USA > Missouri > Ray County > History of Ray county, Mo. > Part 65
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LOUIS ZUR MEGEDE.
Louis zur Megede was born in Soest, Prussia, in the year 1821. In his boyhood he served a full apprenticeship, learning the jeweler's trade. In 1841, when he was twenty years of age, he immigrated to the United States, and settled in St. Louis, Missouri. After working for a time as journeyman jeweler, he opened a shop on his own account in St. Louis, which he conducted about two years, and then moved with his stock of jewelry to Lexington, Lafayette county, Missouri. This was in the year 1849. He remained in Lexington, until the year 1877, when he moved to Richmond, Ray county, where he has ever since resided, and is a respected, useful citizen. In 1858, however, he had established a branch store in Richmond, which he left in charge of a Mr. Ludniz. This stock, at the commencement of the civil war, he moved back to Lexington; and again in 1865, reopened his branch store in Richmond, which, under his direc-
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tion, was conducted by a Mr. Engler, until Mr. zur Megede moved with his family to Richmond to make the place his permanent home. He is a successful business man, having in his store a large and complete stock, not only of watches, clocks and jewelry, but of musical instruments, wall paper, stationery and books. He has a comfortable home in Richmond having just finished a handsome new residence. He was married in Prussia, February 24, 1861, to Isabella Dallinger. They have had seven children, of whom two are deceased. The living are: Louis, born March 13, 1862; he is now engaged with his father in the store; Emelie, born September 20, 1865; Bella, born July 12, 1867; Albert, born May 5, 1869, and Frederick Amo, born July 2, 1879. The older members of Mr. zur Megede's family belong to the Presbyterian Church. He is the youngest son of William zur Megede, who was burgomaster of the city of Soest.
CAPTAIN JOHN P. QUESENBERRY.
John P. Quesenberry is a native of Barren county, Kentucky, where he was educated, and grew from infancy to manhood. In 1840, he moved to Richmond, Ray county, Missouri, and has ever since resided in that town. He was first employed as salesman in the dry goods store of J. S. Hughes & Co., and afterward with James S. Lightner. He was attentive, indus- trious and efficient in these positions, and of course, filled them with credit to himself, and to the profit and satisfaction of his employers. By the year 1848, he had saved out of his earnings sufficient means to go into business on his own account, and in that year, in co-partnership with Robert McGee, Esq., opened a general store, under the firm name of J. P. Quesen- berry & Co .; and, although Mr. McGee withdrew from the firm in a few years, the firm name has never been changed, and still remains, J. P. Quesenberry & Co., though the subject of this sketch in the sole proprie- tor. Mr. Quesenberry has been long and actively engaged in business in Richmond; he has been a leading merchant of the town for almost a half century, and during all that time has earnestly labored to promote the interests of his town and county. He lives not alone for his own aggran- dizement, but to contribute to the well-being of those among whom he lives. He has been longer engaged as a merchant in Richmond, than any other man. In June, 1861, he joined the Confederate army, and was one of the first to enter that service from Ray county. He enlisted as a private soldier, but in April, 1862, was made quartermaster of his regi- ment, and served as such until July of the same year, when he was elected first lieutenant of his company, and in November following, the captain having fallen in battle, Lieutenant Quesenberry was elected to the captaincy, and held that rank until May, 1865, when he resigned on account of ill health, but remained with his command until the close of the war. He was present at, and participated in the following battles:
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Carthage, Springfield, Lexington, (Missouri), Oak Hill, Helena, Prairie Grove, Mansfield, Pleasant Hill, (Louisana), and Jenkins' Ferry, besides numerous engagements of minor importance. In the army, as well as in civil life, Captain Quesenberry was always punctual-never “ behind time." In camp he was genial, cheerful and full of life; in battle, brave, unfaltering, and at the fore-front. After the war, when peace was restored, he returned to his home, sorrowful, but not despondent, and resumed his former vocation, that of merchandising, in which he is now engaged. Captain Quesenberry takes a deep interest in all that looks to the improvement of his county, educational, religious or otherwise. He has long been united with the M. E. Church South, at Richmond, and is a leading member of the Masonic fraternity, having joined that order in 1845. There are many " good men and true," in Ray county; Captain Quesenberry is one of them, and none are more highly esteemed and respected.
HENRY C. BURGESS.
Henry C. Burgess was born in Independence, Jackson county, Missouri, in 1845. In 1859, he, with his parents moved to Johnson county, Mis- souri, where they remained until in 1863, when they removed to Rich- mond, Ray county. Mr. Burgess, in his youth, learned the wagon maker's trade, working at the business with his father, until the latter's death in 1878, when he and his brother, Thomas J. Burgess, took charge of the shop and business, and have since, as before, had an extensive trade. He, in partnership with his brother, does a general blacksmithing and wagon making business. They also repair wagons, buggies and farm implements, as well as manufacture both, wagons and buggies. They are superior workmen, and their work is equal in every particular to that made in eastern shops. They employ generally, from five to eight work- men. The subject of this sketch is a son of Thomas N., who was born in Madison county, Kentucky, about the year 1812, and died in Rich- mond, Missouri, in 1878. His mother's maiden name was Couchman ; she, also, was a native of Kentucky, and was born in 1815; died in 1874. The shop and residence of his brother, T. M. Burgess, were destroyed by the cyclone of June 1, 1878. Two of the family died from injuries received, and five others were seriously wounded. The house, shop and contents were utterly destroyed. The brothers, however, nothing daunted, began anew after the disaster, and have succeeded admirably. Henry C. Bur- gess is a member of the Christian Church, and also of the Knights of Honor. He is an industrious, energetic, and worthy gentleman, and fully merits the success he has achieved, as well as the esteem in which he is held by his fellow-townsmen.
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HISTORY OF RAY COUNTY.
THOMAS J. BURGESS.
The subject of this sketch is a brother of Henry C. Burgess. He was born in 1860, in Jackson county, Missouri. His parents moved to Rich- mond, Ray county, in the fall of 1863, and here Mr. Burgess has ever since resided. He was educated at Richmond College. When about thirteen years of age he commenced to learn blacksmithing, working under different persons, till the death of his father, when he and his brother succeeded to the business, which is fully described in connection with the biographical sketch of Henry C. Burgess. Mr. Burgess is yet quite young, but he is a skilled artisan, and being intelligent, prudent and persevering, his future is full of promise.
ISAAC L. BURGESS.
Isaac L. Burgess was born in 1844 in Independence, Jackson county, Missouri. He is a brother of H. C., and T. J. Burgess. In 1855, he moved with his parents to Johnson county, Missouri. He learned the trade of wagon-maker under his father, who was a skilled workman. In 1861, he enlisted in company G, 1st Missouri cavalry, Colonel Gordon's regiment of General Joe O. Shelby's brigade, Confederate army, and served until the fall of 1864. He fought bravely and well, taking part in the following engagements: Carthage, Springfield, Prairie Grove, Helena, Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee. After returning home from the army, he went to the Rocky Mountains and spent one year there, and again returned to Ray county, and engaged in farming, which he continued for two years; after which he resumed his trade in Richmond, Missouri, and has followed it ever since. He is an excellent workman and has a large trade; the peo- ple liberally patronizing him because of nis industry, energy and superior workmanship. Mr. Burgess is a member of the order of Knights of Honor. He is a worthy gentleman, prompt to meet every engagement reliable, honest, and honorable. January 10, 1869, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Sarah Walker, an intelligent, amiable lady, of Ray county, Missouri. They have two children, Charles F., born February 11, 1871, and Lulu, born February 17, 1874.
HENRY P. GROW.
Henry P. Grow was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, January 13, 1848, and lived in that city until 1860, when he, with his parents, moved to Ohio. In 1864 he enlisted in company C, 23d Ohio Union volunteers, and remained in the army till the close of the war. His regiment, which he was always with, save when disabled by a wound, took part in the battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia, October 19, 1864. In this engagement Mr. Grow was severely wounded in the left leg, and in the morning was
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captured, but recaptured in the evening. He was sent to the hospital at Baltimore, where he was confined to his room for three months, after which he was assigned to detail duty, being unable for active field service. After the close of the war he returned home and learned to be a carpen- ter under his father. In 1867 he moved to Ashland, Kentucky, and in the fall of 1870, came to Richmond, where he has ever since remained, with the exception of two years, from 1872 to 1874, spent in Kansas City, Mis- souri. Mr. Grow and his partner, Mr. Abbott, are among the leading carpenters and builders in Richmond; they are fine workmen, always reliable, prompt, and industrious. They erected many of the beautiful dwellings for which the city of Richmond is so remarkable. Mr. Grow has just completed a very handsome and substantial residence for himself. He is a member of the M. E. Church South; of the I. O. O. F .; of the Knights of Honor, and of the Knights of Pythias. He was married December 12, 1871, to Miss Paulina Jackson, of Ray county. To this union were born the following children: Annie M., Livie C. and Myrtle. His wife, who was a daughter of Caleb Jackson, of Ray county, died February 22, 1878.
RUDOLPH PALMER.
Rudolph Palmer is a Virginian, born in Loudon county, of the " Old Dominion," in the year 1821. His father was a farmer, and Rudolph followed that occupation in his native state till 1858, when he moved to Carroll county, Missouri, and again engaged in farming, and continued it for seven years in that county. In 1865, he moved to Ray county, and followed his occupation of farming till the spring of 1880; at which time he took charge of the boarding house in Richmond, of which he is now proprietor. Mr. Palmer was married in 1848, to Susan Whaley, of Vir- ginia. The offspring of this union was thirteen children, ten of whom are living: Hugh W., Franklin P., Nancy C., Mary V., Alice A., Louella, Minnie, John, Amy and Clyde.
GEORGE W. BUCHANAN, M. D.
Geo. W. Buchanan was born August 16, 1828, in Harrodsburg, Mercer county, Kentucky. His parents died, leaving him an orphan at the age of two years. His father was William Buchanan, an honored citizen of Kentucky. Doctor Buchanan is of Scotch descent, his ancestors having immigrated to the state of Virginia from Scotland at an early day. His grandfather, George Buchanan, was one of the early settlers in Kentucky, and his family was among those who located, laid out, and built the town of McAfee Station, Kentucky. He came to Missouri with his maternal grandfather, James Tilford McCoun, in or about the year 1834, locating on land east of and adjacent to the city of Richmond, Ray county.
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Here our subject spent his boyhood days and grew to man's estate. He attended school part of the time; the rest worked on the farm, and taught school, thereby earning a support and the means to complete his educa- tion, the foundation of which he had already laid by careful study and diligent application. After spending two years at the Masonic College, Lexington, Missouri, he, in 1850, returned to Kentucky, and was entered a student at Center College, Danville, and graduated from that institution in 1852. He then resolved to adopt the medical profession, and to that end attended a course of medical lectures at Cincinnati, Ohio. He sub- sequently became a student at the celebrated Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and in 1855 graduated therefrom with honor. He returned to Richmond, and at once entered upon the practice of his profession, which, with marked success, he has ever since continued, and, with the exception of about seven years, at Richmond. During a part of the years 1861 and 1862, Doctor Buchanan was surgeon-in-chief of the hospitals at Lexington, under General Sterling Price, after which he resumed his practice at Richmond. George W. Buchanan was married in 1855 to Miss Emily Terry, of Richmond, Missouri, but a native of Danville, Virginia. He spent the years from 1864 to 1870 in Colorado, with his wife and family, having gone for the benefit of the former's health. While in Colorado, he practiced his profession. In 1869, Mrs. Buchanan died, at Georgetown, Colorado. By his marriage with Miss Terry, Doctor Buchanan has one son: William Terry, born in 1861. He was again married in 1872, to Henrietta R. Watkins, of Ray county. They have three children: George Watkins, Charles Allen, and James McAfee. Doctor Buchanan has been longer in practice at Richmond than any other physician (not retired) in the place. He has always had an extensive, lucrative practice, in which he has been remarkably suc- cessful.
BENJAMIN F. DUNCAN.
Professor Benjamin F. Duncan was born in Shelby county, Kentucky, April 29, 1842. When Benjamin was about nine years of age, his father moved to Daviess county, Missouri, and here he assisted his father in the cultivation and management of the latter's farm. In 1857, while working at a threshing machine, which was in rapid motion, he met with an unfor- tunate accident, which deprived him of his right arm. Two years later he began his college course at William Jewell College, Liberty, Clay county, Missouri, under the renowned William Thompson-the “Spur- geon of the West;" and in the spring of 1862, he entered the sophomore class of Georgetown College, Georgetown, Kentucky, and graduated with honor, in 1865. After graduating, he spent the summer visiting with his cousin, Doctor J. F. Cook-now president of Lagrange (Mis-
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souri), College-and through his influence received the position of presi- dent of the Campbellsburgh High School, which he held two years. He then determined to abandon the teacher's profession; and the law pre- senting an inviting field for his future labors, he determined to prepare himself for the bar. His friends, however, prevailed upon him to accept the presidency of. Concord College, a Baptist institution, located at New Liberty, Owen county, Kentucky. After three years he resigned his position as president of this school, and purchased the Eminence Male
and Female Seminary, located at Eminence, Kentucky. Here he remained until in 1876, when he sold that institution, and, returning to Missouri, was elected president of Grand River College, at Edinburg, Missouri; he, however, declined the position to accept that of principal of the Richmond, Ray county, public schools, which position he now holds. His report to the board of directors for the year ending the first Tuesday in April, 1881, will be found elsewhere in this volume. Professor Duncan is eminently well qualified for the profession of teacher; he has made it his life-work, and he is yet in the prime of active manhood, with years of usefulness, and a brilliant future before him. Benjamin F. Duncan was married November 14, 1867, to Miss Sarah E. Buchanan, a native of Hop- kinsville, Christian county, Kentucky. She is an educated lady, of amia- ble disposition. Her father was James Buchanan, who, for about twenty years, was professor of mathematics in Center College, Danville, Ken- tucky. They have four children: James B., Anna Blanche, John M., and Eva.
WILLIAM S. TOMPKINS.
William S. Tompkins is a native of Missouri. He was born in Ran- dolph county, February 25, 1839. He was educated in the common schools, and in Grand River College, Missouri. In the spring of 1861, he was mustered into the Confederate service, as a volunteer. He belonged to company F, Rives' regiment, fourth division, Missouri state guards. He bore a gallant part in the battles of Wilson Creek, Drywood and Lexing- ton. In the last mentioned engagement, he was seriously wounded, being shot through the left shoulder. From this wound he has never so far recovered as to be able to perform manual labor. As he was disa- bled, Mr. Tompkins returned home, and remained till 1864, when he rejoined the army, and staid with it till the termination of the war, when he engaged in farming and teaching school jointly. In 1875, he was elected county school commissioner of Ray county, for a term of two years; at the end of which time he abandoned farming, and accepted the appointment as deputy county clerk, and held the position till January 1, 1879, when he was elected as teacher of the intermediate department of Richmond Graded Schools, a position he now holds. William S. Tomp-
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kins was married in 1863, to Miss Nancy G. Terrill, of Randolph county, Missouri. They have five children living, and two sons deceased. The living are as follows: Martha A., Samuel, William G., Clara B., and - - (infant). Mr. Tompkins and wife are consistent members of the Baptist Church. He is a worthy gentlemen and a successful teacher.
ADAM K. REYBURN.
Adam K. Reyburn was born in Fayette county, Kentucky, August 6, 1816. When Adam was about a year old, his parents moved to Missouri and settled in Boone county, where he lived till the age of nineteen. In 1837, he went to Indiana and engaged in contracting and building, making his home at Indianapolis. Among the buildings erected by him in that city, are the state and branch bank buildings. In 1840, he returned to Missouri, and located in Lexington, where he merchandized two years. He then came to Richmond and bought a carding factory, which he con- tinued to operate until 1847, when he sold out and returned to Lexington, to resume the mercantile business, but this time in partnership with his brother, Lewis C. Reyburn. He soon sold out, however, and after spending one year in farming, near Pleasant Hill, in Cass county, returned again to Lexington, and built a carding machine, which he conducted till in 1852, in which year he came back to Richmond and repurchased the carding mill he had sold five years before. In 1858, he again sold his carding mill, and moved to his farm three miles west of Richmond. In 1861, he returned to Richmond, and was not actively engaged in business during the war. In 1865, he was appointed sheriff of Ray county, and served two years. In the fall of 1866, he was elected by the people to the same office, and held it four years. Since that time he has been engaged in farming. He owns 800 acres of valuable farming land, well improved and convenient to market, all of which he personally superin- tends. He resides in town, however, where he owns a fine property. He is a director and one of the stockholders in the Ray County Savings Bank. He and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. He was married in the fall of 1843, to Permelia A. Griffin, of Lexington, Mis- souri. She is a native of Kentucky, and the daughter of Berry G. Griffin, who was born April 12, 1823, in Mason county, Kentucky. He was mur- dered in Richmond in 1867, by the bandits, who, at the same time, robbed the bank at Richmond. Mr. Reyburn and wife have six children, four boys and two girls, to-wit: Charles H., of Colorado, employed with Bar- low, Saunderson & Co., mail contractors; James T., a farmer, of Ray county ; Permelia J., wife of John W. Francis, formerly sheriff of Ray county, but now of St. Louis; Lucy A., and George H.
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WILLIAM T. SINGLETON.
William T. Singleton was born in Montgomery county, Missouri, in 1852. He is a son of John S. Singleton, of Rolla, Phelps county, Mis- souri. He is a native of Virginia. His mother's maiden name was Stew- art. She is a native of Kentucky. His parents are still living. When about sixteen years of age, the subject of this sketch entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company, as telegraph operator at Wentzville, having learned telegraphy at High Hill, Missouri. He was operator at different points on this road till in 1874, when he was appointed agent at Lexington, Missouri. He remained at Lexington three years, and was transferred to De Witt, Carroll county, Missouri. He was also in De Witt three years, and in the fall of 1880, came to Richmond, Ray county, where he is at present engaged with the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad Company. He has been constantly in the employ of this com- pany for more than thirteen years. This long period of uninterrupted service is ample testimony of his integrity, efficiency and gentlemanly deportment. Wm. T. Singleton was married June 4, 1879, to Miss Eva- line W. Squires, an accomplished lady of Carroll county, Missouri. They have one child, Bessie E., born March 9, 1881. He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church South. He is also a Mason.
ROBERTSON L. JACOBS.
R. L. Jacobs was born November 25, 1852, in Ray county, Missouri. He was educated at Richmond College. After leaving school, he went, in 1874, to Lacygne, Kansas, and engaged in the hardware business until 1876, when he sold out and traveled through Texas for a few months, after which he located at Empire City, Kansas, dealing in hardware for a few months; after which he returned to Lacygne, and again engaged in the hardware business until January, 1878, when he sold out and returned to Ray county, and farmed for two years. In June, 1880, he purchased a harness shop, in Richmond, and has since been engaged in the business. He has a large trade and carries a full line of harness, saddles, etc. He is an enterprising, successful business man, and a gentleman of excellent moral character. He is a member of the Christian Church.
CHARLES A. MOSBY, M. D.
Charles A. Mosby was born in Richmond, Ray county, Missouri, Feb- ruary 29, 1855. He received his literary training at Richmond College, Richmond, Missouri. In 1875, he began the study of medicine under the instruction of his father, Dr. W. W. Mosby. In 1878 he graduated from the Missouri Medical College, St. Louis, Missouri. Having graduated, he returned to Richmond and entered at once upon the practice of his
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profession, associated with his father. While attending medical college in St. Louis, he still retained an interest in the drug store of Dr. W. W. Mosby & Son, at Richmond. He is yet a partner of his father in this store, which they have conducted for a number of years. They have recently completed a large brick building, in which is their drug store- one of the best appointed and most extensive in this part of the state. Mr. Mosby is a young man, highly esteemed for his integrity, good nature and exemplary moral character. He is energetic, affable and obliging, and the confidence and esteem with which he is regarded are not unwor- thily bestowed.
LOUIS BAUM.
Louis Baum was born in Bosen, Prussia, in the year 1843. When about fifteen years of age, he came to the United States, and located in Richmond, Ray county, Missouri, where he engaged in selling goods till the breaking out of the civil war. He then began dealing in horses and mules, buying and selling them to the government, which he con- tinued till the close of the war. He then bought and sold horses and mules on his own account, shipping to St. Louis and New Orleans. In 1879, he formed a co-partnership with George I. Wasson, Esq. They erected a large stable, and have since done a very extensive business, buy- ing, during the past eighteen months over $120,000 worth of mules and horses. Mr. Baum is a man of great energy and strict integrity. He is a son of Mishel Baum, a native of Germany, who came to America about the year 1879, and died in St. Louis, Missouri, May 31, 1881, at the age of eighty-four. He had seven children, six of whom were at his death-bed. The youngest daughter, living in New York, was not pres- ent. Mr. Baum is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He is also a member of two secret societies, known as Free Sons of Israel and Bena Brith, both of them in St. Louis. Mr. Baum's success has been achieved by energy, industry and perseverance, and his life is an example by which every young man may profit.
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