Reuben Marcus HAMMON: Biography ************************************************************************ File contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Jean Smallwood USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material, AND permission is obtained from the contributor of the file. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ************************************************************************ Source: Centennial History of Missouri (The Center State), One Hundred Years in the Union 1820-1921, Illustrated, Volume V, St. Louis - Chicago, The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company 1921 Reuben Marcus HAMMON: (picture available) - Reuben Marcus HAMMOND, a capable and successful business man of St. Louis, who could count upon the friendship and regard of all with whom he came in contact because of the sterling worth of his character and because of the friendly feeling which he always entertained for others, was born in Conneautville, Pennsylvania, on the 12th of August 1845, his parents being Marcus and Eliza (POWER) HAMMON, both of whom were members of pioneer families of that place. Reuben M. HAMMON was reared to manhood in his native town and was there united in marriage to Miss Jennie MC CARTY in the year 1868. Her father was Florence MC CARTY, a well known nurseryman of Le Roy, New York, now deceased, passing away at the notable age of ninety-two years. Mrs. HAMMON was visiting a brother in Conneautville when she formed the acquaintance of Mr. HAMMON, who sought her hand in marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. HAMMON were born two sons and two daughters, of whom one daughter, Florence, alone survives. She is a most talented young woman and conducts a school of music in the city of St. Louis, residing with her mother. While working in his cousin's dry goods store in Conneautville in early manhood Mr. HAMMON began writing insurance and met with success in this undertaking. About 1873 he went to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he became associated with the Travelers' Insurance Company, coming a year later to St. Louis as its representative, and for forty-six years was one of the prominent insurance men of this city. He was the first man to write railroad installment insurance and for many years handled the insurance of the employes of the Missouri Pacific, the Wabash, and the Texas Pacific Railway Companies. He was a close personal friend of John L. WAY, vice president of the Travelers' Insurance Company, and numbered among his other friends many of the prominent men of St. Louis. Mr. HAMMON was an active member of the Mercantile Club and took the keenest interest in its work and the accomplishment of its objects. While never an aspirant for public office, he took a great interest in civic and public affairs and gave his stalwart support to the republican party. He was devoted to the welfare and interests of his home and family and when not attending to his business was to be found customarily at his own fireside. However, he and his wife were capable and active members of the Ascension Episcopal church for fourteen years. Later he accepted the teachings of the Christian Science church, which he attended with his daughter Olive, who had become a member of that denomination prior to her passing on May 17, 1915. Mr. HAMMON passed away very suddenly May 3, 1920, his death being the occasion of deep regret to his many friends. The stability of his character was acknowledged by all who knew him, and all who were associated with him in any connection recognized those distinctive traits which in every land and clime awaken confidence, respect and regard.