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 35
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Mrs. Kanning grew to womanhood in the South, and the careful train- ing and wholesome home influences of her girlhood are still manifest in her general address, for she is a woman of culture, social inclinations and affa- bility, and enjoys the friendship of all who know her. She had the ad- vantages of a good education. When she was a child the family left the South, locating in Mexico, Missouri, but lived there only about two years.
To Mr. and Mrs. Kanning one child has been born, Margaret Norvell Kanning, whose birth occurred on June 25, 1893; she was given excellent educational advantages, attending the Springfield high school and Drury College ; she is now a successful teacher in the public schools, and is a young lady of much promise.
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Politically Mr. Kanning is a Democrat. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America; also the Improved Order of Red Men. His wife belongs to the Women's Christian Temperance Union, the Maccabees and the Presbyterian church.
CLYDE B. MACK.
A representative of an excellent old Greene county family and a suc- cessful young merchant of Springfield is Clyde B. Mack. He is a man who would win his way in any locality in which fate might place him, for he has sound judgment, coupled with great energy and business tact, together with upright principles, all of which make for success wherever and whenever they are rightly and persistently applied. He possesses many of the sturdy traits of his father who was long a prominent and highly esteemed citizen here.
Mr. Mack was born on December 27, 1872, in Greene county, Mis- souri. He is a son of Marshall H. and Lucy (Herndon) Mack. The father was born in Maury county, Tennessee, May 4, 1831, and the mother was born in Virginia, April 18, 1837. They were brought by their parents from their respective localities in the South to Greene county, Missouri, in pio- neer days and here they grew to maturity, were educated and married. John A. Mack, the paternal grandfather, was born in Maury county, Tennessee, and there grew up and married a native of that locality. It was in 1853 that they removed with their family to Greene county, Missouri, and here he be- came a prominent man, was influential in public affairs and at one time was elected probate judge. He was a great student of law. Here he and his wife spent the rest of their lives. Their son, Marshall H. Mack, father of our subject, was twenty-two years of age when he came to this county. He had grown to manhood in his native state and there attended the common schools. He studied medicine and became a successful general practitioner after the Civil war. During that conflict he served as a member of the Home Guards. Politically, he was a Republican. At one time he was road commissioner in this county. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. After a successful career as physician his death occurred in Springfield, March 17, 1888. His widow survived many years, dying here on June 10, 191I, at an advanced age. Her father, William Herndon, was a native of Virginia, where he grew up, was educated and married. He removed to Kentucky when the mother of our subject was fourteen years old, and after remaining there a short time came on to Greene county, Mis- souri in 1853 and established the future home of the family.
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Eleven children were born to Dr. Marshall H. Mack and wife, namely : Lina L. is deceased; Ali O. is living; Harriett and Z. I. are deceased; the next child died in infancy unnamed; Ausman is deceased; Louella and Min- nie are living; Clyde B. of this sketch; Claude E. is living, and Clinton A. is the youngest.
Clyde B. Mack grew to manhood in Springfield and here he received his education in the public schools. He first went into the grocery business as a clerk, later worked for the Wells-Fargo Express Company in Spring- field for a period of eleven years, giving a high degree of satisfaction. In December, 1908, he went into business for himself at 1223 Boonville street, his place being known as the "Cash Grocery," and he was successful from the first. His present location is 1150 Boonville street, where he has a large and attractive store and carries at all seasons an extensive stock of fancy and staple groceries, and, having always dealt courteously and honestly with his many customers has enjoyed all the while a constantly growing trade.
Mr. Mack was married in Springfield on July 25, 1892, to Flora Port- ser, a daughter of L. F. and Jennie (Guthrie) Portser, both natives of Penn- sylvania, from which state they finally came to Springfield, Missouri, and established their future home. The father is now deceased, but the mother is still living here.
One son has been born to our subject and wife, Clyde Ivan Mack, whose birth occurred July 8, 1893; he is attending school.
Politically, Mr. Mack is a Republican. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and is a member of Cumberland Presbyterian church.
WILLIAM W. WHALEY.
Upon the role of representative citizens of Springfield of a past gen- eration and prominent and highly esteemed .men of affairs of Greene county for over a quarter of a century consistently appears the name of the late William W. Whaley, merchant, banker, insurance and general man of affairs, and prior to his coming here a prominent citizen of Mt. Vernon, this state, to which locality the Whaley family moved from the South when the Ozark country was little developed and here the subject of this memoir and his worthy father did much toward the general development of the country in a material, civic and moral way, and gradually won their way into the affec- tions of the people through their genial, obliging and helpful natures, as well as their unswerving honesty, in short, they both possessed those sterling qualities of character which command themselves to persons of intelligence and the highest morality. Such a family as this is deserving of conspicuous
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mention in any history purporting to set forth the record of the lives of the most enterprising and public-spirited citizens of the locality under con- sideration.
William W. Whaley was born in Dekalb county, Tennessee, not far from the city of Nashville, October 31, 1837, and was a son of Seth and Elizabeth (Bowen) Whaley, the father a native of Tennessee and the mother of Maryland, each scions of splendid old Southern families, long noted for their culture and enterprise. The parents of our subject received such educational advantages as the early days in the South afforded and there they were married on November 3, 1825, and this union was blessed by the birth of eight children, all now deceased, namely: Mary, Nancy, Thomas, Robert, Margaret, Elijah, William W. (our subject), and Henry. Seth Whaley, father of the above named children was twice married, and to his second marriage three children were born. Seth Whaley devoted his earlier years to teaching school, later learned the trade of harness-maker, which he followed some time, and later engaged in farming. His death occurred in Lawrence county, Missouri, in the late seventies.
William W. Whaley received a good education in the public schools of Mt. Vernon, this state, where his parents located when he was about eight years of age. He remained on the farm until 1851, when he entered a general store in Mt. Vernon as a clerk, and, having keen perceptive fac- ulties, he soon mastered the ins and outs of merchandising. About this time he studied at the college at Fayetteville, Arkansas. In 1858 Mr. Whaley began working for his wife's father, Benjamin Stone, and after the death of the latter he continued to operate the store with the assistance of Mrs. Stone, and kept the trade up to its former high standard. Later Mr. Whaley engaged extensively in the banking business in Mt. Vernon, and was for years regarded as one of the most enterprising and substantial citizens of that city. Seeking a larger field for the exercise of his business talents, he removed to Springfield in 1883 and became president of the Commercial Bank, which he made most successful by his able and conservative manage- ment. Subsequently he became a general business man, finally devoting much attention to the insurance business, and toward the latter part of his life Whaley & Company became one of the most important insurance com- panies in Southwest Missouri and did a very large business.
Mr. Whaley was married on October 3, 1867, to Mary L. Stone, a lady of many commendable characteristics, who proved to be a most faithful helpmeet in every respect. She was born near Sedalia, Missouri, on June 3, 1850, and she is a daughter of Benjamin and Nancy (Owsley) Stone, both these parents being natives of Tennessee, the birth of Mr. Stone having occurred in 1818, and he died on April 3, 1863, in the prime of life. The mother of Mrs. Whaley was born on August 20. 1829, and her death occur-
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red in 1898, having outlived her husband thirty-six years. Mr. Stone was a successful merchant. His family consisted of six children.
To Mr. and Mrs. Whaley two children were born, namely: Estella, who became the wife of Dr. J. E. Dewey, of Springfield, is deceased; and Lena Stone Whaley, who has remained single, lives with her mother in the commodious family home on North Jefferson street.
Politically, Mr. Whaley was a Democrat, and, while he took much interest in public affairs, was never an aspirant for political honors. Fra- ternally he was a member of the Masonic Order, attaining the thirty-second degree, was a Knight Templar and a member of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He was a member of the Baptist church, and was known to all as a splendid Christian gentleman.
EUGENE J. RHODES, JR.
For most of us life has the elements of abundant cheeriness in it. It represents more of encouragement than discouragement, more of satisfac- tion than disappointment, more of joy than sorrow, more of comfort than pain. Souls that are depressed and downcast are quite likely to be weighted down by borrowed trouble. A successful business man must be of the former type. Understanding this, Eugene J. Rhodes, Jr., who is engaged in the motorcycle business in Springfield, never permits the little things of daily life that "wear and fret the soul" manifest themselves in his countenance or disposition, and His agreeable manner is a good asset in his business.
Mr. Rhodes was born in Arkansas on March 26, 1883. He is a son of Eugene J. Rhodes, Sr., a prominent business man and citizen, formerly of northern Arkansas, now living in Springfield, a complete sketch of whom is to be found on another page of this volume, hence will not be reproduced here.
Our subject moved with his parents from Arkansas when young to Springfield and here he received his education in the high school and the State Normal. For three years he worked as deputy under his father, when the latter was surveyor, after which he engaged in the lumber business in Arkansas, also engaged in this business in Springfield with his father for some time. then for a year or more he engaged in the grocery business in this city, and in 1911, with his brother, Clyde A. Rhodes. he began in the motorcycle business, under the name of Rhodes Brothers, at 319 South Jef- ferson street. where they have remained to the present time, and have enjoyed a large and growing business all the while. They handle all kinds of motor- cycle supplies and auto accessories, maintaining a well-equipped garage and
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repair shop, doing all kinds of auto and motorcycle repairing promptly and of the highest grade of workmanship. They are also agents for several standard grades of motorcycles, including the Indian, Flying Merkel and Thor, and have built up a large trade in these. Our subject has made this line of business his special study for a number of years and has kept well up-to-date on the same.
Eugene J. Rhodes, Jr., was married on July 14, 1901, to Murel Hart, a native of Iowa and a daughter of W. H. and Dora Hart. Mrs. Rhodes came with her parents to Springfield when young and she received a good edu- cation. To our subject and wife five children have been born, namely : Boyd, born on February 15, 1903; Vivian, born on September 22, 1906; Hugh, born on February 14, 1909; Maxine, born on April 7, 1912; and Mildred M., born on January 21, 1915.
Politically Mir. Rhodes is a Republican, and Mrs. Rhodes is a member of the Christian church.
HIRAM H. WESTMORELAND.
The lamented subject of this sketch, now sleeping the sleep of the just in God's quiet acre, as the old Saxons referred to their burying-grounds, was in life one of the best known agriculturists in North Campbell town- ship, Greene county, he having been one of that worthy class of men who have fought their way to success through unfavorable environment; and a study of Mr. Westmoreland's life record reveals the intrinsic worth of a character which not only can bravely endure so rough a test, but gain new strength through the discipline. He was not favored by inherited wealth or the assistance of influential friends, but in spite of this, by perseverance, industry and wise economy, he attained a comfortable position in life and left behind him what should be and is prized by his descendants-a good name.
Hiram H. Westmoreland was born on July 16, 1848, in Tennessee. He was a son of Henry Westmoreland and wife, who were born, reared and educated in the South and there resided until they removed with their two children from Tennessee to Greene county, Missouri, when the subject of this sketch was seven years of age. The father devoted his life to general farming and buying and handling live stock. He lived in Oklahoma for twenty years. His death occurred in 1909.
Hiram H. Westmoreland grew to manhood on his father's farm, where he assisted with the general work when a boy and he received his education in the common schools and in Boonville College; however, his higher edu- cation was interrupted by illness which compelled him to return home.
HIRAM H. WESTMORELAND, Deceased.
MRS. HIRAM H. WESTMORELAND.
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After his recovery he resumed work on the homestead and for some time engaged in buying and selling cattle. He was still a young man when he took rank among the well-known stockmen of his community, and prior to the breaking out of the Civil war he frequently drove mules overland to Illinois and sold them. Finally he purchased a farm of his own in Campbell township, Greene county, on which he raised much stock, including blooded horses. About thirty years ago, Hiram H. Westmoreland, with several other Springfield men, went to Kentucky and purchased a thoroughbred horse known as General Duke. This horse proved a wonderful sire and from him sprang some of the best horse stock known in this part of the state. While there he also purchased Denmark King. This horse was a grand breeder and noted show horse. Most of our readers residing here remember a coal black saddle stallion, greatly admired by every one. He also purchased on the same trip a highly bred trotting stallion (Star Wilkes). That was the sire of some of the best road horses ever raised in Greene county, Missouri. Another stallion brought to this county by the subject was Diamond Denmark, who was high bred and had many admirers among our stockmen. These are names of but a few of noted horses Mr. Westmoreland owned and at that time his reputation as a breeder of fine horses was well established over all this part of the state. In later life he removed to Mountain Home, Arkansas, where he operated a stage line between that town and West Plains, Missouri, maintaining a station at Bakersfield where his drivers met and teams were changed. The stage line covered a little over fifty miles. Our subject also owned and operated a two hundred acre farm in Arkansas. Mrs. Westmoreland owns a fine farm, which now comprises three hundred and eighteen acres of productive and well improved land, the place being known as the "Model Dairy Farm," an extensive dairy business being carried on, for which the place is well equipped and adapted. This department is kept very sanitary and a high grade of cows are kept. A very ready market is found for the products in Springfield. A general farming business is carried on by our subject's widow, who is a woman of rare business ability. The old residence here was burned in September, 1896, but was immediately rebuilt, and a fine, modernly appointed and attractive home is now to be seen on the old site, about four miles northeast of Springfield. The dwelling is surrounded by a spacious and well shaded lawn and a generally attractive environment.
Mr. Westmoreland was married on November 13, 1873, to Susie E. Morton. She was born in Greene county, August 8, 1851, and is a daugh- ter of the late Hon. John and Margaret (Logan) Morton, a well known and highly respected old family of this locality, Mr. Morton being now deceased, but his widow resides at the home of H. B. McDaniel in Springfield.
(80)
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Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Westmoreland, named as fol- lows: Joseph H., born November 1, 1876, resides on a part of the old home place in Campbell township, engaged in general farming, raising and feeding live stock ; he married Eva Litton and they have four children, Austin, Belle, Pauline and Robert; Lucinda W., born February 21, 1879, married Lee Hopper, a farmer in Campbell township, and they have five children, Fay, Donnie, Rolland, Louise and Ralph; Susie, born November 14, 1884, mar- ried Edward Baker, deceased, formerly of Mountain Home, Arkansas, and she makes her home with her mother; Ida, born November 24, 1889, mar- ried Blond Gurley. a well known dairyman of Campbell township; Hiram H., born September 19, 1894, is single and is living at home, assisting his mother operate the farm.
Mrs. Westmoreland is a woman of hospitality, kind and neighborly, well read and she is an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal church, South, of which her late husband was also a member, in fact, the entire family are loyal in their support of this church. Fraternally, our subject was a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, also the Knights Templar. Politically, he was a Democrat and active in public affairs. He was a school director for some time, both in Arkansas and Greene county. He was a man of fine character and was honored by all who knew him. He was called to his eternal rest on March 1, 1903, his loss being deeply deplored by the entire community in which he was so well and favorably known.
GODFREY C. STANCILL.
It matters little what vocation a man may select as his life occupation as long as it is an honorable one. If he is an honest, upright man, courteous in his intercourse with his fellow-men, and possessed of the average amount of energy and business sagacity, he is bound to make his business a financial success. The late Godfrey C. Stancill possessed all the above mentioned requirements, and was for many years a prosperous merchant of Spring- field. In his earlier career he operated a plantation in the South with equal success. He was one of the gallant veterans of the Confederacy, and was always loyal to his native Dixie land.
Mr. Stancill was born in North Carolina, one of the strongest of the Confederate states, having first opened his eyes on the light of day on April 27, 1837. He was a son of Caswell and Rebecca A. (Anderson) Stancill, both parents also natives of North Carolina, the mother having been a daughter of Col. Rule Anderson of that state, and there these parents grew to maturity and married and established their home, but in 1839, when the
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subject of this memoir was two years old, they removed from the old Tar state to Mississippi, locating on a plantation where the parents spent the re- mainder of their lives. Caswell Stancill entered land from the government there, and developed it, finally owning a valuable plantation of several thou- sand acres, and was a prominent citizen in his community. His family con- sisted of five children, three of whom survive at this writing.
Godfrey C. Stancill grew to manhood on his father's plantation and he assisted with the general work on the same when a boy. He was given ex- cellent educational advantages for that time and was a well informed man, naturally keen intellectually and of sound judgment. He was still in school when the war between the states began and he unhesitatingly enlisted in 1861 in Company I, Mississippi Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Hum- phries, and this regiment was finally a part of General Longstreet's division, Confederate army and saw much hard service, participating in many im- portant engagements. Mr. Stancill was seriously wounded in the great bat- tle of the Wilderness, and was not in the service after that. He returned to the home plantation after the close of the war and carried on general farming, which he enjoyed, for a number of years, or until he removed to Springfield, Missouri. Here he went into the grocery business on Boon- ville street, later on Cherry street, and enjoyed a good business, always carrying a well selected stock of staple and fancy groceries and dealing honestly and courteously with his many customers. He spent the latter part of his life in retirement, having given up the store about nine years before his death.
Mr. Stancill was married twice, first, to Mrs. Amanda Cox, who died without issue. On September 26, 1899, he married, in Springfield, Ellen V. Potterfield, who was born in St. Louis county, Missouri, December 13, 1839. She grew to womanhood in her native community and received a good edu- cation in the city schools of St. Louis, and she followed teaching in that city for a period of fifteen years. She is a daughter of Daniel and Eliza (Garrett) Potterfield, both natives of Virginia in which state they spent their earlier years, finally removing to St. Louis county, Missouri, where they spent their last years, Mr. Potterfield engaging in mercantile pursuits during his active life.
Politically, Mr. Stancill was a Democrat, but was never a public man, giving his time exclusively to his business and to his home. He was a worthy member of the Christian church. He always took a great deal of interest in the affairs of the United Confederate Veterans.
The death of Mr. Stancill occurred at the family home on Cherry street, Springfield, where his widow still resides, January 6, 1912, when past sev- enty-five years of age. He was a man of polished Southern manners, neighborly, kind-hearted-in every way a true gentleman.
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SIDNEY EDWIN WILHOIT.
None of the one hundred and fourteen counties that are embraced by the boundary lines of the state of Missouri can boast of a more heroic band of pioneers than Greene county. In their intelligence, capacity for civiliza- tion and loyalty to the right they have no superiors. In their daring and courageous enterprise they have been equal to the California argonauts, a vast number of whom were Missouri pioneers, not a few from Greene county. Their privations, hardships and earnest labors have resulted in establishing one of the foremost counties in this or any other state, and one which still has a great possibility before it. The Wilhoits and Rountrees were members of this worthy class of our earliest settlers. They have been among our thriftiest agriculturists and worthiest citizens. A well-known member of the present generation of one of these old families is Sidney Edwin Wilhoit, manager of the Jefferson Theater of Springfield.
Mr. Wilhoit was born in Greene county, Missouri, March 3, 1869. He is a son of James M. and Nancy (Rountree) Wilhoit. The father was born in Clay county, Missouri, in 1833, and the mother was born in Greene county, this state, in 1848. The father of our subject grew to manhood in his native county on the farm and he received exceptionally good educa- tional advantages for those early times, having graduated from William Jewell College at Liberty, Missouri. He was a school teacher by profession and was prominent in educational work in Clay and Greene counties for some time, however, his later life was devoted to farming for the most part. He was also one of the founders of the Springfield Wagon Works. He was a leader in public affairs here, and was at one time city marshal of Springfield, and was for two years superintendent of the county farm. He was widely known and highly respected by all classes. He was a man of ability, industry and public spirit, as well as known for his integrity and hospitality. He was active in Masonic affairs, having been a member of that order for many years. The mother of our subject grew to womanhood in this county and was educated in the local schools. Her death occurred in 1906, while the father of our subject reached an advanced age, passing his four-score years and more, dying in October, 1914. To these parents seven children were born, all still living, namely: Sidney E., of this sketch; Guy, Andrew, Ralph R., Ray, Bessie, and Roy.
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