Biographical Sketch of Dr. Samuel J. Latimer, Dallas County, Missouri

>From "History of Laclede, Camden, Dallas, Webster, Wright, Texas,
 Pulaski, Phelps & Dent Counties, Missouri, Published 1889, Goodspeed
 Publishing Company.

Transcribed by: Penny Harrell (Incog3678@aol.com)

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Dr. Samuel J. Latimer, a leading physician of Dallas County, MO.,
was born in Washington County, MO., April 22, 1833, being the son
of Samuel and Nancy (Bottom) Latimer, both natives of Green County,
KY.  The father was born December 19, 1795, and died in Webster Co,
MO., July 19, 1873.  He had followed agricultural pursuits, and was
first married to Miss Elizabeth Garrett, who died in Missouri.  He
afterward married Mrs. Day, who was the widow of John Day, and 
whose maiden name was Bottom.  She was born July 18, 1797, and died
in Webster County, MO., December 15, 1885.  After his second marriage
Mr. Latimer and wife lived in Macoupin County, Ill., a short time,
and then moved to Washington County, MO., where they resided until
November, 1837.  At that date they moved to Webster (then Polk) 
County, MO., settling on Niangua Creek, and while living on one farm
he was a resident of three different counties.  He was a Democrat in
politics, and he and wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, South.  He held numerous minor offices in Washington County,
MO., and was one of the much esteemed citizens of the county.  His
father, Jacob Latimer, was a native of Virginia, who went to Kentucky
with Daniel Boone, and helped fight the Indians at Crab Orchard.  To
Samuel Latimer and his secondwife were born a large family of children,
five of whom are now living, Dr. Samuel J. being the eldest.  The 
others were named as follows:  Margaret Ann and Martha Ann (twins), 
William H. and Jacob L. (twins), Lydia M. (deceased).  By his first 
marriage Mr. Latimer became the father of one son, Dr. G. W., and two
daughters, the last two only living, Adaline and Nancy G.  By her 
first marriage Mrs. Latimer became the mother of five sons and one
daughter; three are living:  Edward, Allen and Hiley.  Dr. Samuel J.
Latimer received his education chiefly at home, and at the age of 
nineteen began teaching school in Dallas County.  This he continued
at irregular intervals for several years.  From 1852 to 1856 he was
engaged in teaching school, attending school as a student, or filling
the place of salesman in general merchandise at St. Luke, Newburg and
Breezeville, MO.  On September 13, 1855, he chose for his life com-
panion Miss Mary F. Mehaffey, who was born in Pulaski County, MO., on
August 18, 1835, and who is the daughter of Dr. A.D. Mehaffey.  The
fruits of this union were eight children:  Nancy A., born October 2,
1856, and died June 26, 1870; Wesley B., born in Dallas County, MO.,
September 12, 1858; Samuel A., born May 6, 1861; Mary M. M., born 
January 1, 1864; Sarah E., born December 4, 1866; Nathan W., born
November 25, 1869; Ida J., born August 29, 1872; and Cora B., born
September 21, 1875.  In the spring of 1857 Dr. Latimer purchased a
farm in Dallas County, MO., where he has since continued to reside.
He is an ordained minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South,
and has been licensed to preach since 1858.  He studied medicine 
under Drs. A. D. Mehaffey and G. W. Latimer, his father-in-law and
elder half-brother, who were both respectable practicing physicians
of Dallas and Webster Counties, MO.  Dr. Samuel J. Latimer has been
actively engaged in the practice of medicine since January, 1862.
His wife and five of his children are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, South.  He is a member of the Masonic fraternity;
also of the National Grange and Good Templars organizations.  He is
a Democrat in politics, and believes firmly in the doctrine of "the
greatest good to the greatest number".
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