Biographical Sketch of Stephen G. Wentworth, 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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Stephen G. Wentworth, president of Morrison & Wentworth's bank, of
Lexington, is a native of Williamstown, Mass., born October 11, 1811.
The Wentworth family is of English origin, and one of prominence in
both England and America, three of Mr. Wentworth's ancestor's having
occupied the gubernatorial chair in the United States.  His father was
a veteran of 1812, and a soldier whose record is above reproach.  At 
the early age of 14 years, and with what education could be obtained
by an attendance upon the common schools in that early day, the subject
of this brief sketch started out to carve for himself a place among the
successful devotees of the fickle goddess of fortune.  His capital was
youth, health and energy, an incomplete education, and one dollar and a
half.  In 1831 he went to Monroe county, Va., and engaged in clerking.
Remained there until 1837, when he removed to Saline county, Mo., and
located where the town of Brownsville, of which he is the founder, now
stands.  Was engaged in the mercantile trade.  In 1840 he came to Lex-
ington and engaged in clerking, collecting and the real estate business.
In 1851 he was appointed administrator of public affairs for this 
county, which office he held until 1864.  In 1863 he was elected presi-
dent of the Farmers' bank, which position he held until the institution
wound up in 1869.  In 1865 he became connected with the banking firm of
Morrison, Mitchell & Co.  In 1868 the firm became known as Morrison &
Wentworth.  Mr. Wentworth has been its president since 1868.  He has
been a member of the Presbyterian church since 1844, of which he has 
also been a decon for 26 years, and an elder for 8 years.  He has been
a trustee of the Aull female seminary for 21 years, and president of 
its board for 4 years.  Is founder of the Wentworth male academy, and
president of its board.  Has been a Mason for 25 years.  Mr. Wentworth
is a man of strict integrity and business enterprise, and in all his
dealings in public affairs, and their name is legion, naught can be
said but to his credit.  Has always been a strong supporter of the
union.  April 18, 1838, he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Jane
Kincaid, formerly of Union county, Va.  She died October 9, 1864, at
Lexington, Mo.  Twelve children were born to them, only two of whom are
now living, viz.: James and Frances J.  James Wentworth is a graduate
of Central College, Danville, Ky., and also of the law department of
Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.  Was U. S. consul at Moscow,
Russia.  Frances J. is the wife of Richard Field, attorney at law, of
Lexington.  January 21, 1868, Mr. Wentworth was again united in marriage
to Mrs. Rebecca Bird, nee Gay, of Kentucky.

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