USA > Missouri > Randolph County > History of Randolph County, Missouri > Part 25
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HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY
Charles C. Hon, for many years identified with the banking and financial interests of Randolph County, is a Missourian, born near Belton, Cass County, Sept. 23, 1878, the son of J. V. and Emma E. (Parrott) Hon. The father was a native of Kentucky and setled in Cass County in 1856, where he bought land and later became a man of prominence. He early began breeding high grade Hereford cattle and in later years entered the realms of finance as he is a heavy stockholder and vice-president of the Pleasant Hill Banking. The mother is deceased.
Charles C. Hon remained on his father's farm near Pleasant Hill until ten years of age. He received his elementary education in the Pleasant Hill school and later graduated from the high school there. Soon after completing his education he began his career by entering the bank at Pleasant Hill and later accepted a position with the Citizens Bank of that town. He had already entered public life by being elected and serving one term on the city council. In 1905, Mr. Hon was candi- date on the Democratic ticket for county clerk .and the next year he spent in Oklahoma in the banking business. On his return to Missouri in 1907, he was made cashier of the Citizens Bank of Higbee. He bought a con- trolling interest in the stock of the bank and was the directing influence of its policies. While at Higbee, Mr. Hon served as vice-chairman of the Randolph County Liberty Loan Committee during the raising of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Liberty Loans. He also served as chairman of the 2nd Red Cross drive in Moniteau township and as county chairman of Ran- dolph County for the 5th or Victory Loan, when it was necessary to raise $760,000. Mr. Hon located in Moberly in November, 1919, and since assuming his official position with the banking house all his time and energies have been devoted to the various demands of his business.
In June, 1910, Mr. Hon married Miss Carrie W. Tymony, the daugh- ter of James B. and Binda (Burton) Tymony. The father is a druggist of St. Louis, though born and reared in Randolph County, being the son of Francis M. Tymony, an early settler near Higbee, who was prominent in county and state politics and also was of a literary turn of mind as he wrote a poem, "Remember the Poor," which will be recalled by many of the pioneer settlers of this section.
George P. Eddings, secretary and treasurer of the Randolph County Trust Company, has been identified with the financial and banking inter- ests of Randolph County for more than 15 years and during that time has honestly won a high place in the esteem of the residents of this sec-
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tion. He is a native son of Randolph County, born on a farm four miles southwest of Moberly, Dec. 16, 1880. He is the son of William and Moline (Patton) Eddings, both in Moberly. For many years he was en- gaged in farming and later lived in Moberly, where he was engaged in the real estate business, but some ten years ago retired. Moline (Pat- ton) Eddings was born on the same farm as her son, George P., in 1857, and died in 1908 and was buried in Oakland Cemetery. She was the daughter of George and Lucy Ann (Melton) Patton, both of whom were born and spent their youth in Kentucky and after their marriage be- came pioneer settlers of Salt Springs township, Randolph County, spend- ing their lives there. Theopolis Eddings, George Eddings, paternal grand- father, came to Kentucky and settled south of Huntsville on a farm at a very early date and lived there until his death.
George P. Eddings received his educational advantages in the public schools of Moberly, graduating from the high school in 1900 and the next year entered the Bank of Moberly as a bookkeeper. He was rapidly advanced from one position of trust to another so that when he resigned from the bank in 1916 he was assistant cashier. For three years, follow- ing his resignation, Mr. Eddings was engaged in the real estate business here; then in association with Charles Hon, he became one of the prime movers in the establishment and organization of the Randolph Trust Company, becoming its secretary and treasurer when the company was organized.
Aug. 21, 1911, Mr. Eddings married Miss Ethel Bradley, of Arm- strong, Mo., the daughter of George and Lillie Bradley and one child has been born to them, Moline Patton. The Eddings family home is at 629 South Williams street. Mr. Eddings is a Mason. He is progressive and ever ready to help in the promotion of every movement that tends to the development and improvement of Randolph County and the city of Moberly.
Edward C. Short and Patrick J. Short, who for more than 30 years have been well known business men of Moberly, Mo., are substantial citi- zens of this city. The Short brothers were born in St. Charles, Mo., Edward C., in 1866, and Patrick, in 1868, and are the sons of Edward and Ann (Walsh) Short, both natives of County Limerick, Ireland, who came to America in 1859. In 1879 Edward Short came to Moberly to enter the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company, being assigned to work in the shops. The mother spent most of her life in Randolph County and
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died here in 1886, being survived by her husband until 1902, when he too passed away and their remains were placed in St. Mary's Cemetery.
There were nine children born to Edward Short and wife: John, de- ceased ; Michael, an engineer on the Wabash Railroad, married Kate Burke, of Moberly; Catharine, Mary and Anna all living in Moberly; Edward and Patrick of this review; Thomas, of Prescott, Arizona, married Catharine Schnell, and William, engaged in the grocery business in Moberly, who married Nora O'Connell, the daughter of Judge Benjamin O'Connell and they have two sons, Edward and Wilbur.
Edward and Patrick Short were reared in Moberly and attended the public and parochial schools and Patrick took a course in the Moberly Business College. In March, 1891, they engaged in the saloon business at 320 West Coates street, where they became well and faborably known.
In 1898 Patrick Short married Miss Catharine Scurs, of Moberly, the daughter of John and Catharine Sours, both deceased. Two daughters were born to this union: Catharine and Frances. Edward C. Short is unmarried and makes his home with his sisters at 515 Logan street and Patrick G. Short resides at 323 Hagood street. Edward C., Patrick G. and William are all members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
For many years the Short family has been recognized as one of the substantial ones of the community ; its members are progressive and lib- eral to any laudable cause for the benefit of Moberly.
William J. Short and Bert Shearer, leading grocers of Moberly, rank among the progressive and prosperous men of the city, with a store at 112 North 4th street, where they began business July 21, 1913.
William J. Short was born in Mexico in 1877, the son of Edward and Anna (Walsh) Short, both natives of Ireland. In 1879, the Short family located in Moberly as the father had accepted a position with the Wabash Railroad Company and the parents spent the rest of their lives here and are buried in St. Marys cemetery.
William J. Short attended the public schools of Moberly. He then entered the Faessler machine shops, learned the trade of machinist and remained with that concern for eight years. In 1909 he was elected col- lector of the city of Moberly and was reelected in 1911, serving four years. At the expiration of his term of office, Mr. Short engaged in the grocery business with Mr. Shearer and has continued in the store to the present time.
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In 1904, Mr. Short married Miss Nora O'Connell, of Moberly. She is the daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Hurley) O'Connell, both natives of Ireland. They came to Moberly in 1875 and Mr. O'Connell has taken an active part in the development of this section. He helped build the first telegraph line from Macon to Moberly. He was then employed by the Wabash Railroad Company in the car department. He retired in 1918. Mr. O'Connell was police judge of Moberly for six years, from 1907 to 1913, and was a capable officer. Two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Short: Edward and Wilbur, both at home.
Mr. Short has taken an active part in the civic life of Moberly and has prompted many of the progressive movements here. He is a member of the Court of Honor, the Yeomen, the National Union and the Machinists' Union, having served as financial secretary of the latter four years.
Bert Shearer, the junior partner of the firm of Short & Shearer, was born at Renick, Randolph County, Jan. 11, 1884, and is a son of A. H. and Laura V. (Mitchell) Shearer, both now deceased. The father was a native of Butler County, Pa. and died in Missouri in 1918 and the mother was born in Missouri and died in 1910. Both are buried in Oakland cemetery. A. H. Shearer came to Renick nearly a quarter of a century ago and was a contractor there for some years. He then worked for the Williams Wagon Factory until the family moved to Moberly in 1900. There were five children in the Shearer family: Bessie, the wife of E. L. Patterson, of Moberly; Bert, of this review; Lucille, the wife of B. G. Englen, of Moberly; Merle H., of Madison, S. D., and Reba, a teacher in the Moberly schools.
Bert Shearer was reared in Renick, attended the public schools and later the Moberly high school. After leaving school he accepted a position with J. S. Bowers & Son, remaining with that concern 10 years. He then formed the partnership with Mr. Short in the grocery business.
June 26, 1905, Mr. Shearer was married to Miss Anna Maud Bradley, a daughter of E. T. Bradley, of Sugar Creek township and one child has been born to them, Juanita Maud. The Shearer family have a modern home at 703 S. Fifth street. Mr. Shearer is a member of the Knights and Ladies of Security and the Modern Woodmen.
John H. Coates, a descendant of one of the pioneer families of Randolph County, that played an important part in the development and settlement of this county and central Missouri, is a native son of Moberly. He was born Sept. 30, 1899 and is the son of T. D. and Eleanor (Yeager)
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Coates, both of whom now live in Prairie township, Randolph County. The father was born in Moberly in 1855 and is the son of Tunsel Coates, a native of Kentucky and early settler of Sugar Creek township, this county, where he died in 1919. Eleanor Yeager Coates was born near Higbee, in 1864, was reared and educated in Randolph County and later met her husband here, being married in the same locality.
John H. Coates was the only child of his parents. He attended the public schools and after graduating from the high school in 1918, entered the Student Army Training Corps of Central College, Fayette, Mo., Oct. 2, 1918 and remained there until Dec. 11, 1918, when the corps was dis- banded. On his return to Moberly Mr. Coates resumed his position with the Cross Lumber Company, as bookkeeper, an association which has continued.
He is a member of the American Legion Theodore Bazan Post, of Moberly.
James C. Enslen, a well-known passenger conductor of the Wabash railroad, has been in the employ of this company for 30 years, and dur- ing that time Moberly has been his home. He was born in Audrain County, near Wellsville, Mo. He is the son of George W. and Mary J. (Clayton) Enslen. George W: Enslen was also a native of Missouri, born on a farm in Audrain County, where he was engaged in farming throughout his active career. In later life he retired and moved to Wells- ville, where he died. He was a descendant of very early pioneers of this state. During the Civil War he served in the Missouri State Militia. His wife, Mary J. Enslen, was born in Pike County, Mo., and was a daughter of F. C. Clayton. She died in Moberly in 1908. They were the parents of the following children: James C., the subject of this sketch ; Mrs. J. W. Ingram, Moberly; Lillie S., deceased, and J. W., lives in Moberly.
James C. Ensley was reared on the home farm in Audrain County and was educated in the public schools. He remained at home on the farm until he was 21 years of age, when on account of failing health, he went to California and followed ranch life for a time. In 1886, he went to Colorado, where he began his railroad career as a brakeman in the employ of the Santa Fe Railroad Company. Two years later he went with the Denver and Rio Grande. In 1890, he returned to Missouri and settled in Moberly, where he entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company as brakeman. In 1892, he was promoted to freight
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conductor and in 1899 was promoted to passenger conductor, a position which he has held on this road for the past 21 years, and is now on Moberly Division.
Mr. Enslen was married to Miss Mary E. Foster, a native of Dallas City, Ill., born Nov. 23, 1861, and is a daughter of John W. and Alvina (Stewart) Foster. John W. Foster was a native of the state of New York. He was a Methodist minister and during the Civil War, served as chaplain in the Union army and died while in the service. His wife, Alvina (Stewart) Foster, was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1840, and died in Colorado in 1908. They were the parents of the following children: Mary E., wife of James C. Enslen, the subject of this sketch; Frank, Emma, George, Carol, Edith, deceased; and Mrs. Lillie Sheidow, of Kan- sas City, Mo. Mrs. Enslen and Mrs. Sheidow are the only living mem- bers of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Enslen have no children.
Mr. Enslen is a Republican and he and Mrs. Enslen are members of the Presbyterian church. He holds membership in the Order of Rail- way Conductors and is a Knights Templar Mason and belongs to the Shrine, Ararat Temple, at Kansas City, Mo., and Mrs. Enslen is a mem- ber of the Auxiliary of the Order of the Railway Conductors and the Order of the Eastern Star.
Morris Bierman, one of the younger generation of business men of Moberly who takes an active part in the commercial life of the city as a leading dealer in furniture and stoves, with a store at 113 North Wil- liams street, which was established under the name of Hyman L. and Rosa Bierman, both natives of Russia, where they were born, reared and married. Morris Bierman was one of seven children born to his par- ents. The others are: Samuel, of St. Louis; Mrs. Lizzie Wexler, of St. Louis; Abe, also of that city; Jack, clerk of the city court of St. Louis; and Isaac, his twin brother, also of St. Louis.
When Morris Bierman was six years old, his mother brought him with the other children to the United States, as the father had preceeded them some time and already had a home prepared for his family in St. Louis. He attended the public schools of St. Louis. When his school days were over he engaged in the furniture business with his father. The business was established in December, 1914. From the first the new enterprise met with success. Mr. Bierman carries a full line of furniture, stoves and household furnishings. His stock is clean, well kept and he is courteous and accommodating. He has built up a satisfactory and
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profitable business. In 1916, Morris Bierman purchased his father's interest in the business and is now sole owner and manager.
Morris Bierman was married Feb. 25, 1906 to Miss Rebecca Schucart, of St. Louis, the daughter of Ralph Schucart who is deceased and the mother now resides at St. Louis. Three children have been born to this union: Ruth, Ralph and Goldine, all of whom live with their parents a the family home 1201 W. Franklin street.
Since first coming to Moberly, Mr. Bierman has taken an active part in local affairs. He is a man of progressive ideas and believes that every citizen should support the movements for the upbuilding and improve- ment of the city where he expects to make his home. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the I. O. B. of St. Louis.
The Bierman family was well represented in the World War. Two brothers, Abe and Isaac served in the National Army. Isaac was a mem- ber of the 138th Infantry, 25th Division, under Lieutenant Theodore Bazan and was wounded in the same engagement in which Lieutenant Bazan was killed. He served overseas for 18 months and after the cessa- tion of hostilities was honorably discharged. Abe Bierman, after enter- ing the service was assigned to the quartermaster's department as pur- chasing agent and also as interpreter of the French and Jewish languages while in France. He served for two and a half years, being a member of the forces that were at the front in France and on his return to the United States was honorably discharged from the army.
Jacob S. Bowers, one of central Missouri's well known and most prosperous business men, who established a department store in Moberly nearly 40 years ago, being the senior member of Bowers & Reis, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1850 and died at Moberly in 1917. He was reared and educated in the East and after his school days were over engaged in merchandising, knowing that there were many good openings in the newer country to the West, Mr. Bowers determined to locate there. In partnership with Ira S. Reis, a company was formed which opened the "Trade Palace" of Moberly in 1883 at the location still occupied by the Bower's department store. The store has a large frontage carrying the street numbers of 210-214 Reed street, one of the finest locations in the city. From the first the new concern met with a cordial response from the residents of Moberly and the surrounding territory; business grew, more lines were added and the Trade Palace became the center of
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the retail trade for dry goods, men and womens furnishings and childrens supplies of all kinds. Later carpets and drapery departments were added to accommodate the growing trade until today the Palace is one of the largest and most up-to-date department houses in the middle west. Open- ing with a stock valued at $30,000 the business grew in such proportions that today it is rated at more than $100,000.
In 1895 Jacob Bowers purchased the Reis interest in the concern and since that time the business has been conducted under the firm name of J. S. Bowers & Son. On the death of the senior member of the firm, the junior member, William S. Bowers, succeeded his father as owner- manager of the house and continued the same successful policies inaugur- ated by his father. The widow of Jacob Bowers now resides at Long Beach, Calif. From first coming to Moberly, Jacob Bowers began to take an active part in the civic and communal life of the town. He was a man of progressive ideas in his business and believed that these same prin- ciples should be applied to the city administration, and did much toward the development of the city of Moberly. For 20 years he served as a member of the school board, being president and treasurer of the board and was an incumbent of these positions at the time of his death. He was an active, public spirited man, who lived up to the high standard he set for an American citizen, was well known among the educators of the state as a man who promoted all educational movements and had raised the standards of the Moberly schools. During his life he won for him- self the highest possible esteem from all who knew him, friends and business associates alike. With his passing, Mr. Bowers left to his son the example of an honorable and useful life; to his family the memory of his loving care as a husband and father. His remains are buried in Philadelphia, Pa.
William S. Bowers, the only child of Jacob S. Bowers, was born in Union City, Ind., in 1882, and accompanied his parents when they came to Missouri a year later. He spent his boyhood and youth in Moberly and attended the public schools and after graduating from the high school entered the State University where he was graduated. After leaving college, William Bowers returned to Moberly and became a part- ner with his father in the mercantile business. He has made a phenom- enal success. The store has a frontage of 75 feet, depth of 110 feet, has two floors devoted entirely to retail display and 30 people are employed.
On June 24, 1903, Mr. Bowers married Miss Gertrude Rice of St.
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Louis. She is the daughter of J. P. and Sophia Rice, of that city. Mr. Rice is now deceased and his widow lives in St. Louis. Three children have been born to this union: Marion and twin sons, William and Wal- lace, all at home with their parents. Mr. Bowers has taken an active part in the life of Moberly and is progressive. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Country Club, is first vice-president of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Missouri and is also district deputy of northern Missouri for that organization.
Willis Baugh, one of the younger business men of Moberly who holds a responsible position with the Cross Lumber Company, is a native son of Randolph County, born in Moberly, July 6, 1894, the son of Charles C. and Lizzie (Hall) Baugh, who now live at 2211/ N. Clark street. The father was born in Randolph County in 1873 and the mother in 1871. She is the daughter of B. N. and Mary E. Hall, who live at Higginsville, Mo. There were eight children in the Baugh family: Willis of this review; Willard, of Moberly; Ledoew, also of Moberly; Fern, who married Earl Rittenhouse of Basin, Wyo .; Earl and Murrel, twins, the former at home and the latter is in Mason City, Ia .; Charles and Orville, also in Moberly.
Willis Baugh spent his boyhood and youth in Moberly, was sent to the public schools for his educational advantages and after his school days were over took a position with the Cross Lumber Company. When war was declared against Germany, he enlisted in the army on July 24, 1918 and was sent to Camp Funston for his training. Within a short time he was assigned to Headquarters Detachment, 10th Field Artillery and re- mained in training until after the signing of the armistice, receiving his honorable discharge Feb. 11, 1919, after having been in the service six months. On his return to Moberly, Mr. Baugh again assumed his duties with the Cross Lumber Company, an association which has since con- tinued. Willard Baugh, Willis' brother, was the second member of Com- pany E, 70th Infantry, to enlist. He also was sent to Camp Funston, having entered the army on the same day as his brother. He was dis- charged Jan. 29, 1919 and is now employed at the Oakland cemetery. Both the Baugh brothers are fine young men, patriotic and public spirited who are an asset to the citizenship of any community.
William F. Mangus, one of the leading druggists of Moberly who has been in business here for nearly a quarter of a century and who during that time has done his part in the development of the city and its sur- rounding territory. Mr. Mangus was born in the state of Louisiana in
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1862, the son of Wm. F. and Susan (Terry) Mangus, both natives of Ken- tucky, who were married in Saline County, Mo., in 1858. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Mrs. Mangus went to Louisiana to live and remained in the South until after the close of the Civil War. Mr. Mangus enlisted in the Confederate Army and served until peace was declared. He served under Gen. Joseph E. Johnson and was wounded in the right leg by a minne ball at the Battle of Bull Run, but as soon as he was discharged from the hospital he reenlisted and served until hostilities closed. After this the family returned to Missouri, locating in Saline County where they lived for many years. Mr. Mangus died in 1909 at the age of 70 years, being survived by his wife who died in 1912 and both are buried at Oakland cemetery. There were 10 children in the Mangus family: Charles, of Florida; William F., of Moberly; Taylor D., of Mob- erly; Monta, of Moberly; Louise, the wife of James Crossland, of Sedalia, Mo .; Mary, who married Luther Stockton, of Perry, Okla .; Susan, now Mrs. Jose Johnson, of Moberly ; Ida, the widow of Mr. Boucher, of Birm- ingham, Ala., and Daisy, who lives with her sister at Birmingham.
William F. Mangus was a small boy when his parents returned to Missouri and he attended the public schools of Saline County and Cam- bridge, graduating from the high school there. He then began to study telegraphy and became an operator for the Chicago and Alton Railroad, an association that continued for 11 years. Mr. Mangus was advanced from one position of trust to another until he held a fine position with the road but he desired to engage in an independent business for him- self and in 1891 resigned from the road and opened a drug store at Clark, Mo. He built up a good trade and being made a good offer by his brother, sold the business to him after having lived in that city for six years. Mr. Mangus then located in Moberly where he has since conducted a drug store and has built up an extensive trade.
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