Biographical Sketch of Milton Tootle, 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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Milton Tootle, a merchant whose name is so familiar throughout the
West, Northwest and Southwest, was born in Ross County, Ohio, February
26, 1823, and received a good common school education in his youth. In
1836, his father removed to Jersey County, Illinois, and here the sub-
ject of our sketch commenced his mercantile experience, in which he
has been so eminently successful. He entered the employ of Mr. George
Smith, and in 1842 accompanied him to Savannah, Andrew County, MO. In
1844, Mr. Smith opened a store in Atchison County, of which Mr. Tootle
had entire charge, and after remaining in this capacity one year he
returned to Savannah, and took charge of the house at this place. Mr.
Smith having removed to St. Joseph. In 1848, he embarked in business
for himself in Oregon, Holt County, and here he evinced that tact,
ingenuity, integrity and industry which have been marked features of
his commercial life. In 1849, at the request of Mr. Smith, he came to
St. Joseph, and was given an interest in the house that subsequently
became Smith, Bedford & Tootle. Soon after his arrangement Mr. Smith
died, and Mr. Tootle, in connection with his two brothers and W. G.
Fairleigh, purchased the stock and commenced business, under the firm
name of Tootles & Fairleigh. In a short time Mr. Tootle established
dry goods houses in Omaha, Sioux City and Council Bluffs, the two for-
mer at the present time being among the prominent and successful houses
in the West. In 1860, his brother Joseph died, and soon after his bro-
ther Thomas withdrew from the partnership. The business was conducted
under the name of Tootle & Fairleigh until 1873, when Mr. Fairleigh
withdrew his interest. Other partners were admitted, and the firm
style became Tootle, Craig & Co., under which title it continued until
1877, when a change was made, and the firm of Tootle, Hosea & Co. was
formed, and are at the present time conducting a heavy trade. They
have recently erected a building for their business that is one of the
largest and most conveniently arranged houses in the country. Mr.
Tootle is a man of active enterprise, and has done much to enlarge,
improve and beautify the city of his residence. In 1872, he erected
a costly and magnificent temple of amusement, known as Tootle's Opera
House, a building which is a pride to St. Joseph, and would be a credit
to any city of the East. He was married in January, 1866, to Miss
Kate O'Neill, daughter of James L. O'Neill, at one time cashier of the
Western Bank of Missouri. Mr. Tootle's success in life is largely due
to the care with which he has superintended and directed the minutest
details of business, and the constant and close attention he has given
to every fortunate in attracting and retaining faithful and capable
employees, whom he has inspired with his own indomitable courage and
perseverance. He is financially interested in many business houses in
St. Joseph, and his connection with any enterprise is a sure guarantee
of success. He is a liberal, public spirited and enterprising citizen.
The name of Milton Tootle and St. Joseph are inseperable.

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