Biographical Sketch of William E. Hosea, St. Joseph, Buchanan County, MO

>From "History of Buchanan County, Missouri, Published 1881, St. Joseph
Steam Printing Company, Printers, Binders, Etc., St. Joseph, Missouri.
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William E. Hosea, of the firm of Tootle, Hosea & Co., St. Joseph, is
one of the largest dry goods jobbing houses in the West, he was born
in Sussex County, Delaware, April 26, 1846. He was the youngest of
a family of ten children. His father, John Hosea, was a farmer. He
died in 1852. His mother's maiden name was Nancy T. Jefferson.
Young William was raised on his father's farm, from which he attended
school in the winter season. In 1862, he determined to seek a wider
field for the development of his energies, and starting West, he
settled in St. Joseph, Missouri. He first secured a position as
porter in the house of Tootle & Fairleigh at a small salary, which
was increased from year to year, till by the year 1867, he had ren-
dered his services of sufficient value to secure an interest in the
business. He was the first salesman from St. Joseph to go out upon
the road with samples of dry goods. He continued, for five years,
to fill the position of traveling salesman, meeting during that
period with excellent success. On January 1, 1877, the firm name
was changed to Tootle, Hosea & Co. Since that time he has devoted
his attention entirely to the management of the business and making
purchases for the house. In 1873, he married Miss Jennie Smith,
daughter of the late George Smith, one of St. Joseph's early, as well
as most reputable merchants. They have a family of five children
living: Jennie N., William Edwin, George Smith, Lenora and Katie B.
One daughter, Edna May, died in infancy. Mr. Hosea, in his success
in life, is a living evidence of what pluck and perseverance, coupled
with sterling integrity, may accomplish.

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