USA > Missouri > Randolph County > History of Randolph County, Missouri > Part 26
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78
On Nov. 23, 1887, Mr. Mangus was married to Miss Esther E. Hamil- ton, of Moberly, the daughter of James Hamilton, a pioneer of the county who died at the age of 74 years. The mother lives in Moberly. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mangus: William Leon, who is em- ployed by the John Deere Plow Company of Kansas City, Mo., and Ethel S., the wife of B. C. Stephens of Moberly and they have two children, Barney, Jr., and Martha. Mr. and Mrs. Mangus reside at 834 W. Reed street. Mr. Mangus is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
.
326
HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY
Ray Galbreath, one of the younger generation of the business and professional men of Moberly, who owns and manages a drug store at 550 West Coates street, is a native of Missouri, born in Audrain County, Jan. 22, 1892, the son of Lee and Miriam (Owings) Galbreath, both of whom now reside in Moberly, and their biography appears in this volume. Ray Galbreath attended the public schools of Clark, Mo. and after graduating from the high school, entered the pharmacy department of the college at Brunswick, Mo. He completed the required college course and in 1916 passed the examination of the State Board of Pharmacy and was ad- mitted to practice. He at once secured a position with the H. & H. drug store in Moberly and was working there when war was declared against Germany.
Ray Galbreath enlisted July 3, 1917 in the medical department of the 110th Engineers, 35th Division, and as soon as his training was over was sent overseas where he served in France for 30 days with the British forces. He then was assigned to the French army for 60 days, when he was transferred to the American First Army. Mr. Galbreath was doing first aid work with the 35th Division and on Sept. 29, 1918 the 110th Engineers were ordered to the front line trenches where Mr. Galbreath served with them. This division was under fire from the enemy from Sept. 26th to Oct. 2nd and saw some of the most severe fighting of the war. From this location in the first aid stations, he was continually under shell fire and was most fortunate to escape without injury and with his life. He was gassed on Sept. 30, 1918. He made an enviable record in the danger zone by bravely attending to his duties in the advanced lines and upon the battle field. He was at Luniville, France, when the armistice was signed. He returned to the United States April 4, 1919 and was honorably discharged and mustered out of the service May 3, 1919, after almost two years of service in a foreign land.
Mr. Galbreath returned to Moberly and purchased the Mangus drug store on Coates street. This is now both owned and managed by the young druggist who has continued to carry on the same line of business as his predecessor, handling all lines of high class drugs and all the allied lines which the public has come to expect and demand today. Mr. Gal- breath is a popular business man and has an extensive trade.
On Jan. 27, 1918, Mr. Galbreath married Miss Nadine Marshall, of Moberly, the daughter of M. M. and Hattie (Kimbrough) Marshall, the latter now deceased and the father lives in Moberly. Mr. Galbreath is a
327
HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY
charter member of Theodore Bazan Post, American Legion, of Moberly and also belongs to the Maccabees.
W. R. Butler, councilman from the fourth ward of Moberly and the owner-manager of one of the leading grocery houses of the city, was born in Adams County, Ill., Oct. 21, 1871. He is the son of W. J. and Eliza Jane (Stevens) Butler, who came to Missouri in 1878 and located in Mon- roe County and spent the remainder of their lives there. The mother died in 1885 and the father lived to be a man of advanced age. He was nearly 80 years old when he died. W. J. Butler enlisted in the Union Army at the outbreak of the Civil War and served in Company I, 84th ยท Regiment throughout that memorable conflict. There were eight chil- dren in the Butler family: C. L., of Moberly; W. A. and W. R. of this review, also of Moberly; Walter and Solon also residents of this city, the latter being connected with the Wabash Railroad; Jennie Carney, of St. Louis; Bessie Roderman, of Dallas, Tex .; and Hester Freeman, of Flat River, Mo.
WV. R. Butler spent his boyhood and early youth in Monroe County, Mo., was educated in the public schools there and after his school days were over learned the barber's trade, a vocation which he followed until he reached his 29th year. In 1915 he engaged in the grocery business. From first opening up his establishment here Mr. Butler met with a warm response from the residents. He has built up a fine trade and is one of the progressive and prosperous men of the city.
On April 9, 1886, Mr. Butler married Miss Anna Messerla, a native of St. Louis County, Mo., the daughter of Lee and Margaret (Zimmer- man) Messerla. Mrs. Butler has ever been an encouragement to her husband in his business, takes a keen and practical interest in the grocery business and is his capable and able assistant in the store.
From first locating in Moberly, Mr. Butler has taken an active and interested part in civic affairs. He was elected a member of the city council by a big majority in 1916 and was reelected in 1918 and now is serving his sixth year as a member of that body. At the present time he is chairman of the committee on parks, public buildings and also serves as a member of the cemetery board. Mr. Butler is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Rebeccas and maintains a residence at 410 Johnson street and owns property at 401 Johnson street, Moberly, Mo.
328
HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY
William Henry Emerson was a well known and prosperous business man of Moberly for many years. He was born on a farm a half mile east of Huntsville, on the Moberly road, passed his life in this county, and died April 13, 1915, aged 70 years.
William H. Emerson's parents were Simpson and Catharine (Owens) Emerson, the former 'born in Randolph County, the son of James Emer- son, who came to Missouri from Kentucky in 1827, was a pioneer set- tler; the mother was also from Kentucky. She was the daughter of Edward Owens, who located here in 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Emerson were but children when their families came to Randolph County. There were four children in the Emerson family: William H., deceased; Sarah Mar- tha, also deceased ; Mary Elizabeth, deceased ; James E.
William H. Emerson spent his boyhood days on his mother's farm, near Moberly; his father died when he was 11 years old. He was given the educational advantages obtainable here at that period and remained at home until his 19th year when he enlisted in the Confederate army, promptly showing his convictions by being one of the first youths of the locality to enter the service, and remained in the army until peace was declared. On returning to Missouri, Mr. Emerson reached Moberly in time to attend the first sale of lots when the town-site of Moberly was plotted, Sept. 27, 1866, and he was among the first purchasers. Mr. Emerson had been converted at Sugar Creek Camp Meeting and joined the church, but later, transferred his membership to the Methodist church, south, of which he was a faithful member all his life. He was a Mason, having joined the Blue Lodge in Moberly, in 1868.
On April 23, 1874, Mr. Emerson was married to Miss Nancy Jane Holbrook, of Randolph County, the daughter of Colbert and Nancy (Milam) Holbrook, the former born in North Carolina in 1797, and the mother was born in Tazewell County, Va., in 1913. They were married in 1833 and four years later came to Randolph County, where they reared their eight children. The father died in 1854 and the mother in 1894. Their daughter, Nancy Jane, was born Aug. 13, 1850, and is still living. Mrs. Emerson has for many years been one of the fine southern women who is highly esteemed and has many warm friends in Moberly. She is a consistent member of the Methodist church, south, as were her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Emerson had one daughter, Nina Catharine, born, reared and educated in Moberly, who in 1911 married M. H. Sullivan, one of the well known and prosperous business men of Moberly. He was a native
WILLIAM H. EMERSON
329
HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY
of Illinois, born and reared in Springfield and came to Moberly to engage in business some years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan take an active part in the social and civic life of Moberly.
Solomon Milam Holbrook, deceased, was born in Tazewell County, Va., Feb. 26, 1836, the son of Colbert and Nancy (Milam) Holbrook, the former born in North Carolina in 1797, and the latter was born in Tazewell County, Va., in 1813. They were married Dec. 25, 1833. Four years later they came to Missouri and located on a farm near Moberly, where their eight children were reared. Mr. Holbrook died in 1854 and his widow died in 1894. Both were members of the Methodist church. Mr. Holbrook spent his youth on his mother's farm, and attended the public schools. Oct. 11, 1859, he was married to Miss Lucy Jane Walden, of Huntsville. She was the daughter of Zephaniah Walden, a well known early settler of the county. Ten children were born to this union, who became well known farmers and business men of this locality. Mr. Hol- brook joined the Masonic order at Huntsville, when the Blue Lodge was organized at Moberly he became a charter member here, transferring from Huntsville.
In 1861, Mr. Holbrook enlisted in the Confederate army, served under General Price, and later was transferred to Colonel Joe Shelby's cavalry, with which he remained until peace was declared. After return- ing to Missouri, Mr. Holbrook became a prosperous farmer on land situated just south of White House curve. He joined the Methodist church when a young man at Sugar Creek, until the Fourth Street Methodist church, south, was organized at Moberly, when he became a charter member. Mr. Holbrook stood high in his community for his kind heart, for he was ever ready to give a helping hand to the needy and also for his high integrity.
In 1881, Mr. Holbrook moved to Kansas, where he purchased a ranch of three sections of land and resided there until his death, May 15, 1911. Many people believed that Mr. Holbrook was particularly fortunate, but his success in life was due to his close application to his vocation, executive ability and hard work, for he was a man of indomit- able energy and steady industry at all times. For many years Mr. Holbrook took an active part in the civic life of Moberly and its en- virons, ever supporting every movement for the improvement and de- velopment of this section and he followed the same plan of life in his new home in Kansas.
1
330
HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY
William Hellensmith, the well known owner and manager of the grocery store located at 900 Franklin street, Moberly, has during the past five years become well and favorably known in the city as one of its progressive men. Through his careful attention to his business, courtesy to his customers and from the high class of groceries and meats he carries in stock he has built up a large business. Mr. Hellensmith is a native Missourian, born near Prairie Hill, Chariton County. He is a son of Martin and Bettie (Wilkey) Hellensmith, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Chariton County, Mo. She was reared and educated there and later met Mr. Hellensmith and they were married at her home. For about 10 years after his marriage, Mr. Hellensmith remained in busi- ness in Chariton County and came to Moberly in 1887, to take a position with the Wabash Railroad in the car department where he has remained for 33 years; he is one of the oldest employes of the shops in Moberly. There were eight children in the Hellensmith family: William, of this re- view; Louis, Frank, Carl, Edward, Martin, all of Moberly; Mabel, the wife of Clayton Smith, and Sophia who married Marvin Dunnivent, also of Moberly.
William Hellensmith spent his boyhood days and early youth in Moberly and attended the public schools. When his school days were past he learned the moulder's trade, a vocation in which he was employed for 14 years then entered the car department of the Wabash Railroad, where he remained four years. During this time Mr. Hellensmith had saved money and after spending so many years working for others decided to engage in business for himself and in 1915 purchased his present store from Nelson Elkins, where he carries a full line of stock and fancy groceries and meats. From first entering upon this new enterprise, Mr. Hellensmith met with marked success, due to his care of his stock, its tasteful display and the courtesy with which his customers are treated and today he is regarded as one of the most substantial business men of the city.
On June 27, 1906, Mr. Hellensmith was married to Miss Clara Voth of Moberly. She is the daughter of Henry and Minnie Voth; the former is deceased and his widow now resides in Moberly. There were four chil- dren in the Voth family, of whom Mrs. Hellensmith is the youngest. She and her husband maintain a charming home at 1209 Bond street. Mr. Hellensmith is a member of the National Union, the Security Benefit Association, and the Missouri State Life Association.
331
HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY
Aubrey R. Hammett, prosecuting attorney of Randolph County and a former probate judge of the county, is one of the leading members of Randolph County bar. He is descended from pioneer families of the county as his ancestors came to this section when Missouri was con- sidered the frontier, and here they have taken a prominent part in the civic life of the country.
Mr. Hammett is a native son of Randolph County, born near Hunts- ville ,July 24, 1873, the son of J. D. and L. Allie (Rutherford) Hammett. The father, also a native of this county was born on a farm three miles northwest of Huntsville in 1847. He was reared in Randolph County and after completing his elementary education studied medicine, graduating from a medical college at Philadelphia, Pa., and soon began his professional career near Huntsville, where he practiced for many years. Doctor Ham- mett became one of the well known and skillful physicians of the county and stood high in the medical fraternity of central Missouri. He also became extensively interested in business and commercial affairs. He was in partnership, with Joseph Samuel in the lumber business. Later he purchased a large block of stock in the Hammett Bank at Huntsville which his father, Joseph M. Hammett had established and became assist- ant cashier of the institution and later he became president of the bank. He still retains his stock in the bank and takes an active interest in its affairs, although he has now given up active business life and lives in Moberly, Mo.
Aubrey R. Hammett's paternal grandfather, Joseph M. Hammett, was a Kentuckian who became one of the early settlers who took up govern- ment land near Huntsville, where he cleared 320 acres from the virgin forest and resided there until his death in 1883. L. Allie (Rutherford) Hammett was born near Huntsville, a daughter of W. T. Rutherford, a pioneer from Kentucky who located near Huntsville at an early day and became a tobacco dealer, owning and managing two tobacco factories employing many negroes in the care of the product and for many years was prominent in this line of business. Subsequently he became inter- ested in coal mining and became a large operator in this district. He was a prominent man of central Missouri and Randolph County and his life was closely identified with the growth and development of Huntsville. He lived to be a man of advanced age and died in 1905 in his 91st year. Mrs. Hammett was a graduate of Christian College, Columbia, Mo.
332
HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY
Dr. J. D. Hammett and his wife became the parents of two children : Mary Belle, who married Rev. L. J. Marshall, a Christian minister, is deceased. Her husband had charge of the Christian Church of Inde- pendence, Mo., for seven years and also of Wabash Avenue Christian Church in Kansas City, Mo., erecting fine edifices in both places during his incumbency as pastor.
Aubrey R. Hammett was reared on his father's farm in Huntsville and attended the local schools. He graduated from Missouri Military Academy at Mexico, Mo., as senior captain. Then entered the State University at Columbia, Mo., graduating with the class of 1897 with the degree of Bachelor of Law. The same year he opened an office at Hunts- ville and became city attorney in 1897. Mr. Hammett became recog- nized as one of the leading men of his profession and in 1904 was elected probate judge of Randolph County, serving in that office until 1904. In 1914 Judge Hammett moved to Moberly and four years later, in 1918 was elected prosecuting attorney of the county, an office which he has since filled in a most able manner.
June 11, 1897, Judge Hammett was married to Miss Oleta Wise of Callaway County, the daughter of James Wise, an early settler of that county ; both he and his wife are now deceased. Four children have been born to Judge and Mrs. Hammett: J. W., Aubrey, Oleta and J. D. While in college, Judge Hammett was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
James A. Fowler, a well known real estate dealer of Moberly with offices in the Jennings Building is a native of Randolph County. He was born six miles south of Moberly, Sept. 11, 1857 and is a son of Jesse and Sarah M. (Hamilton) Fowler. Jesse Fowler was a native of Howard County, born in 1828, the son of Elijah Fowler, a native of Boston, Mass., who came west in the early thirties and located near Burton, but shortly afterwards, moved to Randolph County to a homestead, a claim of gov- ernment land on which Oscar Fowler now lives. Jesse Fowler spent nearly all his life on this farm in Randolph County. He died at the ad- vanced age of 84 years and his remains are buried in the old Hamilton cemetery which was entered by John Hamilton, the grandfather of James A. Fowler. Jesse Fowler used to carry the corn on horseback to the grist mill which was located a mile east of the present site of Higbee. After reaching the mill the horse was used as motive power to grind the grain.
333
HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY
John Hamilton, the grandfather of James A. Fowler, came to Ran- dolph County in 1842. There were so few settlers at that period that he knew every man in the county. He was a prosperous farmer and the owner of 500 acres of land at the time of his death. Sarah (Hamilton) Fowler was a native of Randolph County and was reared and educated here. She died in 1882 and her remains are buried in the Hamilton ceme- tery. There were six children in the Fowler family: Susan, the widow of W. M. Garvin; James A., the subject of this sketch; Henry T., a farmer near Evansville; Anna, now Mrs. Mesimer, of Moberly; J. H., also of Moberly ; Alice, now Mrs. Hamilton, of Moberly.
James A. Fowler was reared on the farm and attended the public schools and after his school days were over, was engaged in farming until 1885 and in 1887 he engaged in the grocery business in Moberly. He subsequently disposed of his store and entered the real estate and loan business.
Mr. Fowler was first married to Miss Mahlia J. Reed, who died in 1885. Three children were born to this union and the only one of whom survives is Mrs. Lena Reynolds, of Moberly. In 1891, Mr. Fowler mar- ried Miss Georgia A. Hill, of Moberly. She is a daughter of F. M. and Elizabeth Hill, both deceased. F. M. Hill was a native of Lincoln, Mo. He died at the age of 83 while his wife lived to be 85 years old. Mr. Fowler takes an active part in local affairs and has served on the city council of Moberly the past 12 years. He is a member of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows and is one of the progressive citizens of Moberly and Randolph County.
Frank B. Harvey, cashier of the Bank of Moberly, is one of Randolph County's progressive citizens. He is a native of Randolph County, born about four miles south of Moberly on March 27, 1881, the son of B. F. and Ellen B. (Blakey) Harvey. B. F. Harvey was born in Howard County, near Armstrong and reared there. He came to Randolph County in the early 80s and organized the Randolph Bank of which he became president. Later the bank was reorganized as the First National Bank of which he was president. The First National was later reorganized as a state bank and Mr. Harvey served as vice-president until the time of his death in 1900. His remains are buried in Oakland cemetery. Mr. Harvey did not confine all his energies to banking alone but owned and operated a farm, four miles southwest of Moberly and made his home there during all the years he was associated with banking interests in the
334
HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY
city. For many years he took an active part in the civic life of the com- munity and for one term served as presiding judge of the county court. Mrs. Harvey now lives in Moberly. There were two children in the Harvey family besides Frank: Mary E., deceased, and Julia, also de- ceased.
Frank Harvey was reared on the family place near this city of Mob- erly and was given the educational advantages of the public schools here, graduating from the high school in 1899. The following year he spent at the State University at Columbia, but his college career was cut short by his father's death in 1900, when he returned home to assume charge of the farm and agricultural interests of the family. He continued as man- ager of the farm until 1910, when he came to Moberly and entered the Bank of Moberly as bookkeeper. Six years later he became cashier of the institution and has since capably held that position.
In 1913 Mr. Harvey married Miss Anna Andre of Moberly, the daughter of Daniel and Belle Andre, the former residing now in McAlester, Mont., and his wife is deceased. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Harvey : Frank B., Jr., and Ellen Belle, both at home with their parents.
Mr. Harvey is considered one of the capable bankers of this section and is a man of many warm friends and business associates. He is a Knight Templar Mason.
William J. Meals, a well known farmer and stockman of Sugar Creek township, was born near Boonsboro, Howard County, Mo., March 3, 1838 and is a son of James Preston and Rebecca (Woodard) Meals. The father was one of the very earliest settlers of Howard County and in 1840 he located in Randolph County where he entered land three miles east of the present site of Moberly. He paid $1.25 per acre and this land is still owned by members of the Meals family. The first house which was built on the place long before the Civil War, is still standing. The Meals family cemetery is located on this place and Leonidas Meals, brother of William J. Meals, was the first person to be buried in that cemetery. This was in 1840. James and Rebecca Meals are also both buried in this cemetery. The former died in 1880 and his wife departed this life ten years later. They were the parents of the following children: James, deceased ; John, resides in Moberly ; Albert, Moberly; William J., the sub- ject of this sketch; Mary, Cynthia, Robert and Thomas, the latter four of whom are deceased.
335
HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY
William J. Meals was reared on the home farm and attended the schools of that time which were principally subscription schools. He engaged in farming and stock raising on his own account in early life and has met with well merited success. He is now the owner of 360 acres of well improved and valuable land in Sugar Creek township. His son, Marvin, is the owner of 60 acres which lies just across the road from his father's place. Marvin Meals is well known and a successful general farmer and stock raiser and he has given considerable more attention to breeding than the average farmer, and is the owner of one of the best herds of registered Aberdeen Angus cattle in this section of the state. His herd is headed by a valuable registered male animal from the herd of James Cottingham, the sire of which came from the herd of Erscher and Ryan of Iowa.
Dec. 16, 1858, William J. Meals was married to Miss Elizabeth Grimes, a native of Randolph County. She was born on the site of the present city of Moberly, March 13, 1839 and is a daughter of Henry Grimes, a pioneer settler in this locality. To Mr. and Mrs. Meals have been born the following children: Logan, a farmer and stockman of Prairie town- ,ship; Belle, widow of W. J. Engle, resides in Monroe County; Newton, Monroe County, Mo .; Lucy married J. P. Bennett and resides at Coweta, Okla., and Marvin, who resides near his father in Sugar Creek township and who is interested in the breeding of Aberdeen Angus cattle.
Marvin Meals was born on the Meals homestead in Sugar Creek town- ship. Jan. 6, 1873. Here he spent his boyhood days and attended the schools in District No. 53. Since early life, he has followed farming and while he is the owner of a farm of 60 acres of his own in the vicinity of the old home place, he is also associated with his father in general farm- ing and stock raising and specializing in the breeding of Aberdeen Angus cattle. Mr. Meals is one of the best known successful breeders of this favorite strain of cattle in Randolph County.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.