USA > Missouri > Centennial history of Missouri (the center state) one hundred years in the Union, 1820-1921, Volume V > Part 23
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GEORGE R. MERRELL
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tute. The family has always been characterized by public-spirited citizenship and patriotic devotion to duty. Two on the father's side and two on the mother's side from the family served in the Revolutionary war and through all the intervening perlod representatives of the name have been loyal to the best interests of the coun- try, seeking ever to promote national as well as community progress.
In politics Mr. Merrell is a republican, believing firmly in the principles of the party as factors in good government. In religious faith he is a Congregationalist, belonging to the First Congregational church of St. Louis, in which he has served as vice president of the board of trustees since 1918. He belongs to Tuscan Lodge No. 360, A. F. & A. M., in which he was raised June 15, 1912. He is also a Scot- tish Rite Mason, having connection with Missouri Consistory No. 1, in which he took his work in April, 1913. He has also crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of Moolah Temple of the Mystic Shrine of St. Louis. He belongs to the Royal Arcanum and is a well known member of the Chamber of Commerce, in which he is now serving as chairman of Division No. 5, having charge of drug and chemical interests. He belongs also to the St. Louis Drug & Chemical Club, and since its organization has been chairman of the membership committee. He is a member of the St. Louis Club, the Algonquin Golf Club and the Rotary Club. The interests and activities of his life are well balanced and his has been a useful and well spent career. In his business he has been watchful of all the details and all indications pointing toward prosperity and from the beginning has had an abiding faith in the ultimate success of the enterprise; yet this has not been alone the goal for which he has striven, for he belongs to that class of representative American citizens who pro- mote the general prosperity while advancing individual interests.
ELBRIDGE MILTON DEARING.
Elbridge Milton Dearing, judge of the circuit court and numbered among the honored residents of Potosi, Washington county, was born on his father's farm near Blackwell, in that county, December 20, 1867, and is a son of Richard H. Dearing, who engaged in farming in Washington county throughout his life, and his death in 1893 was an occasion of deep bereavement in the community. His birth occurred near Old Mines and his father, Addison Dearing, was born in Kentucky and came to Missouri in 1820 as a married man with a family, settling in Washington county. The wife of Addison Dearing was Miss Elizabeth Preston, a member of the prominent family of that name in Kentucky. The Dearing family was originally from Virginia, where it was founded in the colonial days, thence removing to Kentucky. When Richard H. Dearing commenced farming in Washington county, Missouri, he had to cut down the trees and make his own road to the wooded tract where he made his home. He was a prominent man in the community and for four years was presiding judge of the county court. He was a zealous Baptist and an exemplary member of the Masonic order, being a charter member of Blackwell Lodge, No. 535, A. F. & A. M. He married Miss Eliza C. Cole, who was born in Washington county, a daughter of Micajah and Larinia (Turley) Cole, both natives of Kentucky but early settlers of Missouri. Mrs. Dearing died on the 11th of June, 1917. She was the mother of eight children.
The early education of Elbridge M. Dearing was obtained in the common schools of Washington county and Cape Girardeau State Normal School. After completing his course in that institution he taught school for a period of four years, studying law in his spare time under the direction of his brother, Frank R., who was practic- ing law in De Soto and was at that time holding the office of prosecuting attorney. In 1892 Elbridge M. Dearing was admitted to the bar and immediately entered upon practice in partnership with Frank R. as Dearing Brothers at Hillsboro and Potosi, taking entire charge of the firm's business at the latter place. Frank R. Dearing died in 1904 while holding the office of circuit judge, and Governor Dockery appointed Elbridge M. Dearing to fill the unexpired term, from June, 1904, to January 1, 1905. Previously he had served as prosecuting attorney for Washington county in 1896 and had been re-elected in 1898. In the year of his brother's death, 1904, he was elected to the legislature from his county and served on the judiciary committee of the house of representatives. He was not a candidate for re-election. In 1910 he
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was elected to the office of circuit judge for the twenty-first judicial circuit for a term of six years and in 1916 was re-elected and is still serving in that office. His circuit consists of Jefferson, Washington, Iron, Wayne and Reynolds counties.
It was on the 4th of September, 1895, that Mr. Dearing was united in marriage to Miss Fanny Bust, a daughter of Robert Bust who was born in England in 1834, came to America in 1855, and located in Washington county, Missouri, where he engaged in the milling business. He married Miss Lucy McGready, a daughter of Dr. James H. and Mary Ann (McClanathan) McGready. Mrs. Dearing was born September 25, 1868, and died at her home in Potosi on January 26, 1921, of heart failure. The business was founded by a relative, Robert Hornsey, and was in pos- session of the family until his death in 1897. It is one of the oldest mills in the vicinity and for many years was run hy water power. The father of Robert Bust was Joseph Bust, a native of England. Four children were born to Judge and Mrs. Dearing: Elizabeth, who received her education in the Potosi high school, Stephen's College at Columbia, Maryville College at Maryville, Tennessee, and is now residing at home; one child who died in infancy; Will Bust, attending the University of Missouri and preparing to enter the legal profession; and Lucy Beatrice, attending the Potosi schools.
Judge Dearing has always been a stanch supporter of the democratic party and the principles for which it stands. In its interests he has taken an active part and has served on many of the party committees. He was a delegate to the famous Bal- timore convention in 1912 which nominated Woodrow Wilson for president. Fra- ternally he is a Mason, being a member of Blackwell Lodge, No. 535, at Blackwell, Consistory No. 1 of St. Louis, and has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scot- tish Rite. The religious faith of the family is that of the Baptist church. As a prominent and progressive citizen, Judge Dearing is interested in the development and improvement of his community, and in the financial affairs he takes an active part, being a director in the Bank of Potosi. He has always been a stanch advocate of education and to this end has been a member of the board of education for a num- ber of years. In connection with his profession he has membership in the American and Missouri State Bar Associations and he has been president of the bar association of his judicial circuit. He finds recreation in hunting and fishing, in which sports he is proficient, and he is also interested in farming. He owns land near Potosi which he cultivates and which is considered one of the finest farms in that section of the county.
Judge Dearing is a representative of Missouri's most progressive citizens and during the World war he took an active part in all local affairs, being chairman of the Fourth Liberty loan drive, the Red Cross Association and was a Four Minute man.
WALTER WELLS NALL.
Walter Wells Nall, clerk of the United States district court for the eastern district of Missouri, was born in Washington county, this state, June 15, 1859, and is a son of Greenbury Blackstone Nall, now deceased, who was a native of Kentucky and a representative of one of the old families of that state, while more remote ancestry lived in Virginia and came of French and Scotch lineage. Green- bury B. Nall was reared and educated in Kentucky and in 1862 hecame a resident of St. Louis hut in 1863 removed to Washington county. He followed general mercantile pursuits there very successfully until 1868 when he established his home in Iron county and resided at Ironton to the time of his death which occurred in 1907 when he was seventy-seven years of age. He also followed merchandising at Ironton and in fact devoted his entire life to commercial pursuits. In early manhood he wedded Sally A. Wells who was born in Shelby county, Kentucky, and belonged to one of the old families of that state. Her father, George B. Wells, was a Confederate soldier who was killed during the Civil war. The death of Mrs. Nall occurred at Ironton, Missouri, in 1909, when she was sixty-seven years of age. By her marriage she had become the mother of five sons and three daugh- ters, but only two are living, Walter Wells and H. A. Nall, the latter of Jefferson City, Missouri.
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Walter W. Nall pursued his education in Arcadia College of Iron county, Missouri, being there graduated in 1878. Both before and after leaving college he was employed in his father's store and when in 1878 his father was elected county clerk of Iron county the son served as his deputy. In 1887 he came to St. Louis and was appointed chief deputy United States marshal for the eastern district of Missouri, continuously and acceptably filling that office for twenty years or until the 1st of April, 1907, when he was appointed to his present position -that of United States district court clerk, in which capacity he has since served and by virtue of the length of his service he is the oldest executive in the United States custom house of St. Louis. The office of clerk of the United States district court requires familiarity with federal practice, promptness and exactness in the keeping of papers and records, strict integrity in the handling of money belonging to litigants and the government, courteous treatment of the public and great dis- cretion in giving out information, all of which qualities Mr. Nall possesses in an eminent degree. His appointment to his present office came to him through Hon. David P. Dyer, who said: "Nothing can be said that will give a correct and faithful statement of his worth as officer, friend and citizen. There are few men as good and none any better. No dishonest dollar ever came to his hands and in all things he is accurate and faithful."
At Ironton, Missouri, June 19, 1880, Mr. Nall was married to Miss Florence M. Sanner, a native of Illinois and a daughter of Jacoh and Margaret J. Sanner. They have become parents of five children, three sons and two daughters, who are with them in a pleasant home at No. 4122 Botanical avenue. Mr. Nall has always given his political endorsement to the democratic party. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum and the motive springs of his character are found in his religious helief which is evidenced in his membership in St. John's Methodist Episcopal church, South.
CHARLES CUNLIFF.
Charles Cunliff, a prominent building contractor of St. Louis whose activities in this direction make heavy demands upon his time, yet finds opportunity for co- operation in many civic matters of broad scope and value, and he can be counted upon in support of all those interests which make for the uplift of the individual and the benefit of the community at large.
Mr. Cunliff was born in Manchester, England, February 12, 1861, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Redfern) Cunliff. The father was born in Manchester, England, and became extensively engaged in the tanning of leather, conducting a business that was established by his father. He continued a resident of his native land until 1883, there passing away at the age of fifty-three years. His wife was a daughter of Benjamin Redfern, a leading contractor of Manchester, England. Following her husband's death she came to the United States in 1894 to make her home with her son.
Charles Cunliff spent the first twenty-two years of his life in his native coun- try and in 1883 crossed the Atlantic to New York, spending one year in the eastern metropolis, after which he resided for one year in Boston. He then made his way westward to Chicago where he continued for a time, but thirty years ago came to St. Louis. He was associated with the Rice-Stix Dry Goods Company for seven years when he resigned to take up the business of building and contracting which he has successfully followed for a period of twenty-three years, during which time he has erected more than five hundred homes and buildings in St. Louis, over two hundred of which are in the Cabanne district. He is now specializing in the con- struction of depots for railroad. companies.
In 1888 Mr. Cunliff was married to Miss Elizabeth J. Lewis and they have be- come the parents of eight children: Nelson, who is commissioner of parks and recreation for St. Louis and has done much notable work for the city, heing men- tioned at length on another page of this volume; Charles J., who is superintendent of the Zoo in Forest Park; Benjamin L., who is connected with the Barrett Company of Tennessee; Harold S., who is assistant superintendent of the Pioneer Cooperage Company of St. Louis; William H., who is with the Unit Construction Company;
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Ruth, at home; and Violet and Albert, Jr., who are attending school, the last named being a high school pupil. The family record is a notable one inasmuch as Charles, Benjamin, Harold and William all volunteered for service in the World war, join- ing the army as privates and returning either as first or second lieutenants, a record of which the parents certainly have every reason to be proud.
Mr. Cunliff has ever been interested in the cause of education and put forth every effort to provide his children with good opportunities in that direction. He has been particularly interested in maintaining a high standard of instruction in the graded and high schools and is active in the Parents Club for the Clark and Soldan schools. He belongs to the City Club and fraternally is connected with Tuscan Lodge, A. F. & A. M .; Kilwinning Chapter, R. A. M .; St. Aldemar Commandery, K. T .; and Moolah Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is a charter member of the Maple Avenue Methodist Episcopal church, which he has served as treasurer and trustee. In politics he is independent, supporting the men whom he regards as best qualified for the offices sought. He is keenly interested in civic matters and . is active in support of all interests pertaining to the good of St. Louis.
SIMON FREUND.
The poet has written:
"How blessed is he who crowns in shades like these A youth of labor with an age of ease."
These words find fitting exposition in the life record of Simon Freund, whose intelligently directed business activity has brought him to a point of notable success, enabling him since 1902 to enjoy the comforts and luxuries of life without further recourse to business beyond the supervision which he gives to his invested interests. For more than four decades he was an active representative of the bakery trade in St. Louis, where he has made his home since 1849. He was brought to this city when but two years of age, his birth having occurred in Pilsen, Austria, April 30, 1847, his parents being Maurice and Yetta Freund. The father had learned and followed the bakery business in his native country but in 1849, attracted by the opportunities of the new world, he came with his family to the United States and crossed the continent to St. Louis. Here he continued in the same line of busi- ness which he had followed in his native land, opening a bakery at 917 Soulard street. While his establishment was at first small because of his limited capital he built up a large and prosperous business in the course of years. This business was at length turned over to his sons when in 1872 the father was called to his final rest. For ten years he had survived his wife, whose death occurred in 1862.
In early boyhood Simon Freund, whose name introduces this record, became a pupil in the public schools of St. Louis and thus continued his education until it be- came necessary to take his place as an active assistant of his father in the bakery. He thoroughly learned every phase of the business so that he was ever able to direct carefully the labors of the men in his employ. For many years, however, his own activity was concentrated upon the administration and executive management of the business and he made the notable record of never being absent from his office for a single day in forty-three years. Following the death of his father in 1872 the busl- ness was incorporated under the name of the Freund Brothers Bread Company and was carried on under that style until they sold out to the trust at a profitable figure, at which time Simon Freund retired from business life to enjoy in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil. An analyzation of his record shows that his prosperity is the direct outcome of indefatigable effort, wisely directed, and unfaltering enter- prise combined with the strictest business integrity.
On the 25th of February, 1872, Simon Freund was united in marriage to Miss Pauline Schwartz and they became the parents of ten children, namely: Mrs. Martha Mang; Samuel; Louis S., who wedded Miss Helen Weill; Albert B., who married Miss Stella Mayer; Charles J., whose wife was formerly Miss Hulda Arenson; Mrs. Jennie Gutfreund; Mrs. Augusta Littman; Walter L .; Eleanor; and Florence, now the wife of Dr. Julius A. Rossen of St. Louis. There are also sixteen grandchildren. The family home is a most attractive residence at No. 3011 Longfellow boulevard and
SIMON FREUND
Vol. V-14
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hospitality and good cheer constitute most pleasing features of this household. Mr. Freund has always shown great appreciation for the best in literature and is the pos- sessor of a fine library of the old classics as well as the modern literature. A con- temporary writer has said: "Mr. Freund takes a great interest in everything which pertains to the higher development of men and is a broad-minded, cultured gentle- man who has reason to be ranked as connoisseur in art, his home containing some beautiful paintings which are the works of noted artists of the old world. He is also fond of dogs and horses and those which he keeps are of the highest breed. His ken- nels and stables are attractive to all who love these two most intelligent of all the animals." Mr. Freund gives his political support to the republican party and has ever been a stanch advocate of its principles. He holds to the religious faith of his forefathers, is a member of the Liederkranz Club and the B'nai El Society. He is also well known in Masonic circles and has the distinction not only of being a thirty- second degree Mason but of having five sons who have taken the consistory degrees, and all are most loyal and exemplary representatives of the teachings and purposes of the craft, which recognizes the brotherhood of man and the obligations thereby imposed. Mr. Freund is now nearing the seventy-fourth milestone on life's journey and his record throughout the entire period of his residence in St. Louis and this covers practically his entire life-has been such as to win for him the confidence, regard, respect and honor of his fellowmen.
CHARLES E. WILLIAMS.
Charles E. Williams, president of the C. E. Williams Shoe Company conducting business at Sixth street and Franklin avenue in St. Louis, was born in Edinburg, Illinois, July 29, 1873, his parents being Benjamin F. and Anne Eliza Williams, both of whom were natives of Illinois where they were born, reared and married. The father was of Welsh descent, while the mother belongs to one of the old Amer- ican families. The father was a farmer of Fayette county, Illinois, for a number of years, but through the influence of many friends he was induced to become a candidate for the position of circuit court clerk and was elected to that office, so that he retired from agricultural pursuits and continued to serve as circuit clerk for a number of terms, in fact he was continued in the office for eight years or until his death, which occurred in 1895. His widow survives and is now making her home in St. Louis. Their children were six in number, four sons and two daughters, of whom but three are living, these being: Mrs. Frank Eardley, the wife of Frank Eardley, living at 6026 McPherson avenue in St. Louis; a brother, J. Bertram, also makes his home in St. Louis. He was with the Pierce Oil Corporation of this city for seventeen years and at the present time is an automobile salesman.
The other surviving member of the family is Charles E. Williams, whose name introduces this review. He was educated in the public schools of Fayette county, Illinois, and in the high schools of Vandalia, Illinois, after which he pursued a spe- cial business course at Terre Haute, Indiana. He started out in the business world as a general utility clerk with the C. E. Hilt Shoe Company at Sixth and Franklin avenue, at the small salary of five dollars per week. Gradually he worked his way upward as his knowledge and experience in the business increased, becoming shoe salesman, bookkeeper, and at length secretary of the firm. On the retirement of C. E. Hilt in 1913 the business was reorganized under the name of the C. E. Wil-
liams Shoe Company and in March, 1913, Mr. Williams was instrumental in instl- tuting plans whereby each manager of the various departments became a stock- holder in the business and was manager of his own department, looking after the buying and selling of such stock as appealed to him. The system instituted by Mr. Williams has proved very successful in building up the trade and the business is steadily increasing. Today the C. E. Williams Shoe Company is one of the fore- most enterprises of the kind in St. Louis and Mr. Williams attributes his present prosperity to this plan of organization. It largely solved the problem of unrest which is manifest in many houses by the employes. It gives each man an interest in the business with a stimulus to put forth his best efforts to the upbuilding of his department and make it one of thorough success. The company handles every- thing in the general line of footwear, carries an extensive stock and is now doing
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a business of very gratifying proportions. It handles a popular line of shoes, and its thoroughly reliable business methods, combined with its enterprise and energy, have brought most desirable returns. Mr. Williams has been at his present location as a salesman and as proprietor of the store for more than twenty-eight years. The company owns and occupies a building fifty by eighty-five feet, three stories in height with basement, and the entire space is utilized by the firm and is well stocked with a most attractive line of goods. The salesroom is on the first floor of the building and the retail trade is now very extensive. In the year 1900 the store had the distinction of serving one out of every seven of the population of St. Louis as indicated by the census of that year. The firm specializes in popular price footwear and keeps on an average of thirty-five employes.
On the 18th of September, 1906, Mr. Williams was married in Vandalia, Illi- nois, to Miss Hallie M. Eshleman of that city. They occupy a beautiful home at No. 7100 Pershing avenue in University City, which is a lovely, quiet suburban town where the business man can spend his evenings away from the noise and con- fusion of the city. The Williams household is a most hospitable one, its good cheer and cordial welcome being greatly enjoyed by' many friends. Mr. Williams is a member of the Masonic fraternity and also is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Chamber of Commerce of St. Louis, as well as with the Asso- ciated Retailers Organization for which he has been the vice president. He is like- wise president of the Missouri State Retailers Salesmen Association. In politics he is a republican but without ambition to hold public office. For twenty-eight years he has made his home in St. Louis and throughout the entire period has steadily progressed in his business life. Determination and energy have been the crowning points in his career and the integrity of his purpose has ever been above question.
REV. WILBERT C. SHUPP.
Rev. Wilbert C. Shupp, largely devoting his life to the temperance cause and head of the Anti-Saloon League in Missouri, was born in Bucyrus, Ohio, November 16, 1867, his parents being Elias and Christiann (Zimmerman) Shupp, who were farming people of the Buckeye state. They had a family of seven children, of whom four daughters died in infancy, the others being: Ida, who became the wife of J. W. Cook and is deceased; Wilbert C .; and Edward.
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