USA > Missouri > Greene County > Past and present of Greene County, Missouri, early and recent history and genealogical records of many of the representative citizens, Volume II > Part 34
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Mr. Ross was married on September 21, 1856, to Malinda Evans, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Leathers) Evans, all three natives of North Carolina. Joseph Evans was born in 1804, and was fourth in a fam- ily of seven children. He grew up in his native state and when a young man learned the millwright's trade which he followed in connection with farming, plying his trade during the winter months. He removed with his family to Greene county, Missouri, in 1840, locating in Robberson town- ship, at the edge of what has long been known as Robberson Prairie. He built the first frame house in Greene county, and also had the distinction of building here the first saw mill and grist mill. He sawed logs for his home out of black walnut trees that would now be worth a small fortune. He became a prosperous farmer and influential citizen among the early day residents. His death occurred in September, 1888, at the advanced age of eighty-five years. Ten children were born to Joseph Evans and wife, four of whom are living at this writing, namely: Alexander makes his home in Springfield ; Malinda, wife of the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Emma McDaniel, who resides in Springfield; Daniel McCord lives in Willard, this county. The paternal grandparents of these children were Daniel Evans and wife, who, with their son, John, emigrated from England to the United States in an early day and settled in North Carolina.
Eight children have been born to Lafayette A. Ross and wife, namely : George Emery lives in Texas: William J. makes his home at Morrisville, Polk county ; Mrs. Emma Ault lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma: Mrs. Lula R. Appleby is living on the home place with her parents: David Edward lives in Willard; Walter Evans makes his home in Oklahoma. Two died in infancy.
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Mr. Ross is a Democrat but he has never held public office or desired to be other than a quiet, honorable and unobtrusive citizen. He is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, at Willard, has been secretary and trustee of the church at different times. His wife is also a member of the same church, and both are much interested in general church affairs.
'STAHL BROTHERS.
The firm of Stahl Brothers, horse-shoers and general blacksmiths at 218-220-222 West Pacific street, Springfield, is one of the most widely known and popular of its kind in Greene county and special mention of the success of these young men in this, one of the oldest and at the same time one of the most important and indispensable of the trades, should be noted in a work of the nature of the one in hand. They believe in employing pro- gressive methods in their work and maintain a modernly equipped shop, where high-grade work is promptly done, and their customers come from over a wide territory adjacent to Springfield.
William F. Stahl, senior member of the firm, was born on September 26, 1878, in Sullivan, Franklin county, Missouri. He is a son of Julius and Louise (Rauch) Stahl, both natives of the state of New York and of Ger- man descent, but they were reared in St. Louis, and they are now living in
Springfield. The father is a contractor in concrete work and is one of the well-known men in his line in this locality, having lived here twenty-six years, removing at that time from Lebanon, Laclede county, Missouri. To Julius Stahl and wife five children were born, all still living, namely: Will- iam F., Ernest A., Charles H., Julius A., and Paul WV.
William F. Stahl received a common school education and when he began life for himself it was in the brick business, later was with his father in the concrete business, finally learning the blacksmith's trade, having com- menced working at the age of eighteen for a blacksmith on Commercial street, Springfield. He then went to Watrous, New Mexico, and went into business as a blacksmith for himself, and later established a shop at Canyon City, Colorado, where he remained until 1906, when he returned to Spring- field and continued his business in partnership with L. L. Calk at the corner of Campbell and Pacific streets, later purchased one-half interest in the firm of Stryker & Morgan, buying out Mr. Morgan. Then our subject's brother, Charles H. Stahl, bought a one-third interest in the business, the firm name changing to Stryker & Stahl Bros. The latter purchased Mr. Stryker's in- terest in 1908 and have since conducted the business under the firm name of Stahl Bros., at the present location, and have built up a large and constantly
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increasing business and enjoy a reputation for honest and excellent work as horse shoers and general blacksmiths. They began in a modest way, start- ing with a small shop, but in 1912 it was necessary for them to add two new buildings, and they are now occupying a large, well-arranged and substantial two-story brick structure and are the leading blacksmiths on the north side of the city and equal to any in Greene and adjoining counties. Beside them- selves they require seven skilled assistants.
William F. Stahl was married on August 7, 1908, to Bessie Sanders, who was born in Mountain Grove, Missouri, and is a daughter of William Sanders and wife. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Stahl has been without issue.
Politically, he is a Democrat. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen and the Eagles, having been treasurer of the latter lodge for the past six years, is also treasurer of the Fraternal Aid, of which he has been a member for a number of years. He is a member of the Germania Club and the German Brotherhood.
Charles H. Stahl, junior member of the firm, was born on October II, 1883, in Lebanon, Missouri, and received his education in the common schools in Springfield and when a boy began learning the blacksmith's trade and has since followed this vocation in Springfield. In his earlier career he worked for some time in the shop of L. L. Calk. He has remained unmar- ried. Politically, he is a Democrat. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen and the Eagles, the Germania Club and the German Brotherhood. Both these young men stand well in the circles and clubs in which they move.
ROBERT FRANKLIN BARRETT.
After a successful railroad career of nearly thirty years, Robert Frank- lin Barrett decided upon a less strenuous and quieter vocation and turned his attention to the theater business with the result that he is earning a very satisfactory livelihood as proprietor of the "Happy Hour" moving picture theater in Springfield, and while there are times, as might naturally be ex- pected, when he longs again for the old life of the train man, yet this mood does not last long, as a rule, and he is well pleased with his new vocation.
Mr. Barrett was born in Salem, Missouri, November 13, 1855. He is a son of William and Margaret (McDole) Barrett, both natives of Ireland, from which country they emigrated to the United States when young in years and here spent the rest of their lives. They established their home in Virginia, where they spent many years and from there removed to Mis- souri, locating at Salem over sixty years ago when that part of the state was
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sparsely settled. They had been educated in the common schools of Vir- ginia and married in that state. There the father of our subject learned the business of iron ore worker which he followed principally the rest of his life, dying near Salem, Missouri, when his son, Robert F., was a boy. His widow survived many years, dying at Bloomington, Illinois, in October, 1904.
After the death of his father the subject of this sketch was compelled to get out and hustle for himself, but he was by nature courageous, having inherited many of the indomitable traits of his Irish ancestors, and he not only made his own way when a boy but also managed to obtain a fair edu- cation. He came to Springfield when a young man and here began his rail- road career in 1879 as brakeman on the Frisco, running principally on the western division, and he also worked as flag man on a passenger train for some time. He proved to be a very faithful employee wherever he was placed and he was promoted to freight conductor in 1885. Twelve years of his railroad career was spent with the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company, a part of which time he was passenger conductor. Leaving this road in 1898 he returned to the Frisco system, and was given a position as freight con- ductor on the central division. He continued with the Frisco until 1907 when he quit the road and engaged in the moving picture business in which he has been very successful and which he has continued for seven years. The first three years were spent at Hugo, Oklahoma, after which he came to Springfield and opened the "Happy Hour" Theater at 502 East Commer- cial street, which has been very popular and which continues to be one of the best patronized in the city, for Mr. Barrett knows what a good show is and tries to give his patrons the best and at the same time make them as com- fortable as possible no matter what the season or the weather is. He has a neat, clean and sanitary place and a full modern equipment, including an up-to-date electric piano. He shows the "Universal" program. He shows four reels daily.
Mr. Barrett was married on December 7, 1898, in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, to Josephine Crow. She was born in Iowa, January 4, 1864, and she is a daughter of Jonathan and Helen (Dooley) Crow, both parents natives of Cork, Ireland, from which country they emigrated to America when young and here established their home, spending the rest of their lives in the New World. They have been deceased for some time, the father having died in Iowa and the mother in Arkansas. They gave their daughter, Josephine, good educational advantages.
To Mr. and Mrs. Barrett one child has been born, Irene J., whose birth occurred on December 10, 1899, and who is now attending school.
Politically, Mr. Barrett is a Democrat and has been active in the af- fairs of this party for many years. He was elected city marshal of Spring- field in 1886, serving one term in a manner that was highly pleasing to his
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constituents and with credit to himself. Fraternally, he belongs to the Ma- sonic Order, having attained the thirty-second degree in the same, is a Knight Templar and a Scottish Rite, in fact has taken everything in this time-hon- ored order but the thirty-third degree, the highest in the order. He has long been prominent in Masonry in the Southwest.
FRANK GRUBEL.
There was a time when a large per cent of the cigars consumed in the United States were imported, but of recent years this is not true to such a great extent, partly because American growers have improved in the stock of tobacco produced until some grades equal any in the world and partly because our manufacturers have learned more about turning out high-grade products. One of the best known and most successful cigar manufacturers in this part of the country is Frank Grubel, of Springfield, who, as his name indicates, is of German descent, but he has resided under the stars and stripes many years.
Mr. Grubel was born on December 12, 1853, at Grafenhaynchen, Ger- many. He is a son of Edward and Christina ( Muadrick) Grubel; both na- tives of the above named place also, where they grew up and were educated. The father was a woodturner by trade. He and his wife spent their lives in their native community and died there. Their family consisted of twelve children, eight of whom are living, namely: Edward, Frank, Ernst, Minnie, Emma, Paul, Carl and Herman.
Frank Grubel lived in his native land until fourteen years of age and there received his education. He emigrated to the United States in 1868, locating in St. Louis, where he learned the cigar manufacturing business, at which he seemed to have a natural aptitude and became quite proficient, and he has continued the same to the present time with ever-increasing success. He came to Springfield, March 7, 1873, remaining a short time, then moved away, but ten years later, June 27, 1883, returned and has been in business here continuously ever since, in the cigar manufacturing business alone since 1897. In that year he formed a partnership with August Engelking, under the firm name of Engelking & Grubel, which partnership continues. They manufacture a fine grade of five and ten cent cigars, a few of their leading and well-known brands being "Frank's Club House," "Sticker," "Little Puritan," "Frank's Financere, Hand Made," and "Promoter." They carry on both a retail and wholesale business, and employ six cigar makers and two stemmers. Only the best material is used and most modern methods employed, all cigars being hand-made. The tobacco, which enters the fac-
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tory in a raw state, is purchased of the most scientific growers of the South, and it leaves the factory in the form of a fine grade of cigars, boxed, sealed, ready for market which is found very readily and over a vast territory. The factory is located at 1611 Boonville street.
Mr. Grubel was married on October 15, 1879, in East St. Louis, to Elizabeth Goetz, who was born in Louisville, Kentucky, August 27, 1859. She received a common school education.
To our subject and wife two daughters have been born, namely: Ida B., born on March 6, 1881, is teaching in a local school; Clara, born on August 10, 1882, married William Ipson, a local contractor.
Politically, Mr. Grubel is a Democrat, and fraternally he belongs to the Woodmen, Eagles and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, also the German Brotherhood.
TOM W. ARMSTRONG.
The methods used now by modern plumbers are in many respects vastly different from those in general use when Tom W. Armstrong began this vocation over thirty-five years ago. During that period he has followed the calling continuously and has kept well abreast of the times in the same and today is one of the most efficient as well as one of the best known plumbers in Springfield, where he has spent a quarter of a century.
Mr. Armstrong was born in Hillsboro, Illinois, February 1I, 1863. He is a son of William F. and Minerva P. (Simmons) Armstrong, the fa- ther born in Ireland, April 11, 1830, where he spent his boyhood and from which country he emigrated to the United States when a young man. He located in Hillsboro, Illinois where he spent the rest of his life and died on April 18, 1867. He was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war, serving in Company E, Ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, enlisting in the spring of 1861 at Lincoln's first call for volunteers. He proved to be a gal- lant and efficient soldier and was promoted to the rank of major. He served four years and nine months. He was severely wounded at the battle of Shiloh. Remaining in the army some time after the close of the war he had occasion to take part in some of the Indian wars of the West. He was in many engagements and important campaigns and the fact that he went to the grave carrying five bullets in his body indicates that he was not afraid to mix in the fiercest of the fighting. He was a carpenter and con- tractor by trade, which he followed until his death. He was a strong Re- publican, and fraternally belonged to the Masonic order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife was born in 1835, in Hillsboro, Illinois,
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and they were married in Hillsboro, Illinois. Her death occurred in De- cember, 1900. Four children were born to these parents, namely: Samuel lives in Hillsboro, Illinois; Tom W. of this sketch; Elizabeth is deceased, and Frederick W., who lives in Springfield, Missouri, is at this writing plumbing inspector of the city.
Tom W. Armstrong grew to manhood in his native city and he received a common school education there. On September 6, 1913, he married Met- tie E. Bowers, who was born in Chicago. When fifteen years old Mr. Arm- strong began learning the plumber's trade in his native city and served as an apprentice two years, then in 1881 went to Abilene, Kansas, where he worked at his trade nine years, moving from there to Springfield, Missouri, March 31, 1890. He went in partnership with a Mr. Shearer on North Boonville street, which partnership continued for ten years. Since that time he has been engaged in business for himself, his present shop and office be- ing located at 206 East Olive street where he has a well equipped shop and display rooms, carrying a large stock of modern fixtures and a general plumbing outfit. He has been very successful in his line and has built up a large business throughout the city. He handles some large contracts and is always busy, keeping a number of skilled assistants.
Politically, Mr. Armstrong is a Republican. He has been a member of the Knights of Pythias since the day he was twenty-one years old. He also belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men, the Woodmen and Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks.
C. L. RHODES.
Life is pleasant to live when we know how to make the most of it. Some people start on their careers as if they had weights on their souls, or were afraid to make the necessary effort to live up to a high standard. Others, by not making a proper study of the conditions of existence, or by not having the best of trainers-good parents-are side-tracked at the out- set and never seem thereafter to be able to get back again on the main track. C. L. Rhodes, well-known produce man of Springfield, seems to have been fortunate in being reared under the superb influences of a good old South- ern home and, having gotten a proper start on the highway of life, has succeeded admirably.
Mr. Rhodes was born in the northern part of Georgia, April 19, 1853. He is a son of Wesley and Nancy (Stewart) Rhodes, both natives of North Carolina, in which state they grew to maturity, received limited educations and were married, removing in an early day across South Carolina into
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northern Georgia where they established the future home of the family on a farm which they purchased, and there they spent the rest of their lives, the mother dying in 1881 and the father in 1891. During the war between the states Wesley Rhodes enlisted in the Confederate army under Captain Stew- art, in Tennessee, but served only six months. His family consisted of seven children, namely: C. L. of this sketch is the eldest; John is engaged in farming in Georgia; Mrs. Sarah Freeman and husband live on a farm in Lawrence county, Missouri; Nancy has remained single and lives in Ala- bama; William N. lives in Billings, Christian county, Missouri; James and Emanuel are both deceased.
C. L. Rhodes grew to manhood on the home farm in Georgia and he received his early education in the public schools of his home district. He spent his early life in general farming and also operated a country store for awhile or until he removed to Christian county, Missouri, in 1886. There he engaged in farming four years, then moved to the town of Billings where he engaged in the produce and mercantile business, general trading, etc. Continuing there two years he returned to the farm for awhile, and in 1891 moved to Springfield and at once opened up a produce business which he has conducted with every growing success to the present time, or for a period of twenty-three years, during which he has become one of the most widely known dealers in produce in southwestern Missouri. However, he has had other business interests the meantime. His place of business has remained in the same block on South Campbell. street ever since coming to this city and he is widely known to the rural visitors from Christian, Taney and other counties who come to Springfield to trade. He buys and ships all kinds of produce in carload lots, doing mostly a jobbing business, handling chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, eggs, furs, hides, roots, etc.
Mr. Rhodes was married in August, 1874, at Blairsville, Georgia, to Sarah Bishop, who was born in Georgia in 1858, and there she grew to womanhood and was educated in the common schools. She was a daugh- ter of Alfred and Mary (England) Bishop an old Georgian family, Mr. Bishop having been a successful planter in that state many years. Mr. Rhodes' first wife died on August 2, 1911. To this first union twelve chil- dren were born, namely: Mary is deceased; Bettie is deceased; William S. lives in Springfield, and is engaged in business with his father; Mrs. Ida Bowman lives in this city; James and John, twins, both live in Springfield; Lou and Gertrude, twins, are both deceased; Hershel and Ernest, twins, the former deceased, the latter living in this city; Minnie died in early life; Jessie also died when young.
On September 12, 1912, C. L. Rhodes married Frances Little, in Au- rora, Missouri; she was born in the same vicinity in northern Georgia of which our subject was a native, but was brought to Christian county, Mis-
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souri, when young by her parents and there grew to womanhood and at- tended school. She is a daughter of William and Louise Jane (Cobb) Little. Her mother was born in North Carolina, February 14, 1837, and her death occurred in Billings, Missouri, in 1908. The father of Mrs. Rhodes was born December 31, 1836, in North Carolina and his death occurred at Bill- ings, Missouri, June 26, 1892.
Mr. Rhodes has been very successful in a business way and owns con- siderable valuable property in Springfield, including a substantial modern residence on Phillips street. Politically, he is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to the Woodmen of the World and the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, in which he is a trustee and a liberal supporter.
CHARLES F. KANNING.
When we learn that a man has engaged in one line of business for over a quarter of a century at the same location, as has Charles F. Kanning, well-known business man of Springfield, we know that he is the possessor of a rare combination of personal qualities which never fail to make for success wherever they are found. It indicates that he is a man of keen discernment, sound judgment, conservative and persevering as well as honest and honorable in all the relations of life.
Mr. Kanning, the well-known meat market man of Boonville street, was born March 19, 1863, in Kentucky. He is of German descent and is a son of Henry and Mary (Kimmell) Kanning, both natives of Germany, from which country they emigrated to the United States when young, and were married in New York City; where they lived for awhile, then came West. finally establishing their home in Kansas. The father of our subject was well educated and was a merchant tailor by trade. The last fifteen years of his life was spent in St. Louis, where he followed his trade. During the Civil war he served in the Union army.
Politically he was a Democrat. His death occurred in St. Louis in January, 1909. His widow died on November 27, 1914, at her home in Pittsburg, Kansas. To these parents twelve children were born, namely : Agnes is deceased; Alexander; Fisco is deceased; Henry; Charles F., of this sketch; Mary ; William; Clara ; Tilly ; Otto; Emma, and Bertha.
Charles F. Kanning received a common school education in Kansas. When he reached his majority he came to Springfield and went into the butcher business, starting with practically nothing, but by wise economy and good management he forged ahead and for many years has enjoyed a grow-
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ing and lucrative trade. He has been in his present location, 527 Boonville street, for a period of twenty-seven years under the firm name of Kanning's Meat Market, which is one of the best known in the city. He carries a large line of everything commonly found in the best meat markets anywhere, and his place is neat and attractive. Promptness and honesty have been his watchwords. He is still active. He has a fine home on Poplar street.
Mr. Kanning was married in St. Louis on December 20, 1887, to Nannie B. Dunbar, who was born in Port Gibson, Mississippi, April 5, 1864. She is a daughter of Robert G. and Mary K. (Sevier) Dunbar, both natives of Louisiana, where they grew up, were educated and married. They each rep- resented excellent old Southern families. The father of Mrs. Kanning died at Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana, in 1866. His wife was born on June 5, 1844, and her death occurred on July 17, 1887, in Nashville, Ten- nessee. She received a good education and was talented in music and was a cultured, refined lady in every respect. Her father, George W. Sevier, was born near the city of Nashville, and he died at Port Gibson, Mississippi, about thirty-five years ago. He was a grandson of Governor Sevier of Tennessee. His wife, Sarah Knox, was a first cousin of James K. Polk, President of the United States, also a niece of Mrs. Andrew Jackson and she was reared by President Andrew Jackson and went with him to New Orleans on his first trip down the Mississippi river. John Sevier, great- grandfather of Mrs. Kanning, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, participating in thirty-seven battles of that conflict. By reason of his service in our War of Independence, Mrs. Kanning is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her paternal grandfather, Robert Dunbar, spent his life in the South and died in Louisiana. Her father, Robert G. Dunbar, was an extensive Southern planter, owning a large plantation. He was an Episcopalian. His family consisted of three children, namely : Nannie B., wife of our subject : Isaac, now deceased, was the eldest of the children; and Robert, who lives in St. Louis, is the youngest.
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