JOHN M. SHANNON, Biography - Chariton County, MO
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JOHN M. SHANNON.  Among the men of energy and intelligence, born and reared
in Chariton county, Mo., who have become prosperous and influential
citizens, entitled to favorable recognition in this connection is Mr.
Shannon, subject of this sketch.  He was born July 21, 1838.
Henry Shannon, the father, was born in Smith county, Va., and was among
the early pioneer settlers of this county, locating here in 1828.  The
mother of our subject, who in her maidenhood was Miss Mary Forrest, was
born in Tennessee, but with her parents located in this county sometime in
the 20's, she then being, but seven years of age.  The death of the father
occurred August 24, 1869, while the mother of our subject survived her
husband nearly ten years, her death occurring January 10, '71).  Reared on
a farm, our subject at an early day adopted farming as his life occupation,
which he has since followed with remarkable success.  His farm, one mile
west of Shannondale, in Sections 30, 31 and 32, embraces 340 acres of fine
land, handsomely improved and abundantly stocked, while his dwelling is one
of the best and most sightly in the county.  In addition to other
improvements upon his farm is a large tobacco factory, with a floor space
of  7744 square feet. On September 27, 1883, our subject was united in
marriage to Mrs. F. A. Cram, a cultured, refined and intelligent lady, well
and most favorably know in this county for a number of years.  Mrs. Cram
was born in Racine, Wis., in 1845, a daughter of E. B. and S. A.
Richardson, the former of  Vermont and the mother a native of New York.
In Wisconsin, in 1865, Miss Richardson was united in
marriage to Vasco H. Cram, a native of Vermont, by which union four
children were born, three of whom are now living; Ernest R., now a
railroad agent at Ashley Ill.; F. Maud and Mabel A., now at
home.  In 1866 Mr. and Mrs. Cram located in Salisbury, Mo., where the
former associated with Judge L. Salisbury, opened the first mercantile
establishment of the city, but in '75 moved to Shannondale, engaging in
the same business. The death of Mr. Cram occurred September 6, '78.  It
was five years later, 1883, that Mrs. Cram met and married Mr. Shannon.
  The time intervening the death of her first husband and her second
marriage, Mrs. Shannon was engaged in teaching in the public schools of
Salisbury , Mo.  The three years following their marriage, Mr.
and Mrs. Shannon resided in Salisbury, after which they returned to
the farm, where they have since resided.  There they have a beautiful
home, conveniently located and surrounded with all the comforts and
many of the luxuries of life.  Mrs. Shannon is a consistent member
of the Old School Presbyterian Church.