History of Randolph County, Missouri, Part 39

Author: Waller, Alexander H
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Topeka : Historical Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 940

USA > Missouri > Randolph County > History of Randolph County, Missouri > Part 39

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A year after the father's death, the concern was incorporated under the firm name of the J. Faessler Manufacturing Company with a paid up capitol of $60,000. The company manufactures all kinds of boiler makers' tools and allied products. They are also manufacturers of the celebrated Missouri Hay Press. The output of this factory reaches the markets of Canada, Mexico, and other foreign countries, as well as all parts of the United States.

John W. Faessler became president of the company at the time of its incorporation and his brother, Louis, became treasurer. Since the incorporation of the company, July 6, 1900, it has taken a place in the

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front rank of the industrial enterprises of the state. At the present time over 50 men are employed by this company.

John W. Faessler is an independent Republican and has served as a member of the Moberly city council. Both he and his wife are mem- bers of the Baptist church and he holds membership in the Masonic Lodge and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Oct. 7, 1902, Mr. Faessler was married to Miss Elizabeth Nebergall of Moberly. She is a daughter of John H. and Nellie (Shumate) Nebergall.

The Faessler family rank high in the citizenship of Moberly and Randolph County.

B. C. Holbrook, who is one of the leading and prosperous farmers and stockmen of Randolph County is descended from one of the pioneer . families of this section whose members took a prominent part in the development and opening up of this locality when Missouri was the frontier.

Mr. Holbrook was born in Sugar Creek township, one mile west of Moberly, June 13, 1846, the son of Colbert and Nancy (Milam) Holbrook, both of whom were born, reared, educated and married in Virginia. They came west to take advantage of the government land yet to be obtained here and Colbert Holbrook entered 300 acres just west of B. C. Holbrook's present farm. Later he purchased more land and at the time of his death he owned 400 acres. Colbert Holbrook lived to be 54 years old and was laid to rest in the home burying ground. He was survived many years by his wife who was in her 83rd year when she died.

Colbert and Nancy (Milam) Holbrook were the parents of eight chil- dren: Solomon, deceased; Elizabeth the wife of J. J .. Adams, deceased ; Caleb, deceased; Bues, who died while serving in the Confederate army ; B. C., of this review; Miranda, the widow of William Rchardson; Jennie, the widow of William H. Emerson; and Rachael, the wife of Felix Elsea, Moberly, Mo.

B. C. Holbrook was reared on his father's farm in Sugar Creek town- ship. He received his education in the district schools of Hayes, Dower and Sugar Creek districts and engaged in farming. When old enough he assumed the management of the family homestead and remained there until 35 years ago when he moved to his present farm which had been owned by a Mr. Horner who had entered 700 acres of government land when he first settled in the county. Mr. Holbrook owns 174 acres of

B. C. HOLBROOK

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HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY

valuable land, where he has been engaged in general farming and stock raising and is one of the most progressive farmers of the county. He has placed good and permanent improvements on his place. He has a fine nine room house, modern in every manner, a large barn and other buildings for farm use and stock.

Mr. Holbrook was married to Miss Amanda Esry, a daughter of Logan and Sallie (Bailey) Esry, both deceased. Logan Esry was a native of Kentucky and came to this county as a child and was reared here. Mrs. Holbrook was the eldest child in a family of five children and was a very capable and charming girl. Her grandfather, Austin Bailey was a pioneer settler of Jackson County, Mo., who owned 500 acres of land there and was one of the leading men of that part of the state and the family was prominent in public affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Holbrook have three children: Milam, educated in the district schools and Moberly High School, is now farming the home place, married Eula Perkins of Moberly, in 1913, and they have two children, Helen and Ruby; John, a machinist, employed in the Wabash shops at Moberly; and Ada, the wife of Roy Durham, a veteran of the World War, who served with the 16th Engineer Corps.

The Holbrook family is known throughout this section of the state for its spirit of true Americanism and for the part it has and is taking in civic affairs.

Martin J. Kehoe, assistant postmaster of Moberly, Mo., has been, . for more than a quarter of a century connected with the postal service in this city. He is a native of Missouri, born in St. Louis, Jan. 28, 1875, and is a son of Daniel and Mary (Murphy) Kehoe.

Daniel Kehoe was a native of Ireland and came to America when only 15 years old. He soon located in St. Louis, where he learned the trade of boilermaker, a vocation followed for many years. He came to Moberly in 1874. In later life, Mr. Kehoe entered the service of the Wabash railroad in the water department and was killed in a collision in 1892, while on duty at Martinsburg, Mo. Mary (Murphy) Kehoe was born in Ireland and brought to the United States by her parents when a child of two years. Mrs. Kehoe is now deceased.

Daniel Kehoe and wife were the parents of eight children: Martin J., the subject of this sketch; Margaret, the wife of E. L. Kirkendall, of Tacoma, Wash .; Mamie, who lives with Margaret; Daniel P., of St. Louis; William F., also of that city; James L., a plumber of Moberly; Ann, de-

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ceased, and Joseph F. Both parents were members of the Catholic church, the faith in which the children were also reared. Mr. Kehoe was a mem- ber of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

Martin J. Kehoe was reared in Moberly, attended the public schools, and was graduated from the Moberly High School in 1890. He then be- came a reporter on what is now known as the Monitor-Index. He worked his way up in the newspaper business, until he became managing editor of the paper, a position he filled with marked ability until 1892, when he passed the first civil service examination given in Moberly and received the first civil appointment here, being assigned to a position in the post- office in 1892. Since that date, Mr. Kehoe has filled all offices in the post- office under postmaster, up to and including the duties of assistant post- master, which he now fills.

Mr. Kehoe was married to Miss Mamie Boyle, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of George and Agnes (McDonald) Boyle, both now deceased. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kehoe: Maurine, deceased; Irene, Helen, Loraine and Martin, Jr.

Mr. Kehoe is a member of the Catholic church and a Knights of Colum- bus. He has served as Past District Deputy of that organization. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the National Union.

Patrick Halloran, secretary and manager of the Moberly Artificial Ice and Cold Storage Company, of Moberly, is one of the well-known and suc- cessful business men of Randolph County. Mr. Halloran is a native of Missouri. He was born at St. Charles, April 15, 1864, and is a son of Patrick and Sarah (Walsh) Halloran, both natives of Ireland.

Patrick Halloran, the father, was reared in his native land to the age of 16 years when he came to America with his parents. The family located in St. Louis. In 1878 they came from St. Charles to Moberly and here the mother died in 1918 and the father now makes his home with his son, Patrick, whose name introduced this sketch.

Patrick Halloran, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Moberly and educated in the public schools. In 1881, when he was 17 years old, he entered the grocery business in Moberly with the Hegarty Brothers and remained in that business until 1910. He then became manager of the Hegarty Opera House. Later he built the Halloran Theatre, which he sold in 1913, and this amusement house is now known as the Grand and is still one of the popular amusement places of Moberly. After selling the Halloran Theatre in 1913, Mr. Halloran erected a modern ice and cold storage plant

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by the co-operation of other local men of which he has since been manager and secretary since its organization. This is one of the prosperous corpora- tions of Moberly and much of its success is due to the capable management · of Mr. Halloran and Mr. L. W. Kelly.

June 14, 1893, Patrick Halloran was united in marriage in Moberly with Miss Bridget Brown of St. Charles, Mo. Three children were born to this union, all of whom are deceased. Mrs. Halloran died Jan. 4, 1917.

Mr. Halloran is independent in his political views and he is a mem- ber of the Catholic church and the Knights of Columbus. He is a pro- gressive business man and one of the substantial citizens of Moberly and Randolph County.

Silas Oak Hunter has been a leading member of the Randolph County bar for nearly 20 years and well known in Masonic and fra- ternal circles and prominent in public life. He is a native of Middle- grove, Mo., and was born Jan. 24, 1877, the only child of Silas O. and Mary E. (Ownby) Hunter, the former was born in West Virginia, in 1840, and died in November, 1876, three months before his son, Silas O. Hunter, was born.

Silas O. Hunter, Sr., was brought to Missouri by his parents when six years old. He was reared and educated in this state and upon at- taining manhood became a merchant in Middlegrove, where he passed the remainder of his life. His parents were Matthew and Mary E. (Mc- Cowan) Hunter, natives of Gerrardstown, W. Va., where the father was a farmer before coming to Monroe County, Mo., to follow the same voca- tion. There were two children in the family, Silas and Anna, Anna married Edgar Brooks and is now deceased. Mary Ownby was born, reared, educated and married in Middlegrove and died in Moberly, Mo., April 13, 1917, where she had lived for 25 years.

Silas O. Hunter, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Middle- grove and attended the public school there until his ninth year, when his mother came to Moberly and here he was graduated from the high school in 1897. In 1897 he entered the University of Missouri, at Colum- bia, where he took a course in law, and was admitted to the bar Jan. 8, 1901. Mr. Hunter returned to Moberly, where he established himself in his profession. He is recognized as one of the able lawyers of Ran- dolph County and central Missouri. He is a Democrat, and was elected city attorney in 1902, holding the office two terms or four years. Fol- lowing his services as city official Mr. Hunter was elected circuit clerk

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of Randolph County, and at the expiration of his term of office he formed a partnership with Arthur B. Chamier in 1911, and they have built up a satisfactory practice. Mr. Hunter has taken an active part in public and civil affairs, always working for the improvement and betterment of local conditions. In November, 1918, he was elected representative to the state legislature and is now serving in that capacity. He is a Mason in high standing, having taken the degrees of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery. He also is a member of the Odd Fellows and the Elks. He is one of the representative citizens of Moberly who has won and kept a host of friends who regard him as an asset to the citizenship of the town and county.

In December, 1908, Mr. Hunter was married to Miss Mary Lowell, daughter of James R. Lowell, and one child was born to them, Marjorie Lowell, born Jan. 9, 1910. Mrs. Hunter died Feb. 15, 1910, aged 26 years. On May 12, 1915, Mr. Hunter married Miss Charlotte M. Haworth, a native of Moberly. Her parents were John A. and Olive (Hager) Ha- worth, natives of Illinois, who were early settlers of this section of Mis- souri. Mr. Haworth is now retired from active business life, but for many years was manager of the Princess Theatre and one of the well- known stock buyers and dealers of Randolph County.

James L. Kehoe, one of the leading business men of Moberly, was born in Moberly, Nov. 6, 1884, the son of Daniel and Mary (Murphy) Kehoe, both natives of Ireland. The father was a boilermaker and fol- lowed that trade for some years, but after coming to Moberly in 1874, entered the water department of the Wabash railroad and was killed in a collision while in the performance of duty at Martinsburg, Mo., in 1892. There were eight children in the Kehoe family as follows: Mar- tin, assistant postmaster of Moberly; Margaret, the wife of E. L. Kirk- land, of Tacoma, Wash .; Mamie, who lives with her sister; Daniel P., of St. Louis; William F., also of that city; James, the subject of this review; Ann, deceased, and Joseph F.

James L. Kehoe spent his youth in Moberly and attended St. Mary's Academy, where he was graduated in 1902. He learned the trade of steamfitter, and after serving his apprenticeship and becoming a master plumber and steamfitter, Mr. Kehoe opened a shop in May, 1913, and in 1918 formed a partnership with C. G. Wisman, and they now conduct a plumbing and steamfitting establishment at 215 Fourth street, Mo- berly. They are general contractors for all kinds of plumbing, steam-

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fitting and heating systems for business blocks and homes. The steam fitting work in the American Hotel and Elks Home in Moberly was done by this firm.

Mr. Kehoe is a member of the Catholic church. He holds member- ship in the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

On Sept. 15, 1909, Mr. Kehoe was married to Miss Anna V. Free- man, the daughter of Timothy and Hattie (Matheres) Freeman, the for- mer a native of Ireland and the latter of Canada. The following chil- dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kehoe: Daniel T., Hattie E., James L., Mary J., Richard D., deceased; William J., Leo D. and Anna B., all at home with the parents.

Though still a young man, Mr. Kehoe is regarded as one of the best informed men in his line and is himself a high-class mechanic. He is progressive in his ideas and methods and studies his business.

George O. Perry, president of the Moberly Trust Company, of Mo- berly. Mo., is one of the well-known financiers of Moberly and Randolph County. Mr. Perry was born at Barnard, Mo., Jan. 1, 1877, the son of J. H. and Martha E. (Davis) Perry, to whom were born nine children of whom George O. was the fifth.

J. H. Perry was a farmer in Nodaway County, Mo., and there George O. Perry spent his youth, attending the public schools and thus laid the foundation for a good practical education to which he has ever since been adding by reading of the best literature, and a study of his business and its allied branches. After leaving the Barnard schools, Mr. Perry at- tended the high school at Maryville, Mo., and then entered a drug store as clerk. While earning his independent living he studied pharmacy and after passing his state examination, he was admitted to practice. For five years Mr. Perry remained in the drug business and then purchased a store which he managed five years before disposing of it to engage . in banking at Dewitt, Ark. In 1903 he purchased stock in the bank there and became assistant cashier. Mr. Perry disposed of his holdings in the Dewitt bank in 1905 to buy a large block of the stock of the Gentry Bank, at Gentry, Ark., becoming its cashier. One year later he sold his interest in that bank and came to Moberly, where in conjunc- tion with other moneyed men he became the prime organizer of the Moberly Trust Company and upon its organization became cashier. Mr. Perry was elected president of the institution in 1913.

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As one of the representative business men and progressive and pub- lic spirited men of Randolph County, Mr. Perry merits specific mention and recognition in this publication. He is a Republican and though he has never had time to take an active part in party affairs, he always as- sumes his share of work in civic and public affairs, giving liberally of time and money in the effort to improve conditions in town and county.

On June 14, 1906, Mr. Perry was married to Miss Cecil Greer of Paris, Tenn. Six children have been Born to this union: George G., Katherine, Jerry W., deceased; Martha, William H. and Marian, all at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Perry are members of the Central Christian church and Mr. Perry is a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Modern Woodman of America, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Cham- ber of Commerce.

Dr. Charles H. Dixon, a well-known and successful physician of Mo- berly, Mo., was born in Dewitt County, Ill., Feb. 17, 1868, the son of H. H. and Nancy (Gunder) Dixon, being the fifth of their ten children. The family came from Illinois to Missouri in 1874, locating in Monroe County, where the father engaged in farming for many years, but now resides is. Neodesha, Kan. He is 81 years old. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Dixon responded to the president's call for volunteers and enlisted in the 101st Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served in some of the most severe engagements of that memorable conflict and remained in the ranks of his regiment until mustered out of the service for disability in 1864. Today with the shadows deepening from the crimsoning west, he can look back across the years and feel that his was a constructive and well spent life. Mr. Dixon is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic Post, at Neodesha, Kan.

Dr. Charles H. Dixon received his educational advantages in Mon- roe County schools in his youth, then spent two years at the Fort Scott Normal School at Fort Scott, Kan., followed by two years of study at Ash Grove in the Christian College. As he was determined to devote his life to the study and practice of medicine, the young man matricu- lated in the medical department of Washington University, St. Louis, in 1896, graduating with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1899, and immediately located in Holliday, Mo. For 15 years Doctor Dixon prac- ticed in this location, and made many warm friends who keenly felt his loss when he left to open an office at Fulton, Mo., in 1914, but as he

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desired a wider field for his. endeavors he came to Moberly two years later and since that time he has been actively engaged in practice here. From the first, Dr. Dixon met with a hearty response from the citizens of Moberly and Randolph County and has a large practice.

Doctor Dixon was coroner of Monroe County for 12 years and that his services were efficient needs no further mention that the number of years he remained a county official. Dr. Dixon belongs to the Masonic Lodge, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Loyal Order of Moose. He and his wife are members of the Christian church.

On Aug. 30, 1888, Doctor Dixon was married to Miss Ida Swartz, of Middlegrove, Mo., the daughter of Philip Swartz, a native of Ger- many, who came to this country when young and became a well-known resident of Monroe County. The father died in 1884. His wife, Mary (Tate) Swartz, was a native of Callaway County, Mo. She died in 1908. Five children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Dixon: Bertie, the wife of L. E. Miller, of Holliday, Mo .; Gertrude, who married Dr. P. C. Davis, of Madison, Mo .; Marie, who married D. P. Delaney, who is now rural let- ter carrier out of Madison, Mo .; Gladys, deceased, and Charles, Jr., who is eight years old. Dr. Dixon has one grandchild who is older than his son Charles.

In April, 1920, Dr. Dixon was appointed city health officer of Mo- berly by Mayor J. T. Cross.

Harry B. Gilfillin, a well-known broker of Moberly, was born at Cantrie, Ia., April 19, 1877, and is a son of John F. O. and Sarah (Reed) Gilfillin, both natives of Alleghany, Pa. The father was a farmer and veterinary surgeon, who at the call for volunteers at the outbreak of the Civil War, enlisted in the 14th Pennsylvania Infantry and was assigned to the quartermaster's corps, where he served until peace was declared. After the war, Mr. Gilfillin came west, locating in Iowa, where he still resides at the advanced age of 86 years.

Harry B. Gilfillin was one of the nine children born to his par- ents. A sister, Mrs. A. T. Lightfoot, lives in Moberly. Mr. Gilfillan was reared in Missouri and Iowa, receiving his education in the district schools. When only 16 years old, he started out in life for himself as water boy on the Burlington railroad with a construction gang. Following this, he accepted a position as brakeman and in 1903 began braking on the Wabash railroad at Moberly, and in 1906 he was pro- moted to conductor, holding his position from 1906 until 1910, when

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he engaged in business for himself, opening one of the leading men's furnishings stores in Moberly. In January, 1917, the store was burned and Mr. Gilfillin did not rebuild, but engaged in business as a broker and has met with success.

From first locating in Moberly, Mr. Gilfillin has taken an active part in local affairs. In 1916, he was elected chairman of Randolph County, Central Republican Committee and was re-elected to the same office a year ago. He is also state committeeman, his term expiring in 1920. He attended the Republican National Convention in 1920 and was one of the original Harding men. Mr. Gilfillin is a member of the Presbyterian church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, the Modern Wood- men and the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen.

On Aug. 19, 1908, Mr. Gilfillin was married to Miss Lulu May Faes- sler, a daughter of John and Christiana Faessler, whose history appears upon another page of this volume.

Mr. Gilfillin is one of the substantial citizens of Moberly of real worth.

John A. Bledsoe, whose splendid property, Evergreen Fruit Farm, in Union township, has been accumulated through persistent and industrious labor, is one of Randolph County's self made men. He started out in life with few of the advantages which youth considers its just due, but his career has been singularly prosperous and successful. He has over- come obstacles and handicaps and has realized the most gratifying re- wards of agricultural life. He was born on a farm near Gilpintown, Jackson County, Mo., Jan. 13, 1862, the son of William and Mary (Brackes- dale) Bledsoe, both natives of Kentucky, where they were reared, edu- cated and married. They came to Missouri in the late 50s and settled in Jackson County.

When the Civil War was percipitated, William Bledsoe enlisted in the Confederate army and was killed at the battle of Baxter Springs, Kan. and was buried there, leaving the mother to raise her three children : Anna. now Mrs. Albritton, of Kansas City, Mo .; Willy Lee, now Mrs. James, also of Kansas City, and John A., of this review. The mother bravely took up the burden of caring for the children, sent them to the public schools for what educational advantages she could afford for them and spent the rest of her life in Jackson County, where she died in 1881.

John A. Bledsoe was reared on the home place in Jackson County, attended the public schools where he laid the foundation for a good prac-

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JOHN A. BLEDSOE'S FARM RESIDENCE

JOHN A. BLEDSOE AND FAMILY

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tical education and with the passing years he has been a close observer of men and affairs so that with the study given his horticulture he has a large fund of useful knowledge. When old enough he worked for the farmers of the neighborhood and was engaged in agricultural pursuits for several years, then came to Moberly to accept a position with the railroad, where he remained 15 years. Mr. Bledsoe was anxious to have a place of his own; he had been reared in the country and had a liking for farm life. In 1891 he purchased the farm belonging to Joseph Sanders, three miles east of Moberly. It then consisted of 145 acres of land. A one and one-half story house which then stood on the place burned in 1916. .Mr. Bledsoe erected his present beautiful brick home the following year, which is one of the finest farm residences in Randolph County. There are good buildings for stock, a fine barn and other excellent improvements on Evergreen Farm. The orchard has over 700 trees mostly of the Ben Davis variety and about 100 cherry trees, while there is a 100 acre tract of rich bottom land which is devoted to general farming; altogether there are now 245 acres.

On July 19, 1885, Mr. Bledsoe was married to Miss Alice Wilson, a native of Adair County, the daughter of Joel C. and Angie (Davidson) Wilson, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Kentucky. They came to Missouri when young and were married in this state and both are now deceased. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bledsoe: Pearl, died in infancy; Earl, of St. Louis; Claude, of Union township; Eulah, the wife of Charles Burnly, of Moberly; John A., Jr .; Opal, Virginia, Queen and Vera, all at home with their parents.

Mr. and Mrs. Bledsoe have one of the hospitable homes where all their friends of more than 30 years standing are made welcome and Ever- green Farm is one of the best kept and prosperous places in the county, due to the thrift, industry and hard work of its owners, who today are enjoying the fruits of years of self denial and sacrifice. Mr. Bledsoe is a member of the Masonic Lodge of Moberly, also belongs to the Maccabees and the Knights and Ladies of Security. He has converted a place of brush and timber into one of the splendid fruit farms of the state.

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History of Randolph County, Missouri, Part 39

Author: Waller, Alexander H Publication date: 1920 Publisher: Topeka : Historical Publishing Company Number of Pages: 940

Author: Waller, Alexander H
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Topeka : Historical Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 940