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 64
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Dr. King married Fannie B. Clark. November 21, 1900. She is a daughter of Robert A. Clark, formerly a prominent business man of Springfield, who died many years ago. His widow, who was Julia A. Withrow prior to her marriage, was born in Virginia, and is making her home with Dr. and Mrs. King in Springfield.
Two children have been born to Dr. King and wife, namely: Julia Mar- garet King, born January 17, 1902, is now attending high school; and Robert Montgomery King. born April 4, 1905, is in the fifth grade in the ward schools.
Personally Dr. King is a pleasant, well-informed and courteous gen- tleman, who has made a host of friends since coming to Springfield.
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GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
WILLIAM C. TROGDON.
When the farmer matures his plans and operates his farm on the basis of a real purpose for the future, just as the business man, the railroad, or the corporation, then will he have the ability to get the long-time mortgage loans at the lower rates and with the many privileges that business organiza- tions now enjoy. He must figure out a certain definite annual expense on the basis of a certain gross income which must be sufficiently in excess of the expense to provide funds for proper maintenance of the farm and its equip- ment and its soil fertility, as well as an ample sum to take care of the an- nual payments on principle ; he must provide for the usual accidents and failures and then an additional net sum or dividend of profit, at a proper rate, based on the market and increasing value of the farm which he is operating. In short, the successful farmer of this day and age must look well to the financial side of his business. William C. Trogdon, of Boone township, is one of our Greene county farmers who does this and conse- quently he is living very comfortably and setting a good example before his neighbors.
Mr. Trogdon was born in Lawrence county, Missouri, July 15, 1875. He is a son of Reuben F. Trogdon, who was born in North Carolina, from which state he removed to Indiana in an early day, settling near Moores- ville, subsequently removing to Missouri, prior to the breaking out of the Civil war. He settled at the head of Clear creek, Greene county, where he resided ten years, then moved to Lawrence county. He finally returned to Greene county and bought a farm of two hundred and six acres in Boone township, which he has brought up to a good state of cultivation and gen- eral development and on which he is still residing. As he prospered he later added one hundred and thirty-five acres to his holdings, the latter excellent tract lying at Brookline. He is one of the best known citizens of this part of the county, and has an attractive home. He married Phoebe Ann Mc- Dorman, daughter of William McDorman, a farmer, who spent many years on a farm in Greene county, Missouri, where he became well established.
William C. Trogdon grew to manhood on the home farm where he assisted with the general work when a boy, and he acquired his early educa- tion in the common schools of Greene county. At the age of twenty-one years he began farming for himself, which he continued with gratifying results until 1904, when he engaged in merchandising at the village of Miller, Lawrence county, until 1910, having enjoyed a satisfactory trade with the people of that locality. Deciding to return to farming, he pur- chased one hundred and twenty acres in 1911, two and one-half miles south- east of Ash Grove, where he still resides, engaged in general farming and
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stock raising, experimenting with alfalfa. He is a man who gives his affairs the closest attention, using his brain as well as his brawn. His land is well tilled.
Mr. Trogdon was married in 1896 to Ollie Burney, a daughter of James Burney, a farmer and miller of Greene county. He originally came from Tennessee.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Trogdon, namely: R. Lail, born December 14, 1899, and Velta, born December 1, 1901, both at- tending public school in their neighborhood.
Politically, our subject is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic Order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World. Mrs. Trogdon is a member of the Rebekahs, Royal Neigh- bors and the Order of Eastern Star.
WALTON EUGENE EDMONSON.
One of the best remembered and most highly respected citizens of Walnut Grove and vicinity in a past generation was the late Walton Eugene Edmonson, who, after a successful and honorable career as farmer, educator and merchant, took his journey to that mystic clime, Shakespeare's "undis- covered bourne from whence no traveler e'er returns." when in the prime of life and usefulness ; but he left behind him a heritage of which his descen- dants may well be proud-an untarnished name. He was the creditable de- scendant of one of the earliest pioneer families of this section of Greene county, the Edmonsons having assisted in redeeming the rich soil from the primor- dial state, and here played well their roles in the drama of civilization and no family has been better known here for several generations.
Mr. Edmonson was born on a farm near Walnut Grove, August 12, 1866. He was a son of Fide and Martha ( Potter) Edmonson. The father was born in this vicinity also, in November, 1840, and is therefore approach- ing his seventy-fifth birthday. He is a son of Allen and Polly (Julian) Edmonson, who were very early settlers in Walnut Grove township, clearing and developing a farm here when the country was sparsely settled, and here Fide Edmonson grew to manhood on the homestead and early in life began farming for himself in this locality where he continued to reside until a few years ago when he removed with his family to Polk county, and has continued agricultural pursuits ; however, is now practically retired. His wife was also born and reared in Greene county. To them the following children have been born : Alonzo, who was formerly in the banking business in Walnut Grove; Walton E., subject of this memoir; Dudley, who lives in
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Colorado; Edward, who is farming in Polk county; Dollie and Bettie, who are at home with their parents, and Rufus, also at home.
Walton E. Edmonson, commonly known as "Walter," grew to man- hood on the farm and assisted his father with the general work when he became of proper age. Being of a studious disposition he obtained a good education in the local schools and by constant home study. For many years he taught school in Walnut Grove township and did much to improve the school system, raising the local schools from common to graded schools, and in many ways advanced the cause of education in this locality, and he was regarded as one of the most efficient teachers in the county, and was popular with both pupils and patrons. In 1891 he gave up educational work and turned his attention to merchandising in Aldrich, Polk county, and remained there two years, then came to Walnut Grove and continued general merchan- dising. He built up a good trade by his honest and courteous dealings with his many customers and he continued in this line of endeavor the rest of his life.
Mr. Edmonson was married on December 31, 1890, to Flora V. Tar- rant, who was born in Dade county, Missouri, June 17, 1870, and there grew to womanhood and received a good education in the public schools. She is a daughter of William M. and Josie (King) Tarrant. Mr. Tarrant was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky, August 20, 1843, and he was brought to Dade county, Missouri, when a small boy by his parents, and there grew to manhood, and when the Civil war began he enlisted in the Sixth Regi- ment, Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, Union army, and he served gallantly and faithfully until the close of the struggle, at the termination of which he re- ceived an honorable discharge. He returned to Dade county, where he fol- lowed general agricultural pursuits with success until his death, which oc- . curred in April, 1904. His widow died July 21, 1914, being well advanced in years. They were the parents of the following children: Flora V., who married Mr. Edmonson of this review; Albert B., Fannie and Eva.
To Mr. and Mrs. Edmonson the following children were born: Mamie E., born in October, 1891, is the wife of J. A. Poindexter, a farmer of Dade county ; Lucy E., born in November, 1893, is the wife of Chester A. Holder, a farmer in Walnut Grove township; Cliff E., born December 12, 1895, is the wife of R. B. McDonald, of Walnut Grove, and Travis E., born October 24, 1896, lives in Walnut Grove.
The death of Mr. Edmonson occurred on December 8, 1896, when only a few months past his thirtieth birthday, his untimely death being lamented by his wide circle of friends and acquaintances. Politically, he was a Demo- crat. He was a worthy member of the Presbyterian church, and fraternally, was a member of the Masonic Order and was very active in the work of the same.
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GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
After the death of our subject, Mrs. Edmonson opened a millinery store in Walnut Grove, which she conducted with much success, enjoying a large patronage and soon won a reputation for a skilled and tasty trimmer. On May 12, 1913, she was appointed postmistress at Walnut Grove and is now incumbent of the same. She has discharged her duties in this connec- tion in a faithful and highly acceptable manner to both the department and the people.
LOUIS P. ERNST.
In treating of men and characters, the biographer contemplates them as he finds them, and not according to conceptions of his own. He is not supposed to entertain any favoritism, to have any likes or dislikes, or caprices of any kind to gratify, or to not have any special standards of ex- cellence, "according to an exact scale" of Gunteror Aristotle, or fall out with the life of a great subject, because "not one of the angles of the four corners was a right one." He will not attempt to prove himself always in the right. Where a long contact with the personage exists, the labor of arrangement, synopsis and production becomes more simple, and this is quite equally true as applied to those who have been performers, whether in front of the curtain or otherwise, through the shorter or longer years. And, yet, in the business, financial and professional avenues, we discover "age lagging superfluously on the state," side by side with the thrifty fruitage of actors in their spring, or zenith-time of endeavor. While Louis P. Ernst, well-known ex-mayor of the city of Springfield, has passed the nadir of his professional life, yet has many years of profitable activity before him. He is a man of thought and study and finds essential nutriment in feasting at the boards of the legal masters of the past. Having depended a great deal upon these authorities he has ever kept well prepared for his daily tasks. Under the teachings of an intelligent mother he early acquired those habits of industry and self-reliance, which, linked with upright principles, have uni- formly characterized his manhood-life. He commands the unqualified con- fidence of the people of Greene county, and deserves it. Since locating in our midst less than a decade ago he has shown himself to be an earnest man, and in that sense applies himself to business, an honest man in dealings with his clients and all others, a simple man in his tastes-simplicity emphasizing every phase of his life.
Mr. Ernst was born, July 9, 1853, in Lorain county, Ohio. He is a son of George Ernst, who was born in the year 1801, in Hanover, Germany, where he grew to manhood, received an excellent education and spent his earlier years. Learning the tailor's trade when young he spent seven years
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as military tailor in the German army, making officers' uniforms. He emi- grated to American in 1831, locating in Lorain county, Ohio, when that sec- tion was a part of what was still known as the Western Reserve, and there he spent the rest of his life, dying in 1856. He married Elizabeth E. Ernst. (no relation), in 1821. She was born in Hesse, Germany, in 1803. Her father, Conrad Ernst, emigrated to the United States in an early day and settled near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Philip, Casper and Jacob Ernst, brothers of his father, are all now deceased.
Louis P. Ernst is a fine example of a self-educated and self-made man. He spent his boyhood in Lorain county, Ohio, and there attended the com- mon schools and worked hard on the farm during the summer months, later taking a classic course in Oberlin College in that state, then entered the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he took part of the law course. When twenty-three years of age he began teaching school, also practicing law in Ottawa county, Michigan, where he resided for a period of twenty- five years, during which he became well known as an attorney and educator, being superintendent of county schools for several years. In fact, his first life work was teaching, having begun that work in Illinois prior to entering Oberlin College, and although young in years, he won quite a reputation for correct pronunciation of English words, and he was always selected to lead the spelling bees for miles around. He has always been known as hav- ing an exceptional memory for remembering names and faces, never for- getting people he has met, no matter how long ago.
Mr. Ernst came to Springfield, Missouri, January 8, 1906, and at once began the practice of law. It was not long until he took his place among the leaders of the Greene county bar and was a familiar figure in the local courts. He took an interest in public affairs and in 1908 was elected mayor of Springfield, performing the duties of this important office for two years in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the entire satis- faction of his constituents and all concerned, doing much during that period for the general upbuilding of the city. After his term of office had expired, having become tired of official and professional life, Mr. Ernst purchased a half section of good land two miles north of the village of Ebenezer, in Robberson township, this county and engaged extensively in stock rasing, although still making Springfield his home.
Mr. Ernst married on August 20, 1881, Minnie E. Treloar, who was given a good education in the schools of Ottawa county, Michigan, where she taught successfully several years prior to her marriage, and later con- tinued to teach private classes for some time. She is the daughter of Samuel J. and Martha J. (Kearney) Treloar. The father was born in Plymouth, England, in 1839, and died in Springfield, March 22, 1910. The mother was born in New Brunswick, Ottawa, Canada, May 12, 1842, and is making
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her home with subject and wife. No children have been born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Ernst.
Mr. Ernst became alderman in Springfield one year after coming here. Before his term as alderman had expired he was elected mayor, although he had lived but a short time in our midst. He did much to encourage public improvements while in office and looked well to the city's finances, using his influence to secure very low contracts for work for the city. He also created a widespread sentiment toward general public improvement.
Mr. Ernst was formerly a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically, he is a stanch Republican and has long been active in the affairs of his party. He and his wife are affiliated with the Second Presbyterian church of Springfield.
PAUL E. ANDREW.
The life of the professional man seldom exhibits any of those striking in- cidents that seize upon public feeling and attract attention to himself. His character is generally made up of the aggregate qualities and qualifications he may possess, as these may be elicited by the exercise of the duties of his vocation or the particular profession to which he belongs. But when such a man has so impressed his individuality upon his fellow men as to gain their confidence and through that confidence rises to important public trust he at once becomes a conspicuous figure in the body politic of the community. Paul E. Andrew, superintendent of the schools of Walnut Grove, is one of the deserving young men of Greene county, who, not content to hide his talents in life's sequestered ways, has by the force of will and a laudable ambition forged to the front in a responsible and exacting calling and earned an honorable reputation in one of the most important branches of public service. His life has been one of hard study and research, and the position to which he has attained while so young a man is evidence that the qualities he possesses afford the means of distinction under a system of government in which places of usefulness and honor are open to all who may be found worthy of them.
Mr. Andrew was born, September 28, 1887, seven miles southwest of Springfield, Missouri. He is a son of O. L. and Laura (Shinpaugh ) An- drew, the latter a daughter of H. H. and Maggie Shinpaugh, her people removing from Tennessee to this section of Missouri in an early day. O. L. Andrew was born in Macoupin county, Illinois, and there he grew to man- hood and received a common school education, including a business course
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at Carlinville, that state. He came to Missouri when a young man and be- gan his career as farmer seven miles southwest of Springfield, where he con- tinued to reside engaged in general farming until 1913, when he removed to Exeter, California, where he now resides. He owns forty acres there, four acres of which include peaches and apricots, the rest of the farm being in alfalfa, six and eight crops being harvested each year. Politically, he is a Republican. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America there. He is a member of the Presbyterian church.
Paul E. Andrew ,only child of his parents, grew to manhood on the home farm in Greene county and assisted his father with the general farm duties when he became of proper age. He received his early education in the rural schools, then came to Springfield and entered the high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1907, then entered Drury College, and received the degree of Bachelor of Science from that institution in 19II. He attended three summer sessions at the Springfield State Normal, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy in 1914. He made a splendid record for scholarship in all three of these institutions and thus became well equipped for his chosen life work-that of educator. He was principal of the high school at Miller for two years, then was chosen superin- tendent of the Walnut Grove schools, the important duties of which position he has discharged during the past two years in a manner that has reflected much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of the board and patrons and he has been popular with his pupils. He has done much to give Walnut Grove a better, stronger and more modern school system, being a man of progressive methods and advanced ideas, quick to adopt the new when he deems it best, but using due discretion in laying aside the old.
On December 27, 1909, Mr. Andrew was united in marriage with Edna Suavely, a young lady of education and refinement, and a daughter of J. Edward and Ida Suavely, a well-known family of Springfield. After gradu- ating from the Aurora high school, Mrs. Andrew attended Drury College, later the Normal in Springfield, from which she was graduated in 1910, after which she taught one year in the Marshfield high school, at Marshfield, Webster county. She is now teaching English and Latin in the Walnut Grove high school, and is regarded as an efficient and successful instructor.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew has resulted in the birth of one child. Jewel Cyrene, born March 24, 1912.
Politically, Mr. Andrew is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Miller, also to Lodge No. 569, Masonic Order, at that town. He is a member of the First Presbyterian church at Springfield. He and Mrs. Andrew have made a host of friends since coming to Walnut Grove.
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GREENE COUNTY, MISSOURI.
C. W. EARNEST.
Nature's remedies and methods for curing the ills of man, beast or soil are always the best and most economical. So we must learn the simple lesson that wherever the necessary mineral elements of plant food are de- ficient, whether it is because they never were deposited in sufficient quantity by nature or whether they have been exhausted by erosion or repeated crop- ping, we must not only return them in their natural form, but we must make them available for plant food by supplying organic matter in abundance. No considerable increased crop yields will be realized until these facts are thoroughly understood and methods involving their application adopted. C. W. Earnest, a farmer of Cass township, Greene county, has long been aware of these facts and has governed his methods of agriculture accordingly, and that is the reason that he has prospered.
Mr. Earnest was born, December 3, 1839, in Blount county, eastern Tennessee. He is a son of Wesley Earnest, who was born in Greene county, Tennessee, September 10, 1796. His parents located in that state among the early settlers and there he grew to manhood, attended the early-day schools, taught in log cabins, later studying at a college for awhile. His active life was devoted to general farming. He remained in his native state until 1851, when he removed to Missouri. He married, in his native state, Nancy Ramsey, a daughter of John Ramsey. She was born in Tennessee, August 20, 1800. To their union nine children were born, two of whom died when young, namely: John R., deceased, came to Greene county, Mis- souri, where he became one of the judges of the County Court; William was drowned when a boy: James C., born May 11, 1828, died in 1905; Malinda died a few years ago; Susan died when young; Polly Ann died in girlhood; Nancy Ann died many years ago; C. W. of this sketch; Elizabeth is the widow of George Biggs, he being deceased. A half sister to these children was Eliza Blackburn, who married Charles Hughes.
C. W. Earnest grew to manhood on his father's farm where he worked when a boy. He was twelve years of age when he removed with his family to Greene county, Missouri. He received his education in the common schools. After spending nineteen years on his father's farm in this county, he removed in 1871 to the farm which he now owns, thus he has lived on one place forty-four years, during which he has developed one of the best farms in Cass township, bringing it up to a high state of improvement and fertility. His farm consists of two hundred and five acres. He carries on general farming and stock raising, having formerly devoted much of his attention to raising mules.
During the Civil War he served two years in the militia, on the Federal side, however, he did not have occasion to do any active fighting.
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Mr. Earnest was married in 1891, to Elizabeth Murray, to which union three children were born, two of whom died in infancy; Jessie is living at home. The death of the wife and mother occurred June 28, 1903. On November 18, 1906, our subject married Tennie Sneed. This union has been without issue.
Politically, Mr. Earnest is a Democrat, and while he is in no sense a politician, he has always been loyal in his support of all movements looking to the betterment of his township and county in any way. He is a member of the Presbyterian church at Cave Spring. Having lived so long in the northern part of Greene county he is one of the best known men in this locality, and his reputation for right living is all that could be desired.
JOHN H. GARTON.
It is a pleasure to any one, whether farmer or not, to look over a well improved and finely kept landed estate like that of John H. Garton, of Brookline township, who has lived on the same place for a period of over a half century. He is a man who believes in keeping abreast of the times, in adopting, so far as practicable, the most approved twentieth-century methods in general farming and stock raising. As a result of his long years of husbandry he has about solved the question of scientific farming as the people of this section of the Ozark country know and understand it today. He has always stood for progress, not only in material things but in political, educational and moral matters, an advocate of right living and honesty among public officials, and while laboring for his own welfare hè has never been neglectful of the good of his neighbors and the general public.
Mr. Garton was born in Maury county, Tennessee, February 8, 1854. He is a son of Philip and Christiana (Hoffman) Garton, who spent their early lives in Tennessee, where the father was born and where his father settled in a very early day, coming to that state from the Carolinas. The Garton family is of Scotch descent. Philip Garton grew up on a farm and he began life for himself as a general farmer in Tennessee, where he resided until 1861, when he emigrated with his family to Greene county, Missouri, and located on a large tract of land in Brookline township, which place is now occupied by his son, our subject. Here the father developed a valuable farm through his industry and good management, and became a good citizen. He was one of a family of ten boys, three of whom were triplets. Seven of the ten served during the war between the states in the Confederacy. The other three, including Philip, went into the Northland, but on account of physical disabilities none of them served in the army. The mother of the
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