USA > Missouri > Henry County > History of Henry County, Missouri > Part 56
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There are many contributing elements to the success of such a busi- ness as Mr. Martin has built up in Clinton. Square dealing and strict honesty and integrity are fundamentally the basic principles of success. These Mr. Martin has closely followed and in addition he has given close attention to details. He buys for cash and thereby gets the advantage of discounts. Owing to the rapid growth of his business he has been able to buy his goods in large quantities, which has given him an ad- vantage in prices over smaller buyers, and thus enabling him to sell to his customers lower than his competitors and at the same time make a reasonable profit. Mr. Martin is a capable business man and his square methods have won the confidence of the people.
May 6, 1881, W. A. Martin was united in marriage with Miss Mollie L. East of Pettis County, Missouri. She is a daughter of Thomas W. and Camelia W. East. Her father was a Union veteran of the Civil War and was in the service four years. To Mr. and Mrs. Martin have been
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born the following children: Lewis, a painter, Clinton, Missouri, mar- ried Lula Thomas; Walter L., in business with his father, married Rosa Hoppe; Laura, wife of W. D. Hunt, Clinton; Charles, farmer, Clinton, Missouri, married Mabel Cook; George, proprietor of the Martin Green House, Clinton, Missouri; Minnie, married Edwin Bennett, Clinton, Mis- souri; May, married James Dodson, Calhoun, Missouri; Ralph, Clinton, Missouri; Nellie, Pauline and Albert, residing at home with their parents.
In addition to his mercantile business, Mr. Martin is interested in breeding Hereford cattle, and at this writing has about forty head on his farm which is situated four miles south of Clinton. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Clinton and he is recognized as one of the progressive citizens of Henry County.
Rolla W. Burch, one of Clinton's leading merchants, is located on the corner of Fifth and Elm streets, and his merchandise is well known in Clinton and vicinity as "Quality Groceries." Mr. Burch is a native son of Henry County, born at Lewis Station, September 23, 1883, a son of George M. and Boadicia (Miller) Burch. George M. Burch was a son of David L. Burch, a Henry County pioneer, who came here in 1854 and entered Government land in Deer Creek township, near Calhoun, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died February 21, 1915, aged eighty-two years. He was prominent in the affairs of Henry County and a member of the Methodist Church, and devoted much of his time and talent to the up-building of the church in this county. He was prominent in Masonic circles, being a thirty-third degree Mason. David L. Burch was married to Frances E. Finks December 18, 1856 and the following children were born to this union: Thornton D. and George M. The mother of these children died June 7, 1895, and in 1899 David L. Burch married Jennie Finks, a sister of his first wife.
George M. Burch has made general farming and stock raising the principal occupation of his life, but for some years has been an invalid. Boadicia (Miller) Burch is a daughter of Alexander and Eliza Jane (Gas- kill) Miller. Alexander Miller was born in St. Clair County, Illinois, April 27, 1837, and died March 18, 1915. He married Jane Gaskill March 7, 1859, and the following children were born to this union: Dan W .; Boadicia, the wife of George M. Burch, and Mrs. W. P. Thornton. Alexander Miller came to Missouri in 1867 and settled on a farm in Henry County near Drake's Chapel.
Rolla W. Burch is the eldest of six children born to his parents,.
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as follow: Homer W., a farmer near Drakes Chapel; Marshal M., on the home place with his father; Arthur and Lyman, also at home with the father, and Mrs. Edith Wiley, Lewis Station.
Rolla W. Burch received his education at Lewis Station in the public schools and remained on the home place until he was about twenty years of age. He then spent three or four years in the Dakotas, Montana and Colorado and when he returned to Clinton and bought out the Noman E. Peckstein store, which is his present location. Here he engaged in the grocery business and has built up one of the best trades in Clinton. His stock of goods are never below the standard in quality and his busi- ness slogan "Quality Groceries," means just exactly what the term im- plies.
On March 3, 1910, Rolla W. Burch was united in marriage with Miss Fornia S. Julian, a daughter of W. G. Julian, of Clinton, who at one time was the largest produce dealer in Clinton. He died November 24, 1910, and his widow, who bore the maiden name of Alice Phillips, now resides at Langdon, Alberta, Canada. Mrs. Burch was educated in the public schools of Clinton and at one time was a pupil of Uel W. Lam- kin, the editor of this work. At the time of her marriage she was a teacher in the Clinton public schools. She and Mr. Burch have a broad circle of acquaintances in Clinton and Henry County and are justly popu- lar. Mr. Burch is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Woodmen of the World and Modern Woodmen of America.
William H. Wehmeyer, well known as a leading farmer and stock- man and enterprising citizen of Bogard township, is a native son of Henry County and a descendant of pioneer parents. Mr. Wehmeyer was born in the township where he now resides in 1868, a son of J. B. and Mary (Studley) Wehmeyer, a sketch of whom appears in this volume.
William H. Wehmeyer was reared on the home farm in Bogard town- ship and educated in the public schools, attending school at the old Bee Branch school district in Bogard township. He began farming and stock raising in early life, which has been his life's work. In 1891 he bought one hundred sixty acres of land from Benjamin Coke. Since that time he has added three hundred forty acres to his original purchase and is now the owner of a splendid farm of five hundred acres. The place is well improved. The residence, a modern eleven room structure, is equipped with water, lighting plant and all other conveniences. Mr. Wehmeyer follows farming and stock raising on an extensive scale. He raises horses,
WILLIAM H. WEHMEYER AND FAMILY
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cattle and hogs, specializing in Shropshire sheep and Duroc Jersey hogs.
In December, 1892, William H. Wehmeyer was united in marriage with Miss Pearl Forsythe, the only daughter of Andrew G. and Nellie (Foreman) Forsythe, both of whom now reside at Creighton, Missouri. Andrew G. Forsythe was born in Stark County, Ohio, December 26, 1840. His parents were John F. and Anna (Thornburg) Forsythe. John F. Forsythe was a native of Tyrone County, Ireland, born in 1780. He im- migrated to America when a youth, locating in Ohio. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. His wife, Anna (Thornburg) Forsythe, was a native of Ohio. Andrew G. Forsythe was reared in Ohio and educated in the public schools of that State. About the time he reached his majority the Civil War broke out and he enlisted in 1861 in Company H, 105th Illinois Infantry. He was mustered out of service after a long and hon- orable military career, June 17, 1865. He participated in the battle of Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Ezra Church and was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea.
To William H. Wehmeyer and wife have been born the following children: Mary, married Roy Hunter; John, married Bonnie Farnsworth and lives on part of the home place; Ruth, Fred and Robert, at home with their parents. Mr. Wehmeyer takes a deep interest in the civic welfare of his township and county and has served as township treas- urer for four years. He is progressive and public spirited and stands ever ready to co-operate with any project for the betterment of the com- munity. He is a Republican.
B. G. Phillips, a well-known and successful dry goods merchant of Clinton, is a native of Missouri. He was born near Maryville, Nodaway County, Missouri, February 10, 1867, a son of Samuel and Adeline (Myers) Phillips, the former a native of Indiana, and the latter of Jackson County, Missouri. Adeline Myers, was a daughter of B. G. Myers, who was a very early settler in western Missouri, locating in Jackson County about the time the Mormans were here, and when they were deported. During Samuel Phillips' active career, he was engaged in the mercantile business at Barnard, Missouri, and was regarded as a successful merchant. He died in 1917, aged eighty-three. His wife and the mother of B. G. Phillips preceded him in death a number of years, having departed this life in 1874. They were the parents of four children, three of whom are living: Charles C., Barnard, Missouri; Mrs. Gertrude Meislahn, Colorado Springs. Colorado; and B. G., the subject of this sketch.
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B. G. Phillips was educated in the public schools and the North- western Normal School of Missouri. After finishing school he engaged in clerking at Bernard, Missouri, and for twelve years was employed there. He then was a traveling salesman, following that vocation until 1900, when he came to Clinton and entered the employ of Lindley & Shackleford. A few months later he engaged in the dry goods business for himself, and has to his credit eighteen years of honorable and successful mercan- tile life in Clinton. Mr. Phillips began business on the north side of the square and during the course of his business career there, he has moved his place of business three times, each move having been made necessary by the growth and development of his business, which necessi- tated larger quarters. His store is still located on the north side in about the center of the block. His store building has a frontage of forty- two feet with a depth of one hundred feet. Mr. Phillips carries a com- plete line of dry goods, ladies' ready-to-wear garments and shoes. The Phillips mercantile establishment occupies the first and second floors, and there is no wasted space. He employs a corps of from nine to fifteen capable and courteous clerks, and the mercantile trinity of success: ser- vice, quality and square dealing, are the precepts of the Phillips store.
Mr. Phillips was united in marriage February 16, 1890, to Miss Alice Hurd, a native of Andrew County, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Phillips have been born two children: Ona, married Lester H. Stewart, Clinton, Missouri, and Samuel Everett, a member of the Medical Corps of the National Army, and at the time of this writing he is stationed at Ft. Riley, Kansas. Mr. Phillips is a Democrat and a member of the Fraternal Aid Society. He and Mrs. Phillips are members of the Christian Church. Since the organization of the Clinton Commercial Club, he has been one of its active members and has ever been an advocate of improvement, and has been a member of the Executive Committee and an ardent and insistant worker for the betterment and upbuilding of Clinton and Henry County. He is an advocate of municipal improvement and good roads, and is ever ready to co-operate with any worthy enterprise. He believes in advertising; he is public spirited, and a stickler for square-toed busi- ness methods.
John J. Geraghty, who is engaged in the plumbing and heating busi- ness at Clinton, is a native of Missouri. He was born in St. Louis in 1860 and is a son of John and Bridget (Gray) Geraghty, both natives of Ireland. When a young man the father located in St. Louis, coming from New York City. The mother came to America when a young girl with
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her parents. The father followed steamboating on the Mississippi River, and was accidentally killed while thus engaged at the St. Louis docks. The mother died in St. Louis.
John J. Geraghty was one of two children born to his parents. The other, a twin brother, died in infancy. Mr. Geraghty was reared and edu- cated in St. Louis and when seventeen years of age, began learning the plumber's trade and followed this line of work as a journeyman in St. Louis until 1886. He then came to Clinton in the employ of Hasler & Sherpy, and took charge of the plumbing department of their hardware store. When Mr. Geraghty came to Clinton he had no intention of remain- ing here permanently, but at that time the big trades strike was on in St. Louis and Mr. Hasler was there looking for a plumber and upon meet- ing Mr. Geraghty, induced him to come to Clinton, as above stated. Mr. Geraghty remained with that concern for sixteen years, or until they sold out in 1902, at which time Mr. Geraghty bought their plumbing and heating department and Henry Baum, who was also in the employ of that company, in charge of the tinning department, took over that branch of the business and from that time until 1905 Mr. Geraghty and Mr. Baum continued their respective departments, although no partnership existed between them. In 1905, Mr. Geraghty required more space for his business and removed to his present place in the Cozart building, where he has since continued with his plumbing and heating business. Two of his sons who are plumbers, assist him.
Mr. Geraghty was married in June, 1885, to Miss Elizabeth Heffer- nan, a native of St. Louis and a daughter of Daniel and Bridget (O'Boyle) Heffernan, both natives of Ireland. To Mr. and Mrs. Geraghty have been born eight children, as follows: Catherine, married Ray Kuhn of St. Louis, and they have one child, Thelma ; John, a plumber employed by his father; Elizabeth, employed in the Clinton National Bank; Frank, plumber, with his father; Josephine, married Paul Carney of Clinton; Ellen, Paul and Daniel, all at home.
Politically, Mr. Geraghty is a Democrat. He was appointed plumbing inspector for Clinton, but refused to serve in that capacity, although he promoted the adoption of a set of plumbing and sanitary rules which were adopted by the city of Clinton. These rules are known as the Memphis, Tennessee, rules, and Mr. Geraghty regards them as the best sanitary rules in the country. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective order of Elks, Knights of Columbus and the Woodmen of the World, and he and his family belong to the Catholic Church.
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B. F. Wright, a successful grocer located on West Allen street in Clinton, is a native son of Missouri. He was born in Pettis County in 1864 and is a son of Jefferson and Martha J. (Emery) Wright, both also natives of Pettis County and descendants of Pioneer families of Mis- souri. The father died in Pettis County in the prime of life and his widow married Samuel Wilson, who is now deceased, and she resides in Duarte, California.
B. F. Wright was reared and educated in Pettis County and was engaged in farming and stock raising until 1900. In 1901 he came to Clinton and entered the employe of George Wert, and after remaining with him two years, he was employed by Charley Markle in his grocery and feed store for four years, William Leonard buying Markle's grocery. He still remained with the firm for four more years. In 1915 he engaged in the grocery business for himself at his present place of business on West Allen street. He began with limited capital and borrowed some, and gradually increased his stock. Although his aim has never been to carry an unusually large line, but by close attention to business and square dealing he has built up a large trade and prospered. Since engaging in business he has built a comfortable residence, where he now resides, and also five other residences which he rents.
Mr. Wright was married in 1891 to Miss Millie May Roberts of Pettis County, Missouri. She is a daughter of Zachariah and Ella (Ramey) Roberts of Lamonte, Pettis County, Missouri. Mrs. Wright's parents are both deceased. The father died when Mrs. Wright was four years of age and her mother died eight years later. Thus Mrs. Wright was left an orphan at on early age. She was reared by an aunt, Mrs. E. K. Cana- day. She received her education in the public school at Lamont, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Wright have one little daughter, Laura Etta Wright, who is nine years of age.
Mr. and Mrs. Wright are deserving of the success which they have made of their mercantile venture. They strive to please their vast num- ber of customers and from the continual growth of their business, the only conclusion is that their methods meet with public approval.
John R. and Luke W. Peckenpaugh, enterprising Clinton merchants who are engaged in the grocery and dry goods business on the southeast corner of the public square, are sons of Henry and Elizabeth (Bowen) Peckenpaugh, the former a native of Illinois and the mother of Henry County. Mrs. Henry Peckenpaugh is a daughter of Richard Bowen, a pio-
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neer coal operator of Henry County, and the organizer of the Bowen Coal Company. He opened the first coal mine at Lewis Station, and later oper- ated at Windsor. He is now living retired in Kansas City at the age of seventy-eight years.
Henry Peckenpaugh came from his native State, Illinois, to Missouri, just after the close of the Civil War. At the time of his tragic death, in 1899, he was thirty-five years of age. He was United States marshal, residence at McAllister, Oklahoma, and was killed while in the performance of his duty as an officer. While arresting two postoffice robbers, he was shot by one of them. He had arrested one and the other, who was secreted behind a telephone pole, shot Mr. Peckenpaugh in the back, the effect of which caused instant death. His widow now resides in Clinton.
To Henry and Elizabeth (Bowen) Peckenpaugh were born the fol- lowing children: Mrs. C. E. Brown, Clinton; John Richard, engaged in the grocery and dry goods business in Clinton; Mrs. E. K. Roberts, Clin- ton ; Mrs. George F. Jones, Omaha, Nebraska; Luke W., who is engaged in the dry goods and grocery business with his brother, John Richard. Luke W. was born at McAllister, Oklahoma, February 11, 1897, and re- ceived his education in the public schools of Clinton. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is one of Clinton's well- known and popular young men.
John R. Peckenpaugh was educated in the public schools of Clinton, and began his mercantile career as a clerk in the store of S. Degan of Clinton, at the age of fourteen years. In 1911, he and his brother, Luke, engaged in their present business. They were first located on the south side of the square and moved to their present place in 1913.
June 14, 1913, John R. Peckenpaugh was united in marriage with Miss Lura Hart of Clinton, and they have one child, Ada Elizabeth. .
Mr. Peckenpaugh is a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the Wood- men of the World.
The Peckenpaugh brothers are progressive and up-to-date merchants. They carry a first-class line of goods and their courteous manners and square dealings has won for them a generous portion of the patronage of Clinton.
0. W. Knisely, of the firm of Knisely & Chastain, well-known grocers, located at 701 East Ohio street, Clinton, is a native son of Henry County. He was born in 1871, a son of Lewis and Minerva (Knisely) Knisely, both natives of Ohio. They came to Henry County, Missouri, in 1870,
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and bought a farm in Osage township, where the father still resides. The mother died December 24, 1915, and her remains are buried in Mt. Zion Cemetery. Lewis and Minerva Knisely were the parents of the follow- ing children: U. C., engaged in farming near the home place; W. H., deceased ; O. W., the subject of this sketch ; Dr. A. L., member of the Medi- cal Corps of United States Army and is now located at Ft. Worth, Texas ; A. A., deceased; and two children who died in infancy.
O. W. Knisely was educated in the Columbia Hall School, and when twenty-two years of age came to Clinton and worked at broom-making for two years, and in 1895 he entered the employ of W. H. Edwards, who conducted a grocery store. Later Dr. A. L. Knisely bought the store which he afterwards sold back to Edwards, and Edwards in turn sold out to H. G. Scott. O. W. Knisely continued to be employed in the store by various owners until July 6, 1916, when he and J. H. Chastain bought the store and conducted the business in partnership until J. H. Chastain was inducted into the National Army July 23, 1918. Shortly afterwards, on August 8, 1918, Mr. Chastain sold his interest in the store to his brother, J. W. Chastain. J. H. Chastain died while in the service at Ft. Riley, Kansas, and his remains were brought to Clinton for burial Octo- ber 12, 1918. Mr. Knisely and J. W. Chastain have conducted the busi- ness in partnership since and they have a large and growing business. They are among the live and progressive merchants of Henry County.
Mr. Knisely was united in marriage in 1896 with Miss Kate L. Scott. The wife and mother died in 1911, leaving two children, Corlus and Lewis. In June, 1914, Mr. Knisely was united in marriage with Miss Emma Chas- tain and to this union two children have been born, Marvin and Charles.
Mr. Knisely takes an active interest in local political and civic af- fairs and has served as Councilman from his ward two years. He is a Democrat.
J. H. Chastain, formerly of the grocery firm of Knisely and Chastain, of Clinton, Missouri, now deceased, was a native of Missouri. Mr. Chas- tain was born at Wheatland, Hickory County, Missouri, in 1888, and was a son of John, and Caldona (Coons) Chastain, both of whom were reared in Barton County, Missouri. The father died in that county and the mother now resides at Brownington, Missouri. They were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Ida Austin, Roseland, Missouri, who suc- ceeded J. H. Chastain as a member of the firm of Kniseley and Chastain, Clinton, Missouri; Emma, Clinton, Missouri; and J. H., the subject of this sketch.
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J. H. Chastain was united in marriage November 22, 1917, with Miss Lula Fry of Osceola, Missouri, where her mother now resides.
J. H. Chastain and O. W. Knisely engaged in the grocery business in partnership at No. 701 East Ohio street, July 6, 1916, and were successfully carrying on the business when Mr. Chastain was inducted into the National Army July 23, 1918. He was in training at Ft. Riley, Kansas, where he died, and his remains were taken to Clinton, Missouri, for burial, October 12, 1918.
T. H. Raney, postmaster and general merchant at Garland, Missouri, is a native son of Henry County. He was born in Springfield township, five miles south of Calhoun in 1882, and is a son of A. G. and Martha M. (Goff) Raney. A. G. Raney, the father, is a native of Kentucky, and was brought to Missouri by his parents when he was two years old. He was reared and educated in this State and settled in Henry County, prior to the Civil War. He and his wife now reside on their old home place in Springfield township.
A. G. and Martha M. (Goff) Raney are the parents of the following children: Robert Arthur, a grocer at Fairmount Park, Kansas City, Mis- souri; T. H., the subject of this sketch; Albert D., a farmer in Spring- field township.
T. H. Raney was educated in the public schools of Springfield town- ship. He remained at home until he was twenty-four years of age, when he engaged in farming, which he followed for four years. In 1909 he purchased the J. T. Cheatham store at Garland, Missouri, and since that time he has been successfully engaged in the mercantile business here. He carries a very complete line of groceries, dry goods, shoes and hard- ware, and in fact, everything usually found in a modern department store, only his is known as a general store. The difference between a department store and a general store seems to be that the former is located in the city, while the latter is found in the country. Mr. Raney has built up a large trade in the village of Garland, and the rich surrounding country tributary to that trading point. He is a capable business man and a pro- gressive merchant, and the success that has come to him is well merited.
Mr. Raney was married March 15, 1905, to Miss May Louise McAllis- ter, daughter of James and Sarah Young McAllister of Springfield town- ship, Henry County. Mrs. Raney's mother is a native of Missouri, and her father was born in Indiana; he came to Missouri about fifty years ago, shortly after the close of the Civil War, and now resides in Henry
.
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County, about seven miles south of Windsor. Mrs. Rainey is one of the following children born to her parents: Ed; Elsie; Mrs. Archie Ferguson, Windsor, Missouri; William, Windsor, Missouri; Mary Louise, wife of T. H. Raney, the subject of this sketch; Maud, married Mark Dewey, Gridley, Kansas ; Herman, now in the Aviation Corps of the United States Army, and D. Roy, a student in the University of Missouri.
John W. Robinson, now deceased, was a prominent pioneer of Henry County and a Union veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Chambers- burg, Pennsylvania, in 1834, a son of James and Sarah (Johnson) Rob- inson. When John W. Robinson was a child his parents removed from Pennsylvania to Wayne County, Ohio, where they both lived until 1869 and then moved to Henry County, making a permanent settlement in Bogard township on the present Robinson homestead.
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