USA > Missouri > Chariton County > Historical, pictorial and biographical record, of Chariton County, Missouri > Part 12
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ยท Socially, our subject is one of the most pleasant and friendly citizen of the county, and being a man of high intelligence and integrity, has a future of influence and useful- ness before him. He is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F .. in
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which he has been honored with many of the offices of distinction and trust. While he enjoys a lucrative business and is happy in his domes- tic relations, Mr. Elliott does not forget the duty he owes to his country, politically, and consequently keeps himself thoroughly posted on all state and national issues, supporting the principles of the democracy as instilled in the minds of the American people by that great states- man, Thomas Jefferson.
ARTHA (MORRIS) WILLIAMS. Among the many venera- ble old ladies, who were pioneer settlers of Chariton county Mo. yet spared to recite many interesting incidents connected with the early settlement of this county, there are none, perhaps more worthy of special mention in this Portrait and Biographical Record of the county in which she has resided for over three score years, than the subject of this sketch, whose pleasant and contented physiognomy adorns this page. Mrs. Williams was born March 1, 1811, in Jessa- mine county, Kentucky, and was the daughter of Nathaniel and Nancy Morris, who emigrated to Missouri in 1818, settling in Howard county. Upon attaining her majority, our subject was united in marriage to Samuel Williams, a son of Edward Williams, a soldier in the Revolu- tionary War, and a pioneer settler of two states, who located in this state in 1819. The union of Sam- nel Williams and that of our ven- erable subject proved to be a long and happy one, and was blessed with fifteen children, nine of whom lived to be married, as fol- lows: Nancy J., now Mrs. Calli- son: George W .; Sarah, Mrs. Wright; Edward M .; Pauline, Mrs. Banning; Susan, Mrs. Dysart; Ellen, Mrs. Williams; Josephine, Mrs. Donaldson; and Minnie, Mrs. Copeland. With the exception of Mrs. Dysart, now of West Plains, and Mesdames Banning and Donald- son, deceased, they all reside in Salisbury township and within a few miles of their kind and loving old mother, a pleasure and a comfort to
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her in her now rapidly declining years. With her husband, Mrs. Williams located in Salisbury township, between the East and Middle Forks of the Chariton River, in 1837, where our subject yet resides, her husband having died in 1860. Notwithstanding the fact that "Annt Patsy" as she is familiarly known by all is in her 86th year, she enjoys the best of health and an activity, mentally and physically, remarkable in one so well advanced in years. Her recollections of pioneer days of Chariton county are now as fresh and distinct as occur- rences of but yesterday and are related in a very happy and entertain- ing manner. In speaking of her neighbors of the '30's and '40's, the names of many of whom she can easily recall, Mrs. Williams says there existed much true-hearted hospitality among them and although deprived of the comforts and luxuries of to-day, their pioneer days were happy ones and even now in the quietude of her home, surrounded by every comfort and convenience she could wish, she frequently lingers in thought, longingly and lovingly, over the scenes of those by-gone happy days.
The first "temple of learning" erected in Mrs. Williams' neigh- borhood was a log hut, with a huge artistic (?) chimney, built of mud and sticks and was taught by one John P. McAdams. Mount Nebo was the first church erected and was built by the Baptist. Elder Felix Redding was the pastor in charge. Dr. JJames Brummall was the first physician in the neighborhood, who on visiting his patients traveled on foot, when the distance would permit. Mrs. Williams' relation of performances of one David Gross, a fiddler of no mein ability, are truly interesting and amusing indeed.
Standing in her cabin door, Mrs. Williams has often counted from 15 to 20 deer, some of them being in range of gunshot, while at night wolves would come to the open door and with their glistening eyes and their hungry wolfish faces and hideous barking at the bright blaze upon the rude and simple hearth, make some nights almost unbearable.
EVI J. HARRIS, a school teacher of recognized talent and ability and a gentleman of true worth and sterling integrity, was born October 22, 1870, one-half mile south of Salisbury, Mo. His father, Oscar D. Harris, was born in Howard county, but moved to Chariton county when quite young. His death occurred January 28, 1895. His mother, whose maiden name was Phoebe C. Warhurst, still resides upon the family homestead, 4 miles southeast of the city
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of Salisbury, Mo. To the subject of this sketch belongs the credit for the position he now enjoys in business and social relations, for it was through his own industry and perseverance that he has been enable to gain what- ever knowledge and influence he may possess. After attending the public schools, Mr. Harris finished his education at the Salisbury Acade- my under the tutorship of Prof. G. C. Briggs. Since then he spent his time in that noblest of professions, school teaching in which he has been emi- nently successful, having taught a number of schools in the county in which he gave perfect satisfaction.
On May 4, 1893, it was the happy fortune of our subject to be united in marriage to Miss Arah Lee, a most worthy and industrious young lady and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Og Lee, pominent citizens of Chariton county. This union has proven a happy one and has been blessed by the birth of a bright little daughter, Mayme Edith, whose birth occurred November 28, 1894.
Five miles southeast of Salisbury our subject owns a nice little farm of 40 acres, upon which he resides and the revenue from which materially assists in providing the necessaries and some of the luxu- ries of life. Mr. Harris is a young man of noble purposes and a high aim in life, enterprising and progressive and certainly has a bright future awaiting him. Politically he affiliates with the democratic party.
OHN W. COOPER, one of Salisbury's representative young business men whose strength of character and mental vigor is recognized and appreciated, was born in Sullivan county, Mo., September 2, 1870. James W. Cooper, his father, was a Kentuckian by birth, while his mother, whose maiden name was Miss Mary E. Beets, was born in Ohio. Our subject was the eldest of a family of eight children, and until he attained his majority resided with his par- ents, attending the public schools in the winter and assisting his father in his agricultural persuits during the summer. Desiring a more
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finished education, in 1891 he entered the Salisbury Academy, then under the superintendency of Joseph H. Foy, D.D., LL.D., one of the most able educators of the state, where by diligent study and application he made rapid advancement. On leaving school, Mr. Cooper, engag- ed in the insurance business, in which he was remarkably successful. Having connected himself with the Ancient Frce and Accepted Masons, Knights of Pythias and Knights of Maccabee secret orders, in the latter two of which he has been officially honored; also, in which societies he was impressed with their usefulness in the elevation and upbuilding of mankind, Mr. Cooper determined to found an order himself and as a result of his labors the Knights of Equity was first organized in this eity in November 1894. (See frater- nal organizations of Salisbury.) Since that time he has devoted his undivided time and energy to the upbuilding of this order with a com- mendable degree of success.
On July 16, 1893, our subject was united in marriage to Miss Mattie M., the accomplished daughter of Mrs. Naney R. Cummins, of Salisbury, Mo. This union has been a decidedly happy one and has been blessed by the birth of a bright little son, John Marvin, now two years of age. Politieally, Mr. Cooper affiliates with the democratic party, while religiously he is a devout Methodist. Socially, Mr. Cooper is one of Salisbury's most worthy and respected young men, enterprising and progressive and enjoys the esteem and confidence of a large circle of acquaintances, who appreciate his zeal and loyalty to those principles he believes to be right and just.
M. F. and EDWIN C. WESTENKUEHLER. Prominent among the business men of Chariton county and worthy repre- sentatives of a pioneer family of the state, are the gentlemen whose names head this article. Herman H. Westenkuehler, the grand- father, was born in Germany, April 3, 1796, but in 1839 emigrated to
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this country, settling in St. Charles county, where he resided until his death, September 12, 1869. The birth of Henry W. Westenkueh- ler, the father, occurred in Germany, December 22, 1832, and was an infant two years of age when his parents moved to America. On September 29, 1854, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Koeneke, a worthy and exemplary lady whose birth also occurred in Germany but came to this country with her parents when but an infant. This union resulted in a happy one, and was blessed by the birth of ten children, seven of whom are now living. In 1854, Mr. West- tenkuehler took charge of his father's farm where he continued to reside until March, 1896, when he disposed of his property and moved to Salisbury, Mo.
William F. Westenkuehler, our senior subject, was born in St. Charles county, August 13, 1860 and where he resided until 1886 when he came to this city and engaged in buying and selling stock. From '87 to '92 in partnership with G. H. Westenkuchler, a brother, he was engaged in the threshing business.
WILLIAM F.
The birth of Edwin C. Westenkuehler occurred July 3, 1870. After attending the poblic schools of St. Charles county and city, in 1887 he entered the Central Wesley- an College at Warrensburg, Mo., from which he graduated with becoming honors, in June, 1891. From '91 to '93 he taught school in Madison county, Ill. In the fall of 1893, forming a partnership with his brother, Wm. F., they engaged in the gro- cery business in Salisbury, Mo., occupying the Taylor building for two years, when they purchased and improved the property of Eli Shire in the same block EDWIN C. which they now occupy and where they enjoy a substantial and in- creasing patronage. The political convictions of these gentlemen are positive, sympathising with the platform and principles of the repub- lican party. Socially they are pleasant and compaionable gentlemen.
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GERTRUDE CROWDER. BERNEICE CROWDER.
Like all others in this book, we had cur pictures taken at "Papa's" Gallery because he makes the best.
If you want to see your-self as others see you, If you want to look your best, Get on your latest, fix up your curls, Smile-And Crowder will do the rest.
ITTS E. WILHITE, D. D. S. Among the men who give char- acter and tone to professional life and who add strength and substantialness to Salisbury citizenship, is our popular and successful dentist, whose name appears at the head of this paragraph.
Dr. Wilhite is a native of Salisbury, having been born in that city, March 14th 1870, where he has ever since lived except while away attending college. He is a son of the late Dr. W. D. Wilhite, so long known in the city of Salisbury as a practicing physician and christian gentleman of high standing. He recieved his rudimentary
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education in the public schools of his native city, and was for two years, 1888-'89, a student in the Salisbury Academy. Having had for some time a yearning for the dental pro- fession, and having early shown an aptitude for its peculiar requirements, he entered the Kansas City Dental College; and in March, 1892, gradu- ated with a high grade from that in- stitution. . A month later he had equipped an office with all the latest and best appliances and was engaged in the practice of his profession in Salisbury, Mo. Most unusual to pro- fessional life, he was spared the necessity of passing through the proverbial "starving period," and from the first was accorded a successful practice by a generous and appreciative public. And his practice has never abated, but on the contrary has had a regular and continued growth, until now his patron- age extends over a large territory, and he is one of the busiest men in Salisbury. He is thoroughly devoted to his profession, and takes delight in making every piece of work of the highest excellence, for the work's sake. He has proven himself a most proficient workman in all the departments of dentistry, and successfully operates all the latest and most difficult grades of work. He applies himself closely to his business and richly deserves his high reputation.
Dr. Wilhite is a valuable member of society. He is straightfor- ward and honest in all his dealings, and is a consistent member of the Baptist church. On February 23, '93, he was married to Miss Ellen Thomas, daughter of Wm. A. Thomas, of Salisbury, Mo., and their attractive home on East third street is a favorite retreat for their many friends in the community.
P RESLEY D. MITCHELL. Among other citizens of Salisbury, Mo., in the prime of life and full of industry and enterprise, and who possesses all natural and acquired essentials for success in the occupation he follows, is the subject of this sketch. Mr. Mitchell
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came to this eity not very long since, bringing with him testimonials of worth, and his manner and deportment since then have certainly con- firmed the favorable opinions then formed. He was born November 12, 1870, at Jacksonville, Randolph county, Mo. His parents were L. J. and Burnette (Doggett) Mitchell, the former born in Madison county, Kentucky, and the latter a native of Iowa. The father being engaged in agricultural pursuits, the boyhood days of our subject were spent upon the farm, attending the public schools in winter. Completing his education at the well known Central College, of Fayette, Mo., in 1890. On leaving school our subject tanght school for three terms as a means of a livelihood, in Howard and Macon coun- ties, devoting his unemployed time to study of law, having chosen that pro- fession as his life's occupation. Having read for several months under the direc- tion of Capt. Ben Guthrie, of Macon City, a very able and distinguished attorney, our subject was formally admitted to the bar, May 1, 1894, opening his office in this city, where he has flattering pros- pects of success. Politically, Mr. Mitchell is a true and loyal democrat, whose parents before him were of the same belief and principles. Religiously, he is a consistent member of the Christian church and takes active interest in christian work. Socially, he is a member of the Knights of Equity, and one of Salisbury's most pleasant and agreeable gentle- men, honored and respected for his many noble traits of mind and heart.
AMES P. HENDERSON. A young man of industrious habits, sociable, of pleasant manners and one devoted to his business in which he has displayed an apt and practical knowledge, is the subject of this sketch. He was born one and one-half miles northeast of Salisbury, February 8, 1871, and is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. A. Henderson, well and most favorably known citizens of Chariton county. Prior to attaining his majority he resided at home, attending the public schools in the winter and assisting his father upon the farm
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in the summer. On September 21, 1892, he was united in marriage to Miss Leona E. Davis, a most worthy and exemplary lady and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Davis, influen- tial citizens of Chariton county, re- siding three and one-half miles south- east of this city. As should have been expected, this union resulted in a happy one, and has been blessed by the birth of two bright little daugh- ters. Following his marriage, Mr. Henderson erected a nice cottage upon his father's land and at once commenced sinking a shaft for coal. At a depth of 60 feet, he was rewarded by striking a vein 4 feet thick, of as good a quality of bituminous coal as is to be found anywhere. This vein he has since profitably mined, furnishing employment to some 12 or 15 miners the greater part of the year, finding ready sale in this city for his total output. Last spring our subject purchased a nice little cottage in the northern part of this city, to which he has moved his family, and is now perfecting arrangements prior to opening a wood and coal yard in this city, in which he will no doubt prove successful.
Mr. Henderson is an industrious young man, and gives promise of being richly rewarded, in so far as this world's goods are concerned, for his untiring energy. Politically, he affiliates with the democratic party.
ILLIAM B. JAMES. Among others, in Chariton county yet in the prime of life, who have attained a reasonable degree of success in a chosen line due to their persistent industry, is the subject of this sketch. Being a gentleman with an extended circle of acquaintances, it is his pleasure to boast of as many friends as any one in the county. He was born near Roanoke, in Howard county, May 12, 1862, and was a son of Robert JJames, a prominent merchant of Roanoke, who with his family moved to Salisbury, in 1866, where he again engaged in the mercantile business until his death in 1873. Robert James, grandfather of our subject, of German descent and a
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Kentuckian by birth, was among the early settlers of Howard coun- ty, locating near Roanoke in 1819. She who guided the early steps of our subject was in her maiden- hood, Miss Sarah Twyman, dangh- of a Virginian, who moved to Howard county in the 40's. It was there she met and married Robert James, which union was blessed by the birth of two chil- dren, W. B., our subject, and a daughter, Allie, who died in her youth. By a former marriage, Robert James, was the father of another son, Albert James, who now resides at Idaho Springs, Idaho. Sometime after the death of her husband, the mother of our subject was united in marriage to Dr. J. W. Craig, with whom she now happily resides at Jefferson City.
At the age of thirteen years, our subject, having chosen the drug business as his life's occupation, entered upon an apprenticeship in the establishment of W. H. Tindall, and by diligent study and improvement of every opportunity soon mastered the art of compound- ing medicine. Ten years later, (1885,) Mr. James, by his frugality and business foresight. had accumulated sufficient means as to enable him to purchase a half interest in the establishment, which he has since owned and conducted with a commendable degree of sagacity. The style of the firm is now James & Welch, Dr. J. F. Welch, of this city, a practicing physician and surgeon, with a generous clientage, being the junior members. On March 4, 1885, Mr. James was united in marriage to Miss Ida E., the intelligent and accomplished daughter of Mr. and Mrs. JJ. H. Green, well and favorably known in this city for a number of years. This union has resulted in the birth of three bright and interesting girls, namely, Lizzie, aged 9; Susie, 7; and Annie, now four. Fate has dealt very kindly with our subject. Blessed with a happy home, possessed of a good and paying business and enjoying the confidence and esteem of his friends, he may well congratulate himself that his lot has been cast along such pleasant lines. Socially, he is an honored member of the Masonic and Knight of Pythias fraternities, while politically he is a pronounced democrat.
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"CABIN LIFE IN CHARITON CO."-FOUR MILES WEST OF SALISBURY.
RANKLIN M. CLEMENTS, M. D. A worthy representative of a family prominently connected with the development of Kentucky and a gentleman closely identified with the growth and progress of Salisbury since 1876 is the subject of this sketch. He was born in Daviess county Kentucky, June 22, 1847. At the age of 16 years he enlisted in the army, in the cause of the South, but was taken a prisoner at Selma, Alabama, in March, 1865. On returning home at the close of the war, he completed his literary education by taking a course in a popular Academic college of his state. Having decided upon the practice of medicine as his life's occupation, in 1868 he entered Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia from which he graduated with becoming honors in 1871. On returning home our subject hung out his shingle and for five years following enjoyed a very lucrative and flattering practice. In 1876, being thoroughly im- pressed with the greater opportunities and possibilities to be had in
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Chariton county, Mo., he bid fare- well to Kentucky soil and has since been one of Salisbury's most en- terprising, influential and public- spirited citizens. On account of failing health, in 1881 he was forced to abandon his profession and turn his attention to other pursuits. He then engaged in the real estate and fire insurance busi- ness in which he met with com- mendable success for a number of years. In the spring of 1893 he was elected cashier of "The Peo- ples' Bank" of this city, a position he has since held with honor and . credit to himself and to the stockholders and directors of the bank.
The third marriage of our subject occurred at Owensboro, Ky., June 22, 1892, when he was married to Miss Susy Spickernagle, a lady of culture and refinement.
During his residence in Salisbury, Dr. Clements has enjoyed the confidence, esteem and respect of a host of acquaintances. He has been thoroughly identified with the growth and progress of the city and can always be relied upon to lend his influence and support towards any scheme that promises to prove beneficial to the community. A gentleman in the true sense, possessed with a ripe understanding of matters of finance and a comprehensive grasp of business generally, his opinion and advice is frequently sought after upon a variety of subjects. Socially, he is one of Salisbury's most pleasant and courte- ous citizens while politically he affiliates with the democratic party.
ILLIAM L. ALLIN. Numbered among the energetic, self- reliant and enterprising young business men of Salisbury, Mo., in the prime of life and with a bright future awaiting him, is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He was born near Renick, Randolph county, Mo., May 1, 1859 and is the son of Joseph Allin, now a prominent citizen of this city. The mother of our sub- ject, who in her maidenhood was a Miss Cassie Dameron, died when her son was a youth hut seven years of age. The boyhood days of our
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subject, prior to attaining his majority, was more or less uneventful, being spent in securing an education and assisting his father in a grocery establishment at Huntsville, Mo. In 1880 he assumed the responsibilities of life for himself, engaging in the cattle business in Montana. Ten years later, (1890), growing weary of a frontier life, our subject returned to Missouri and accepted a clerical position with his father, who in the meantime had engaged in the lumber business in Salisbury. A year later Mr. Allin engaged in the furniture business in this city and the success with which he has met and the patronage .
he has since enjoyed are his best recom- mendations for his excellent business ability and his per- sonal adaptation to the occupation in which he is engaged.
On the 27th day of Sept., 1893, it was the happy fortune of our subject to be united in marriage to Miss Don Creson, one of Salisbury's fair and most worthy young ladies and the daughter of Mrs. Fannie Creson, for many years a resident of this city. This mion has been a hap- py one and has been blessed by the birth of a bright little daughter, now 21 months old. Socially, Mr. Allin is a worthy member of the I. O. O. F., Knights of Pythias, Knights of the Maccabees and Knights of Equity, while polit- ically he affiliates with the democratic party.
RANCIS BION MCCURRY. Of the worthy citizens of Salis- bury, Mo., who look at the bright side of the world and have a a kind word and pleasant smile for all, whose enemies are few
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and friends legion, easily ranks the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He was born in Indiana, October 31, 1858, just across the line from White Pigeon, Mich. Three years later his parents, G. P. and Unice (Thurston) McCurry, moved to Missouri, locating in Chariton county, ten miles north of Salisbury, where the father yet resides.
The boyhood days of our subject were spent assisting his father in the discharge of his farm duties and at- tending the public schools of the district in the winter. Upon attain- ing his majority, Mr. MeCurry bid farewell to the parental roof and entered upon life's duties for himself. The first two years, 1880 and '81 he spent in Kansas as salesman for a nursery establishment. In 1882, being offered a clerkship in a mercan- tile business in Salisbury, Mr. McCurry located in this city and with the exception of two years, has since been thoroughly identified with the growth and development of the town. For a number of years past he has been in engaged in business for himself and has always enjoyed a liberal share of the public patronage.
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