Biographical Sketch of Thomas B. Clagett, Lafayette County, Missouri

>From "History of Lafayette County, Mo., carefully written and compiled
from the most authentic official and private sources" St. Louis, Mo.
Historical Company, 1881.
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Thomas B. Clagett is a lineal descendant of one of the prominent families
of Maryland, that of Bishop Clagett, who was the first bishop of that
state.  He was born in Montgomery county, Maryland, April 22, 1809.  His
early life was passed upon a farm, meanwhile acquiring a liberal educa-
tion in a private school.  At the age of 15 years, he went to Harper's
Ferry, and engaged as clerk in a store for three years, upon the follow-
ing very remunerative terms: For the first year he was to receive his
board; for the second year, his board and clothes; and the third year one
hundred dollars and his board.  He served in this capacity for ten years,
and then went into business for himself, merchandising, for one year.  In
1836, he started west, going to Highland county, Ohio, by stage, where he
remained one month.  He then purchased a horse and saddle and started on
horseback for a tour through the boundless west.  He passed through 
Georgetown and Shelbyville, Ky., stopping at each place a month or so, 
then crossed the Ohio river at Louisville, which was but a small town
then, and traveling through Indiana and Illinois, arrived at St. Louis
in June, 1836.  Remaining there a month, he again mounted his Pegassus
and rode to Fulton, Mo., where he remained but a short time, however, and
then returned to St. Louis, where he sold his horse and equipments.  He 
then went to Baltimore, Md., via Whelling, Va., and there purchased a 
stock of goods, with which he returned to St. Louis and opened out a 
general merchandising store, in which he engaged until 1841.  He then 
went to Lexington and entered into partnership with H. C. Boteller, with
whom he continued business until 1871, the firm doing a large and exten-
sive business in the mercantile line.  They lost about $40,000 during the
war, but paid up their entire indebtedness in full, they being the only
firm in Lexington that did not have to compromise with their creditors.
From 1871 to 1880, Mr. Clagett carried on the business alone, retiring
from it in the latter year.  He has been a merchant of Lexington for 
about 40 years, during which time many important changes have passed 
within the scope of his observation.  When he first came here there was
an extensive cornfield where the court house now stands.  Was closely
identified with the interests of the city in its palmiest days, being a
member of its second city council.  At the present time he is holding
the office of city register and treasurer.  October 5, 1850, he was 
united in marriage to Miss Ann Neilson, of Howard county, Mo., formerly
of Virginia, and a relative of the Randolphs.  She died October 11, 1853
leaving one child, viz.: William S., now leading merchant of Lexington.
Mr. Clagett was again married December 4, 1858 to Miss Ann H. Boteller, 
of Washington county, Maryland.  By this marriage they have had four
children, two now living, viz.: Annie W. and Ella B.

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