History of Cooper County, Missouri, Part 92

Author: Johnson, William Foreman, b. 1861
Publication date: 1919
Publisher: Topeka : Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1464

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Thomas Smith Simrall, the vice-president and acting manager of the Cooper County Abstract Company of Boonville, was born Oct. 15, 1886, nt Keytesville, Mo. His father was a distinguished Presbyterian Divine

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HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY

and was born in Shelbyville, Ky., in 1849. He was educated at Washing- ton Lee University and at the Louisville Theological Seminary at Louis- ville, Ky. Having received a finished education at the aforesaid institu- tions, he came to Missouri when yet a young man and preached first at St. Louis, filling a vacancy in a pulpit there, for a short time. He then located at Hannibal, Mo., having charge of the Presbyterian Church there for several years after which he preached in Keytesville, Mo., and finally located at Sweet Springs, Mo., where he had charge of the Presbyterian Church until his death, Nov. 24, 1899.

Mr. Simrall's mother, now living, is Dollie (Ewing) Simrall who was born in Owensville, Ky., in 1860. She was married to Rev. Thomas Sim- rall in 1882 at Owensville. Both the Simralls and Ewings are of old Ken- tucky stock.

The subject of this sketch belongs to the younger class of energetic, pushing business men of the county and takes deep interest in all public enterprises, having formerly been secretary of the Boonville Commercial Club until his business made it impossible for him to devote the time necessary to the performance of the duties of that office. He was edu- cated in the public schools, graduated at the high school at Sweet Springs and completed his education at the University of Missouri. When he first started in business for himself he was a traveling salesman for a whole- sale jewelry company of St. Louis and traveled in Texas.

He came to Boonville in July, 1915, and founded the Cooper County Abstract Company which he caused to be incorporated and is the vice- president and acting manager of the same. The corporation bought the "Book of Abstracts" known as the Chambers set. On this set of ab- stracts he spent considerable time, labor and pains verifying the same, making corrections and bringing them up-to-date, so that now the com- pany has a complete and thorough set of books. Mr. Simrall has been remarkably fortunate and successful in the management of this company and by his industry and tireless efforts has built up a flourishing business.

He was married June 14, 1916 to Miss Edna Chalmers Williams the daughter of the late lamented Judge William M. Williams. There was born to that marriage, on March 19, 1918, one child, Ann Ewing. Mr. Simrall is a democrat, a Presbyterian and a Free Mason.

B. M. Lester, president of the Boonville National Bank, was born Dec. 10, 1890, in Boonville, Mo. His father, Thomas P. Lester, was born in Queen's County, Ireland, and came to Boonville in 1869, where he was a large and successful contractor until his death, Oct. 13, 1910. He was

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HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY

married in St. Louis to Theresa Creamer, who died June 7, 1901, at Boonville.

B. M. Lester was educated at the parochial schools of Boonville and took a special commercial course. At the age of 15 he was employed as messenger boy in the old Central National Bank at a salary of $5 per month. His rise in that bank by reason of his industry was rapid, and he soon became head bookkeeper, which position he held until the liqui- dation of the bank.

On the organization of the Boonville National Bank, which took over the assets of the Central National Bank, he, because of his especial fit- ness and reliability, was chosen cashier of the new institution, and upon the consolidation of the Boonville National Bank and the Farmer's Bank of Boonville, he was elected vice-president of the consolidated banks, which operated under the name and charter of the Boonville National Bank.

Upon the retirement of E. E. Amick as president of the Boonville National Bank, Mr. Lester was again advanced and elected president of the institution in his stead, and is doubtless the youngest president of so large a financial banking institution, he being now but 28 years of age. He is thoroughly versed in banking, having come up from a messenger boy to his present responsible position. Mr. Lester is affable, courteous and quick to grasp a financial proposition.

He was married Nov. 26, 1914, to Miss Loretta Bierck at the home of her parents in Shelbyville, Ind.

Rolla D. Pealer, the present popular county clerk of Cooper County, was born in this county in 1873, being the youngest of six children. His parents were John C. and Mary (Bittinger) Pealer, formerly of Ohio, who moved to Iowa from Cooper County in 1873 and purchased a farm eight miles northwest of California, where they lived until their demise.

Mr. Pealer was married in 1894 to Miss Myrtle M., daughter of B. D. and Mary (Lawson) Wilson. They have four children, Erma W .; Vera W .; Don F .; and Paul M. Mr. Pealer, until inducted into office, has been engaged in farming and merchandising. He established a store on the home farm in 1901, one mile north of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church and one mile east of the New Zion Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The postoffice was located at his store, which was named Lakota. In the fall of 1908, he disposed of his store and was appointed the probation officer at the Missouri Training School in 1909, which position he held until the change of the State administration. He was appointed deputy county

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HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY

clerk in 1911 by County Clerk J. T. Hayes, which position he held until 1914. In this year he became a candidate for and was elected to the office of county clerk and was re-elected in 1918, which office he now holds, his term expiring in 1922. At the election of 1918 he was elected county clerk by a large majority, being the only democrat elected in the county. During the World War he served as a member of the local Exemption Board for Cooper County.

Mr. Pealer is affable in manner and has a pleasing personality which renders him popular, as is evidenced by the election of 1918. He is a careful, painstaking officer and has endeared many to him by reason of his continued courtesy and kindness in the performance of the duties of his office. Mr. Pealer is a democrat and a member of the Baptist Church, a Free Mason, Knight of Pythias, Odd Fellow, and a Woodman.

Mr. and Mrs. Pealer were educated at Hooper Institute at Clarks- burg, Mo. They believe in education and are offering their children the best opportunity available. Erma W., who graduated at Laura Speed Elliott High School in 1918, the following year attended the Monticello Seminary at Godfrey, Ill. Vera W. graduated from the above high school in 1919, and Don F. is a sophomore in the same institution and was page in the Senate of the 50th General Assembly. Paul M., the youngest, is attending the grade school of Boonville.

George D. Brownfield, who is now serving as prosecuting attorney of Cooper County, was born March 9, 1879, in Cooper County, Mo. His father, Martin Brownfield, was born in Virginia, Oct. 15, 1835, and came to Pettis County when a small boy and afterwards located in Cooper County, near Pilot Grove, where he was a successful farmer. He died at his home in Cooper County, Dec. 26, 1883. His mother was Adeline (Lewis) Brownfield, who was born Aug. 6, 1836, in the State of Ohio. She came to Boonville with her parents when quite a small girl, and lived in Cooper County practically all of her life. She died in Pilot Grove, March 28, 1914, after having lived a noble and Christian life. Mrs. Brownfield, the mother of the subject of this sketch, was married twice, the first time to John Baker, and there were born to this union three children, Ida, Anna and Katie, all of whom are deceased. Her second marriage was to the father of George Brownfield, and to this union there were born four children, Minnie, Flora, Lewis and George D.

George D. Brownfield attended the public schools at Pilot Grove, the Pilot Grove Academy, and graduated at the high school at Sedalia. He then completed the commercial course at Hill's Business College at Se-

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HISTORY OF COOPER COUNTY

dalia, after which he entered the law department at the State University at Columbia, where he graduated in 1909, ranking first in his class. He also won the Rollin's scholarship of $50 in gold, for the highest rank in the junior class of the previous year.

Mr. Brownfield was elected city attorney of Boonville in 1914-1916. He was also elected prosecuting attorney of Cooper County in 1914-1916- 1918, which office he now holds. Mr. Brownfield is a hard worker and a close student. He is a fervent and earnest prosecutor and a forceful and pleasing speaker.

Jesse Thomas Hays was born in Cooper County, Mo., Nov. 23, 1870. His parents, Hon. William G. and Mary E. (Hurley) Hays were natives of Hardin County, Ky. and were there reared and married. In 1864 they came to Missouri, settling on a farm in the river bottoms in Cooper County, eight miles east of Boonville. Subsequently they removed to a farm on a bluff, three miles from Overton, and it was on that place that Jesse Thomas Hays first saw the light of day. In 1892 the parents took up their abode on a farm four miles west of Bunceton which remained the home until the death of William G. Hays, who died at Hot Springs, Ark., in 1905.

William G. Hays was prominent in democratic politics and repre- sented his district in the State Legislature three terms. His counsel was sought in all political matters and his opinion carried weight. He was a member of both the Masonic and Odd 'Fellows lodges and was one of Cooper County's most prosperous, substantial and esteemed citizens.

Jesse Thomas Hays spent his youth upon the home farm, his experi- ences being those of the average lad in the multifarious duties upon the farm and the obligations of life. He attended the district school and afterwards entered the Hooper Institute at Clarksburg, Mo., where he continued through the school years of 1888-89 and 1889-90. In the fall of the latter year he entered the Missouri University at Columbia, where he spent the succeeding term, after which he returned to his home in Cooper County and engaged in farming in partnership with his father until the latter's death. For two years thereafter he lived in the country handling stock and grain and meeting with substantial success. In Nov., 1906, he was elected to the office of county clerk and at the expiration of his first term in 1910, was re-elected to that office. The duties of this office he performed with painstaking care and fidelity. Mr. Hays is a member of Cooper Lodge, No. 36 A. F. and A. M .; of Boonville Chapter, No. 60, R. A. M. ; of Olivette Commandery, No. 53, K. T .; Centralia Council,

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HISTORY OF COOPER, COUNTY

No. 34, R. & S. M. at Centralia, Mo .; of the Boonville Lodge K. P .; and the Modern Woodmen of America. He, like his father before him, takes an active interest in public matters and especially is he active. in demo- cratic politics and as well a student of public questions. Being pleasant and affable, his friends are legion.

E. H. Rodgers, for many years one of the largest and most prosper- ous farmers of Cooper County as well as one of the largest breeders of Atwood Merino sheep in central Missouri, is a native of Virginia and was born in Ohio County, Dec. 6, 1843. His parents, John G. and Margaret Rodgers, were natives of that county and their homestead upon which the subject of this sketch was born, was composed of land entered by the family several generations ago. His grandmother of the fourth genera- tion on the father's side was the first white woman that ever set foot in that county. Mr. Rodger's father was a large and prosperous farmer. In the Civil War, Mr. Rodgers still a youth, espoused the cause of the union and in his 19th year, in August, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, 12th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry and served until the close of the war, witnessing personally the final surrender of Lee at Appomattox in 1865. He was in the Battle of Winchester under General Milroy and numerous other hotly contested engagements. After peace was consum- mated he farmed for two years in his native county and in 1868 moved to Missouri and located in Pilot Grove township in this county where he lived for twelve years. In 1880 he sold his farm in Pilot Grove township and bought the farm of Judge Bennet C. Clark, in Palestine township, consisting of 970 acres of fertile land in a high state of cultivation and well improved. Besides general farming he made a specialty of breeding and raising the celebrated Atwood stock of Merino sheep. His flock frequently consisted of 2,500 and as high as 4,000 head.

Mr. Rodgers was married in Ohio County, Va., to Miss Mary L., daughter of James Elliott of that county, August 18, 1870. He has but one child, a daughter, Margaret A., the wife of Charles W. Nixon, whose sketch appears in this volume. His wife departed this life in Boonville, in June, 1916, and was buried at Walnut Grove Cemetery at Boonville.

In March of this year Mr. Rodgers sold that portion of his farm that he had not heretofore sold, about 600 acres, to his son-in-law, C. W. Nixon of Boonville For several years. Mr. Rodgers has made his home with Mr. Nixon where he has enjoyed not only the companionship of his daughter and son-in-law, but the close attachment he feels to his grand-children. Mr. Rodgers has large property interests in Virginia,

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especially in coal lands. He has retired from all public activities and spends a considerable portion of his time traveling in the east. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, a Democrat, and a member of the John A. Hayn Post of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Rodgers is an exemplary citizen and active in any cause he espouses. He was a generous contributor to all war activities in the World War. A thor- ough American, his heart has beat with a patriotism, in that great cataclysm, unaffected by age.

Nathaniel Nelson Leonard, owner and proprietor of "Ravenswood Farm", which is located four miles northeast of Bunceton in Palestine township, has for years been a prominent factor in Cooper County affairs, as well as his father and grandfather before him. Nathaniel Nelson Leonard was born at Boonville, Mo., Dec. 6, 1876, and was the only child born to his parents, the late Capt. Charles E. Leonard and Nadine (Nel- son) Leonard.

Capt. Charles E. Leonard was a native of Cooper County, born on "Ravenswood Farm" march 27, 1839, and died March 8, 1916. He was a son of Nathaniel and Margaret (Hutchinson) Leonard, who settled in Cooper County in 1825 from Vermont. Here Nathaniel Leonard purchased a large tract of land and settled on what has since been known as "Ravens- wood Farm", which is one of the notable stock farms in America, from the breeder's standpoint. Nathaniel Leonard engaged in breeding pure- bred Shorthorn cattle in 1839. At that time he went to Kentucky and purchased a white male Shorthorn, "Comet Star", for $600, and a red female, "Queen" for $500, from George Renick, a well known stock breeder in Kentucky. These animals were the first pure bred Shorthorn cattle west of the Mississippi River, and it is said that the "Ravenswood Farm" is the oldest stock farm in the world devoted to breeding Shorthorn cat- tle. Nathaniel Leonard successfully carried on farming and stock breed- ing on the "Ravenswood Farm" during his lifetime, and was succeeded by Capt. Charles E. Leonard, the father of Nathaniel Nelson Leonard, whose name introduces this review.

Capt. Charles E. Leonard was reared to manhood on "Ravenswood Farm", and received his education in the Kemper Military School at Boon- ville and the Missouri University at Columbia, where he was graduated. After his educational career, he returned to "Ravenswood Farm" and was actively engaged in farming and stock breeding during the balance of his life. He became widely known throughout the country as a successful breeder of Shorthorn cattle, and was one of the best known men in

nnelson Leonard.

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America as an advocate of the merits of that breed of cattle. His efforts were not limited merely to the commercial side of Shorthorn breeding, but as a member of the American Shorthorn Breeders Association, he was one of the leading factors in the financing of the American Herd Book, the rights to which were later purchased by the American Shorthorn Breeders Association in 1883. Captain Leonard was an active member of this association for a number of years, serving as a director from 1882 to 1906, when, at his own request, he was relicved from further activity on that board. From 1889 until 1902 he was president of that organization, and for many years was a conspicuous figure at Royal and International stock shows, where his advice and co-operation were eagerly sought by stock breeders from various sections of the country.

Captain Leonard was equally successful in other fields of enterprise, as he was as a breeder. He was interested in the banking business exten- sively and at the time of his death he was president of the Central National Bank of Boonville, one of Cooper County's substantial financial institutions. He was a man of keen perception and good judgment. He not only knew cattle, but he knew men as well. He was a liberal contributor to every worthy enterprise and gave generously to religious and other causes. He was a Methodist.

Capt. Charles E. Leonard was united in marriage to Miss Nadine Nel- son, Oct. 27, 1872. She is a daughter of James M. and Margaret (Wyan) Nelson, Cooper County pioneers, a more extensive history of whom is given in connection with the sketch of Dr. Arthur W. Nelson. Mrs. Leon- ard now resides at Booneville.

Nathaniel Nelson Leonard, whose name introduces this sketch, was educated in Kemper Military School, where he was graduated in the class of 1896. He then attended Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn., where he completed the law course in 1898, after which he traveled extensively in Europe. He then returned to Cooper County, and since that time has made his home at "Ravenswood Farm", where he has continucd the breed- ing of Shorthorns which is being carried on on an extensive scale under the supervision of his superintendent, Ed Patterson, a man who thoroughly understands the stock business in the most minute detail, and a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume.

Ravenswood Stock Farm is one of the famous stock farms of America. It consists of 2,100 acres, and is devoted to breeding Shorthorn cattle. It was founded in 1825, as above stated, by the grandfather of the present

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owner. A herd of 125 pure bred Shorthorns is maintained on this place, and upon this place some of the highest priced Shorthorn cattle in the world have been bred. One animal from this farm was sold for $40,000 at the Royal Stock sale in Argentina. Stock from the "Ravenswood Farm" are well known and highly prized, not only in this country but in South America and other parts of the world.

Nathaniel Nelson Leonard was united in marriage at Chicago, Ill., Jan. 20, 1909, with Miss Roselia Willard, daughter of Henry G. and Anne (Rafferty) Willard. Henry G. Willard is a native of Pennsylvania, born at Newtown, Dec. 17, 1846, and his wife was a native of Pittsburgh, Pa. and died in Chicago, Ill. Mr. Willard was formerly engaged in the manu- facture of gas and electric light fixtures, and is now retired and makes his home at the "Ravenswood Farm". To Mr. and Mrs. Leonard were born three children, as follows: Nathaniel N., Jr., born Feb. 5, 1910; Charles Willard, born Jan. 18, 1912, and Anne Nadine, born July 25, 1914. Mrs. Leonard was born in Chicago, Ill., Feb. 5, 1885, and died at "Ravenswood Farm" Nov. 11, 1918. She was a woman of noble Christian character who made the world better by having lived in it. During her lifetime she was active in charitable and social work, and it is a noteworthy fact that during the World War her devotion to the cause of the Red Cross was the crowning event of her life.

Mr. Leonard, in addition to his vast interest in the stock business, is active in other industrial and financial enterprises. He is a director of the Boonville National Bank, and also in the Bank of Bunceton. He is a Knights Templar Mason, being a member at Boonville, and he also holds membership in the Mystic Shrine, Ararat Temple, Kansas City, Mo. He takes a commendable interest in public affairs, and is a council member of Gov. Gardner's staff.

Fleming H. Shannon, for most of his life a citizen of Cooper County, but now of Texas County, Mo., was born in Cooper County, Dec. 19, 1861. His father, Alexander Shannon, was born in Maryland about 1810, and came to Cooper County about 1825. He was a farmer, and first located in Boonville, then moved to Clarks Fork township, and again back to Boonville township. Here he spent the rest of his life as a prosperous and successful farmer. He died in June, 1893, and left as the fruits of his industry and skill, a large estate. He married Miss Julia Hurt, daughter of Peyton and Jennin (Coobe) Hurt. Five children were born of that marriage, G. W., E. B., F. H., J. B., and Nannie, all of whom are living except J. B.

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F. H. Shannon was reared on a farm, attended the public schools of this county, and took a special business course at the Moore Business College of Sedalia, graduating in 1883. He was married in November, 1884, to Katie J. Fray, daughter of John and Mary (Westerfield) Fray, to which union was born one child, George William, born March 12, 1886. He is at present located at Detroit, Mich., as the manager of the F. Joseph Lamb & Co., manufacturers, who during the World War were engaged solely in the manufacture of munitions. Mrs. Shannon died March 8, 1890.

Nov. 1, 1893, the subject of this sketch was married to Miss Nannie F. Bankston, daughter of John and Bettie (Miller) Bankston, of which union three children were born: Clarence Miller, 21 years of age; Ida Belle, 19, and Eugene Monroe, 13. Mrs. Shannon died in March, 1917.

Mr. Shannon was elected county judge of the Eastern District of Cooper County in 1902 and again in 1904. He served the people with fidelity and distinction and rendered himself popular by reason of his eminent fairness upon the bench.

At the expiration of his second term of office he continued farming until he entered the service of the International Harvester Company in 1908, with whom he remained three years. In 1911, the state of Missouri sought and secured his services as probation officer of the Missouri Train- · ing School at Boonville, which position he held about four years, and then was advanced to the position of Assistant Superintendent of that institution. He resigned Nov. 1, 1917, and moved to Texas County where he had purchased a farm.

Mr. Shannon is a member of the Christian Church, a Democrat, and a Free Mason. He is warm hearted, fervent and active in any cause that he espouses and is a true friend. He has always taken an active and prominent part in politics.

Albert H. Myer, president and manager of the Palace Clothing Com- pany, Boonville, Mo., can truly be said to have been born and reared a merchant. He first saw the light of day at Rocheport, Mo., June 30, 1872. His father, Charles Myer, was born at Illegen, Germany, Jan. 20, 1845, and died at Fayette, Mo., March 17, 1911. When a small boy about nine years, he came from Germany to make America his home. He first engaged in business for himself at Rocheport, Mo., where for a number of years he conducted a general store. From there he went to Fayette, Mo., and engaged in the clothing business and conducted said business about 20 years, to the time of his death. He was married in 1868 to

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Laura (Tumy) Myer. She was born in Rocheport, Mo., Dec. 25, 1847, and is now living at Fayette. She is the daughter of Henry and George Ann Tumy, both of whom were born in Louisville, Ky., and both de- scendents of old Kentucky families.

The subject of this sketch was engaged in the mercantile business under the tuition of his fathers since old enough to wait upon customers. He was educated in the public schools at Rocheport and Fayette. Nov. 6, 1901, he was married at Fayette to Estelle May Turner, the daughter of Robert and Adelia (Gibson) Turner, both of whom came from Vir- ginia to Howard County with their respective parents in the early days and were united in marriage in Howard County. Their forefathers on both sides were in the Revolutionary War. The grandfather of Mrs. Estelle, age about 16; Albert H., age about 12, and Dorothy Ross, about B. Gibson, a distinguished soldier and commander in the war of the Revolution.

There was born to Albert H. Myer and wife, three children: Laura Estelle, age about 16; Albert H., age about 12, and Dorothy Rose, about nine. Mr. Myer was associated with his father for a number of years at Fayette in the clothing business and in connection with his brother established a branch clothing store at Franklin, Mo., where they did an extensive and prosperous business for five or six years. Seeking broader fields, in 1909 he moved to Boonville where he has conducted a successful and growing business ever since. He is the president and acting man- ager of the Palace Clothing Company of Boonville, which is incorporated and has an elegant and up-to-date stock of clothing and he prides himself on the quality of the goods he sells. The store is equipped with every modern convenience and will stand comparison with the best arranged and furnished clothing stores of the larger cities. The business of the Palace Clothing Company has grown from year to year. Mr. Myer is ever kind and courteous and is a most applicable and pleasing salesman. His friends are legion. He is an active and live wire in all public enter- prises that go to build up the city in which he lives. He is generous and willing to donate and pay his portion in every public movement. He is the vice-president of the Boonville Commercial Club, a member of the Board of Directors and active and enthusiastic in all its operations. In 1917 he was president of the State Retail Clothiers of Missouri. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, is past Chancellor of same, and is now one of the directors.

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History of Cooper County, Missouri, Part 92

Author: Johnson, William Foreman, b. 1861 Publication date: 1919 Publisher: Topeka : Historical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1464

Author: Johnson, William Foreman, b. 1861
Publication date: 1919
Publisher: Topeka : Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1464