly which

has been his home for the past 30 years

and a sketch of him appears in this volume.

Alex. M. Mounce, Jr., received his

education in the public schools of

Moberly, Missouri State University at

Columbia, Mo., and the University

of Chicago, Chicago, Ill. In 1912

he entered the employ of the D. H.

Mounce Lumber Company at Moberly

as bookkeeper and was thus em-

ployed until Dec. 13, 1917,

when he enlisted in the Aviation Corps of the

United States Army. Shortly after

enlisting, he was sent to Camp Custer

at Battle Creek, Mich. After

spending seven weeks there, he was trans

ferred to Barron Field, Fort Worth,

Texas, where he served with the fly-

ing and engineering department of

the aviation service until March 28,

1919, when he was honorably discharged.

Mr. Mounce then returned to

Moberly and resumed his former

position with the D. H. Mounce Lumber

Company and is now serving in that capacity.

 

 

ALLEN C WHITE

 

 

 

Allen C. White, of the firm of Goddard-White & Company, wholesale

automobile accessory dealers in Moberly, is a veteran of the World War,

having served as sergeant, He is a son of Benjamin R. and Katie V.

(Corbett) White, a sketch of whom appears in this volume, He was born

in Moberly, July 22, 1890 and was reared in Moberly. After receiving a

good preliminary education he took a course in the Military Academy at

Columbia and later attended the University of Missouri, at Columbia,

Mo. He then engaged in the automobile business at Moberly, later at

Springfield, Ill. and was thus occupied when the United States entered

the World War.

On May 23, 1917, Allen C. White enlisted at Moberly in the 4th Regi-

ment, Missouri National Guard and shortly afterwards was sent to

Nevada with his command when the Missduri National Guard~ was

mobilized for service. From Nevada he went to Fort Sill, Okla, with the

Missouri troops which was organized into the 35th Division. After about

nine months training at Ft. Sill, on May 10, 1918, Mr. White went with

the 110th Engineers overseas. They first operated with the British Army

at Amiens and later with the French Army and were with the Division

Engineers at the front. Mr. White participated in the battles of St

Mihiel and the Argonne Forest and saw some of the heaviest fighting of

the war. On Sept. 29th, in the battle of the Meuse-Argonne Forest he

was wounded, having been struck by a piece of an exploding shell.

Although wounded and unable for service for ten days he remained with

his command. ‘He served as sergeant with his company and was mustered

out May 3, 1919, after having served nearly two years, during which time

he saw a great deal of severe fighting.

After his discharge from the army, Mr. White returned to Moberly

and formed a partnership with Mr, W. F. Goddard under the firm name of

Goddard-White & Company. They deal in automobile supplies and ac-

cessories and carry a very complete line and have built up an extensive

business. They are located at 107 North Williams street and have a floor

space of 80x100 feet. Mr. White spends most of his time on the road

in the interest of the business and they employ three other salesmen.

Mr. White is a member of the Masonic Lodge and a charter member

of Theodore Bazan Post No. 6, American Legion. He is one of the

progressive young business men of Moberly.

 

 

 

Aubrey R. Hammett

 

 

Aubrey R. Hammett, prosecuting attorney of Randolph County and a

former probate judge of the county, is one of the leading members of

Randolph County bar, He is descended from pioneer families of the

county as his ancestors came to this section when Missouri was con-

sidered the frontier, and here they have taken a prominent part in the

civic life of the country.

Mr. Hammett is a native son of Randolph County, born near Hunts-

ville July 24, 1873, the son of J. D, and L. Allie (Rutherford) Hammett.

The father, also a native of this county was born on a farm three miles

northwest of Huntsville in 1847. He was reared in Randolph County and

after completing his elementary education studied medicine, graduating

from a medical college at Philadelphia, Pa., and soon began his professional

career near Huntsville, where he practiced for many years. Doctor Ham-

mett became one of the well known and skillful physicians of the county

and stood high in the medical fraternity of central Missouri. He also

became extensively interested in business and commercial affairs, He

was in partnership with Joseph Samuel in the lumber business. Later

he purchased a large block of stock in the Hammett Bank at Huntsville

which his father, Joseph M. Hammet had established and became assist-

ant cashier of the institution and later he became president of the bank.

He still retains his stock in the bank and takes an active interest in its

affairs, although he has now given up active business ‘life and lives in

Moberly, Mo.

Aubrey R. Hammett’s paternal grandfather, Joseph M. Hammett, was

a Kentuckian who became one of the early settlers who took up govern-

ment land near Huntsville, where he cleared 320 acres from the virgin

forest and resided there until his death in 1883. L. Allie Rutherford

Hammett was born near Huntsville, a daughter of W. T. Rutherford, a

pioneer from Kentucky who located near Huntsville at an early day and

became a tobacco dealer, owning and managing two tobacco factories

employing many negroes in the care of the product and for many years

was prominent in this line of business. Subsequently he became inter-

ested in coal mining and became a large operator in this district. He

was a prominent man of central Missouri and Randolph County and his

life was closely identified with the growth and development of Huntsville.

He lived to he a man of advanced age and died in 1905 in his 91st year.

Mrs. Hammett was a graduate of Christian College, Columbia, Mo.

Dr. J. D. Hammett and his wife became the parents of two children

Mary Belle, who married Rev. L J. Marshail, a Christian minister,

deceased. Her husband had charge of the Christian Church of lnde

pendence, Mo., for seven years and also of Wabash Avenue Christian

Church in Kansas City, Mo., erecting fine edifices in both places during his

incumbency as pastor.

Aubrey R. Hammett was reared on his father’s farm in Huntsville

and attended the local schools. He graduated from Missouri Military

Academy at Mexico, Mo., as senior captain. Then entered the State

University at Columbia, Mo., graduating with the class of 1897 with the

degree of Bachelor of Law. The same year he opened an office at Hunts..

ville and became city attorney in 1897. Mr. Hammett became recog-

nized as one of the leading men of his profession and in 1904 was elected

probate judge of Randolph County, serving in that office until 1904. In

1914 Judge Hammett moved to Moberly and four years later, in 1918 was

elected Prosecuting attorney of the county, an office which he has since

filled in a most able manner.

June 11 1897, Judge Hammett was married to Miss Oleta Wise of

Callaway County, the daughter of James Wise, an early settler of that

county; both he and his wife are now deceased. Four children have been

born to Judge and Mrs. Hammett: J. W., Aubrey, Oleta and J. D. While

in college, Judge Hammet was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity

and is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

 

 

August Merck

 

 

 

August Merck, now living retired at his home in Moberly, is one of

the pioneer business men of Randolph County and for many years was

successfully engaged in the bakery business at Moberly. He is a native

of Illinois and was born at BelIville, III., Feb. 23, 1851, and is a son of

Charles and Louise (Knoell) Merck, very early pioneer settlers of Bell-

ville, Ill., who are both now deceased. The mother died in 1852 and the

father departed this life in 1881 and their remains are buried at Bell-

ville, They emigrated to America in 1833 from Kreuznath, Germany,

both coming on the same sailing vessel and were married some time after

reaching America, The voyage across the ocean required three months,

which was about the average time that it took a sailing vessel to make

the trip in those days. Charles Merck was a son of Carl Merck, who was

a forest overseer under the Napoleon the First.

After reaching this country, Charles Merck was married and settled

at BelIville, Ill. He had learned the baker’s trade in his native land and

established a bakery at Belleville, which he conducted throughout the re-

mainder of his life and this business is still being carried on by the

widow of his son, Charles, Jr. It was established over 87 years ago.

Charles Merck, the father of August Merck, lived at BelIville during the

Civil War, and was a strong supporter of the Union, although he was

always a Democrat and an enthusiastic supporter of Stephen A. Douglas.

August Merck was one of seven children born to his parents and is

the only one now living. He was reared in Beilville, Ill. and educated

in the public schools there. In early life, he learned the baker’s trade

with his partner. In 1878, he came to Moberly and bought out the bakery

here which was owned by William Radell, who was one of the first bakers

of Moberly; this bakery was located in the 200 block on North Clark

street. It was afterwards moved to Williams street and later to Reed

street, where Mr. Merck conducted the bakery business until 1898.

August Merck was united in marriage Feb. 11, 1880 to Miss Mary

Kaufman of Illinois, a daughter of John Kaufman, To Mr. and Mrs.

Merck have been born four children as follow: John, a barber living in

Moberly; Arthur, an employe of the Cotton Belt Railroad Company, Little

Rock, Ark.; Edwin, a tailor, Moberly, Mo.; August, Jr. chief clerk for

Superintendent Greenland of the Wabash Railroad Company.

Mr. Merck is a member of the Court of Honor and one of the highly

respected and substantial pioneer citizens of Randolph County.

 

 

Bert Shearer

 

 

 

Bert Shearer, the junior partner of the firm of Short & Shearer, was

born at Renick, Randolph County, Jan. 11, 1884, and is a son of A. H.

and Laura V. (Mitchell) Shearer, both now deceased. The father was

a native of Butler County, Pa. and died in Missouri in 1918 and the mother

was born in Missouri and died in 1910. Both are buried in Oakland

cemetery. A. H. Shearer came to Renick nearly a quarter of a century

ago and was a contractor there for some years. He then worked for the

Williams Wagon Factory until the family moved to Moberly in 1900.

There were live children in the Shearer family: Bessie, the wife of E. L.

Patterson, of Moberlv; Bert, of this review; Lucille. the wife of B. G.

Englen of Moberly; Merle H., of Madison, S. D., and Reba, a teacher in

the Moberly schools.

Bert Shearer was reared in Renick, attended the public schools and

later the Moberly high school. After leaving school he accepted a position

with j. S. Bowers & Son, remaining with that concern 10 years. He then

formed the partnership with Mr. Short in the grocery business.

June 26, 1905, Mr. Shearer was married to Miss Anna Maud Bradley.

a daughter of E. T. Bradley, of Sugar Creek township and one child has

been horn to them, Juanita Maud. The Shearer family have a modern

home at 703 S. Fifth street. Mr. Shearer is a member of the Knights

and Ladies of Security and the Modern Woodmen.

 

C.M. Hulen

 

 

 

C.M. Hulen, clerk of the circuit court of Randolph County, bears

the distinction of being the youngest circuit clerk in the state of, Mis-

souri, He is a native son of Randolph County, and was born at Clark,

Nov. 25, 1894. He is the son of S. P. and Ella (Early) Hulen both na-

tives of Missouri and descendants of pioneer families of this state.

S. P. Hulen was born near Hallsville, Boone County, Missouri, in

1863. He came to Randolph County when he was 17 years of age, and

soon afterwards engaged in the mercantile business at Clark, where he

successfully carried on business for six years. He then engaged in the

banking business, and for the past 28 years has been cashier of hte Clark

Exchange Bank. Ella (Early) Hulen was born near Centralia in Boone

County, and is a daughter of S. W and Ruth Early, pioneers of Boone

County. The Early family came from Kentucky to Missouri in the pio-

neer days of this state. See sketch of S. P. Hulen on another page in this

volume.

To S. P. and Ella (Early) Hulen have been born the following chil-

dren; V. E., who is engaged in the oil business at ElDorado, Kan.; C. M.,

the subject of this sketch; R P., chief teller in the Mechanics Saving

Bank at Moberly, and Mary Elizabeth, resides at home with her parents.

C. M. Hulen was educated in the public schools of Randolph County,

and the Missouri University at Columbia. When he left school he became

assistant cashier of the Exchange Bank of Clark, Mo., and served in

that capacity for five years. When he was 23 years old, in 1917, Mr.

Hulen was elected clerk of the circuit court of Randolph County, and so

far as known is the youngest man in the state holding a similar posi—

tion, He is capable and obliging and has many friends and extensive

acquaintance throughout Randolph County.

Mr. Hulen was married Nov. 25, 1915, to Miss Minnie Mae Wright

daughter of William and Ersie (Fray) Wright, of Clark, Mo., wher

Mrs. Hulen was horn.

Mr. Hulen is a member of the Modern Woodman of America, the

Loyal Order of Moose, and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

 

 

Charles C. Hon

 

 

 

Charles C. Hon for many years identified with the banking and

financial interests of Randolph County, is a Missourian, born near Belton,

Cass County, Sept. 23, 1878, the son of J. V. and Emma E. (Parrott) Hon.

The father was a native of Kentucky and setled in Cass County in 1856,

where he bought land an later became a man of prominence. He early

began breeding high grade Hereford cattle and in later years entered the

realms of finance as he is a heavy stockholder and vice-president of the

Pleasant Hill Banking. The mother is deceased.

Charles C. Hon remained on his father’s farm near Pleasant Hill

until ten years of age. He received his elementary education in the

Pleasant Hill school and later graduated from the high school there.

Soon after completing his education he began his career by entering the

bank at Pleasant Hill and later accepted a position with the Citizens

Bank of that town. He had already entered public life by being elected

and serving one term on the city council. In 1905, Mr. Hon was candi-

date on the Democratic ticket for county clerk and the next year he spent

in Oklahoma in the banking business, On his return to Missouri in 1907,

he was made cashier of the Citizens Bank of Higbee. He bought a con-.

trolling interest in the stock of the bank and was the directing influence

of its policies. While at Higbee, Mr. Hon served as vice-chairman of the

Randolph County Liberty Loan Committee during the raising of- the

2nd, 3rd and 4th Liberty Loans. He also served as chairman of the 2nd

Red Cross drive in Moniteau township and as county chairman of Ran-

dolph County for the 5th or Victory Loan, when it was necessary to

raise $760,000. Mr. Hon located in Moberly in November, 1919, and since

assuming his official position with the banking house all his time and

energies have been devoted to the various demands of his business

In June, 1910, Mr. Hon married Miss Carrie W. Tymony, the daugh-

ter of James B. and Binda (Burton) Tymony. The father is a druggist

of St. Louis, though born and i-eared in Randolph County, being the son

of Francis Mr Tymony, an early settler near Highee, who was prominent

in county and state politics and also was of a literary turn of mind as

he wrote a poem, Remember the Poor, which will be recalled bv many

of the pioneer settlers of this section.

 

 

 

Dr. Charles L Dodson

 

 

 

Dr. Charles L Dodson, a well known and successful physician and

surgeon of Moberly, Mo., is a native of this state. Doctor Dodson was

born in Adair County, Mo., July 26, 1878, and is the son of Perry M. and

Rose Ann (Stukey) Dodson. Perry M. Dodson was also born in Adair

County, Mo., and during the early part of his life he was engaged in

farming pursuits. In 1898 he engaged in the real estate and loan busi-

ness at Kirksville, Mo. and followed that vocation until the time of his

death in 1917; he was 64 years old, His wife died at the age of 47 years

and their remains are buried at Millard, Mo. They were the parents of

two children: Dr. Charles L., the subject of this review, and Lena Pearl

who married Albert B. Fish, of Sapulpa, OkIa.

Dr. Charles L. Dodson received a good preliminary education in the

public schools and then took a course in the State Normal School at Kirks.-

ville, Mo., and was graduated from that institution in 1899. He then

entered the American School of Osteopathy and was graduated from that

institution with the degree of Doctor of Osteopathy in the class of 1901.

Later, Dr. Dodson entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at St.

Louis, Mo., where he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medi-

cine. He engaged in the practice at Huntsville at first, and in 1905 came

to Moberly which has since been the scene of his professional activity.

He is a capable physician and with his knowledge of both the science of

osteopathy and medicine as well as surgery he is well equipped for the

wide field which his general practice embraces. Since coming to Moberly,

he has built up a large practice and stands high in the community.

Dr. Dodson was married Dec. 15, 1901, to Miss Cordelia Beall. She

is a daughter of Lee J. and Hannah (Armstrong) Beall. Lee J. Beall

was a native of Ohio and served in the Union Army during the Civil War.

He and his wife are both deceased. To Dr. and Mrs. Dodson have been

born one child, Mary, who is now a student in the Moberly High SchooL

Dr. Dodson is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

 

 

Dr. Chambers B. Clapp

 

 

 

Dr. Chambers B. Clapp, chief surgeon of the Wabash Hospital at

Moberly, who also owns and conducts the Woodland Hospital in this

city, is one of the skilled and widely known physicians and surgeons

of the state. Doctor Clapp is a native of Illinois, He was born in Dan-

ville, Ill., Nov. 21, 1858. His parents were George A. and Catherine

(Brown) Clapp, George A. Clapp was a native of North Carolina and

a pioneer settler of Vermillion County, Ill, He was a farmer by occu-

pation and when the Civil War hroke out he enlisted in the 125th Regi-

ment Illinois Infantry, and served in the Union army for three and one-

half years. He enlisted as a private and was promoted from time to

time during the course of his military career until he became a first

lieutenant and held that rank when he received his honorable discharge

and was mustered out of the service at the close of the war.

Doctor Clapp’s mother died when she was 21 years of age, leaving

three motherless children: Dr. Chambers B., the subject of this sketch,

and Isaac D., twins, the latter of whom is a farmer in Florida, and Mrs.

0. J. Matthews, of Minatare, Neb. After the death of his first wife the

father was again married and moved his family to Nebraska, where

he spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1916 at the age of 78

years.

Doctor Clapp received his preliminary education in the district schools

of Vermillion County, Ill., and Nebraska. Later he attended the State

Normal School of Nebraska, after which he was engaged in the drug

business for a time at Brock, Neb. He then went to Philadelphia and

took a course in the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and was graduated

in 1882. He then returned to Danville, Ill., where he was in the drug

business for four years when he went to Chicago and was engaged in the

same business for two years. He read medicine under private preceptors

and entered Rush Medical College at Chicago, where he was graduated

with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in the class of 1889.

After receiving his degree, Doctor Clapp again returned to Dan-

yule, Ill., where he was engaged in the practice of his profession about

one year when he received the appointment of local surgeon for the

Wabash Railway Company at Moberly, Mo., and immediately came here.

The Wabash Hospital was completed the same year and ready for occu-

pancy in 1891 and since that time Doctor Clapp has had charge of that

institution. During this long period of thirty years he has made a

record of which any surgeon may be justly proud and times without

number he has demonstrated his great skill as a physician and surgeon

and the work that he has done during his career in the Wabash Hospital

could not he told in any mere biography

Doctor Clapp’s life is a busy one and in addition to his work in the

Wabash Hospital he built Woodland Hospital, which he also conducts

He bought the property where this hospital stands in 1909 and used a

portion of the building which stood thereon as a part of the splendid

modern hospital which he erected. Woodland Hospital has a capacity for

50 patients and is equipped with all modern hospital fixtures and con

veniences. The grounds upon which the hospital stands has a frontage

of 170 feet and is 400 feet deep. The building is well designed and the

grounds are neat and well kept and Woodland Hospital is recognized as

one of the beauty spots of Moberly. It would cost $100,000 to build this

hospital at the present time.

In 1883 Dr. Chambers B. Clapp was united in marriage with Miss

Laura D. Lockhart, a native of Danville, Ill. She is a daughter of

John R. and Mary Lockhart, both natives of Vermillion County, Ill. the

father is now in his 84th year and the mother is 77 years of age.

In addition to his professional career, Doctor Clapp takes a keen

interest in local affairs of a public nature and has stood ever ready to

do his part for the betterment and upbuilding of Moberly and its insti

tutions. He is president of the Moberly Chamber of Commerce and also

president of the board of education and during the World War he served

on the Medical Advisory Board, He is a director in the Bank of Moberly

He is a Knights Templar Mason and a member of the Shrine. He also

holds membership in the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and

Protective Order of Elks.

 

 

Clyde Miller

 

 

 

Clyde Miller, proprietor of the Jefferson Cigar Store at 207 Reed

street is one of the progressive and enterprising young business men of

Moberly, He is a native of West Virginia, born in Wheeling, March 13,

1887. He is a son of George and May (Forney) Miller. The mother was

a daughter of D. S. Fornay. a pioneer merchant of Moberly, further men-

tion of whom is made elsewhere in this volume. She died in January,

1889 and is buried at Wellsburg, W. Va.

George Miller, father of Clyde Miller, is now engaged in the grain

business at Erie, Pa. His father, the grandfather of Clyde Miller, was a

soldier in the Revolutionary War and George Miller served in the Civil

War and he had a brother, William Miller, who also served in the Civil

War as a captain. Both enlisted in West Virginia.

Clyde Miller is one of the following children born to his parents:

Mrs. C. F. McCord, Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. William Wright, Wheeling, W.

Va.; Mrs, H. H. Phillips, Dunkirk, Ind George, Los.Angeles, Calif., and

Clyde, the subject of this sketch.

Clyde Miller attended the public schools in Wheeling, W. Va., and

the Moberly High School and since he was ten years old has made his

own way in the world, He is a wide awake business man of the pro-

gressive type and has built up an extensive business, He is courteous

and obliging and has made many friends during the course of his busi-

ness career in Moberly tie engaged in his present business at 207

West Reed, Oct. .1, 1914. He carries a full line of cigars, tobacco and

smokers’ accessories and also candies. In connection with his other

business he conducts the Illinois Coal Company, which is incorporated at

$10,000, and Mr. Miller is secretary of this company. His billiard room

is well equipped and conducted on a high-class plane and is one of the

popular amusement places of Moberly.

Mr. Miller was married Oct. 4, 1919, to Miss Ruth Marie Durham

of Kansas City. She is a daughter of Marshal S. and Effie (Hubbard)

Durham, The mother died when Mrs. Miller was an infant and the

father now resides at Clark, Mo.

Mr. Miller is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of

Elks, the Country Club and Theodore Bazan Post, No. 6, the American

Legion, of which he is a charter member, He is a Knights Templar

Mason and a member of the Shrine.

During the World War, Clyde Miller enlisted at Columbia, Mo., June

5, 1918. After taking a special course of instruction at the gas engine

school at Columbia, he was made an instructor and from there was sent

to Camp Grant, Ill., to the officers’ training school, and had just about

completed his course when the armistice was signed. He was discharged

Jan. 18, 1919, after having served about nine months with the rank of

sergeant.

 

 

Dr, E. R. Hickerson

 

 

 

Dr, E. R. Hickerson, a prominent physician and surgeon of Moberly,

has been successfully engaged in the practice of his profession in Moberly

and Randolph County for the past 35 years. He is a native of Missouri

and was born in RaIls County Jan. 27, 1862. He is the eon of Dr. J. C.

and Darthula (Rodes) Hickereon, the former a native of Virginia and

the latter from Tennessee.

Dr. J. C. Hickerson a pioneer physician of Moberly and was

not only a successful physician, but he was prominent in the affairs of

the county during the course of his active career. He came here with

his family from Rails County in 1870 and was engaged in the practice

of his profession until the time of his death, April 5, 1885. He was

one of the first physicians to locate in Moberly, His wife died August

17, 1901, and their remains are buried in Oakland cemetery. They were

the parents of the following children: Dr. E. R., the subject of this

sketch; A. S., who resides in St. Louis; Dr. J. C., of Independence, Mo

and W. T., traffic manager for the Morris Packing Company, Chicago, Ill

Dr, E. R. Hickerson received his preliminary education in the pub

lic schools and then entered Westminister College at Fulton, Mo. He

then attended St. Louis Medical College, where he was graduated with

the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1885. After receiving his degree

from that institution he engaged in the practice of medicine at Moberly

He was graduated from Medical College the same year that his father

died and thus was practically enabled to take up the work where

father left off. Doctor Hickerson has been continuously engaged in this

practice here since 1885. 1

January 27, 1887, Doctor Hickerson was united in marriage with

Miss Minnie Hannah, of Mober1y~ She is a daughter of John F. Hannah

a Randolph County pioneer, who lived about two miles north of Moberly

He was prominent in local affairs during his time and served for two

terms as presiding judge of the county court. He died in 1894 and his

wife, who was a native of New York, died in 1906. Their remains are

interred in Oakland cemetery. To Dr, E. R. Hickerson and wife have

been born the following children: Mrs, A. H. McDonald of Moberly

Emilie, a teacher of Latin in the Moberly High School, and Lieut. J. C

Lieut. j. C. Hickerson is now a salesman for Swift and Company,

After the United States entered the World War, he enlisted in the army

in May, 1917, and attended the military training school at Fort Riley,

Kan.. and after he was commissioned first lieutenant he was assigned

to Battery D, 3rd Regiment, at Camp Taylor, Ky He was kept at Camp

Taylor and transferred to the personnel department. He made two trips

to France during the war as transport adjutant. After two years of

service in the army he was honorably discharged, Sept. 16, 1919.

Doctor Hickerson has always taken a keen interest in the welfare

of the community and served on the Moberly board of education from

1900 to 1906, and was president of that body from 1904 to 1906.

 

Dr. L A. Bazan

 

 

 

Dr. L A. Bazan, a well known physician and surgeon of Moberly is

a native of Austria and was born May 12, 1862. He is the son of Thomas

and Nellie (Tutaj) Bazan who now reside at St. Joseph, Mo. His father

is in his 84th year and the mother is 77 years of age.

Doctor Bazan received an excellent education in his native land

where he also read medicine. In 1881 he came to America and after

being here for the brief period of six months, he had mastered the Eng-

lish language so thoroughly that he was able to accept a position as an

instructor in a business college. Doctor Bazan is not only a thorough

scholar but he is especially skilled in languages and is capable of speak-

ing and writing nine different languages. In 1886 he was a traveling

salesman for the C. S. Goldsmith Shoe Company of Chicago. In 1889

he engaged in the practice of medicine in Chicago. Later he located in

St. Joseph, Mo., where he was engaged in the practice until 1898. After

which he practiced in Saline County four years and Chariton County four

years and in 1906 he went to Renick then to Clark. In 1912 he came to

Moberly where he has since been engaged in the practice of his pro-

fession.

Doctor Bazan was married at Chicago, Ill., July 1, 1886, to Miss

Pauline Kazik of St. Joseph, Mo, and to this union have been born the

following children: Thomas, born in Chicago, Ill., Nov 22, 1888, now

manager for Block Brother’s Department Store, St. Joseph, Mo.; Helen

born Sept. 30, 1890 and died May 13, 1904; Genevieve, born Jan .10,

1893, a trained nurse, at Moberly, Mo.; Theodore B., who died on the

field of battle in France further mention of whom is made in this

volume; L. Marion, born Jan. 1, 1898, married Robert Caldwell, a foreman

in the Brown Company’s Shoe Factory at Moberly; Francis A., born April

9, 1901, a bookkeeper in the Brown Shoe Factory at Moberly and Margie

J., born Nov. 19, 1903, a member of the senior class of the Moberly High

School. Dr. Bazan has a wide acquaintance in Moberly and vicinity and

the Bazan family stands high in the community.

 

 

Dr. Stephen T. Ragan

 

 

 

Dr. Stephen T. Ragan, a prominent physician, who is successfully

engaged in the practice of his profession at Moberly, Mo., is a native of

this state, and is a member of a pioneer Missouri family. Dr. Ragan was

born in Kansas City, Mo., Feb. 24, 1888, and is a son of Dr. Stephen and

Luvena (Duncan) Ragan. The mother died in 1911 and the father is

engaged in the practice of medicine, in Kansas City, He was born in

Gracon County, Texas, in 1864. He is s graduate of the Kansas City

Medical College, and for 27 years has been engaged in the practice of

his profession in that city. During the World War, he enlisted for

service and did volunteer work for the government in Kansas City, until

1918 when he was transferred to Fort Leavenworth, Kan, and was in the

service until the close of the war, He is a son of Stephen C. Ragan and

Josephine (Chiles) Ragan. Stephen T. Ragan was a very early pioneer

of Jackson County, Mo., and served as county marshal there and Josephine

(Chiles) Ragan, was a member of one of the pioneer families of that

county, several members of which are now prominent in the affairs of

Jackson County.

Dr. Stephen T. Ragan, the subject of this sketch, has one brother,

Dr. Walter H. Ragan, who is a practicing dentist in Kansas City, Mo.

During the World War, he served with the Dental Corps, having enlisted

in 1917, he was stationed at Fort Douglas, Arizona.

Dr. Stephen T. Ragan received a good education in the public schools

at Kansas City and then entered the University Medical College of Kan-

sas City, where he was graduated in the class of 1911. He then practiced

medicine in Macon County until 1915. He then served an internship in a

Kansas City hospital and then took post graduate course in Chicago and

engaged in the practice at Moberly, Mo., in August, 1916, and when the

United States entered the World War, he volunteered his services in

April, 1917, and was called into service Aug. 1, 1917, and sent to London,

England, where he was attached to the British Army. He served one

year in London and four months in Belgium. He then was taken sick

with trench fever and after being confined to a hospital for two months,

he returned to duty and served for five months at St. Albans, England.

He was overseas for 22 months and was one of the first three men to go

overseas from Randolph County. He was mustered out of service at

Camp Dix, New Jersey, in May, 1919.

After his discharge from the army, Dr. Ragan resumed his practice

at Moberly and is one of the successful physicians of Randolph County.

 

 

Edward T. Baird

 

 

Edward T. Baird, who is engaged in the second-hand clothing busi-

ness at 529 Reed street, is a descendant of a pioneer Missouri family.

He was born in Adair County, July 8, 1877, and is a son of John and

Susan (Redding) Baird. John Baird was also a native of Adair County

and was a son of William Baird.

William Baird was among the first settlers of Adair County. He

served in the Union Army during the Civil War, and is now at the

National Soldiers’ Home at Leavenworth, Kan., and is in his 97th year.

He was born in Kentucky and upon locating in Adair County, Mo., much

of the land in that section, or nearly all, was government land, and he

entered a farm from the government, and for a number of years, fol-

lowed farming. John Baird, father of Edward T. Baird, died in 1880,

and his remains are buried at Winchester, Kan, His wife survived him

for a number of years and died in 1902. They were the parents of two

children; Mrs. Jennie Williams, who died at Trenton, Mo.: and Edward

T. the subject of this sketch.

Edward T. Baird was educated in the public school at Humphrey,

Mo. and for a number of years was engaged in the restaurant and hotel

business in Nebraska and South Dakota, and for a time conducted a hotel

at Novinger, Mo., and later the depot restaurant there. For a number

of years, he has made a specialty of buying and selling hotels and restau-

rants and carried this line of business on in a way which proved very

profitable. He bought the Purity Candy Shop and Restaurant at Moberly,

which he owned a short time and sold it in March, 1919. He came to Mo-

berly September, 1918, and engaged in his present business.

Mr. Baird was married in 1900 to Grace Vaul of Kirksville, Mo., and

two children have been born to this union; Ray C., a student in the Mob-

erly Business College; and Estella V., Kirksville, Mo.

Mr. Baird is a progressive business man, who has had a varied experi-

ence and has met with uniform success.

 

 

E. G. Rupp

 

 

 

E. G. Rupp, s well known citizen of Moberly, who is an extensive

dealer in coal, wood, sand, crushed stone and junk is a native of Illinois.

He was born at Quincy, Ill, and is the son of F. J. and Hannah Rupp. The

mother died at Moberly in 1900, and the father now resides in this city.

they were the parents of the following children: William, Moberiy,

Mo.; Mary Hannah, Pawhauska, Okia.; Clara, Tulsa, Okia.; Helen, and

Agnes married Elsworth Warner of Moberly, Mo, and R. G., the subject

of this sketch.

E G Rupp came to Moberly with his family and about s year later

began to deal in junk and shortly afterwards engaged in the poultry busi-

ness, handling poultry in carload lots. After a time he sold his poultry

business and engaged in the grocery business which after a time he sold.

However, he continued to handle junk after first engaging in that business.

E. G. Rupp was educated in the Loretta Academy at Moberly and

was reared to a practical knowledge of his father’s business, beginning

work with his father when he was 12 years. In 1911, he bought his

father out, and since that time he has conducted the business which has

developed into large proportions. He has several branches and handles

over 150 carloads annually of junk, alone, which is a large business in

itself, to say nothing of the other commodities in which he deals.

Mr. Rupp is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of

Elks and the Knights of Columbus, He is a progressive citizen and one

of the substantial citizens of Moberly and Randolph County.

 

 

 

Edward U. Short and Patrick J. Short

 

 

 

Edward U. Short and Patrick J. Short, who for more than 30 years

have been well known business men of Moberly, Mo., are substantial citi-

zens of this city. The Short brothers were born in St. Charles, Mo.,

Edward C., in 1866, and Patrick, in 1868, and are the sons of Edward and

Ann (Walsh) Short, both natives of County Limerick, Ireland, who came

to America in 1859. In 1879 Edward Short came to Moberly to enter

the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company, heing assigned to work

in the shops. The mother spent most of her life in Randolph County and

died here in 1886, being survived by her husband until 1902, when he

too passed away and their remains were placed in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

There were nine children born to Edward Short and wife: John de

ceased; Michael, an engineer on the Wabash Railroad, married Kate Burke

of Moberly; Catharine, and Anna all living in Moberly; Edward and

Patrick of this review; Thomas of Prescott, Arizona, married Catharine

Schnell, and William, engaged in the grocery business in Moberly, who

married Nora O’Connell, the daughter of Judge Benjamin O’Connell and

they have two sons, Edward and Wilbur.

Edward and Patrick Short were reared in Moberly and attended the

public and parochial schools and Patrick took a course in the Moberly

Business College, In March, 1891, they engaged in the saloon business at

320 West Coates street, where they became well and faborably known.

In 1898 Patrick Short married Miss Catharine Sours, of Moberly, the

daughter of John and Catharine Sours, both deceased. Two daughters

were born to this union: Catharine and Frances. Edward C. Short is

unmarried and makes his home with his sisters at 515 Logan street and

Patrick G. Short resides at 323 Hagood Street Edward C., Patrick G.

and William are all members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of

Elks.

For many years the Short family has been recognized as one of the

substantial ones of the community; its members are progressive and lib-

eral to any laudable cause for the benefit of Moberly.

 

 

 

Emil Gutekunst

 

 

Emil Gutekunst a prominent member of the Randolph County bar,

and one of the leading lawyers of Moberly, is a native of this county.

He was born in Moberly, Oct. 15, 1878, and is a son of George and

Emilie (Walz) Gutekunst, early settlers of Randolph County, who came

here in 1872. For many years the father was’ engaged in the mercantile

business here and is now living retired at 201 South Clark street.

George and Emilie Walz Gutekunst are the parents of the follow-

ing children: George, Jr., lives in Montana; Emil F., the subject of

this sketch; Arthur, thief clerk in the Moberly postoffice; Fred, a grocer

in Moberly, and Carl, a teacher in the Kansas City High School. Dur-

ing the World War he was instructor of French in the officers’ training

school at Fort Riley He was a teacher in the Moberly High School

prior to the war and enlisted from here.

Emil F. Gutenkust was reared in Moberly and educated in the pub-

lic schools. After obtaining a good education. he read law and was

admitted to the bar in 1904 and began the practice of his profession in

Moberly, where he has continued until the present time. He has a well

equipped office and library at 208 North Williams street and has an ex-

tensive practice. while his practice is of a general nature he gives spe-

cial attention to probate court practice and the settlement of estates.

Mr. Gutekunst was married in 1907 to Miss Dola L. Kaufman, of

Moberly. She is a daughter of George W. and Olive (Lindsay) Kauf-

man of Moberly. Mr. Kaufman came from Illinois to Missouri and is

now engaged in the grocery business here. To Mr. and Mrs. Gutekunst

have been born one daughter, Olive Emilie.

Mr. Gutenkust is a member of the Presbyterian Church and has served as elder for the past fifteen years and for ten years was superin-

tendent of the Sunday school. Mr. Gutenkust has an extensive acquaint-

ance in Moberly and Randolph County and stands high among his fel-

low members of the bar as well as among his friends and neighbors.

 

 

Forrest Martin

 

 

 

Forrest Martin, secretary and treasurer of the Little Dick Clothing

Company of Moberly, is a native son of Randolph County and a descendant

of one of the very early pioneer families of this county. He was born in

Prairie township May 8, 1877 and is the son of Bailey Martin and Martha

Ellen (Davis) Martin. Bailey Martin was born in Prairie township,

Randolph County, Aug. 8, 1827. He was reared to manhood in this

county and followed farming and stock raising here all his life, and had a

successful career. He died Dec. 24, 1908 and his remains are buried in

the Davis Cemetery. He was the son of Henry Martin, a native of Ken-

tucky who was a pioneer settler of Prairie township, when that town-

ship included what is now Sugar Creek, Silver Creek and Salt Spring

township. When he came here he entered government land, taking up

about a section and this property is now owned by the Bailey Martin

heirs. Henry Martin spent his entire life in Randolph County, after

coming here and died about the age of 84 years. He was prominent in

early day affairs of this county and served as justice of the peace

of Prairie township for a number of years.

Bailey Martin was united in marriage in Prairie township, Feb. 18,

1852 with Miss Martha Ellen Davis. She was a daughter of Joseph and

Permelia (Kirkpatrick) Davis who were also very early pioneer settlers

in Prairie township. They were Kentuckians and drove through from

that state to Randolph County on horseback. They both spent their lives

in this county and their remains are buried in Davis Cemetery. Mrs.

Martha Ellen (Davis) Martin is now 82 years of age and resides on the

home place in Prairie township.

To Bailey and Martha Ellen (Davis) Martin were born 13 children,

all of whom are living as follow: Mollie, married Lee Shirley, now de-

ceased and she resides in Colorado; Ida, married T. S. Hines who is now

deceased and she resides in Texas; Ella, widow of the late T. T. Patton,

Moberly; Laura, married Noah Burkhead and lives in Prairie township;

Prof. W. H. Kansas City, Mo.; J. R., president of the Little Dick Cloth-

ing Company, Moberly; Hannah, married J. J. Christian, Moberly; Mattie,

resides at home with her mother; J. D., with the Little Dick Clothing

Company; Luther, agent for the Wabash Railroad Company at DeWitt,

Mo.; Florence resides at home with her mother; Omar, manager of the

Wolff-Berger Company, Moberly and Forrest, the subject of this sketch.

Forrest Martin was reared on the home farm and received his edu-

cation in the public schools. He began his career as a clerk in Moberly’

and in 1907 he was elected county clerk of Randolph County and served

in that capacity in a capable and efficient manner until 1911 when he

bought a half interest in the Little Dick Clothing Company which had

been established by his brother J. R., in 1897 and since that time he has

devoted himself to this business,

Mr. Martin was married July 1, 1900 to Miss Sallie G. Perkins, of

Moberly, Mo., the marriage ceremony being performed at the home of

the bride’s grandmother, Mrs. Sallie Peeler at Rocheport, Mo. Mrs. Mar-

tin is a daughter of Rev. G. A. Perkins, a minister of the Christian denom-

ination. To Mr. and Mrs. Martin have been born two children: Martha

Maurine a student in Linwood College, and Doris Margaret, at home with

her parents.

Mr. Martin is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of

Elks, the Loyal Order of Moose and Modern Woodmen of America. He

is a substantial citizen and one of Moberly’s most progressive business

men.

Frank B. Wegs

 

 

 

Frank B. Wegs, owner and proprietor of the Moberly Cornice Works,

is one of the leading sheet metal workers and tinners and probably the old-

est in the business in Moberly, He is a native of Illinois and was born

in Brown County, Ill., May 16, 1872. His parents were John B. and

Catherine (Stark) Wegs, both of whom are deceased. The mother died

at Quincy, ILL 1907, and the father died in 1903, and their remains are

buried in St. Francis cemetery, Quincy, Ill. They were the parents of

the following children: Mrs. Louise Newman, deceased; Mrs. Gertrude

Rupp, Moberly, Mo.; Frank B., the subject of this sketch; Henry, Quincy,

Ill., and William, Quincy, Ill. The mother of these children was twice

married her first husband being a Mr. Karsteincr and three children

were born to that union: John and Barney, of Quincy, Ill., and Mrs. Liz-

zie Wegs, Mt. Sterling, Ill.

Frank B. Wegs was educated in the parochial schools at Mt. Sterling,

Ill., and he also attended the district schools. He has made his own

war in the world since he was 12 years of age. At the age of 15, he

began working at the tinner’s trade at Quincy. Ill., and 18 months

later he went to Monroe City, Mo., where he remained about a year.

In 1886 he came to Moberly and worked at the sheet-metal and tinner’s

trade for Ben Kanetnier for eleven years, after which he was engaged

in farming for eight years and in 1908 he bought Mr. Kanetnier’s business

and since that time has been engaged in business for himself at Moberly.

He does all kinds of sheet metal and wai-m air heating work. He owns

his own building which is located at 111 West Coates street and is

unusually well equipped to handle his line of work. His building was

destroyed by fire Jan. 18, 1911, when the OKeef building burned. Mr.

Wegs immediately rebuilt and on the 3rd of the following March, about

40 days from the date of the fire, he had rebuilt and his building was

ready for occupancy.

Mr. Wegs was married May 30 1894, to Miss Mary Stinkamp, a

daughter of Herman Stinkamp of Moberly, He is now deceased and

his widow lives in Moberly. To Mr. and Mrs. Wegs have been born eight

children as follows: Loretta, married Frank Davit, Moberly Hulda, mar-

ried Earnest Wingfield Moberly; Clarence, Mabel, Emil, Helen, Marie

and Regina, all residing at home with their parents. They have two

grandchildren, William Davit and James Wingfield.

Mr. Wegs is one of Moberly’s substantial business men.

 

 

 

Frank C McAfee

 

 

Frank C McAfee.—The McAfee Mill and Commission Company of

Moberly of which Frank C. McAfee is owner and proprietor, began busi-

ness in this city in 1896 and has been at its present location, the corner

of Clark and Rollins streets since 1908. There are ten men employed

in connection with this business which consists of dealing in grain and

grinding wheat, corn and feed cereals and also the manufacture of patent

stock foods. The mill has a capacity of about 25 barrels of flour and 100

barrels of meal daily. Besides the grinding and manufacturing a gen-

eral wholesale business is also carried on in flour, feed, hay and grain.

Frank C. McAfee, proprietor of the McAfee Mill and Commission

Company, was born in Lafayette County, April 11, 1875. He is the son

of George L. and Julia A. (Smith) McAfee, both of whom are now de-

ceased. George L. McAfee was born in Mercer County, Ky., in 1852

and came to Missouri in 1872, locating near Holliday, Monroe County.

There he was married to Julia A. Smith and moved to Lafayette County

when he returned to Monroe County where he died and is buried at

Paris. After his death his wife married Thomas E. Crow of Monroe

County and later came to Moberly where she died in 1917 and her remains

are buried in Oakland Cemetery. The children born to her second mar-

riage are William B. and Thomas E. junior both of whom are connected

with the McAfee Mill and Commission Company; Nellie E. married Ray

Coons of Houston, Texas and Isabell married Roy Prather of Kansas

City, who is with the Fidelity Trust Company of Kansas City.

Frank C. McAfee was educated in the public schools and the Moberly

High School and in 1896 organized the McAfee Mill and Commiasion Com-

pany and has conducted that business till the present time, This busi-

ness has expanded under his management until there are now eight

branches of the business located in various sections of the state. One

at Brunswick has an elevator capacity of 30,000 bushels. Their elevator

at Huntsville, which was completed in the fall of 1919, is strictly modern

and one of the best in the country, has a capacity of 10,000 bushels. The

Randolph Milling Company, a corporation owned by the McAfee family

has a daily capacity of 50 barrels of flour. The Holliday elevator was

completed in 1919 and has a capacity of 6,000 bushels. Frank C. McAfee’s

father, George L. McAfee, began farming in Monroe County years ago,

within a 100 yards of where this elevator now stands. The City Feed

Store of Paris, Mo., is a branch of the McAfee business and they also have

a store at Madison, Mo, and one at Jacksonville, F. C. McAfee also con-

ducts an automobile sales agency at 112 Rollins street, Moberly and

handles the Studebaker, ‘Cadillac and Brisco automobiles and also trucks

and tractors, This business was started in 1917 and in 1919, 63 cars

were sold. Mr. McAfee also owns valuable real estate interests in

Moberly and vicinity.

Mr. McAfee was maried April 21, 1898 to Miss Letha G. Smothers,

of Randolph County, a daughter of Daniel Smothers who is now deceased

and his widow resides in Moberly. To Mr. and Mrs. McAfee have been

born two children: Louise and Gertrude who reside at home with their

parents.

Mr. McAfee and his family are members of the Central Christian

church.

 

 

Frank Hartley EstilI

 

 

Frank Hartley EstilI.The Estill Floral Company of Moberly of which

Frank Hartley Estill is the owner and manager, is one of the impor

tant industrial enterprises of this city. It was founded in 1906 by

Mrs Rebecca S. Estill mother of Frank H Estill. The greenhouses, of

which there are seven, are located at 707 Gilman Street. Seven of

these house.s are 16x90 feet and one of them is 30 x100 feet. The corn-

pany has its own water system and the greenhouses OCCUpY five acres

of ground between Carpenter and Gilman streets and Fort Street and

the city limits. There is employed here a regular force of five men

and during the summer season several more. This company does an

extensive business in flowers floral designs and plants and 90 per cent.

of the business done by this concern is outside of the city of Moberly.

Orders are filled from various towns and cities over a broad scope of

territory.

Frank Hartley Estill is a veteran of the World War. He was

reared in Moberly, educated in the public schools and was graduated

from the Moberly High School in the class of 1910. Afterwards he

attended the University of Missouri for two terms and since that time,

except the time spent in the army during the World War, he has de-

voted himself to the management of the Estill Floral Company.

Frank H. Estill is a son of H. V. and Rebecca S. tHendricks) Estill.

The father was born in Charleston, W. Va., Feb. 2, 1856, and died at

Moberly Dec 4, 1919. H. V. Estill came to Moberly from his native

state about 1884. He was a civil engineer and for some time was in the

employ of the Wabash Railroad Company. He installed the city water

works of Moberly and for 20 years was superintendent of chat depart-

ment and resigned from that position in order to devote his attention

to the floral business in which he was engaged for a number of years.

Rebecca S. (Hendricks) Estill was born in old Milton, Randolph County,

and was a descendant of one of the very early pioneer families of this

county. She was a daughter of Capt. Stephen M Hendricks, a Con-

federate veteran who enlisted in Randolph County and served under

General Sterling Price until the time of his death. He was killed at

the hattie of Corinth, Miss. John Dameron, great grandfather of Frank

Hartley Estill, on the maternal side, was a pioneer merchant of Milton,

Randolph County. He spent his life here and is buried in Oakland ceme-

tery. Mrs. Estill died April 4, 1916, aged 54 years, and is buried in

Oakland cemetery.

July 24. 1918, Frank H. Estill enlisted in the United States army

at Moberly and was sent to Camp Funston for training and after three

months there he was transferred co Camp Mills, N. Y.. anti about Nov.

1 1918, he embarked for France, a member of Brigade Headquarters,

10th Field Artillery, with the rank of corporal. He then was stationed

at Camp DeSouge. near Bordeaux, where he was trained for service as

n wireless telegraph operator. After the armistice was signed he re-

mained in France until March, 1919, when he was returned to the United

States and received his honorable discharge at Camp Grant. Ill., March

31, 1919.

Mr. Estill is a member of the American Legion, Theodore Bazan

Post, and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Moberly Lodge No.344

He also holds membership in the Moberly Chamber of Commerce

and the Retail Merchants Association.He is one of the progressive

and enterprising young men of Moberly and has a wide business acquaintance

and many friends

 

 

Garfield A. Smith

 

 

Garfield A. Smith, of Moberly, is one of the widely known and suc-

cessful automobile dealers of the state. He handles the Maxwell, Chal-

mers, Oakland, Hupmobile cars, Sampson tractors, trucks, and has an

automobile repair business, service station and deals in accessories of

all kinds and also tires, Mr. Smith also represents the Almo Farm Power

and Lighting System. His office and garage is located at 523-525 West

Reed street. Moberly, with branches at Fayette, New Franklin and Hunts-

ville.

Garfield A. Smith was born in Macon County, Mo., Oct. 8, 1880.

His parents were George R. and Sarah M. (Ballenger) Smith, to whom

but two children were born, Garfield A., the subject of this sketch, and

Zelva, who married E. D. Houston, of Kansas City, Mo. The father also

was born in Macon County in 1857 and his parents were Kentuckians

and early settlers of this state. George R. Smith was a farmer and now

lives in retirement at Macon, Mo. Garfield A. Smith was reared on his

father’s farm and attended the district school in the winter time and

helped on the home farm in the summers. After finishing the public

schools of Macon County, he entered the State Normal School at Kirks-

ville, where he was graduated from the four year course in 1901. He

then taught school in the Macon County schools until 1903, when he

entered the mail service at Bevier, Mo. As this work did not take up

all his time, Mr. Smith accepted a position in a mercantile establishment

there until 1912. He then came to Moberly and engaged in the automo-

bile business. When he started out in life he had $34.00; his father

gave him a horse and this he sold for $35, which was his start. His

stock is now rated, conservatively, at $75,000.

On April 17, 1917, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Elgia L. Stokes,

a native of Cairo, Randolph County. She is a daughter of Thomas W.

and Janara (Brown) Stokes, natives of Missouri, now living in Moberly.

Mr. Stokes for many years was one of the successful farmers and stock

raisers of this section who has retired from active business.

Mr, Smith is a Democrat and he and Mrs. Smith are members of

the Christian church, and Mr. Smith is a member of the Benevolent and

Protective Order of Elks. Mr, Smith is a progressive and public spirited

citizen of Moberly and is recognized as one of the substantial business

men of Randolph County.

 

 

George P. Eddings

 

 

 

George P. Eddings, secretary and treasurer of the Randolph County

Trust Company, has been identified with the financial and banking inter-

ests of Randolph County for more than 15 years and during that time

has honestly won a high place in the esteem of the residents of this sec

tion, He is a native son of Randolph County, born on a farm four miles

southwest of Moberly, Dec. 16, 1880, He is the son of William and

Moline (Patton) Eddings, both in Moberly. For many years he was en-

gaged in farming and later lived in Moberly, where he was engaged in

the real estate business, but some ten years ago retired. Moline (Pat-

ton) Eddings was born on the same farm as her son, George P., in 1857,

and died in 1908 and was buried in Oakland Cemetery. She was the

daughter of George and Lucy Ann (Melton) Patton, both of whom were

born and spent their youth in Kentucky and after their marriage be-

came pioneer settlers of Salt Springs township, Randolph County, spend-

ing their lives there. Theopolis Eddings, George Eddings, paternal grand-

father, came to Kentucky and settled south of Huntsville on a farm at

a very early date and lived there until his death.

George P. Eddings received his educational advantages in the public

schools of Moberly, graduating from the high school in 1900 and the

next year entered the Bank of Moberly as a bookkeeper. He was rapidly

advanced from one position of trust to another so that when he resigned

from the bank in 1916 he was assistant cashier. For three years, follow-

ing his resignation, Mr. Eddings was engaged in the real estate business

here; then in association with Charles Hon, he became one of the prime

movers in the establishment and organization of the Randolph Trust

Company, becoming its secretary and treasurer when the company was

organized.

Aug. 21, 1911, Mr. Eddings married Miss Ethel Bradley, of Arm-

strong, Mo., the daughter of George and Lillie Bradley and one child

has been born to them, Moline Patton. The Eddings family home is at

629 South Williams street. Mr. Eddings is a Mason, He is progressive

and ever ready to help in the promotion of every movement that tends to

the development and improvement of Randolph County and the city of

Moberly.

 

 

Gustave Freysleben

 

 

Gustave Freysleben, who is successfully engaged in the meat busi-

ness at 209 Reed street is one of the well known and progressive business

men of Moberly. Mr. Freysleben began business in this city in 1902.

He came here from San Diego, Calif., where he had spent 32 years. He

came to Moberly an absolute stranger and by his straightforward methods

and fair dealings, it was not long until he had permanently established

himself in the business affairs of this city and had acquired an extensive

acquaintance.

Mr. Freysleben is a native of Illinois and a son of Gustave Freys-

leben, who in the prime of manhood, enlisted for service in the Union

Army during the Civil War, becoming a member of the 44th Illinois Volun

teer Infantry. He enlisted as a private and in the course ~of his military

career rose to the rank of major. During the last few months of the

war, he was severely wounded and returned to his home in Chicago where

he died shortly afterwards from the effect of his wounds. His wife died

about a year prior to the death of her husband. Gustave Freysleben, the

subject of this sketch, and three other children were left orphans. The

other three children were Fred, Louis and Elizabeth, whose present

whereabouts are unknown. Mr. Freysleben has made every effort in

years past to locate his brothers and sister through newspaper advertis-

ing and other efforts without avail.

Mr. Freysleben was about seven years old when his parents died

and when he was about ten years of age, he began work in a butcher shop

in Chicago at the corner of 12th street and Central avenue. He learned

the butcher business by hard work and close application to .the business.

Life came to him as a stern reality at an early age and he obtained a

good practical business education in the hard school of experience and

there laid the foundation for his subsequent successful career.

Mr. Freysleben was united in marriage at San Diego, Calif. in 1901

to Miss Katherine Held. She is a native of Moberly and a daughter of

the late John Held who was a well known prioeer citizen of Moberly and

Randolph County.

Mr. Freysleben has a pleasant home at 807 West Reed street. He

is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Benevolent and

Protective Order of Elks. He is one of Moberly’s substantial citizens.

 

 

H. A. Grimes

 

 

H. A. Grimes, payroll clerk of the Wabash Railroad Company, is one

of the well and favorably known citizens of Moberly and a member of

one of the prominent pioneer families of Randolph County. He was born

just east of Moberly near the city limits Nov. 12, 1861 and is the son of

W. G. and Virginia F. (Terrill) Grimes both of whom are deceased.

W. G. Grimes was a native of Virginia and came to Missouri with

his parents who settled in Randolph County, east of Moberly where he

and his wife spent the remainder of their lives, W. G. Grimes was reared

to farm life and followed farming and the dairy business and also worked

at the carpenter trade. Later he conducted a grocery store in Moberly.

He died at the age of 77 years and his wife died at the age of 72 years.

They were the parents of the following children: H. A., the subject of

this sketch; Minta Grimes, who resides in Moberly; Mrs. Annie Garrett

lives in Monroe County, Mo.; Henrietta, died in infancy; James was a

locomotive engineer and died at Moberly at the age of 40 years; Mrs.

Lena L. Thackston, Moberly, Mo.; Lucretia, married Omar Martin.

H. A. Grimes was reared in Randolph County and educated in the

public schools and graduated from the Moberly High School in 1880.

He and W. A. Rothwell who is now deceased were the first two graduates

from the Moberly High School. Mr. Rothwell was later prominent in

the affairs of Randolph County and a leading Democrat of the state. He

served as chairman of the State Democratic Committee. At one time

he was a law partner of Alex H. Waller the editor of this history.

After completing school Mr. Grimes became a clerk in the clothin

store of A. B. Thompson and Company of Moberly and was in the employ

of that concern for 12 years. He then was employed by the Martin Clot

ing Company for a time and for two years clerked in a grocery store

He then served as constable and deputy sheriff for four years. In April

1904, he entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company as clerk

and timekeeper and in March, 1913, he was promoted to payroll clerk and

has held that position to the present time. Mr. Grimes is capable and

efficient and a conscientious employee.

Mr. Grimes was married in 1885 to Miss Betty Barnes of Moberly

who departed this life in February, 1913 and her remains are buried in

Oakland Cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Grimes were born two children:

Lena, married J. J. Dameron, of Kansas City, Mo., and they have one

child, Elizabeth Dameron; and Opal married l. E. McCabe, of Moberly,

Mo.

Mr. Grimes is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and

one of the well known and highly respected citizens of Randolph County.

 

 

 

H.Frank Holman

 

 

H.Frank Holman. public administrator of Randolph County, senior

partner in the Peoples steam Laundry and vice-president of the Moberly

Chamber of Commerce is one of the well known and progressive citizens

of Randolph County. Mr. Holman is a native of Randolph County and a

descendant of one of the early prominent pioneer families of this part

of the state. He was born in Chariton township, Randolph County, Feb.

12, 1861 and is a son of James M. and Margaret L. (Harlan) Holman.

James M. Holman was also a native of Randolph County, born in

Chariton township, March 20, 1551. He was a son of Joseph Holman,

who was a native of Kentucky and a pioneer of Chariton township, Ran-

dolph County, where he settled at a very early date. James M. Holman

died Nov. 18, 1907 and his remains are buried in Mt. Carmel cemetery.

He spent his life in this county and was one of its successful citizens.

He was a progressive farmer and stockman and influential in the county.

Margaret L. (Harlan) Holman, his wife preceeded her husband in death

a number of years. She died in 1887 and her remains are also buried in

Mt. Cannel cemetery. They were the parents of seven children of whom

H. Frank is the only one living. The others are Mrs. Martha J. Cobb,

Mrs. Mary Foster, George I.. Mrs. Sarah Thomas and two died in infancy.

After the death of his first wife James M. Holman married Mrs. Bettie

(Hurt) Powell and one son was born to this union, Payton Y. Holman

who lives in Chariton township.

H. Frank Holman was reared on his father’s farm and educated in the

public schools and for ten years was engaged in farming and stock rais-

ing. In 1892 he came to Moberly and engaged in the real estate and in-

surance business. Later he disposed of his business and went west on

account of his wife’s health and upon his return to Moberly in 1899 he

engaged in the laundry business which he purchased from J. C. Irvin.

This was a small concern at that time and had been started by S. S. San-

ford who sold it to J. J. Stephens before J. C. Irvin owned it. This was

the beginning of the Peoples Steam Laundry which has developed to itS

present pronortions since Mr. Holman purchased it. The laundry was

formerly operated in s building 25x75 feet and now occupies a building

100x120 feet, located on the corner of North Williams and Rollins streets

in what is known as the Holman building. This is one of the best

equipped laundries in the country and does an extensive business H.

Frank Holmans son, James W., is a partner in the laundry business and

is the superintendent.

For the past nine years H. Frank Holman has been engaged in road

work. He is president of the Moberly Special Road District and has

charge of the Moberly Road District. He is president of the North Mis-

souri Cross State Highway from St. Louis to Kansas City via Moberly.

The work so far has been confined largely to grading and bridge building.

Mr. Holman has made a careful study of road improvement work and is

working out some of the problems of this difficult question very satis-

factorily and making splendid progress. He is now serving his third

term as public administrator of Randolph County.

Mr. Holman has been twice married. His first wife, Miss Linda S.

Vasse to whom he was married in 1887, died Nov. 23, 1898. Two chil-

dren were born to this union J, W., who is his father’s partner in the

Peoples Steam Laundry and Percey F., who was a railway brakeman and

killed in an accident at Walsenburg, Colo Mr. Holman was married the

second time to Miss Minnie Guy. of Moberly, Mo., in 1908, and one child

has been born to this union, Raymond G., who is nine years of age.

Mr. Holman is a member of the Presbyterian church and the Knights

of Pythias Lodge. He is vice-president of the Moberly Chamber of Com-

merce. He is one of the widely known progressive and enterprising

citizens of Randolph County who stands ever ready to do his part to pro-

mote the betterment and upbuilding of his native county and its institu-

tions.

 

 

Hartley A. McCoy

 

 

Hartley A. McCoy, chief clerk to the master mechanic of the Wabash

Railroad at Moberly, Mo., is one of the well known and substantial citizens

of Randolph County. Mr. McCoy was born at Ottumwa, Iowa, Nov.8

1875, and is the son of Alexander Brown and Jennie Elizabeth Thomp

son) McCoy, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Tennesse

The mother was accidentally killed at the Coates street railroad crossing

in Moberly in 1903 and her remains rest in Oakland Cemetery and the

father of whom a sketch appears in this volume resides in Moberly.He

is now county judge of Randolph County from the western district.To

Alexander Brown and Jennie Elizabeth (Thompson) McCoy were born

the following children: Hartley A., the subject of this sketch, and Bertha

who married William Stephens, Sedalia, Mo.

Hartley A. McCoy came to Moberly with his parents and was edu-

cated in the public schools here. He has made his own way since he was

16 years old, beginning as an office boy in the general foreman’s office of

the Wabash machine shops at Moberly. He then served three years

apprenticeship as a pattern maker and then entered the master car’

builder’s office at Moberly in a clerical capacity and on Jan. 1, 1913, he

became chief clerk to the master mechanic and has since served in that

capacity. Mr. McCoy has had a vast amount of experience and is one of

the valued and trusted employees of the Wabash Railroad Company, hav-

ing been steadily in the employ of this company since 1891.

Mr. McCoy is a member of the National Union, Modern Woodmen of

America and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Mr. McCoy and

his daughter, Louise, who is a graduate of the Moberly High School, re-

side with Mr. McCoy’s father at 320 Burkhart street, Moberly, Mo.

 

 

Henry R. Terrill

 

 

Henry R. Terrill, of the firm of Terrill Brothers, which is composed o

Henry R. and Vincent C. Terrill, is one of the well known and reliable retail

shoe establishments in the city of Moberly and has an extensive patron

age. The Terrill Brothers have been engaged in business here for

number of years

The Terrill family is one of the old substantial pioneer families of~

Randolph County and the various members of this family have been~

identified with the growth and development of this county for considerably~

more than half a century.

Henry R. Terrill, the senior member of the firm of Terrill Brothers,.’

is a native of Randolph County and was born in Sugar Creek township,

Dec. 3, 1869. He is a son of John R. and Ann (Roberts) Terrill. John

R. Terrill came to Randolph County about 1854 when he was 18 years of

age, and entered government land about two miles south of the present

city of Moberly and this land is still owned by his descendants. Two

of his brothers, James and Robert Green, served in the Confederate army

and both were killed. James Terrill served with General Price and was

killed and Robert Green was serving with General Morgan’s command in

Kentucky when he was killed.

John R. Terrill was a son of William Terrill, who came to Randolph

County at the same time that his son, John R., came and owned an

adjoining farm. He was a native of Kentucky and was in that state on

a visit at the time of his death. His remains were brought back to

Randolph County and buried in Oakland cemetery. John R. Terrill, father

of Henry R., lived on the same farm in Randolph County for 50 years.

He died in 1907. His wife preceded him in death several years, having

died in 1875. Their remains are both interred in Oakland cemetery.

Henry R. Terrill was educated in the public schools and was grad-

uated from the Moberly High School in 1890. He then entered the Mis-

souri University at Columbia and was a student in that institution for

three years. after which he was engaged in farming about one year.

He then, in partnership with Joe W Mullen, purchased the shoe business

of Victor and Given in Moberly. Later he sold his interest to Mr. Mullen

and engaged in farming for about four years. The present firm of

Terrill Brothers was organized and they engaged in the retail shoe busi-

ness which they have since continued and this firm is now one of the

mercantile landmarks of Moberly.

Henry R. Terrill was married in 1896 to Goldena Mounce, a daughter

of A. M. and Martha (Morrison) Mounce of Moberly. A history of the

Mounce family appears in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Terrill have

been born the following children: John M., a graduate of the Moberly

High School and now an .employee in the Terrill Brothers’ store; Mar-

garet Ruth, also a graduate of the Moberly High School, is bookkeeper

for Terrill Brothers’ store; Mary Emma, a student in the Missouri Uni-

versity; Robert, Dorothy and Martha.

John M. Terrill, the eldest son of Henry R., was a student in the

University of Missouri when the United States entered the World War,

and in 1917 he enlisted in the Officers’ Training School at Camp Han-

cock, Ga., and was attached to the 15th Company, 3rd Battalion, and

was stationed at Camp Hancock until the armistice was signed. After

receiving his training he was retained at Camp Hancock as a military

instructor and was in the service about one year. He is a member of

the Theodore Bazan Post No 6

 

 

Houston Mathews

 

 

Houston Mathews, now living retired at Moberly, is a native of Ran-

dolph County, and a member of one of the historic old pioneer families

of Missouri. He was born six miles east of Moberly in 1846, and is a son

of Peter H. and Etline (Calloway) Mathews. Etline Calloway belonged

to the Calloway family who settled at Old Franklin, Mo., with the Boones,

Bryants and Flanders family who were the first settlers in that locality.

When she was a child, Etline Calloway lived in the old fort which was

built at Old Franklin for protection against hostile Indians. She was

born in 1819 and died in 1905, and her remains were buried in Oakland

Cemetery.

Peter H. Mathews was born near Nashville, Tenn., in 1817. He was

a son of William Mathews, who was an officer in the War of 1812 and

served under General Jackson as a captain at the battle of New Orleans,

and he is buried in the same cemetery where Andrew Jackson was buried.

William Mathew’s father was a Revolutionary soldier and served under

Washington, William Mathews, grandfather of Houston Mathews, mar-

ried Betsey Hontas, who was a neice of Pocahontas. Dr. Tennessee

Mathews an uncle of Houston Mathews, who was born at Dixon Springs,

Smith County, Tenn., Oct. 12, 1810, and died Feb. 15, 1887, was a grand-

son of the Mathews who with the Emetts and O’Connels, were the found-

ers of the United Irishmen. His name was Alexander Mathews and he

settled at Jefferson City, Mo. and died there.

To Peter H. and Etline (Calloway) Mathews were born the following

children: J. G.,. was born in Tennessee and is now deceased; Ruth, died

in 1842; Mrs. Fannie Irons, Decatur, Ill. Houston, the subject of this

sketch; Mrs. Mary Weed, deceased; William, deceased; and Mrs.Mattie

Stidger, deceased.

Houston Mathews was reared in Randolph County and received his

education in an old log school house of the early day primitive type which

stood just east of Moberly for many years. When a boy Mr. Mathews

worked on farms, mills and followed lumbering and in 1866 he came to

Moberly. This was about the time the town was platted and the first

sale of lots was taking place. After that Mr. Mathews went to Texas

and in 1870 returned to Moberly. In 1875, he went to the Black Hills

and to California, returning to Moberly the same year. He then worked w

for Woods and Allen as a bartender for a time and in 1878 bought their -

business, which he conducted until July, 1918.

Mr, Mathews is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order

Elks.

 

 

I B Forney

 

 

I B Forney, proprietor of the I. B. Forney Ladies Ready to Wear

Clothing Store is one of the successful merchants of Moberly and con-

ducts one of the leading establishments of this section, dealing exclu-

siviley in ladies’ ready to wear garments. Mr. Forney has been engaged

in the mercantile business in Moberly for over 40 years, and during that

time has built tip a reputation which extends over a large scope of terri

tory and the name, Forney, means the last word in style and quality.

I. B. Forney was born at West Liberty, Ohio County, Va., March 14,

1861. He is a son of D. S. Forney and Henrietta (Beatty) Forney. -The~.

mother was born in Cambridge, Ohio, in 1836 and died in Moberly Mo.,

in 1872. D. S. Forney was a native of Virginia, born in 1834. lIe came

to Moberly in 1867; prior to that time he was a wool buyer in this section.

Here he engaged in the dry goods business which he conducted for a

number of years. He was one of the successful pioneer merchants of

Moberly and at the time of his death in 1912, he was the oldest merchant

in this city. He lived to the age of 78 years and his remains rest by the

side of his wife in Oakland Cemetery.

D S. Dorney was a son of Dr. D. S. Forney Sr., who was born in

Reistertown, Maryland, and died in Burlington, Ia. lie was a highly

educated man and a graduate of Yale, having received his (legree when

he was 21 years of age. He practice(l medicine for 70 years. his first

wife bore the maiden name of Buchanan an(l she was a niece ol President

James Buchanan. Their marriage ceremony was perfoimed by Rev.

Alexander Campbell, founder of the Christian church.

D S. Forney, father of I B. Forney, was not only a successful

merchant, but took an active part in the civic affairs of Moberly He

served three terms as mayor of this city and during that period much

public improvement was made, including a sewer system and water

works, as well as other improvements.

I. B. Forney is one of the following children born to his parents:

May Miller, deceased ; I. B., the subject of this sketch.; Mrs. Etta Ditty,

deceased; and Frank B. a merchant of Moberly.

I. B. Forney was educated in the public schools of Moberly and was

brought up in the mercantile business. He engaged in the dry goods

business for himself at Moberly in 1894, at his present location. Here

he continued in the general drygoods business until about 1918, when

he began to specialize in ladies’ ready to wear clothing and abandoned the

general drygoods business and has buit up an extensive business in this

particular line. He is a discriminating buyer and makes regular trips

to the eastern markets and manufacturers to purchase his stock and study

the styles and the I. B. Forney store can always be depended upon to

stand in the forefront in style as well as quality.

The store is located at 400 Reed Street and is equipped with the most

modern fixtures. Mr. Forney is the owner of the building, the first floor

which is occupied by his business and the upper floors is rented for

office purposes.

Mr. Forney was united in marriage Jan. 1, 1895 with Miss Ida Tredeman

of St. Louis, Mo., and two daughters have been born to this union:

Henrietta and Irene, both graduates of the Moberly High School.

Mr. Forney is a progressive business man and stands high in the community

 

Ira F. Harlan, M. D

 

 

Ira F. Harlan, M. D., former owner and manager of the Harlin Cigar

and Tobacco Company, located at 223 N. Clark street, Moberly, No., has

been one of the progressive and well known business men of this city for

over a decade and a half and during that period has earned a place H high

standing in the community. Doctor Harlan was born at Kirksville Mo.,

Oct. 2, 1871, the son of Ira G. and Nancy (Nicholas) Harlan, both natives

of Adair County, Mo., where they were reared, educated and later met

and married in 1868. Ira G. Harlan, after reaching maturity became a

merchant and was engaged in that business in Kirksville.

There were four children in the Harlan family: M. M., deceased; L.

E., working for the Missouri Pacific Railroad at Denver, Col D. R.,

Kellogg, Idaho, and Ira F., the subject of this review. The children spent

their childhood and early youth in Kirksville and attended the public

schools of that town and after Ira F. had completed his elementary edu-

cation he entered the Barnes Medical College, In 1897 he was granted

the degree of Doctor of Medicine from that institution, passed the state

medical examination, In the fall of the year opened an office at Stan-

bury, Mo., where he began the practice. Dr. Harlan built up a good

practice, but in 1904 he decided to come to Moberly and after locating

in this city entered upon a business closely associated with medicine, that

of drugs. The doctor opened a store at the corner of 4th and Reed

streets, where he soon became recognized as one of the leading business

men in his line. He carried an up-to-date stock, paid strict attention to

the prescription business, catered to the present day demands of a drug-

gist and had a satisfactory business. He sold his business to Rucker

Brothers in 1911. He then engaged in the retail and wholesale cigar

business. Doctor Harlan is on the road himself doing his own selling to

the retailers of this section, He is a man of genial presence, pays strict

attention to the business, has many good friends and is considered one

of the best commercial men of this section of the state. Year by year

his wholesale business grew and in 1920 he sold out and is moving to

California.

In 1902, Doctor Harlan married Miss Ethel G. Ross, of Stansbury,

Mo., the daughter of John A. and Martha (Howell) Ross. The father is

now deceased and the mother resides at Stanbury. Two children were

born to this union: Martha Ann, at home and Ross, who died in his 14th

year, Nov. 30, 1918.

Dr, Harlan is one of the popular men of Moberly who supports all

progressive movements, He is a Knights Templar Mason and a Shriner

and belongs to the Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the

Modern Woodmen, the Yeomen and the Travelers Protective Association.

He served as mayor of Moberly two terms. He was elected in 1915 on

the Democratic ticket. The present fire department was inaugurated

under his administration and additional improvements to city water

works made.

 

 

J B Jennings

J B Jennings Vice President of

Mechanics Savings Bank and one

of the well known bankers of

this section of the state was

born at West

Union, W. Va. and is the

son of Hiram and Emely

(Davis) Jennings, the

former a native of Pennsylvania

and the latter of Virginia.

Mr. Jennings is a descendant

of old Virginia stock, including

the Randolph and Davis

families. Hiram Jennings came to

Missouri with his family in 1874 and

settled at Moberly. Here he was

engaged in the dry goods and grocery

and lumber business during his

active business career and met with suc-

cess and during his time was one of

the substantial business men of this

section. He died in 1898 and his wife

died in 1895. Their remains are

buried in West Union, W. Va. They

were the parents of one other child

besides J. B. Clara, who is now

the widow of W. L. Irwin and resides in

Kansas City, Mo. Three brothers

are deceased: William, Howard, and

the youngest who died in infancy.

J. B. Jennings received his

education in the high school of Moberly

and in 1879 entered the Mechanics

Savings Bank and has been connected

with this institution continuously

until the present time. Nothwithstand

ing, Mr. Jenning’s career has has

been first of all that of a banker, he has

always found time to devote a portion

of his time to public and civic affairs

and take a good citizens interest

in the welfare of the community. He

served as treasurer of the city of

Moberly .for 18 years and for 12 years

was treasurer of the Moberly School

Board. He has been prominently

identified with the Missouri Banker’s

Association for a number of years

and at various ions times has served

as treasurer, vice-president and president

of that organization. He is a member

of the American Banker’s Associa-

tion and at the present time is a

member of the executive council of that

organization.

Mr. Jennings was married in 1896

to Miss Frances W. Wight, a daugh~

ter of James W., Sr. and Auleria

(Fullenwider) Wight, of Moberly. further

mention of whom is made in this volume.

To Mr. and Mrs. Jennings have

been born two children. The elder,

Howard Wight, age 21 years, is now

a student in the University of Colorado,

at Boulder, Cob. He began mili-

tary training at the age of 18 years

and when he was 21 years of age, he

was captain of Company 1 at Boulder,

Col The younger child, Frances

E. is at home with her parents.

Mr. Jenning’s home is located at 520 W

Rollins Street on the site of the

old Jennings home which was destroyed

by fire where his parents lived for 20 years.

 

J. E. Sanford

 

 

J. E. Sanford. proprietor of the New York Store, of Moberly, Mo.,

is one of the progressive and enterprising business men of Moberly and

Randolph County

The New York Store was founded in 1915 by J. E. Sanford and C. 0.

Selders. In 1920, Mr. Sanford purchased his partner’s interest and is

now the sole owner and proprietor. The New York Store is located at

309-311 West Reed street and occupies a frontage of 30 feet. This store

carries n full line of dry goods shoes, men’s furnishings. rugs and no-

tions Mr. Sanford aims to carry a popular price line of merchandise

which is appreciated by the buying public, and he has built up an exten-

sive mercantile bnsiness in comparatively a brief period.

.J. E. Sanford is a native Missourian he was born in Monroe County

in 1886, and is a son of Jack and Sallie Barker. Sanford. the former

is now deceased. and mother resides at Columbia. Mo After the death

of her first husband she married Henry Jackson.

J. E. Sanford is one of a family of three born to his parents. the

other two being Mrs. Nellie Marc, who now resides in Rismark. N. D

and Mrs. Pollie Shanklin, of Faixfax. Okla

Mr. Sanford married Miss Mae Hill, of Rochepoct, Mo.

Before engaging in the merchantile business and after completing

school, Mr. Sanford was engaged in teaching and followed that profession

for four years; he taught school at Branham, Monroe County, and later

at Granville, which was his last school, He was a successful teacher, but

the future possibilities of teaching as a profession did not appeal to

him and he accordingly turned to mercantile pursuits. His first mer-

cantile venture was at Centralia, Mo., which he later sold and came

to Moberly, where he and Mr. Selders founded the New York Store as

stated in a preceding paragraph.

Mr. Sanford is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons,

and is one of the substantial business men of Moberly.

 

 

James Thomas Cross

 

 

James Thomas Cross, of the J. T. Cross Lumber Company, is the

present mayor of the city of Moberly and a representative progressive

business man of Randolph County. He is a native of Randolph County

and a descendant of a pioneer family of this state. Mr. Cross was born

on a farm adjoining the town site of Clark, Mo., Aug. 6, 1856, and is a

son of William B. and Mary (Shores) Cross, both natives of Howard

County, Mo, William B. Cross was a son of John Cross, a Kentuckian,

who came to Missouri and settled in Howard County at a very early

day and spent the remainder of his life there. His remains are buried

in a private cemetery on the old Cross homestead near Armstrong, Mo.

William B. Cross grew to manhood in Howard County, and after his mar-

riage, settled on a farm in Randolph County near Clark, and he and

his wife spent the remainder of their lives in this county and their

remains are buried in Chapel Grove Cemetery.

William B. and Mary (Shores) Cross were the parents of the follow-

ing children: J. N., Modesto, Calif.; Mrs, Susan Martin, died at Clark,

Mo.; James Thomas, the subject of this sketch; Anna, died at age of 7

years; Clay, resides at Clark, Mo.; Mrs. Cornelia Trailkill, Clark, Mo.;

Mollie, married Dr. R. A. Wood, Clark, Mo.; Samuel, Clark, Mo.; Marvin,

Clark, Mo.; and Charles, died at the age of 16 years.

James T. Cross attended the public schools of his neighborhood and

then entered the Missouri University at Columbia, where he was grad-

uated in the class of 1881. He devoted a number of years to teaching

in early life and was recognized as one of the successful educators in

central Missouri. During this course of his career as teacher, he was

principal of the public schools at Renick, Sturgeon and Brunswick, Mo.

He then accepted the position as manager for the Flagg Lumber Com-

pany at Clark and New Franklin and was thus engaged until 1907. He

then came to Moberly and purchased the Eberhardt Lumber Yard, which

was located on North William street. Shortly afterwards, he bought

property on North Clark street and organized the J. T. Cross Lumber Com-

pany in partnership with R. L. Kingsbury, and they have conducted

the business to the present time and have met with unqualified success.

The J. T. Cross Lumber Company is one of the substantial business insti-

tutions of Randolph County and does an extensive business. Their offices

and lumber yard are located at 311 to 323 North Clark street. They

carry a large stock of lumber and various building materials, including

almost everything ordinarily required in the building trades.

May 28, 1893, James T. Cross was united in marriage with Miss

Cora Woods of Boone County, Mo. She is a ‘daughter of Robert and

Elizabeth Woods, the former of whom is now deceased and the mother

resides at Sturgeon, .Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Cross were born two children,

Harold and Hildah, twins, who died at the age of six months.

Mr. Cross has ever taken a commendable interest in public affairs

and while a resident of New Franklin he served as president of the school

board; also president of the building and loan association. In 1919, he

was elected mayor of Moberly, He is giving Moberly a good, clean busi-

ness administration—a business administration by a business man—

which is a refreshing condition in this age of a multitude of untried

theories and isms in municipal government.

Mr. Cross has a wide acquaintance in this section of the state and

ranks high. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge.

 

 

J W Bundridge

 

J W Brundridge president of the Farmers

and Merchants Bank of Moberly is a well

known and successful banker and has been

engaged in the banking business since

early manhood. He is a native of Missouri

and was born in Macon County, Oct. 30,

1881. He is the son of John C.

and Delana (Campbell) Bundridge, who

now reside at Bucklin, Mo. They

are the parents of two children, J, W.,

the subject of this sketch and V.

a sketch of whom appears in this volume.

J. W. Bundridge was educated in the public

schools, and after attend-

ing the Brookfield High School, he took

a course in the State Normal

School at Kirksville, Mo. and later

attended the Chillicothe Business Col

lege.

Mr. Bundridge began his banking career

shortly after leaving the

school at Browning, Mo. In 1905 he

organized the bank at New Boston,

Mo., and in 1910 he organized the

Citizens Bank at Bucklin, Mo. In 1913,

he disposed of his interests in the

Citizens Bank and organized the Farm-

ers and Merchants Bank of Moberly, Mo.,

to which he has since devoted his

attention and which is now one of the

successful financial institutions of

Randolph County.

Mr. Bundridge was married in May, 1905

to Miss Sylvia D. Burns of

City, Mo. She is a daughter of

George S. Burns, who is now de-

ceased as is also his wife. To Mr.

and Mrs. Bundbridge has been born one

son Eldon.

Mr. Bundridge is a member of the

Modern Woodmen of America and

Benevolent and Protective Elks.

Mr. Bundridge is essentially a banker

and has made an unqualified success in his

chosen field of endeavor.

JACK M Sandison

 

 

JACK M Sandison a member of the firm of Robuck-Sandison Whole

sale Grocery Company of Moberly, is a well known and progressive busi-

ness man of this city. He is a native son of Randolph County and was

born in Moberly July 30, 1879. He is the son of James and Mary (Mor-

rison) Sandison, a sketch of whom appears in this volume.

Jack M. Sandison was educated in the public schools of Moberly and

the Ohio State University at Columbus, Ohio. After completing school

he learned the science of ceramics, or the art of clay working He then

was engaged with his father in the manufacture of brick at Moberly for

a number of years. In 1915 he engaged in the wholesale grocery busi-

ness in partnership with Mr. Robuck and since that time has been success-

fully engaged in that business.

Mr. Sandison is a Republican and takes an active part in political

affairs; he has been his party’s candidate for state representative and

county assessor. He is a Knights Templar Mason and a member of the

Mystic Shrine

 

 

Jacob S. Bowers,

 

 

Jacob S. Bowers, one of central Missouri’s well known and most

prosperous business men, who established a department store in Moberly

nearly 40 years ago, being the senior member of Bowers & Reis, was

born in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1850 and died at Moberly in 1917, He was

reared and educated in the East and after his school days were over

engaged in merchandising, knowing that there were many good openings

in the newer country to the XVest, Mr. Bowers determined to locate there.

In partnership with Ira S. Reis, a company was formed which opened

the “Trade Palace” of Moberly in 1883 at the location still occupied by

the Bower’s department store. The store has a large frontage carrying

the street numbers of 210-214 Reed street, one of the finest locations in

the city, From the first the new concern met with a cordial response

from the residents of Moberly and the surrounding territory; business

grew, more lines were added and the Trade Palace became the center of

the retail trade for dry goods, men and womens furnishings and childrens

supplies of all kinds. Later carpets and drapery departments were added

to accommodate the growing trade until today the Palace is one of the

largest and most up-to-date department houses in the middle west. Open-

ing with a stock valued at $30,000 the business grew in such proportions

that today it is rated at more than $100,000.

In 1895 Jacob Bowers purchased the Reis interest in the concern and

since that time the business has been conducted under the firm name of

J. S. Bowers & Son. On the death of the senior member of the firm,

the junior member, William S. Bowers, succeeded his father as owner-

manager of the house and continued the same successful policies inaugur-

ated by his father. The widow of Jacob Bowers now resides at Long

Beach, Calif. From first coming to Moberly, Jacob Bowers began to take

an active part in the civic and communal life of the town. He was a man

of progressive ideas in his business and believed that these same prin-

ciples should be applied to the city administration, and did much toward

the development of the city of Moberly. For 20 years he served as a

member of the school board, being president and treasurer of the board

and was an incumbent of these positions at the time of his death. He

was an active, public spirited man, who lived up to the high standard he

set for an American citizen, was well known among the educators of the

state as a man who promoted all educational movements and had raised

the standards of the Moberly schools. During his life he won for him-

self the highest possible esteem from all who knew him, friends and

business associates alike. With his passing, Mr. Bowers left to his son

the example of an honorable and useful life; to his family the memory

of his loving care as a husband and father. His remains are buried in

Philadelphia Pa

 

 

Jacob C. Fleming

 

 

Jacob C. Fleming, president of the Moberly Foundry and Machine

Company, is one of the substantial business men of Moberly, and is a

the head of oneof the important industrial enterprises of this city. H

was born at Kewanee, Ill., April 27, 1860, and is a son of Thomas an

Janet (Simpson) Fleming, the former a native of England and the latte

of Scotland. They were the parents of the following children: Jennie,

now the widow of R. S. Crammer, and resides at Nevada, Mo.; Mary, mar

ried Thomas W. Vandivier, Nevada, Mo.; Jacob C., the subject of this

sketch; Ira M., Kansas City, Mo.; Cora I., widow of E. K. Atkinson,

Nevada, Mo.; Emma L., married A. L. Davis, Joplin, Mo.; Elizabeth A.,

married David Cravens, Lincoln, Neb.

Thomas Fleming came to America about 1854, and first settled at

McKeesport, Pa., where he was engaged in coal mining. About 1858 he

went to Kewanee, Ill., where he was living when the Civil War broke out.

He enlisted in 1862 in the Union Army and served until the close of the

war. He took part in a number of important engagements and was with

Sherman on his march to the sea and participated in the Grand Review

at Washington at the close of the war. After receiving his honorable

discharge from the army, he returned to Kewanee, where he operated

coal mines for a few years and in 1872 went to Fort Dodge, Ia. He was

engaged as superintendent of mines there for a time and in 1876 he went

to Chetopa, Kan. Here he continued his interest in the coal mining busi-

ness and had charge of coal mines in Missouri, Kansas and Indian Terr.

tory for the Osage Coal and Mining Company. About 1879, he removed

to Clinton, Mo. continuing with the same company and later went to

Nevada, Mo., where he spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1895

and his wife departed this life in 1916 and their remains are buried at

Nevada, Mo.

Jacob C. Fleming was educated in the public schools of Illinois, Iowa

and Kansas, and when he was 17 years of age, began life as a telegraph

operator in the employ of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway Com-

pany. In 1884, he took charge of the Osage Coal and Mining Company’s

store at Elliott, Randolph County, Mo. and later had charge of the opera-

tion of their coal mine there. In 1890, his father bought the coal mine

property there and Jacob C. had charge of the operation until 1905, when

practically all of the coal mines of Randolph County, were absorbed by

the Randolph-Macon Coal Company.

In 1906. Mr. Fleming came to Moberly when he and the other heirs

of the Thomas Fleming estate organized the Moberly Foundry and Ma-

chine Company. This company continued to do business as a partner-

ship until 1915, when it was incorporated with a capital stock of $21,000.

in 1917, the Thomas Fleming estate was settled and Jacob C. Fleming

continued the business. This company has been successfully operated

from the start and does an extensive business, their principal product

being railway castings and their entire product, practically, is bought by

the Wabash Railway Company. They do a general machine shop business

in addition to manufacturing heavy castings; they also manufacture coal

mine equipment and machinery, and employe about 18 men. The shop

is located at the corner of East Reed and Moulton streets.

Jacob C. Fleming was married in 1886 to Miss Nettie McClure of

Clinton, Mo. She is a daughter of William J. and Narcissa (Fike) Mc-

Clure, the former of whom is deceased, and Mrs. McClure makes her home

with her daughter, Mrs. Fleming. To Mr. and Mrs. Fleming have been

born the following children: Dr. Thomas S., Moberly, a sketch of whom

appears in this volume ; Jacob William, who is associated with his father;

Janet Elliott Fleming, in the employ of the Government at Washington,

D.C.

Mr. Fleming is a member of the Knights Templar Commandery of

Moberly. He has an extensive acquaintance in Moberly and Randolph

County and is one of the enterprising and substantial citizens of this

section.

 

James A. Fowler

 

 

James A. Fowler, a well known real estate dealer of Moberly with

offices in the Jennings Building is a native of Randolph County, He was

born six miles south of Moberly, Sept. 11, 1857 and is a son of Jesse and

Sarah M. (Hamilton) Fowler. Jesse Fowler was a native of Howard

County, born in 1828, the son of Elijah Fowler, a native of Boston, Mass.,

who came west in the early thirties and located near Burton, but shortly

afterwards, moved to Randolph County to a homestead, a claim of gov-

ernment land on which Oscar Fowler now lives. Jesse Fowler spent

nearly all his life on this farm in Randolph County. He died at the ad-

vanced age of 84 years and his remains are buried in the old Hamilton

cemetery which was entered by John Hamilton, the grandfather of James

A. Fowler. Jesse Fowler used to carry the corn on horseback to the

grist mill which was located a mile east of the present site of Highee.

After reaching the mill the horse was used as motive power to grind the

grain.John Hamilton, the grandfather of James A. Fowler, came to Ran-

dolph County in 1842, There were so few settle