Pettis County, Missouri, A Portrait & Biographical Record - Johnson and Pettis Counties , July 1895 Page Two --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm Contributed by: Vesta L. DeRiso ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTICE, this record is not alphabetized, nor indexed. To locate a family name you would like to read about hold down - CRTL + F - type the name - you are looking for - Enter - and if that name is in this record your computer will locate it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Portrait & Biographical Record - Johnson and Pettis Counties , July 1895 Page Two on this site, "William M. Johns, one of the most active and enterprising young business men of Sedalia, is interested in several large financial concerns. In the spring of 1888 he became a partner in the firm of S. P. Johns & Sons, with which he has since been connected, and July 27, 1894, went into partnership with E. L. Looney, buying out the old lumber firm of H. B. Scott. The business has been greatly enlarged, and the yard is known as the "Old Home Lumber Company Stand." The yard is located at the corner of Second Street and Montreal Avenue, occupying three quarters of a block, most of which is under cover. A full line of building materials is kept in stock, and an increasing trade is the result of the well directed energies of the partners. A history of Samuel P. Johns, Sr., father of William M., appears elsewhere in this volume. Our subject was born in Pana, Ill., August 1, 1866, and received a public-school education in that place. In his fourteenth year he came to Sedalia and attended the high school and afterwards the Sedalia University. From his boyhood he had a strong desire to embark in a business career, and was not yet seventeen years of age when he induced his father to take him into his office. In the spring of 1888 he was admitted as a partner into the firm, and his ability was manifested from the start. In company with his father and brother, he owns an interest in the lumber yard at Hughesville, and he is a stockholder in the Universal Savings and Loan Company of St. Louis, being Vice-President of the local branch. He is also Vice-President of the Sedalia Land and Development Company, which was mainly instrumental in getting the Legislature to agree to the removal of the capitol. For several years Mr. Johns has been a worker in the ranks of the Republican party, and since June, 1894, has been Chairman of the County Central Committee. In the fall of 1894 the campaign was under his management, it being the first time in the history of the county that a solid Republican ticket was elected; and he has often been called upon to serve as a delegate to county and state conventions. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, Woodmen of the World, and the Royal Tribe of Joseph. In this city, June 3, 1891, Mr. Johns was united in marriage with one of Sedalia's most accomplished daughters, Alice Newkirk, who was born here and who was educated at Wellesley (Mass.) College. She is a daughter of Cyrus Newkirk, the late President of the First National Bank of Sedalia. Mr. and Mrs. Johns have two children, named, respectively, Gwendolyn and Cyrus N. Mr. and Mrs. Johns have many sincere friends, to whom they delight to extend the hospitality of their pleasant home, and are members of the Presbyterian Church." -------------------------------------- "Andy Dexhimer. While the stock business is not the most prominent industry of Pettis County, it is at present receiving a greater proportion of the attention of the people than in former years. Among those who have contributed to the development of this industry in the county and who have in its pursuit gained a commendable degree of material success, prominent mention should be made of Mr. Dexhimer, one of Sedalia's foremost citizens. In addition to the buying and selling of cattle, he conducts the largest wholesale meat business in the city, and is carrying on a large and profitable trade among the people of this section. The Dexhimer family is of German origin. The parents of our subject, William and Catherine (Rodman) Dexhimer, were born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and thence emigrated to America, settling on a farm near Cleveland, Ohio. During their residence at that place our subject was born, February 5, 1851. From there in 1860 they came to Missouri, and after a sojourn of several years in the Ste. Genevieve County, came to Sedalia, in March, 1867. In this city the father engaged in gardening and in the dairy business until his death, which occurred at the age of sixty-five. His wife passed away in Cleveland at the age of eighty-six. Of the family of eight children, six of whom survive, our subject is the youngest in order of birth. He was a mere child when his parents moved to Missouri, and his boyhood years were passed in Ste. Genevieve County, where he was a pupil in the district schools. At the age of sixteen he came to Sedalia, where for a time he assisted his father. In 1880 he embarked in the wholesale butcher business, which he has since conducted on an increasing scale. He has a slaughter-house on Brushy Creek, near the tracks of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, the main building being 24x36 feet in dimensions. In it are to be found the latest appliances for the slaughtering of stock and the preparing of beef for the market. The real-estate holdings of Mr. Dexhimer include his elegant residence on West Second Street and a farm of sixty-one acres in Cooper County, near Tipton, Mo. All that he has represents the result of years of arduous toil, for he has had to depend entirely upon his own exertions. In matters of public interest, he gives his active co-operation, and his support may always be relied upon to secure needed municipal improvements. While not a partisan, he is firm in his allegiance to the Republican party. Socially he is connected with Unity Lodge, A. O. U. W., and in religious belief is a member of the English Lutheran Church. His marriage, which was solemnized in California, Mo., in 1875, united him with Miss Helen Neighbors, who was born in Chariton County, this state. Their six children are named Charles, Mattie, Christine, James, Andrew and David, the eldest of whom assists his father in business, and the others are students in the Sedalia schools." -------------------------------------- "Gilbert S. Lander, of Sedalia, is one of the oldest employees of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad, and is one of their most reliable and trustworthy men. He is now foreman of the wood-working department of the car-shops, and has under his jurisdiction about fourteen men. When he first came to this city it was a small place of about three thousand inhabitants, and the car-shops were scarcely half as large as at present. The parents of our subject were Seneca and Polly (Shaw) Lander, natives of Maine. The former was a dealer in livestock, and passed his entire life in Oxford County, where his demise took place when he was in his eighty-fifth year. His wife was the daughter of Gilbert Shaw, a farmer, and died when in her sixty-sixth year. Both parents were members of the Baptist Church, and were held in high esteem by all who knew them. G. S. Lander was born in Woodstock, Me., November 13, 1827, being the third in a family of six children, all but two of whom are still living. He was reared on a farm and remained with his parents until nineteen years of age, when he went to Portland and began serving a three-years apprenticeship as a carpenter. Next he worked at his trade for two years in Boston, and and in 1854 moved to Wisconsin. He soon found employment as a car-builder in the Chicago & Northwestern shops at Fond du Lac, and after twelve years of steady work there went to Wyandotte, Kan., and from 1870 to 1876 was in the Union Pacific car-shops.In July of the last mentioned year he became a resident of Sedalia, having been tendered the post which he now occupies. The first marriage of Mr. Lander took place in Wisconsin, the lady of his choice being Miss Helen Henry, a native of New York State. She died, leaving one child, John H., who is now a printer in Worcester, Mass. In Wyandotte Mr. Lander and Mrs. Louisa A. Cockrell were united in marriage. Mrs. Lander was born in Clay County, Mo., and is a lady of amiable and genial qualities. Our subject is identified with the Knights and Ladies of Honor, and Equity Lodge No.26. A. O. U. W., in which he is a past officer, and in 1882 was a Representative to the Grand Lodge in St. Louis. On political questions he is always to be found on the side of the Democracy." -------------------------- "Napoleon G. Tevis, one of the solid agriculturalists of Pettis County, now owns a quarter-section of land on section 18, township 44, range 23, which he conducts in a progressive manner. He gives his undivided attention to farm work, and he has been a resident of his present homestead since 1874, is consequently well known in this locality and highly esteemed as one of its best residents. Our subject is a native of this state, having been born in Cooper County, March 27, 1840. His parents, Snowden and Susan (Morris) Tevis, reared a large family of children, of whom he was the eleventh-born. Snowden Tevis was a native of Madison County, Ky., and remained in that state until twenty years of age, when he crossed the line into Missouri and engaged in agricultural pursuits in Cooper County. He made that portion of the state his home for the remainder of his life, dying in 1853. His good wife, the mother of Napoleon G., was born in North Carolina, and departed this life in 1852. Our subject was thus doubly orphaned when a lad of thirteen years. He had previous to this time fair advantages in the subscription school of his neighborhood, and when old enough to begin the battle of life on his own account chose the vocation of a farmer, to which occupation he had been trained. He moved to his present fine estate in 1874, and has since that time ably conducted the same. It is one hundred and sixty acres in extent and gives evidence of the care and labor bestowed upon it. The stock on this farm is of the best, and the most approved farming implements and machinery of all kinds are used to carry on the work. Our subject was married, in 1862, to Miss Cordelia J. Martin, the daughter of William H. and Rhoda (Moore) Martin. Her father was born in Tennessee, while Mrs. Martin was a native of this state. The birth of Mrs. Tevis occurred in Cooper County, September 28, 1844, and by her union with our subject she became the mother of six children, of whom the eldest, Mattie, is deceased. Alice is the wife of William Calvert, a farmer of Johnson County; they became the parents of two children, Roxy and one deceased. Rhoda, the twin of Alice, is living at home. George W. and Thomas H. reside in Johnson County, and Lester N. is at home. Mr. and Mrs. Tevis are members of the Baptist Church. In politics the former is an ardent Democrat, but has never aspired to office-holding, preferring to give his attention to his private interests and let those hold office who wish to do so. He is a good citizen, always interested in obtaining the best schools for the rising generation, in making good roads, and, in short, in advancing the community's welfare in every possible way." ------------------------------------ "William Williams. This intelligent and substantial farmer of Pettis County has his pleasant home located on section 6, and he came here in the fall of 1859 from Pike County, Ill. His father, John Williams, who was a native of North Carolina and a farmer by occupation, lived to be seventy-five years of age, and was respected by all who knew him. The maiden name of his wife was Elizabeth Walk. She, too, was born in North Carolina, whence she went with her family to Illinois, making the entire journey overland in a wagon. She lived to be sixty-three years of age, and died in Illinois in 1858. The parental family included twelve children, of whom William was the eldest. Then follow John, America, Sarah, Franklin, Richmond, and Douglas, deceased. Samuel is living in Pike County, Ill.; David is also a farmer of that section of the Prairie State; Jonathan is an agriculturist of Sedalia Township, Pettis County, Mo.; Emma makes her home in Montana; Jane lives in Pike County, Ill.; and the youngest is deceased. The subject of this sketch was born in North Carolina, October 20, 1821. He was a lad of six years when the trip was made to their home in Illinois, where he was reared, and where he secured a limited education, attending school about six months during the year, the balance of the time being devoted to work upon the farm. His parents were pioneers of Pike County, and there was consequently much to do in preparing the soil for cultivation and keeping the place in good condition. William Williams lived at home until attaining his twenty-seventh year, when he was given a tract of eight acres by his father. He was married about that time, and locating upon the place remained there until 1859, the date of his advent into Pettis County, this state. Three years previous to this time he had visited the state with his brother Jonathan, and being pleased with the outlook they purchased together an unimproved tract of six hundred acres, although eighty acres were fenced. Our subject was loyal to his country during the Civil War, and for eighteen months belonged to the Missouri Enrolled Militia, doing good service in protecting property and staying the lawless hands of the guerillas. He is a practical farmer, and has been successful far beyond his expectations. As his children have grown to mature years, he has been enabled to give them good educations and a fair start in life. Mr. Williams was married, in Indiana, to Miss Ellen F, Posey, a native of Warrick County, Ind. Their family comprises seven sons and daughters. Emma married David F. Palmer, and resides in this county; John is also a resident of this section; Charlie is engaged in business in Sedalia; Belle married Samuel Stevens, an agriculturalist of this county; Seymour, Sherman and Nellie all make their homes here, the latter being the wife of Moses Hogan, Jr. For many years Mr. Williams affiliated with the Democratic party, but he is now a free-silver man. He keeps himself well informed on the financial issues of the day, and possesses intelligent and well defined ideas of the same,. He does not believe that there was any good reason for making the change in the unit of value in 1873 from silver to gold, and thinks that change the source of all our late financial troubles. He is convinced that silver was early established by the founders of this Government as our unit of measurement. Three hundred and seventy-one and a-quarter grains of pure silver were a dollar in gold, and everything else was measured by this standard until 1873, when it was changed to gold. Silver, of course, began to decline and all other property with it. In religious affairs, both himself and his wife are members in excellent standing of the Christian Church. Mr. Williams has many friends throughout the country, and is regarded by all as a thoroughly good man, who identifies himself with every worthy movement for the benefit of the community." --------------------------------- "Hon. S. K. Crawford, M. D., was born in Belfast, Ireland, December 25, 1838. The Crawfords, who were of the Presbyterian faith, were originally from Scotland, but settled in Ireland some two hundred and fifty years ago. Samuel Crawford, the grandfather of our subject, was a civil engineer in Belfast, where he spent his entire life. His father, Thomas Crawford, came to America in 1847, landing in Canada, but soon afterward removed to Iroquois County, Ill. By occupation he was a farmer.He died in Iroquois County at the age of seventy-four years. His mother, Usilla (Kerr) Crawford, was born near Belfast, Ireland, and died in that city when our subject was three years of age. Of their children, Samuel K. was the only that lived to maturity. The early life of our subject was spent in Belfast, where he received his primary education, and where he remained until fourteen years of age, when he came to the United States, shipping from Liverpool, England, and being six weeks upon the ocean. The vessel on which he sailed was wrecked off the coast of Ireland and had to return to Liverpool for repairs. Arriving in New York, he went by way of the Hudson River and railroad to Chicago, and thence to St. Charles, Ill., to make his home with an uncle. From childhood he had a desire to study medicine, and soon after his arrival began the study of the same in the office of his uncle, Dr. Henry M. Crawford, an eminent physician of Illinois, who served as Surgeon of the Fifty-eighth Illinois Infantry during the late war. In 1854 he entered the University of Michigan, where he took the scientific course of three years, and then entered Albany (N. Y.) Medical College, graduating therefrom in 1857. Returning to St. Charles, he at once commenced the practice of his profession, and continued in the same until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he was commissioned by Governor Yates First Assistant Surgeon of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry. The regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac and in that army it served under MacClellan, Burnside, Hooker, Stoneman, Pleasanton and Meade, taking part in all the various battles of that grand army. Later Dr. Crawford was made Surgeon of the Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry, with the rank of Major, and served until the close of the war, being mustered out at Ft. Leavenworth in December, 1865. The Seventeenth Cavalry served for a long time on the plains of the West. In a cavalry engagement near Rapidan Station, Va., he was slightly wounded in the right thigh, the same ball that wounded him first killing his horse. On receiving his discharge, Dr. Crawford returned to St. Charles, Ill., resuming his practice, and there remained until 1868, when he removed to Warsaw, Benton County, Mo., where in a short time he built up a large and lucrative practice in medicine and surgery. Often he was compelled to ride forty miles in a single dat in the practice of his profession. While residing in Warsaw he served as Health Officer of that city for some years, and was also a member of the School Board. Professionally he has always held a high place and has always enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his brother practitioners. In 1883 he was placed on the list of lecturers in the State University, but on account of making a trip to Europe, he did not serve. He is a member of the Pettis County Medical Association, of the District Medical Association, and of the State Medical Association. While still a resident of Warsaw he was President of the Benton County Medical Association. As stated above, in 1883 the Doctor made a trip to the Old World, visiting many places and spending some time in his old home at Belfast in renewing old acquaintances. He was gone nine months, a portion of the time being spent in various medical institutions and hospitals of Europe. Returning, he spent six weeks in Bellevue Hospital in New York, and then returned to Warsaw, where he continued in the practice of his profession until 1894, when he removed to Sedalia and opened an office in the Winter Block. While in Warsaw he served as President of the Board of Medical Examiners for a number of years. Before leaving St. Charles, Ill., Dr. Crawford was married to Julia E. Groom, a native of Buffalo, N. Y., and daughter of Alfred J. and Mehetabel G. (Norris) Groom. The former was a native of London, England, while the latter was a native of New Hampshire and the daughter of Col. Thomas J. Norris, who served in the War of 1812. Three children have been born to the Doctor and his wife: Mettie G., now Mrs. Tomkins, of Warsaw, Mo.; Maud and Mabel. Politically Dr. Crawford is a stanch Republican and for many years has been quite active in political affairs. He was Chairman of the Central Committee of the Republican party of Benton County for years, and was a member of the Republican State Central Committee for four years, two years of which time he was Chairman, having succeeded Major Warner. He was a delegate from the Seventh District to the Chicago Republican Convention in the year 1888. But few state or district conventions of his party have been held of which he was not a member. In the fall of 1880 he was elected a member of the Assembly from Benton County on the Republican ticket, and was twice re-elected, serving in all six years, or three regular and two extra sessions. While in the Assembly he served on several important committees, including that of Appropriations and Internal Improvements. He was twice appointed as a member of the Legislative committee to visit the state institutions, once by Governor Marmaduke and once by Governor Moorehouse. He visited in all thirteen state institutions, and aided in making necessary and important changes and recommendations to the Governors. He drafted and introduced the first bill proposing suffrage for women in the state of Missouri. The life of Dr. Crawford has been a very active one. In addition to his medical practice and his political work, he has social connections with the Masonic fraternity, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Grand Army of the Republic post, of Sedalia, in all of which he has taken an active interest. On Decoration Day, May 30, 1895, the Doctor delivered a memorial address on Grant and Garfield at Charleston, Ill. Few men in the state have a wider acquaintance or are more favorably known than Dr. S. K. Crawford." ---------------------------------- "Charles A. Paige, a prominent agriculturist and well known citizen of township 44, range 23, Pettis County, was born in Stockholm, N. Y., in March 1840, and is the eldest now living of the family of Anson and Jane (flanders) Paige. The father was born in the state of Vermont, and there passed his early life. He emigrated to New York shortly after attaining his majority, and was there successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, following the vocation until the year of his death, that event occurring in Vermont in 1855, while he was visiting. After the death of his father Charles A. resided with an uncle in that state until 1861. Mrs. Jane Paige was born in Sandwich, N. H., and preceded her husband to the grave, dying in the year 1851. Charles A. was a lad of eleven years when this calamity overtook him, and although he attended school some in his earlier years, he was then prevented from carrying on his studies until reaching the age of fourteen. He was determined to become well educated, and at thus time attended the common schools for several terms, when he was given the advantage of an academic course. When he had just attained his majority, and while engaged in farm work, the tocsin of war was sounded throughout the country, and our subject immediately buckled on the armor of the Union soldier and went to his country's aid. He was mustered into Company E, Fourth Vermont Regiment, at Brattleboro, and was in active service for more than three years. He took part in all of the many engagements in which his regiment participated until May 5, 1864, when at the battle of the Wilderness, he received a gun shot wound which disabled him from further service. After being honorably discharged and mustered out he returned to Vermont, where he remained for a few months, then went to New York, there operating a farm for one year. At the end of that time he came to Missouri and located upon an estate near the one he now owns. Two years later, however, he purchased his present farm of forty acres, which, although small in extent, is so thoroughly improved that it yields as large a crop of grain as many other estates twice its size and not so well managed. It is situated near the main line of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad and in close proximity to the village of Green Ridge. Mr, Paige was married in June, 1866, to Miss Augusta L., daughter of Joseph L. and Sarah (Westover) Morgan. The Morgans were natives of the Green Mountain State, but of the Westover fasmily little is known. Mrs. Paige was born in New York State, and by her union with our subject became the mother of nine children, one of whom is deceased. Of those living we make the following mention: Joseph M., C. Ira, Ella L., Martin H., and Hugh are living in St. Louis, while Harry W. (the twin of Hugh), Effie J. and James G. are with their parents. Mrs. and Mrs. Paige are members of the Congregational Church, in the faith of which they have reared their children. Socially our subject is a member of E. D. Baker Post No. 68, G. A. R., and in politics is a true-blue Republican. Besides serving as Justice of the Peace in his township, he has also represented his district on the School Board." -------------------------------------------- "Franklin R. Hulland, now serving as Alderman from the First Ward in Sedalia, has been longer a continuous resident of this city than any other person in the place. In 1883 he built a residence and office at the corner of Jefferson and Ohio Streets, on a point where was formerly located the old homestead of Gen. Bacon Montgomery. In 1894 Mr. Hulland was elected on the Republican ticket to serve for two years as Alderman. He is Chairman of the Fire Department Committee and a member of the Finance, Street and Alleys, Taxes, Sewerage and Police Department Committees. Richard Hulland, the father of F. R., was born in Devonshire, England, and learned the carpenter's trade. After his marriage he moved to the United States, settling in Dubuque, Iowa, and from there went to Rockford, Ill., where he engaged in buying and selling cattle and live-stock. In the spring of 1859 he went to Cole Camp, Benton County, Mo., and there found employment at his trade until November, 1860, when he moved to Sedalia and embarked in business as a contractor and builder, giving employment to from thirty to fifty men. Our subject is now living in a block adjacent to the one in which his father dwelt for several years. During the war he was a member of the Home Guards. In 1864 he was elected Alderman in this place, and was again honored with the position in 1867, being elected on the Republican ticket. Fraternally he was a member of the Masonic order and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In 1878 he made a trip to England, and died at his old home, aged fifty-four years, being buried in the same grave in which his mother was sleeping her last sleep. He was a member of the Episcopal Church, to which his wife also belongs. She was formerly a Miss Elizabeth Sing, a native of Devonshire, England, and is now living in Sedalia, being in her seventy-third year. Her only daughter, Mary, a widow, was the wife of John Burkhard, of this place. Franklin R. Hulland was born June 22, 1857, in Rockford, Ill., and came with his parents to this place when but three years of age. His father built the second residence in the city, and here young Hulland's boyhood was passed, his education being obtained in the subscription and public schools. After working for four years at the carpenter's trade with his father, he entered upon an apprenticeship to A. E. Stewart, May 3, 1875, and became a practical workman. In 1881 he embarked in contract painting and decorating, in which line he has prospered beyond his expectations. His work has not been limited to this vicinity, as he has frequently been called to take contracts in adjoining villages, and he gives employment to from fifteen to eighteen hands. March 29, 1881, Mr. Hulland married Clara Brown, who was born in Stark County, Ohio, and they have become the parents of four children: Richard, Fayetta, Armstead S. and Clara. Mrs. Hulland is a daughter of Thomas Brown, a native of Bedford County, Pa. For a few years he resided in Stark County, Ohio, and in 1866 came to Sedalia, where he was engaged as a contact plasterer until his death. His wife, formerly Joanna Mellon, is still living in Sedalia, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In his fraternal relations Mr. Hulland is a charter member of the Royal Tribe of Joseph, belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees, and has passed all the chairs in the Equity Lodge No. 26, A. O. U. W. He and his good wife are identified with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and are esteemed by the large circle of friends whom they have gathered around them during their long residence here." ----------------------------------- "James H. Crawford, the leading general merchant at Green Ridge, is not only a prominent and progressive business man of Pettis County, but has succeeded in establishing for himself a reputation for thorough integrity, enterprise and correctness, that is truly most desirable. He was born in Virginia in 1855, and is the eldest member of the family of Baxter and Agnes Crawford, also natives of the Old Dominion, where they were reared and married. The father was identified with farming interests until the time of his decease,m which occurred in January, 1895. His estimable wife is still living, making her home with her youngest daughter in Virginia. The boyhood of our subject was passed in the usual manner of farm lads, his time being divided between work and play and attending the district school. He continued to make his home under the parental roof for two years after reaching his majority, when he embarked in farming on his own account. He was thus employed in his native state until 1884, when he came westward to Missouri, locating in Sedalia. His stay there was short, and six months later he changed his place of residence to Owlsey, Johnson County, and for over four years was engaged in merchandising in that place. The outlook being very bright for his line of business in Green Ridge, he came hither, and now has the largest general store in the city, and indeed one of the largest in the county. He carries a full stock of the latest goods, and, his prices being popular, he is well patronized. Practical and progressive in his ideas, in the management of his large business interests he manifests good judgment and those qualities which insure success. James H. Crawford and Miss Anna H. Craig were united in marriage in 1882. The lady is the daughter of Kenerly and Mary J. (Clayton) Craig, natives of Virginia, in which state Mrs. Crawford was also born. Their union has resulted in the birth of three children, named respectively, Nellie, Willie and Marvin. Our subject is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church South, while his estimable wife is a member of the Baptist Church. He is a Democrat, politically, and is consequently opposed to monopolies. Although never seeking political honors, he has nevertheless been prevailed upon to serve as a member of the Board of Councilmen, and is at present a member of that body." ----------------------------------- "Merritt Yeater, City Engineer of Sedalia, is a very bright and promising young man, and has already achieved distinction as a civil engineer, surveyor and assayist. He was first appointed to the position he now holds in 1888, and served from that time until July 1, 1892, when he resigned. He was re-appointed on his return to this city in August, 1893, by Mayor Stevens, and since he has acted in this capacity has superintended and surveyed the laying of all the principal sewers in the city, and the paving of most of the important streets. He has platted several additions to the city, among these being South Park, Smith & Cotton's, R. L. Hale's, Arlington Heights and Baird & Metsker's, all of which are large additions, and he has also surveyed several smaller ones. The great-great-grandfather of Merritt Yeater emigrated from Germany to Virginia, in which state his son, the next in line of descent, was born. He first moved to Kentucky, and later to Missouri, while it was still a territory, being one of the first settlers in the northern part of the state, and there he died at the age of sixty-six years. Charles H., grandfather of our subject, was born in Bourbon County, Ky., and for twenty years, was a merchant in Osceola, St. Clair County, Mo., in which place his death occurred in 1862, at the age of sixty-two years. He was a member of the Christian Church, and in political faith was a Democrat. His wife, Judith, was born in Kentucky, being a daughter of James Jamison, an early settler in Callaway County, Mo., and of English descent. Mrs. Yeater died when in her sixty-seventh year, and of her children three grew to maturity, namely: James J.; J. K., who was in the Sixteenth Missouri Infantry, Parsons' brigade, of the Confederate service; and Sarah, Mrs. Harrison, of Fayetteville, Ark. James Jamison Yeater, father of our subject, was born in Troy, Lincoln County, Mo., December 1, 1831, and when seven years of age moved with his parents to Callaway County. In 1841 he went to Osceola, where he attended the public and subscription schools, and then for a year he pursued his studies in Highland Academy, Jackson County. From his boyhood he was trained to be a commercial man, and was in business with his father until 1857, when he started out on his own account in Osceola, continuing in trade until 1861. He was burned out by the Union army, and soon afterward enlisted on the Confederate side, being commissioned as Quartermaster and Commissary (with rank of Captain) of the Tenth Missouri Cavalry. He took part in several battles and skirmishes in Missouri and Arkansas, but was never injured in the slightest way. In September, 1865, he came to Sedalia and was employed in commercial pursuits until he retired, in 1886. For twenty years he was a Director in the Citizens' National Bank, and in the spring of 1893 was very influential in the organization of the Bank of Commerce, being made President of the institution from the start. Mr.Yeater was united in marriage with Sarah J.Ellis, who was born near Montpelier, Vt., and of their union were born four children, Chase, Merritt, Laura and Stella. Merritt Yeater was born in Georgetown, Pettis County, March 1, 1868, and from the time he was three years of age lived in Sedalia. He obtained his education in the public schools of this place, and graduated from the high school in 1881, after which he took an academic course in the State University at Columbia. In 1886 he received the degrees of civil engineer and mechanical engineer from that university, after taking the required course in those branches. Then, going to St Louis, he was for eight months chemist for the Western Steel Company, and later was assayer and chemist for the Gold King Mining and Milling Company of Telluride, Colo. In a little less than a year he went to San Diego, Cal., working as a civil engineer, and then obtained a similar position in Texas on the Frisco Railroad. In the spring of 1888 Mr. Yeater was appointed City Engineer of Sedalia by Mayor Crawford, was re-appointed by him the following year, and in 1890-91-92 received his appointments from Mayor Stevens. On his resignation from the office in July, 1892, he went to Hannibal, Mo., taking a contract to build a reservoir holding forty million gallons for the Hannibal Waterworks Company. This task he completed satisfactorily at the end of nine months. He was next offered a position with the General Electric Company of Chicago, to survey and lay out the Intramural Railway at the World's Fair, and carried out his part of the contract. Afterward he laid a few sewers in that city, but in the early fall of 1893 returned to Sedalia, and was at once urged to resume his former position as City Engineer, and acceded to his friends' wishes. Like his father, he is a Democrat, and fraternally is a Knight of Pythias." ----------------------------------- "Hon. George L. Faulhaber, one of the most prominent citizens of Sedalia, is now serving as Treasurer of the Missouri Trust Company. He is public spirited, enterprising and progressive, and has done much for the advancement of the city where he now makes his home. He was born in Kirch Brombach, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, on the 6th day of April, 1838, and is a son of John H. Faulhaber, who was a native of the same place. His grandfather, Karl August Faulhaber, was also born in the same province, and there he had charge of the Grand Duke's forest. The family came originally from the French side of the Rhine, and were Lutherans in religious belief. The father of our subject was engaged in the manufacture of furniture in Kirch Brombach, and the business there established is still conducted by a member of the family. His eldest brother was also a cabinet-maker by trade. Mr. Faulhaber wedded Catherine Zimmer, who was born near Offenthal, and a daughter of John M. and Susanna (Zeigel) Zimmer. Her father was also a native of Offenthal, where he engaged in the manufacture of plush. To Mr. and Mrs. Faulhaber were born ten children, nine of whom grew to man and womanhood: Fritz, who died in Germany; Ernst and Catherine, who both passed away in Pittsburg, Pa.; Ernstine, now Mrs. Hoffman, of Mt. Carroll, Ill.; Lotta, Lizzette and Margaret, who all died in Allegheny, Pa.; Fredericka, a resident of that city; and George L., the youngest of the family. The father departed this life in his native land in 1846, at the age of fifty-four years, and the mother's death occurred in May, 1851, at the age of fifty-six years. The gentleman whose name heads this record graduated from the public schools of Germany at the age of twelve years, after which he came to America with a sister, in 1851. They left Meintz for Rotterdam and thence went to London. For ten weeks they were on the Atlantic, during which time they were lost in an ice-field, and as the water and provisions gave out they were nearly starved. At length they arrived safely in New York, whence they proceeded at once to Pittsburg, Pa., where Mr. Faulhaber worked with his brother until 1855, when he went to Chambersburg, Pa., and apprenticed himself to a chairmaker, with whom he remained twelve months, but during that time the man nearly starved him to death. He then boarded a schooner going down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans, and remained there until June, 1857, when he went to St. Louis. In the following September, however, he secured a position with the United States Express Company at Jefferson City, MO., remaining with them for two years. He was then messenger on the stage lines from Tipton to Kansas City, Mo., and Leavenworth to Junction City, Kan. In April, 1862, he returned to Missouri and ran between Sedalia and St. Louis, and also between St. Louis and Macon City. He then became agent for the United States Express Company at Sedalia, but resigned the following year and removed to Pleasant Gap, Bates County, where for two years he engaged in merchandising. At the end of that time he sold out and engaged in the express business, and was also Route Agent in north Missouri for the same company, with the headquarters at St. Louis. Later, in 1867, he organized an express company of his own, known as the Southern Express Company, of which he became proprietor and Superintendent, it having the stage lines in southwestern Missouri. The principal shipping lines were Sedalia, Springfield, Carthage and Neosho, and he carried on the business until 1868, when the railroads encroached on his territory. In that year we again find Mr. Faulhaber back in the office of the United States Express Company at Sedalia, he remaining with them until 1891, when the Pacific Express Company came into control. With the latter firm he remained until the 1st of September, 1884, when he resigned to become Treasurer of the Missouri Trust Company, being the first to fill that office, and he has held the position ever since. The company was organized in 1880, with a capital stock of $10,000, and is now doing the largest business of the kind in the state. The capital stock has been increased to $500,000, with $200,000 paid up; there is a surplus of $50,000, and undivided profits to the amount of $10,000. The company issue debentures and sell them anywhere, and also have a saving department, and any sum from $1 draws five per cent interest. Their present fine building was erected in 1887. Besides holding the office of Treasurer of this company, our subject is also a stockholder and Director. On the 2d of January, 1861, in Jefferson City, Mo., Mr. Faulhaber married Miss Lillie Grimshaw, a native of Leeds, England, and daughter of Jonathan Grimshaw, who was Division Superintendent of the Midland Railroad in England. After coming to America her father located at St. Louis, where he became connected with the United States Express Company, and from 1858 to 1892 was agent at Jefferson City, when he resigned and his son Arthur became his successor. He then came to Sedalia, and is now connected with the Missouri Trust Company. His wife, who was formerly Eliza M. Topham, died in Jefferson City in 1876. Mrs. Faulhaber was educated in St. Louis, and by her marriage has become the mother of six children. Katherine E., now Mrs. Houx, is a widow and resides with her father; George G. died in St. Louis; Gertrude is at home; Ernest A. is in the purchasing department of the Northern Pacific Railroad at St. Paul, Minn.; and Eda Margaret and Blanche Lillian, whom are at home, complete the family. In 1878 Mr. Faulhaber was elected Mayor of Sedalia on the Republican ticket, and the following year was re-elected, holding the office for two terms to the satisfaction of all. He became a member of the School Board in 1882, serving for the first year as President, but he preferred the office of Secretary, which he filled for the two succeeding years. He was made City Treasurer in April, 1888, and remained in office for two years, Public affairs always receive his hearty recognition, and he encourages all enterprises for the city's advancement. He was in Sedalia in1864, at the time when Jeff Thompson was captured there, and during the war served in a company of Citizens' Guard as Sergeant. He takes considerable interest in civic societies, being a member of Sedalia Lodge No. 236, A. F. & A. M., in which he served for five consecutive years as Master, and for eight years as Secretary, from which office he resigned; he is also a member of Sedalia Chapter No.18, R. A. M., where he was also Secretary for fifteen years; and St. Omar Commandery No. 11, K.T., in which he filled the same office for seven years, but some three years ago resigned all of those offices, though he is now serving as Eminent Commander. He has been a member of the Masonic Board of Relief since 1885; and also belonged to Fern Leaf Chapter of the Eastern Star until it gave up its charter, and in that order filled the chairs of Worthy Patron and Grand Marshal. For two years he was Grand Junior Deacon of the State Lodge, and Treasurer of both the Royal Tribe of Joseph and the Royal Arcanum. With the Calvary Episcopal Church he holds membership, and is Vestryman and Clerk of the Board. In politics he is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and has served as delegate to the county and state conventions. No man in Sedalia is more widely or favorably known, and the name of George L. Faulhaber deserves an honored place in this volume." ----------------------------------- "Edward Hough, a very popular and clever young citizen of Sedalia, is serving in the responsible position of City Clerk, having been appointed to the office September 7, 1892, by Mayor Stevens, and the appointment being confirmed by the Council. In 1893 he was re-appointed, and again in 1894, giving full satisfaction to all. He is quite prominent in the ranks of the local Democracy, with which he has been identified since becoming a voter, and has served as a Committeeman from the Second Ward. The father of the gentleman above mentioned, Michael Hough, was born in Ireland, and upon coming to the United States landed at New Orleans. About 1850 he went to St. Louis by way of the Mississippi River. Later he entered the employ of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, working in their car departments in St. Louis, Jefferson City and Sedalia for thirteen years. He died in the faith of the Catholic Church, to which he had been reared in this city, in the year 1883. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Gaffney, was a native of the Emerald Isle. She survived him a few years, passing away in 1888. By her marriage she became the mother of four children, of whom Edward is the eldest. Margaret is living with her brother and sister. Mathew works for the Dexter Book and Paper Company of this place; and Eliza lives with our subject. Edward Hough was born January 18, 1868, in Jefferson City, Mo., during his parents' residence there, but from the time he was five years of age he lived in Sedalia. He received a good education and was a student in Professor VanPatten's school for some time. When he was eighteen years of age he entered the employ of the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company, with which his father was connected, and was a machinist in their shops until the strike of 1886. Thence he went to St. Joseph, Mo., and for six months was in the machine-shop and foundry of H. C. Burkes. Preferring Sedalia, however, he returned, and obtained a clerkship in a grocery owned by Mr. McGinly, and there he continued for three years. At the end of that time he resumed railroading, being made fireman on the Ft. Scott & Wichita Railroad, in which capacity he served for several years. As a public official Mr. Hough is making a good record, being very systematic and exact in his methods, and faithful to the demands and best interests of the public. He is a member of the Catholic Benevolent Society, and in the Legion of Honor occupies an official position. He adheres to the faith of the Catholic Church, holding membership with the congregation of St., Vincent de Paul." ----------------------------------- "Edward John Kiesling. There are many accomplishments in life, the securing of which will ever bring honor and praise to the one who has faithfully won them; but the greatest honor will ever be due to the man who, beginning at the foot of the ladder, with no capital but strong arms and a courageous young heart, pushes his way onward and upward to success. Such a one is the subject of our sketch, for his success is entirely due to the energy, perseverance and good judgment with which he has conducted his business enterprises. In general blacksmithing, carriage and wagon manufacturing our subject has found a wide field for his labors, and has built up a large and lucrative trade, receiving a liberal patronage from the citizens of Sedalia and surrounding towns. A native of Germany, he was born near Muencheberg, Bavaria, June 4, 1863, and is a son of George and Margaret (Schmutzler) Kiesling, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father was a farmer in the Fatherland, in which country his death occurred. The mother was a Lutheran in religious belief, and had four children, three of whom are still living, our subject being the only one now in America. Edward J. remained in his native land until reaching his fifteenth year, at which time, in 1878, he came to America, here meeting his brother John, who is now deceased. Locating in Cole County, Mo., our subject was employed on a farm for two years, and then apprenticed himself to learn the blacksmith's trade in Westphalia, Osage County, Mo., continuing in that capacity two years. In 1882 he came to Sedalia, working at his trade in connection with different establishments, and in 1885 bought the shop he now owns, beginning business for himself at blacksmithing and repairing. He was so successful in this line that he was enabled, in 1894, to begin the manufacture of wagons, carriages, sulkies, and in fact, all vehicles on wheels. About fifteen men are employed and he superintends the business himself. In Sedalia, in the year 1884, occurred the marriage of Mr. Kiesling and Miss Bertha Maue, a native of Germany. To this union has been born a family of three children, George, Eddie and Walter. The family residence is at No. 312 North Prospect Avenue, and is the abode of hospitality and good cheer. Socially our subject is identified with the Woodmen of the World, and also belongs to the Sons of Herman. Politically he is a Republican, the principles of which party he supports with voice and ballot. he is a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, and gives generously to its support. Besides his manufacturing interests he is the owner of valuable real estate, and in all respects has shown himself to be one who is worthy of emulation." ----------------------------------- "Richard M. Olmstead has served for years as a member of the Sedalia Central Democratic Committee from the Third Ward. In 1886 he was elected to serve as an Alderman from the same ward, and was Chairman of the Streets and Alleys and Cemetery Committees. After an interval of a year he was re-elected for another two-years term, and was Chairman of the Committees on Streets and Alleys and Sewers. For two years he was out of office, but in 1893 was once more elected, and is now Chairman of the Sanitary and Printing Committees, and is also a member of the one on streets and alleys. He was among the very first to advocate street pavement, and can always be found on the side of progress .In 1882 he started in business as a livery man, being a pioneer in this line, and has also been much interested in real estate-transactions. At an early day the paternal grandfather brought his family as far West as Jersey County, Ill., from New York State. His son Richard, father of our subject, was a native of the Empire State, and in his early manhood operated a farm near Jerseyville, Ill., where he died when only twenty-eight years of age. His wife, who was a Miss Louisa Crab, afterward became the wife of P. S. Prentice. She was born in Knoxville Tenn., and is a daughter of Joseph B. Crab, an early settler in Jersey County, Ill. He took part in the Black Hawk and Mexican Wars, and in 1852 went overland to Oregon, dying soon after his arrival there. Mrs. Prentice resided in Jersey County until 1864, when she located in Macoupin County. After being a resident of Litchfield, Ill., about ten years she came to Sedalia, where she is now living, having reached her seventy-seventh year. She is a faithful and zealous member of the baptist Church. Of the four children by her first marriage, only two are living, our subject and S. H. The latter, who was in the Civil War, lives in Sedalia. By her marriage with Mr. Prentice she had four children. R. M. Olmsted was born in Jersey County, Ill., April 27, 1848, and received a district-school education. In 1864 he moved with his mother to Macoupin County, and a year later to Litchfield. His first employment was as a teamster, after which he entered the service if the Indianapolis & St. Louis Railroad as a brakeman, and was later promoted to be yardmaster. In 1871 he moved to the vicinity of Versailles, Mo., where he was engaged in farming about two years. In 1873 he located in Sedalia and engaged in the teaming business for some seven years, gradually drifting into his present occupation. His livery barn at No. 313 Hancock Avenue is 45x90 feet in dimensions, and affords room for thirty horses. In connection with his other business Mr. Olmsted is the manager of a transfer line. From time to time he has invested in real estate and owns seven residences, besides farm lands. In 1875 occurred the first marriage of Mr. Olmsted, the lady of his choice being Miss. M Bowlin, of that city. Her death occurred in Sedalia, at which time she left two sons and a daughter, namely: Henry W., Bessie P. and Frederick. In 1887 our subject married Eudora Marvin, a native of this city. Mr. Olmsted is a member of Equity Lodge No. 26, A. O . U. W., belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees, and is also connected with the Woodmen of the World." -------------------------------------- "Hon. John D. Crawford, who served as Mayor of Sedalia from 1888 until 1890, has been Vice-President of the Citizens' National Bank for over sixteen years, and is one of the most prominent men of Pettis County. During his term at the head of the city government, the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad headquarters were moved here, an electric street railway system inaugurated, and street paving and electric lighting introduced. The Crawford family date their origin back to Ardlock or Crawford-land, in Ayrshire, Scotland. The old Crawford castle, built in a remote period of antiquity, still stands on the right bank of the river Clyde. Our subject's ancestors were natives of Scotland and descendants of Col. John Crawford, who came from Ayrshire to Pennsylvania. His grandfather, John, who was born in Cumberland County, Pa., removed to Kentucky, where he was one of the very earliest settlers, having located in the wilderness in 1790. While on an expedition prospecting for mines in the Northwest Territory, he met his death. Our subject's father, John E., was born in Cumberland County, Ky., and inherited the same adventurous spirit. In 1827 he went on horseback to St. Louis, from there came to Pettis County, and then went to the lead mines of Galena, Ill., remaining there some two years, but in 1829 returned to this county and participated in the Indian troubles and in the Mormon War. He settled on a farm on Spring Fork Creek, six miles south of Sedalia, and in time became the owner of eight hundred acres. For one term he served as a member of the General Assembly, having been elected on the Whig ticket, but after the formation of the Republican party he adhered to its teachings. He made a specialty of raising high-grade stock, and was very successful in his ventures. His death occurred in the okld brick house wehich he had built in 1844 on his farm, at the age of eighty-nine years, in 1891. The maternal ancestors of our subject were of Scotch-Irish origin. His mother, Sarilda J., was born in Clark County, Ky., and died February 2, 1895, aged sixty-seven years. Her grandparents were among the first settlers of Ste. Genevieve, Mo.; in fact, they settled there at a time when the surrounding country was so wild as to be illy fitted for a home, and they therefore returned to Kentucky. Daniel Donnohue, our subject's grandfather, was born in Ste. Genevieve, Mo., but was reared principally in Kentucky, and at a very early period in the history of Pettis County settled on a farm in Dresden Township. The marriage of John E. Crawford and Sarilda J.Donnohue, which was solemnized in 1836, was blessed by six children, namely: John D.; James H., who was Lieutenant of Company E, Seventh Missouri State Cavalry, and who located and settled Stesamboat Springs, Colo., in 1873; Henry A., who died in Colorado in 1882; Grant, who is Assistant Cashier of the Citizens' National Bank, of Sedalia; Ann E., Mrs. J. J. Ferguson, who lives in Texas; and Cynthia M., wife of Rev. B., T. Thomas, of Lafayette County, Mo. The first marriage of John E. Crawford united him with Miss McFarland, of Cooper County, Mo., and they became the parents of two sons, namely: Christopher C., who was a Lieutenant in the Forty-fifth Missouri Infantry, and died in Pettis County in 1891; and William O., who was as member of the Fortieth Missouri Militia during the late war, and is now engaged in farming in Pettis County. Upon his father's farm, five miles northwest of Sedalia, March 1, 1838, occurred the birth of the subject of this notice. With the exception of the first two years, he resided on a farm south of Sedalia until he was twenty-one. His studies were conducted in William Jewell College, at Liberty, Mo., and on completing his education he taught school until the outbreak of the war. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Fortieth Missouri Militia, and was elected Captain of the company. The following year he was made Captain of Company K, Fifth Provisional Regiment of Missouri Troops, and in 1864 was commissioned Colonel of the Fortieth Regiment by Governor Gamble, and served as such until the close of the war. His regiment was central, and on duty in southwestern Missouri. At the time of Price's last raid, he was in command of the post at Sedalia, which was evacuated temporarily by order of Gen. E. B. Brown,m who was in command. In June, 1865, Mr. Crawford married Annie E. Parberry, who was born in this county. Her father, N. N. Parberry, came from Virginia to this section and settled on a farm four miles south of Sedalia. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford are members of the First Baptist Church of Sedalia, of which the former has been a Trustee for many years. Since 1875 they have spent ten summers in the Rocky Mountains, and have thoroughly enjoyed this recreation. In the fall of 1870 Mr. Crawford was elected County Recorder of Deeds on the Republican ticket, was re-elected four years later, and did not retire from the office until January, 1879. Subsequently he has been engaged in the abstract, title and real-estate business, the firm with which he is connected being known as Morey & Crawford, and he is giving his principal attention to real-estate and loan transactions. In company with Ira Hinsdale, he laid out West Broadway Addition, now the finest residence part of the city. He owns a part of the old Spring Fork Farm, besides land in other sections of the county. His residence is situated at the corner of Sixteenth Street and Kentucky Avenue, one of the highest points in the city. He has been interested in all public enterprises, and has many friends in central Missouri. Fraternally he has held many offices in the Masonic order, and has been a delegate to county and state conventions of the Republican party. It is within his recollection when Sedalia was not yet in existence and this region was all wild land. As he was reared in this section, he has been a witness of its development, and claims it as the garden spot of earth. Both he and his family deserve more than passing mention." ---------------------------------------- "Charles E. Newell, who has the reputation of being one of the most skilled machinists in the employ of the Missouri Pacific Railway Company, was born in Rochester, Strafford County, N. H., in 1840. The family has long been identified with the history of the United States, and his paternal great-great-grandfather, who was a manufacturer of cotton goods, participated actively in the War of the Revolution. Grandfather Newell, whose Christian name was Daniel, was born in Massachusetts, and by occupation was a cotton manufacturer, being thus engaged in both the Bay State and in Rochester, N. H. In the War of 1812 he served as a drummer. His death occurred at the age of eighty-four years. The father of our subject, Thompson L.Newell, was born in Oxbridge, Mass., and engaged in the manufacture of cotton goods at Rochester for some years. In 1847 he removed to Exeter, thence to Manchester, and at an advanced age died in Concord, his remains being interred in a cemetery at Manchester. During the Civil War he enlisted in the Union army, and took part in the first battle of Bull Run. On his return home he became Captain of a company of the Fourth New Hampshire Infantry, and went South with them, but the second season he was obliged to resign on account of physical disability. He was a Grand Army member, and a Republican in politics. Socially he was a Mason, and in religious belief belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died at the age of eighty-five years. Sophia Tebbetts, as the mother of our subject was known in maidenhood, was born in New Hampshire, and through her mother traced her ancestry to the Hoyts, who were numbered among the original English settlers on American soil. Her great-great-grandfather Hoyt was a manufacturer by occupation and participated in the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Sophia Newell died at the age of seventy-seven years. She reared eight children, and was justly proud of the fact that four of her sons were brave defenders of the Old Flag. LaFayette was a soldier in a Massachusetts infantry company, usually known as the "Bloody Sixth;" George belonged to the Tenth New Hampshire Infantry; Daniel was Drum-Major of the Second New Hampshire Infantry; and Samuel, who was a dragoon in the Second Cavalry, took part in thirty-eight battles. All the sons served until the expiration of their period of enlistment, and all are still living. The subject of this notice was reared in Manchester until seventeen years of age, meantime attending the public and high schools. In 1857 he went to Dubuque, Iowa, and from there to Iowa City, where he was employed in surveying. For six months he was similarly engaged in Nebraska, and then went to Pike's Peak, where he prospected for sixteen months. Going further South, he volunteered in New Mexico against the Navajoe Indians, whom he assisted in routing. From Santa Fe he returned to Colorado, where he resumed work in the mines. In the fall of 1862 he returned to his old home, driving back with a mule team over the prairies to Omaha, and journeying by stage from there to St. Joseph, Mo., where he took the steam cars for New Hampshire. For three years after his return home, Mr. Newell was serving an apprenticeship to the machinist's trade in Manchester. In 1866 he went to Chicago, and for ten years was employed in the shops of the Rock Island Road. At the request of the Master Mechanic of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway Company, in 1876 he accepted a position in the Sedalia shops, and, coming to this city, has since made it his home. A the time of the consolidation, in 1881, he became an employe of the Missouri Pacific Road, and was first toolman in the shops and later foreman for a time. The residence now occupied by Mr. Newell was erected by himself, and is situated at No. 1008 Massachusetts Street. He was married at Booneville, August 15, 1881, to Miss Christine Oman, a native of Sweden, and a daughter of Peter Oman, a farmer of this county. She was reared in Missouri, and is an amiable, refined lady, and an active member of the Baptist Church. There are two daughters, Ida and Leah, both of whom are students of the Sedalia Schools. In 1886 Mr. Newell was elected Alderman for the Third Ward on the Republican ticket, and during his two years' service in that capacity was Chairman of the Waterworks Committee, and was also on the Fire Department and the Finance Committees. He has been officially connected with Sedalia Lodge No. 170, A. O. U. W. and is also a Master Mason. His skill as a mechanic has been the means of securing for him the confidence of the officials of the road, and he is recognized as one of the most practical and capable mechanics in the state. --------------------------- "Martin V. B. Paige is at present holding the office of Justice of the Peace of Green Ridge. In 1889 he was appointed Postmaster, under Harrison's administration, and for four years was the popular and efficient incumbent of that office. He was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., October 29, 1842, and was the second in order of birth of the family born unto Anson and Mary J. (Flanders) Paige. The father of our subject was born in Vermont, but left his native state when a young man and removed to New York. His good wife, the mother of Martin, was born in New Hampshire, where she was reared to womanhood and where she became fairly well educated. Squire Page had just passed his eighteenth year when the tocsin of war resounded through the land. Being fired with the spirit of patriotism, he donned the blue and enlisted in Company C, Ninety-second New York Infantry, being mustered in at Potsdam, N. Y., in September, 1861. He was in active service for four and a-half years, during that time participating in all of the many engagements in which his regiment took part. After a service of three years he re-enlisted and was transferred to Company D, Ninety-sixth New York Infantry. The same day he was transferred he was taken prisoner by the enemy and for two weeks was confined in Libby Prison. He was then sent to Salisbury, N. C., and for four months was there retained as a prisoner of war. The reader doubtless knows something of the treatment and cruelty to which the Union soldiers were subjected, and the exposures and hardships which Mr. Paige endured greatly undermined his health, and he has not been robust and strong since that time. He was just on the eve of being commissioned Lieutenant of a new company when taken prisoner, but upon rejoining his regiment he was promoted to be Sergeant and on being mustered out was made Commissary-Sergeant. Although the war was at an end some months previously, he was not mustered out until February, 1866, his regiment having been retained to do guard duty. On returning to New York State, Mr. Paige passed some time in visiting among his relatives and friends. March 4, 1866, he bade them adieu, and, emigrating westward, located at once in Green Ridge. He carried on a farm near this place for a number of years, but owing to ill-health was obliged to abandon this kind of labor, and moved into the village of Green Ridge in 1883. He owns a comfortable home here and with his estimable companion is prepared to spend his declining years in the ease and enjoyment which he so much deserves. Squire Page was married, in 1865, to Miss Marilla, daughter of Rufus and Diantha F. (Irwin) Austin. Both the Irwin and Austin families were quite prominent in the East. Mrs. Paige died two years after her marriage, and in 1869 our subject chose for his second companion Miss Mariette P. Austin, a sister of his first wife. Eight children were born of this union, of whom the eldest, Sophronia, is deceased. David E. is a resident of Lamonte, this state. The others are Charles A., Ora E., Dora Lucia, George H. and Roy, all of whom are at home with their parents. Both Mr. and Mrs. Paige are members in good standing of the Congregational Church. Squire Page, although having been in public life for many years, maintains an unblemished reputation as a man of integrity and honor. He is an uncompromising Republican in politics, and for many years served the people as Constable and Justice of the Peace, being the incumbent of the latter office at the present time. While Postmaster he was popular in his official capacity, discharging the duties of the position with characteristic fidelity and to the satisfaction of all concerned. Socially he is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and as a Grand Army man belongs to E. D. Baker Post No. 68." ----------------------- "Judge W. H. Nichols, of Sedalia, who is now serving as Judge of the Probate Court of Pettis County, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, at the old Rock Creek Mill in Tiffin, on the 13th of August, 1836, and is a son of Daniel K. Nichols, a native of Berkeley County, W. Va. The father emigrated to Ohio in 1831, moving with horse and wagon, and began milling in the old Rock Creek Mill, near which he lived in stone house, one of the first built in that locality. Later, however, in 1842, he went to Lower Sandusky, and engaged in milling; but ten years later located near Ft. Seneca, Seneca County, Ohio, where with a partner, he operated a mill until his death, which occurred in 1858, at the age of fifty-five years. Formerly he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but later in life became a Universalist. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Susan Rhineberger, was born in Berkeley County, W. Va., and was a daughter of Henry Rhineberger, who was of German descent, and died in Ohio at the age of seventy-five. Mrs. Nichols passed away in 1866, at the age of fifty-six, a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. By her marriage she became the mother of nine children, but only three are yet living. Judge Nichols, the youngest member of the family, was reared to manhood in Seneca and Sandusky Counties, where his primary education was received, though he later attended Heidelberg College for two years. On completing his literary course he began teaching, which profession he followed for two terms. He then worked with his father in the mill for two years, when, in 1857, he started for California, going by way New York and the Panama route to Orleans Flat, on the Yuba River. Later he went to near Truckee Lake, where he was employed during the summer, but the following spring we find him at the Frazier River. After to returning to Jackson, Cal., he prospected there for several months, and later was employed by a lumber firm as a bookkeeper and collector for three years. He then clerked in a general store in Jackson until the fire of 1863, when he went to the copper mines, where he engaged in prospecting, meeting with excellent success. On the 1st of January, 1864, he returned to Ohio by the same route as he had left it. In July of the same year, Mr. Nichols enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Eightieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and the company was organized at Camp Chase. He was mustered in for one year's service, and with the regiment proceeded to Deckerdtown, Tenn., guarding Sherman's rear. From there they went to Columbia, from which place they returned, later embarking by rail and steamer of Camp Stoneman. On the voyage the measles broke out and many of the regiment died. At Newbern, N. C., they were engaged in guarding the railroad, the regiment being a part of the Twenty-third Corps, commanded by General Schofield, but later by General Ruger. They participated in the engagement at Kingston, where they lost heavily, and then joined Sherman, assisting in the capture of General Johnston. They were then sent to Charlotte, N. C., where they remained until mustered out of service. Mr. Nichols was first Orderly-Sergeant, but later was promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant of Company B, One Hundred and Eightieth Volunteer Infantry. He saw much hard service, but was never in the hospital for a single day, and valiantly aided his country in the defense of the Union. On his return to Ohio, in July, 1865, he bought an interest in a mill, which he operated until the spring of 1868, when he sold out and by team and wagon came to Missouri. He had no destination in view, but as Sedalia pleased him, he decided here to locate, when it was a thriving little town with but one bank and a few stores. Purchasing a farm in Washington Township, he continued its improvement and cultivation until the spring of 1888, when he located in the city, but still owns that place, which is a valuable tract of one hundred and seven acres. At Ft. Seneca, Ohio, in 1866, Mr. Nichols wedded Miss Janet E. Abbott, a native of that place and a daughter of Lorenzo Abbott, the later of whom was born in Massachusetts, but came from New York to Ohio in 1820. By this union have been born three children: Edith and Janet, who are at home; and Raymond Henry, who attends the public schools. At one time Mr. Nichols served as Deputy-Assessor of Sedalia, and in 1890 was made register clerk in the postoffice, being appointed by Captain Demuth. He continued under that gentleman for four years, during which time he was always on duty, never missing a single day. In the fall of 1894, he was elected Probate Judge of Pettis County, which office he is now filling with credit and ability. In the cause of education, he takes considerable interest, and served as School Director for some time. In politics he is a stanch Republican, having supported that party since its organization. He holds membership with Equity Lodge No. 26, A. O. U. W.; and George R. Smith Post No. 53, G. A. R., in which for three years he was Adjutant. In business Mr. Nichols is honest and straightforward, and success has usually attended his efforts, making him now one of the substantial citizens of Pettis County. We thus note, in the history of this gentleman, a career of more than ordinary interest." ---------------------------------------------- "William F. Hansberger, the popular Alderman from the Fourth Ward, who was elected on the Democratic ticket in the spring of 1892, is Chairman of the Committees on Taxes, and Lighting, and belongs to nearly every other committee on the Board. In 1878 he commenced traveling for the National Mail Company, and in 1881 began taking contracts for mail routes, having at the present time over five hundred of such contracts. The importance of his work may be estimated when it is known that he is obliged to give bonds double the amount of mail pay, over $200,000, all in real estate. Associated with him are W. H. and J. R. Owens. Grandfather Henry Hansberger, who was an extensive planter of Rockingham County, Va., died in his seventy-third year, on the old homestead, which was a grant of land given to his ancestors by Lord Fairfax. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, belonging to a State Militia company. Our subject's father, Layton J. Hansberger, was born on the same old farm in Rockingham County, and was a minister of the Southern Methodist Episcopal Church, and a member of the Virginia Conference. He preached in all portions of the state, until shortly before his death, which occurred near Lynchburg, in 1877, when he was about seventy years of age. His marriage was celebrated about 1840, with martha T. French, a native of Prince William County, Va. Her father, William French, was a Captain in the War of 1812, and owned the fine plantation known as "Green Level," near Brentsville. Mrs. Hansberger died at the home of our subject in Sedalia in 1890, being past her seventieth year. Her six children are all still living. On the paternal side our subject is of German descent, while on the maternal side he is of English origin. He was born near Brentsville, Va., forty miles from Washington, D. C., May 25, 1843, and with his father resided in various places, owing to the fact that the latter was a Methodist minister. He was educated in the Episcopal Academy, at Fredericksburg, Va., and was preparing to enter Randolph-Macon College when the war broke out. March 10, 1861, he enlisted in the Confederate service under Major Belden, in Stuart's brigade, being assigned to the cavalry. Later he was in Chambers' brigade, William Henry Lee's division, Stuart's corps. He participated in the seven-days fight near Richmond, wen with Stuart's troops on their raid, was active in the battles of Gettysburg, Yellow Tavern, Appomattox and Fredricksburg, and until the surrender of Richmond helped to defend that city. Though he had many narrow escapes he was never wounded, nor was he ever in the hospital. He lost about sixteen horses, nearly every one of them being shot, and his last horse was one which had cost him $25,000 in Confederate money. After surrendering at Appomattox, he started with Gen. Fitzhugh Lee to Mexico; he turned back, however, was paroled in June, and took the oath of allegiance in 1865. From that time until 1867 Mr. Hansberger taught school in Halifax County, Va. The following year he went to Cumberland County, that state, and in August, 1869, came to Pettis County. For a few years he taught in different districts in this region, and in 1875 was elected County School Commissioner for a two-year term, during which time he also conducted schools. In 1878 his connection with the mail service began, and in the discharge of his duties he traveled from Maine to California, and from Florida to British Columbia. His contracts comprised every state and territory, and at the present time his longest route is one of two hundred and seventy miles. For several years he was in the real-estate business here, and laid out Hansberger Addition, which lies between Broadway and Ninth Street, and Harrison and Grand Avenues. At the corner of Broadway and Harrison Avenue, he built his own comfortable and commodious residence. At various times he has been interested in different building and loan associations, and was the first President of the Equitable Association. In Meadville, Va., Mr. Hansberger and Mary E. Henderson were united in marriage, in 1866. The lady died in this county in 1877, leaving three children: James W., now of Des Moines, Iowa; and Martha F. and Mollie E., who are at home. January 6, 1880, Mary Owens became the wife of our subject. She was born in Delaware, and reared in Cass County, Mo., but came to this city to live in December, 1878. The only child of the second marriage is Vivian, who was born January 28, 1889. Fraternally Mr. Hansberger is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks." ----------------------------------