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 74
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Mr. Hinerman was married on April 6, 1889, in Bigtree, Pennsylvania, to Cassie L. Howard, who was born in Virginia. She is a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Darr) Howard, natives of Virginia, where they grew up, were educated and married and established the permanent home of the family, but eventually removed to Pennsylvania, locating at Bigtree. During the Civil war Mr. Howard served in the Union army in an Ohio regiment, a full term of enlistment, and participated in many engagements of importance. He was mustered out of service in 1864. His death oc- curred in Springfield in 1908, having reached the advanced age of eighty- four years.
Mrs. Hinerman was born in Cameron, West Virginia, on October 8, 1873. and grew to womanhood at Cameron and was educated in the public schools there and was married. The union of our subject and wife has been without issue.
Politically, Mr. Hinerman is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a men- ber of the Masonic Order, the Knights of Pythias, and the Improved Order of Red Men. He belongs to the Springfield Club and to the South Street Christian church. He is also a member of the Young Men's Christian Association.
EDGAR E. ENNIS.
The splendid success which comes to Edgar E. Ennis, president of the Ennis-Culler Lumber Company, of Springfield, is directly traceable to the salient points in his character, for he started in life practically at the bottom of the industrial ladder which he has mounted with little aid from any source, although meeting with the usual obstacles that confront most men of affairs who have ambition. With a mind capable of planning he combines a will strong enough to execute his well-formulated purposes, and his great energy, sound judgment, keen discrimination and perseverance have re- suited in the accumulation of a handsome property.
Mr. Ennis was born in Georgetown, Delaware, August 21, 1873. He is a son of Aaron B. M. and Maggie A. (Jefferson) Ennis. They grew to maturity in Delaware, received good common school educations, the father also attending college, and were married there, and established their home in Georgetown, where Aaron B. M. Ennis engaged in the mercantile business
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about ten years. Believing that the Western frontier held better advantages for him, he removed his family in 1878 to Nebraska and settled ten miles from Columbus, on a farm, where he remained about five years, and in the fall of 1883 came to Springfield, Missouri, and here established the family home, and here he engaged in the grocery business for a number of years and enjoyed an extensive trade. About six years ago he went to Sheridan, Wyoming, and has since been engaged in the live stock business and ranch- ing near there. He has been a successful man of affairs in whatever he has undertaken, being a man of energy, good judgment and honest impulses. They are the parents of three children, namely: Argus B., who lives at Sheridan, Wyoming; Royal W. is a resident of Hillsboro, Illinois; and Edgar E., of this review. The death of the mother of the above named children occurred in 1894.
Edgar E. Ennis was ten years old when he came with his parents to Springfield and here he entered the ward schools, later attending high school and received a good practical education, although he had to quit school on account of trouble with his eyes. After school days he started in as most boys of his class to earn his own way in the world. His father had pur- chased a grocery store on Commercial street, and he clerked in the same for about two years, then took a position as city salesman for the Gulf Roller Mills, continuing in this line for about a year, then took a position with the Bunker Bros., lumber dealers, and here gained his first knowledge of the lumber business. He liked it and studied every phase of it, mastering the various ins and outs of the business until, feeling capable of managing a yard of his own, he engaged in this line of endeavor for himself, starting, in July, 1913, the Ennis-Culler Lumber Company at 504 College street. Springfield, and this he is still conducting, being president and manager of the 'firm and by his industry, foresight, prompt and honest dealings has built up a large and growing business. The firm is incorporated under the laws of the state of Missouri. A large, complete and well-selected stock of various grades of lumber is carried at all times, and the slogan of the firm is "Everything to build your home."
Mr. Ennis was married on June 11, 1896, to Laura R. Culler, a daugh- ter of John W. and Anna M. (Clatfeler) Culler. The father's death oc- curred in Springfield in 1904, but the mother is still living in this city. The Cullers have long been a well-known family here. Mrs. Ennis re- ceived a good education in the local schools. Our subject and wife have three children, all at home, namely: Florence Lorene, Ellen Lucile, and Anna Rebecca.
Politically, Mr. Ennis is a Republican. However, he votes indepen- dently in local elections, casting his ballot for the men whom he deems best suited for the offices sought. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic
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order. Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Modern Woodmen of America, also the Travelers Protective Association, United Commercial Travelers, and the Iowa State Traveling Men's Association. He and his wife are members of Grace Methodist Episcopal church. She is a member of the Sorosis Club, of which she has been president two years. This is one of the leading social clubs of Springfield. She has made a most popular and efficient president. She is a lady of culture and affable personality, and she and Mr. Ennis stand well in the circle in which they move.
FRANK L. FINNEY.
The dignity of labor is a theme much discussed. In the old world it has always meant a different thing to the construction put upon the phrase in America, for in lands where caste prevails between classes, the aristocracy is inclined to look down on the laboring classes, but of this, happily, we know practically nothing in the United States, in fact, here if one does not labor or at least is employed at something one is not likely to be as highly regarded by one's associates as if he were energetic and not afraid of honest work. Frank L. Finney, now deceased, was a believer in the dignity of labor and he was possessed with much energy and industry and succeeded in earning an honest and comfortable living and winning and retaining the respect and admiration of those with whom he was associated.
Mr. Finney was born, November 22, 1851, in Fairfield, Iowa. He was a son of Samuel G. and Eunice (Neil) Finney, one of the early families of Jefferson county, Iowa, noted for their industry and qualities as good neighbors. Their family consisted of ten children, seven sons and three daughters, namely: Lewis H. is deceased; Albert lives in Nevada; George S. lives in Maryville, Missouri; Frank L., subject of this memoir; Edwin lives in Seattle, Washington; Mrs. Annie C. Denny lives in Lincoln, Ne- braska; Mrs. Emma L. LaFollette resides in Seattle; Samuel is deceased ; Mrs. Ella S. Webb lives in Colorado, and Earnest P. lives in Oklahoma City.
Samuel G. Finney, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and there grew to manhood and received a good edu- cation. He studied law, was admitted to the bar and was very successful in the practice of his profession. He took an active part in public matters, became influential in politics and was for some time a member of the Legis- lature, while living in Maryland. Finally abandoning the practice of law he engaged in merchandising with success and later in life turned his attenttion to general farming. He removed from Maryland to Jefferson county, Iowa, in the early history of the latter country and located at the town of Fairfield,
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where he became well established and well known. His wife, Eunice Neil, was born in Maine, and was of Scotch-Irish descent.
Frank L. Finney grew to manhood at Fairfield, Iowa, assisting his father about the homestead when a boy, and he received his education in the public schools there. When a young man he went west and followed mining in different states for a number of years with satisfactory results. He located in Springfield, Missouri, in 1905, and here lived in retirement the rest of his life. He had spent thirteen years engaged in farming and stock raising in Iowa very successfully.
Mr. Finney was married on August 4, 1885, to Mary Graham, who was born in Maryville, Missouri, and is a daughter of Arch D. and Sarah (Wise- man) Graham. Mr. Graham was a native of Kentucky and his wife a native of West Virginia; after their marriage they lived in Ohio for a short time, then came to Missouri, where Mrs. Finney died July 3, 1914, at the age of forty-seven.
Mrs. Finney received a good common school education, and lived on South Jefferson street, Springfield, where she had a comfortable home. She bore her husband eight children, seven of whom survive, namely: Dora, Lola, Marjorie, Harold Neil, Samuel Graham, Fern, Winifred, and Earnest Dean is deceased. These children have been given good educational ad- vantages in Iowa and in Springfield, Missouri.
Politically, Frank L. Finney was a Democrat, but was never an aspir- ant for political honors.
The death of Mr. Finney occurred at his late home in Springfield on June 9, 1906, when fifty-five years of age.
JOHNSON SANITARIUM.
Dr. Samuel A. Johnson, who is superintendent of the Johnson Sanitar- ium (for the treatment of mental and nervous diseases), was born Septem- ber 15, 1863, in Daviess county, Kentucky. He is a son of John Hunt Johnson, deceased, and Anna M. (Singleton) Johnson. The father was born in Daviess county, Kentucky, July 1, 1824, and the doctor's mother was born in Hardinsburg, that state, June 5, 1832, and is still living, being now eighty-three years of age; she makes her home in Springfield. In 1872 John H. Johnson moved to Louisville in order to give his children better educational advantages, remaining in that city eight years. During this period he engaged in the tobacco business. He removed with his family to Missouri in 1878, locating on a farm near Lebanon, Laclede county, where he engaged in general farming and stock raising until 1894 when he retired
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from active life and located in Springfield where he spent the rest of his days.
Dr. Samuel A. Johnson received his education in the schools of his native state, later studied medicine in the Kentucky Medical College at Louisville, Kentucky, from which institution he was graduated. Not long thereafter he came to Springfield. Missouri, where he engaged in the gen- eral practice of medicine for a period of six years, then was employed in the state hospital for the insane at Nevada, Missouri, where he remained six years. He came to Springfield in 1911, and founded the Johnson Sani- tarium for the treatment of mental and nervous diseases, this being the pioneer institution of its kind in this part of the state. It has been success- ful, from the first, largely because of the co-operation of the physicians of the southern part of the state, and most gratifying results have been ob- tained; the prestige of the institution is enhanced by courteous treatment to all and satisfied patients. The institution is pleasantly and conveniently located at 807 Jefferson street. It is modernly appointed and completely equipped in every respect for the work which Dr. Johnson has outlined to do here, and its future is assured.
The institution conducts a training school for nurses where earnest de- voted girls are in attendance and constantly study to promote the welfare and comfort of patients.
Dr. Johnson was married to Isadore W. Allen, of Harrisonville, Mis- 'souri, October 8, 1901. She is a daughter of James T. and Isadore (Young) Allen. She was one of two children and was born in Woodford county, Kentucky. Her paternal grandfather, Capt. James Trimble, served in the Revolutionary war, as captain of a company of riflemen under General Lewis. He remained in the service of his country all through the struggle for independence. He was born in Augusta county, Virginia, in 1756. Previously he had served at the memorable battle of Point Pleasant during the Colonial war. He married Jane Allen about 1780. She was born, March 15, 1855, in Augusta county, Virginia. Her father, Hugh Allen, was killed at the battle of Point Pleasant. After the close of the Revolu- tionary war, Captain Trimble and wife moved to Woodford county, Ken- tucky, and were prominent in the early history of that state. Mrs. Johnson's great-grandfather Trimble was opposed to slavery and he made application in the courts at Lexington, Kentucky, to manumit them. His request was refused several times, but was finally granted through the efforts of Henry Clay, then a young lawyer from Virginia. Mr. Trimble's sons became dis- tinguished men. Three of them held commissions in the war of 1812. Allen Trimble, one of the sons, became governor of Ohio: William Trimble was a colonel in the regular army and was also a United States senator, his death (occurring while a member of the senate. James M. Trimble was a promi-
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nent preacher. Dr. Cary Trimble was a member of Congress. James Trimble died in Kentucky in 1804. Mrs. Johnson's maternal great-grand- father, Capt. John Peck, was on Governor Hancock's staff at the time he was chairman of the committee that signed the Declaration of Independence. Hancock, it will be remembered, was one of the early governors of Massa- chusetts. James T. Allen, father of our subject's wife, was a widely known stock dealer of Kentucky. He is at this writing making his home at Har- risonville, Missouri. His wife died in Woodford county, Kentucky, many years ago.
Politically, Dr. Johnson is a Democrat, and he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, South.
WILLIAM M. MAXWELL.
In writing a work of the nature of the one in hand, the biographer is surprised at the preponderance of Greene county citizens who were born in Tennessee or are sons of Tennessee parents. This locality has been lucky in securing such a good class of citizens, and it is safe to say that it would not now be nearly so prosperous had not these courageous, industrious and law-abiding people cast their lots here. William M. Maxwell is among the number. His earlier years were spent in agricultural pursuits, later he en- gaged in the grocery business in Springfield in various places for a period of many years, and he is now serving as justice of the peace.
Mr. Maxwell was born in Warren county, Tennessee, October 12, 1867. He is a son of Rufus and Jane (Vickers) Maxwell. The father was born in Jackson county, Alabama, and there he was reared to manhood, and was educated in the early day schools there; he was married in Scottsboro, that state, and he spent his life engaged in general farming and stock raising in his native state and in Tennessee, dying at Valley Head, Alabama, in 191I. Politically, he was a Democrat. The mother of our subject attended the common schools and she is still living in Warren county, Tennessee, being now advanced in years.
William M. Maxwell, who was the only child of his parents, grew to manhood on the homestead in Warren county, Tennessee, where he assisted his father with the general farm work when he became of proper age, and there he received a limited education in the public schools. He began life as a farmer, which he continued successfully until 1898, when he left his native state and came to Springfield, Missouri. He first engaged in the grocery business, in which he was uniformly successful, and operated a store at several different places, in later years his location being on West Commer-
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cial street. Four years ago he moved his business to the corner of Broad and Chase streets. He always carried a full line of staple and fancy groc- eries and, dealing honestly and courteously with his many customers, re- tained their good will, and he continued in this business until in February, 1914, when he was appointed justice of the peace by the county court for North Campbell township, and he has since been faithfully discharging the duties of the same in a manner that reflects much credit upon himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned. He has a very suitable office at 2121/2 East Commercial street. His decisions are marked by firmness and ability as to law and justice. He owns a good home on West Chase street.
Mr. Maxwell was married on December 28, 1897, in Lafayette, Georgia, to Bessie Derbery, who was born at Coal City, Georgia, and was a daughter of John and Martha Derbery, natives of that locality in Georgia, also where they were all reared, educated in the common schools and were married. The death of Mrs. Maxwell occurred on August 1, 1907. She was a woman of many of the winning characteristics of the Southern lady and was a favorite with her many friends.
To Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell one child was born, William Rufus, whose birth occurred in Springfield, Missouri, October 28, 1898. He is now at- tending high school.
Politically, Mr. Maxwell is a Democrat and loyal in his affiliations to the party. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, the Knights of Maccabees and the Modern Woodmen. Religiously, he is a member of the Central Christian church.
JOSEPH S. EAGLEBURGER.
It is no very rare thing for a poor boy in our country to become a prosperous man and occupy a commanding position in the business world, but many who have fought their way from poverty to wealth, from ob- scurity to prominence, retain some marks and scars of the conflict. They are apt to be narrow and grasping, even if not sordid and unscrupulous. Joseph S. Eagleburger, who for many years was one of the enterprising farmers of Greene county but now engaged in the grocery business in Springfield, although he did not come up from the ranks of the poverty stricken and has not reached the affluence of the rich, yet he has worked his way from a modest beginning to a comfortable station in the world of affairs, being an instance of a man who has achieved success without paying the price at which it is so often bought. His success has not removed him further from his fellow men, but has brought him into nearer and more
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intimate relations with them, and although he has led a busy life, he has yet found time to devote to those interests which develop the intellectual and moral nature of man, living not to himself alone, but laboring, when necessary, to aid his fellow men.
Mr. Eagleburger was born March 1, 1853, in Noble county, Indiana. He is a son of John and Frances (Spencer) Eagleburger. The father was a native of Switzerland and the mother was born in Connecticut. The former grew to manhood in his native land and there attended school and learned the trade of shoemaker, which he followed until he emigrated to the United States, after which he followed general farming. He was mar- ried in Ohio. He finally removed about 1856 with his family to Story county, Iowa, where his death occurred about 1888. His widow survived some two years, dying in Greene county, Missouri, in 1890. They were the parents of the following children: William and Samuel are deceased; James lives in Story county, Iowa; Margaret lives in Story county, Iowa ; Isaac lives in Greene county, Missouri ; Lucy lives in Moniteau county, Mis- souri ; Joseph S., of this sketch ; Susan lives in Washington ; John is deceased.
Joseph S. Eagleburger received a common school education in Iowa, and he grew to manhood on the farm, and began life for himself as a farmer. which he followed with success up to six years ago. He remained in Iowa until the fall of 1873, then moved to northwestern Kansas and took up government land which he operated about twelve years, then moved back to Iowa, and in 1885 came to Greene county, Missouri, locating ten miles north of Springfield, buying fifty acres. As he prospered with advancing years he added to this until he became owner of two hundred and forty acres, all in Franklin township. He carried on general farming and stock raising there until 1908, when he sold out and moved to Springfield and on July 20th of that year began in the grocery business at his present location, 2304 Springfield avenue, where he owns a substantial brick block and is conducting a thriving business under the firm name of Eagleburger & Son, carrying a large stock of staple and fancy groceries, feed and flour.
Mr. Eagleburger was married June 3, 1882. in Kansas, to Mary Noel. who was born in Lee county, Illinois, April 23, 1859. She is a daughter of Mathias and Anna (Fredericks) Noel, who were natives of Prussia, emi- grating to this country in their early years and locating in Lee county, Illinois, where they established the family home. Mrs. Eagleburger, wife of the subject of this sketch, was one of sixteen children, thirteen of whom still live in various sections of the United States.
Mrs. Eagleburger moved to Kansas shortly before her marriage. Her parents died in Illinois. She received a good education.
Ten children have been born to our subject and wife, seven of whom
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·are still living, namely : Barbara, John (deceased), Frank, Charles, George. Ella, Maud, Bert, Lillian (deceased), and Blanche.
Politically, Mr. Eagleburger is a Democrat. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, including the Encampment. He be- longs to the Baptist church, in which he is a deacon and is active.
J. W. FOWLER.
It seems there is no start in life which so well prepares a man for his future career, no matter what he may choose to follow as the boyhood years spent on the farm; this is not strange to the contemplative mind, for, in the first place, the boy reared next to nature, to the fresh soil, surrounded by the clear air and amidst the growing, blooming vegetation will be stronger physically and mentally than his city-bred brother, and will agree that health is the first prerequisite in the chase for success in this world; many a man has been handicapped, submerged and defeated because of lack of it. J. W. Fowler, chief stationary engineer of the south side Frisco shops, Springfield, was fortunate enough to be born and reared on a farm, and thus has a hertiage of physical strength which has stood him well in hand.
Mr. Fowler was born on the farm of his parents near Tipton, Missouri, November 24, 1864. He is a son of G. W. and Parmelia (Hodges) Fowler. The father was born in Pennsylvania, in 1842, and is still living on his farm near Tipton, Missouri, having engaged in farming all his life. He came from the Keystone state to Missouri more than half a century ago and has lived here ever since. During the Civil war he enlisted at Tipton and made a splendid record as a soldier.
G. W. Fowler was a young man when he came to this state and he married near there, his wife having been born on a farm there in 18.47. Fourteen children were born to this union, nine of whom are still living. namely: J. W., of this sketch; Mrs. Nancy Sehklin, wife of a merchant ; Mrs. Sarah D. Mock, wife of a farmer; William M. is a blacksmith; Edwin is a boilermaker; Mrs. Dosia Williams married a farmer; Mrs. Edna Hat- field; Mrs. Millie B. Moon married a farmer ; Harrison is engaged in farm- ing; the others are deceased.
J. W. Fowler grew up on the home farm and spent his earlier years engaged in tilling the soil. He received a common school education. He came to Springfield in 1889 and has since made his home in this city. He began working for the Eversol & Son Milling Company as stationary engi- neer. He liked the work, studied it and became an expert in his line. After a few years he went to work for the Frisco Lines in their south side shops
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as extra stationary engineer, where he became chief engineer and he still holds this position. His long service with the Frisco would indicate that he has given entire satisfaction and that he is a capable and trustworthy employee. He has not had a shutdown in more than twenty-four years, during working hours, or since he has been with the Frisco.
Mr. Fowler was married twice, first, to Augusta Breckinridge, at Tipton, Missouri. She was born November 25, 1864, at Galloway, Mis- souri. Her death occurred February 9, 1901. To this union four children were born, namely: Jra, born September 23, 1887, married Kate Campbell, he is a boilermaker and lives in Springfield; Roy, born February 15, 1890, married Grace Edwards, and he is employed as blacksmith in the south side Frisco shops; Earl, born April 3, 1898, lives at home; Clara A., born May 3I, 1901, is at home. On November 10, 1914, Mr. Fowler married the second time in St. Louis, Priscilla Givan, a widow of Wm. Givan. She was born January 17, 1866. She is a daughter of Albert and Nancy (Butterball) Daugherty. Mrs. Fowler was born in Pennsylvania and she received a common school education. She came to Missouri when young. The second union of our subject and wife has been without issue.
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