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 88
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JAMES C. DEEDS.
If there is any man who needs to be neat in his work it is the dairy farmer. Remember that the dairyman is producing human food every day and it should be produced under the best of conditions if he is going to make a first-class product. Interest in dairying is greater than it has ever been before and it will continue to grow as long as the present prices for dairy products continue. The chances are that there will be no reduc- tion in these for years to come. A successful dairyman and general farmer of Greene county is James C. Deeds, whose well-kept place is to be found in Franklin township.
Mr. Deeds was born on July 22, 1862, in the above named township and county. He is a son of James M. and Drusella M. (Davis) Deeds. The father was born in Tennessee in 1829, and he was but a child when his parents brought him to Greene county, Missouri, in early pioneer days, and here he grew to manhood on the home farm which was located near where our subject now resides, and was educated in the local district schools. He devoted his life to general farming, and died in 1862 at the early age of thirty-three years. He was a member of the Baptist church at Liberty. His wife was born in Tennessee, in 1834, and died in February, 1906, at the age of seventy-two years. To these parents five children were born, one of
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whom died in infancy: Mrs. Alice J. Gaston is deceased; Joseph R. lives in Oklahoma; Mrs. Mary A. Jones is deceased; James C. of this sketch.
James C. Deeds grew to manhood on the home farm and was educated in the common schools. On January 28, 1886, he married Martha A. Latta, a daughter of John and Emeline (Ross) Latta. The father was born in Tennessee and his death occurred in 1866. Leaving his native state when young he located in Illinois where he farmed the rest of his life. His wife was born in Tennessee and she is now living in Springfield, Missouri. The wife of the subject of this sketch was born in Illinois on December 13, 1865. She received a common school education.
To Mr. and Mrs. Deeds seven children have been born, one of whom died in infancy ; the others are Mrs. Grace Ward, who lives in Springfield ; Elzie, Lizzie, Ora. Fleta and Marks, all live at home.
James C. Deeds still lives on the farm on which he was reared, owning sixty-five acres of the homestead, twenty acres adjoining, and forty acres north of where he lives. It is nearly all under cultivation and is well improved and has been well cultivated so that it has retained its original fertility. In connection with general farming he is now engaged in the dairy business, owning a large number of excellent cows. He keeps his dairy barn in a thorough sanitary condition and is making a success.
Politically, he is a Republican ; however, is an advocate of Roosevelt's policies. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church at Pleas- ant Valley.
JAMES B. BRAZILL.
Qne of the best known citizens of the southern part of Greene county is James Buchanan Brazill, a general farmer and fine stock grower living near Galloway Station, southeast of Springfield.
Mr. Brazill is a native of Sharon, Pennsylvania, having been born there, December 14, 1856. His father, H. L. Brazill, was a farmer and small store keeper in Sharon and Meadville for a number of years. He was a stanch Democrat and great admirer of President Buchanan and for that reason named the subject of our sketch after the man who had just been elected President.
Young Brazill was given a good education in the local schools and graduated from what was then known as the Harrisburg Academy in June, 1875. For three years he worked in his father's store and then, having married Lorrie Steele, he moved to the Western Reserve in Ohio, where his wife's father was farming and remained there until October, 1884, when he
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moved to Greene county, Missouri. He at once went to farming and has succeeded to a remarkable degree.
Mr. and Mrs. Brazill have three daughters, Hester, Lorrie and Martha. all married except Martha. The Brazill farm is known throughout the county for its high state of cultivation and for the fine cattle and hogs raised there, it being the motto of the owner, "If it is worth doing, it is worth doing right." Mr. Brazill and all his family are members of the Baptist church of which communion he is a deacon. He has served nine years as school trustee and was some twenty years ago justice of the peace for one term. He takes great interest in Democratic politics and is a great admirer of Champ Clark, speaker of the House of Representatives. Mr. Brazill was elected several times to state Democratic conventions as a delegate.
MARTIN VAN BUREN WOLF.
Although, doubtless, most people would like to remain on the old homestead where they "played away the happy hours of innocent child- hood," but few are permitted to do so, from one cause or another; but there is always a sentiment about the hearthstone where the family gath- ered when we were children that cannot be replaced. So one who, like Martin Van Buren Wolf, one of the venerable farmers of Washington township, Greene county, and one of the oldest native-born citizens of this locality, is fortunate enough to spend his life at his birthplace, is to be envied, and, no doubt, being a fair-minded man, he fully appreciates the privilege. He has labored hard to keep the old farm well tilled and im- proved, so that it has retained rather than lost its original strength of soil, and the dwelling has been carefully looked after and guarded.
Mr. Wolf was born in the above-named township and county, on the spot where he now lives, December 21, 1840, nearly seventy-four years ago. He is a son of David and Nancy (McCoy) Wolf. The father was a native of Hawkins county, Tennessee, and was reared on a farm in that state, and there received a common school education and married there, and in an early day he made the overland journey in a wagon to Greene county, Missouri, experiencing a number of hardships en route. Here he entered forty acres from the government, which he cleared and farmed, and, prospering with the years, he added to his original holdings until he owned a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres, having cleared most of his land and improved it himself. Here he became an influential citizen. For some time he served the people of his community as justice of the peace. Early in the war between the states he joined Company E, Third
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Missouri Cavalry, under Captain Thorson and Colonel Green, and served gallantly as a soldier in the Confederate army, but unfortunately took sick about the close of the war, and died in Arkansas, after having seen con- siderable hard service, including a number of engagements and a few of the important battles. Politically, he was a strong Democrat, and relig- iously he belonged to the Baptist church. The mother of the subject of this sketch was born, reared and educated in eastern Tennessee. She was a member of the Baptist church. Her death occurred at the home of our subject some thirty years ago.
To David Wolf and wife seven children were born, named as follows: Mary M., who is living in Webster county, Missouri; Martin V., of this sketch; James Huston, who was a soldier in the Civil war, was taken pris- oner and killed: Mrs. Louisa Jane Goskill is deceased: Robert Marion, who was a soldier in the Civil war, was captured and killed; Mrs. Margaret E. Bateman lives in Webster county, this state: Lafayette Jefferson is mak- ing his home in Christian county, Missouri.
Martin V. Wolf grew to manhood on the farm and he received his education in the district schools. He joined the Confederate army in the fall of 1861. in the same regiment and company as his father-Company E, Third Missouri Cavalry, in which he served most faithfully and effi- ciently until the close of the war, taking part in a number of important campaigns and battles, including that of Jenkin's Ferry, and the battle of Independence, Missouri, in which he was wounded. He was with the troops that surrendered at Jackson Fort, Arkansas, where he was dis- charged, and about a year later he returned to the old home place, and he and his brothers ran the same for their mother until her death. Our sub- ject then bought the farm, which consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, but later sold eighty acres. He has made a success as a general farmer and stock raiser.
Mr. Wolf was married on September 8, 1867, in Arkansas to Lydia E. Suttle. She was born in Virginia on October 20, 1845, a daughter of Edward J. and Minty ( Whitsel) Suttle, both of whom were born in Vir- ginia and died in Arkansas. The father was a farmer. He served a few months in the Civil war but died of measles while in the service.
To Mr. and Mrs. Wolf six children have been born, namely: Nancy M. is deceased: Mrs. Alice Jane Johnson lives in California : Mrs. Mary Susan Hooper is living in Montana: Minty M. is deceased; David E. is deceased; William Martin is living in Greene county.
Politically, Mr. Wolf is a Democrat, and he is a member of the Baptist church. He has lived to see his community develop from the wilds to a fine farming section, and he is one of the most widely known men in the township.
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HARRY D. DURST.
It is not an easy task to adequately describe the character of a man who has led an eminently active and busy life in connection with the great legal profession and who has stamped his individuality on the plane of defi- nite accomplishment in one of the most exacting fields of human endeavor. Yet there is always full measure of satisfaction in adverting, even in a casual way, to the career of an able and conscientious worker in any line of human endeavor. Among the truly self-made and representative men of Greene county, none ranks higher than Harry D. Durst, who stands in the front rank of the bar in Springfield, and he has become a conspicuous figure in the civic life of this locality. A man of tireless energy and indom- itable courage, he has won and held the unqualified esteem of his fellow citizens. With the law as his profession from young manhood, he has won a brilliant reputation and the future gives promise of still much greater things for him.
Mr. Durst was born in Springfield, Missouri, August 27, 1869. He is the only child of David H. and Annie E. (Julian) Durst. He grew to manhood in his native city and received his education in the local schools, which, however, has been greatly supplemented in later years by wide read- ing, home study and contact with the world, until he is today an exception- ally well informed man on current affairs, as well as all phases of jurispru- dence and the world's best literature. In his youth he took an apprentice- ship as an iron moulder and mastered that trade before reaching his major- ity. He was too ambitious to accomplish something worth while in the world to be contented to spend his life in the routine work of a foundry, and began studying law while working at his trade and, making rapid prog- ress, was admitted to the bar on January 16, 1892. He has since that time practiced this profession successfully, and is one of the best known lawyers in southwest Missouri. For years his name has been prominently connected with the important cases in all the Springfield courts, and in cases in other parts of the Ozark country. He has kept well abreast of the times in all that pertains to his profession, is not only a thorough and indefatiga- ble student of the law, but a strong, vigorous, logical and effective advocate, earnest and eager, combining in a singular manner general equanimity and a certain nervous energy. He always carefully studies his cases, and is therefore well prepared to try them when he enters court. He is a force- ful debater, clear in his logic, convincing in his argument, courteous to his associates and opponents, and always dignified in his deportment to the court as well as witnesses, avoiding. as far as possible, wounding the feel- ings of anyone. He is regarded as able, reliable, honest and safe. In earlier years, Mr. Durst went to the Indian Territory when immigration was seeth-
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ing in strongly to that portion of the Southwest, and was a resident there for three years.
In 1898, when the Spanish-American war broke out, Mr. Durst answered the first call for volunteers by President McKinley, and served as a lieutenant in Company K, Second Missouri Infantry, United States Volunteers. He is a very active member of the Spanish War Veterans, and has been twice elected judge advocate of the department of Missouri in that organization and is at present the state commander of that organ- ization. Mr. Durst was married on January 10, 1900, to Eva Dickerson, only daughter of Jerome and Susan (Geary) Dickerson, a prominent family of Springfield, formerly of Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Mrs. Durst was born, reared and given the advantages of an excellent education. She is a lady of culture and genial address. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Durst has been blessed by the birth of three children, namely: Robert D. was graduated from the ward schools with the class of 1914; Dorothy D. and Harry D., Jr.
Politically, Mr. Durst is an uncompromising Democrat and has long been a worker in the interest of the party, one of the leaders of the same in southwest Missouri. He was for many years a member of the city coun- cil of Springfield, during which time he did much for the general good of the municipality. He was a candidate for Democratic nomination for Con- gress in 1914. He made a splendid campaign, but was defeated. He is a man of steadfast purpose, studious habits, gentlemanly manners and an ora- tor of no mean ability. He has contributed of his time and means to help the cause of Democracy, and is a tireless worker for clean government. advocating honesty in politics as well as wholesome living in social and pri- vate life. He has filled numerous positions of trust with marked fidelity and with credit to his party. His broad experience, obliging disposition, his ready wit, keen intellectual discernment and unassuming personality pre-eminently qualify him for high office. His unfailing good judgment, correct sense of fairness and courage in his stand for the right in all relations of life has been proven. His frankness, his tenacity in clinging to high ideals and his. indomitable fighting qualities have won the confidence and respect of a host of stanch friends who will continue to stand by him regardless of party alignment.
He is now in the prime of life, with a will and constitution that enable him to make possible his strongest professional achievements. He is pos- sessed of the warmest sympathies and charities, is held in the highest esteem by members of the bar throughout southern Missouri, and by friends and neighbors, who entertain the profoundest regard for his character and vir- tues. Mr. Durst and his family are members of the St. Paul Methodist Episcopal church, South.
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ROBERT H. WALKER.
A worthy example of the progressive twentieth century business man is Robert H. Walker, president of the Globe Clothing Company of Spring- field, Missouri. He is one of the potent factors in the upbuilding of the greater Queen of the Ozarks, which has been forging ahead at such notice- able strides during the past decade. As in the performance of his industrial duties, he leaves the impression of his individuality on his work, in like manner and degree he impresses his associates. He delights in good com- panionship, and his greetings are uniform and friendly. In his ordinary relations and contacts with his fellow men he is quiet and modest; with his intimate friends he is frank, genial and confiding. Mr. Walker's char- acter is strong, deliberate, candid, truthful and he is punctilious in his adher- ence to obligations. He is a kind and generous hearted man, an inheritance of his sterling father, who never turns the unhearing ear to those who should be heard, whose acts of benevolence are not performed in an ostentatious manner, but with quiet and kindness, following the Divine injunction not to let the left hand know what the right hand doeth. Of Celtic blood, he has inherited many of the winning traits of that noble people.
Mr. Walker was born in Liverpool, England, December 18, 1864. He is a son of Ralph and Fanny J. ( Wilson) Walker, the father born in the northern part of Ireland and the mother in the Isle of Man. It was in the historic Cloncanon House, November 27, 1831, that the late Judge Ralph Walker first saw the light of day. He was a member of one of the oldest families of that section of the Emerald Isle. There he grew to manhood and received excellent educational advantages, attending the preparatory schools, later Ranella College and afterwards studied in the city of London- derry. He immigrated to the United States in 1859, locating in Philadel- phia, but subsequently came on west to St. Louis to join his brother, and in the latter city he accepted a position in the office of the Adams Express Company. In 1854 he became clerk on a river steamer which plied between St. Louis and St. Paul, Minnesota, later he served in similar capacity on a steamer which plied between Louisville, Kentucky, and New Orleans, Lou- isiana. From 1852 to 1862 he was general freight and passenger agent of the Wabash Railroad Company in St. Louis. In 1862 he took over the first cargo of petroleum that was ever sent across the Atlantic ocean, return- ing to St. Louis in 1865 about the close of the Civil war. He came to Greene county soon thereafter, and in 1866 laid out the town of Ash Grove. He was elected county judge in 1870. In the early seventies he performed one of his greatest services to the locality in assisting in the reorganization . of the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Memphis railroad, thus securing a new
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railroad for Springfield. He became one of the leaders of the county in public affairs, and one of the most influential and popular men of this sec- tion of the Ozark region. He served as mayor of Springfield three different times, and gave the city splendid administrations, doing much for the gen- eral welfare of the same and winning the hearty commendation of all parties. He was a leader in a number of important enterprises here for years, and his memory will long be revered by a very wide circle of friends and acquaintances. In 1859 he was married in Dublin, Ireland, to Fanny J. Wilson, a daughter of Major Henry Wilson. She is a lady of culture and strong mentality, and is now making her home in New York City. To these parents eight children were born, seven sons and one daughter, four of whom are deceased; those living are Harry Wilson, who is a prominent newspaper man and author of New York City; Rev. Ralph J., Albert E., and Robert H., of this sketch. The death of Judge Ralph Walker occurred at Paris Springs, Lawrence county, Missouri, in July, 1907, at the age of seventy-six years, thus closing a long, useful and successful life.
Robert H. Walker was brought to America by his parents when but a child. He received a good education in the common schools and Drury College. He began his business career by starting in the clothing business in 1880 with Jake Rothschilds, where the Holland Bank now stands, corner St. Louis street and the Public Square. Later he was in the same busi- ness with Jake Marx, then was associated with the Nathan Clothing Com- pany on the north side of the Public Square for a period of twenty years. Three years ago he began business for himself and at the present time is president of the Globe Clothing Company, one of the largest clothing stores in the Southwest, occupying a large and conveniently located building at the corner of South street and the Public Square, and he is enjoying a rapidly growing business, carrying a complete and carefully selected stock of goods. standard brands of manufacture and is up to date at all seasons. He employs a large number of assistants, and courteous, prompt and honest treatment is his aim.
Mr. Walker was married in March, 1891, in Springfield, to Lottie A. Levitt, a native of Iowa, a daughter of the late Col. C. F. Levitt, for many years one of the best known and most influential Masons in the state of Missouri. Mrs. Walker was educated in the Springfield schools, having removed to this city with her parents when a child.
To Mr. and Mrs. Walker one child was born, Helen Marie Walker, whose birth occurred on December 20, 1891. She received an excellent edu- cation in the schools of Springfield and Belmont College, Nashville. Ten- nessee.
Politically, Mr. Walker has followed in the footsteps of his honored
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father and is a stanch Democrat, although he has never been active in polit- ical affairs. Fraternally, he belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Royal Arcanum lodge. He holds membership in the Epis- copal church.
GUSTAVUS F. BERRY.
Gustavus F. Berry is the president of the Berry Land and Investment Company at Springfield, in which connection he has a wide acquaintance throughout the Southwest. Greene county, Missouri, numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred on July 23, 1876, upon the farm of his father, James A. Berry, who is a native of North Carolina, born in 1843. The latter was, however, but nine years of age when, in 1852, he was brought to Greene county, Missouri, where he has since made his home, and where he has been identified with agricultural pursuits throughout the period of his manhood. On the 18th of December, 1861, he married Miss Elizabeth E. McCurdy and they became the parents of nine sons and five daughters, of whom five sons and two daughters are still living, while the parents also survive and are well known and highly respected residents of their locality.
In the country schools Gustavus F. Berry began his education, which he continued in the Southwest Baptist College at Bolivar, Missouri. He started out in the business world as a salesman for the Champion Harvester Company and subsequently represented the International Harvester Com- pany, being thus employed for four years. He then turned his attention to the real estate business and for two years he was in the employ of the Ozark Land Company before he purchased the Berry Land and Investment Company. He now stands at the head of that concern, and as such is thoroughly inforined in regard to realty values and the market conditions of real estate. What he undertakes he accomplishes, for his energy is un- faltering and his persistency of purpose has enabled him to overcome many difficulties and obstacles in his path. As he advances step by step there opens before him broader opportunities, and his ready recognition of possi- bilities points out to him the ways of success.
On the 22d of April, 1902, in Springfield, Mr. Berry was united in marriage to Miss Clara Lloyd, and unto them has been born a daughter, Hazel T. The family attends the Presbyterian church and in social circles they are well known, the hospitality of many of the best homes of the city being freely accorded them. Mr. Berry belongs to several fraternal organ- izations and clubs, holding membership with the Masons and Elks, with the
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Springfield Club, the Country Club, and the Young Men's Business Club. He has had military experience and training through three years' service as a member of Company K, Second Regiment of the Missouri State Guard. His political indorsement is given to the Democratic party, but, while he votes for its men and measures at the polls. he does not seek office. His primary interest is in his business, with the opportunity it gives him of providing well for his family and doing his part in the world's work.
S. R. STAFFORD.
It is a pleasure to write the biography of a man of unusual personal merit-the possessor of a combination of gifts so comprehensive that hap- piness and success in any enterprise is bound to follow the application of his qualities to the solution of almost any reasonable problem in life. The career of S. R. Stafford, veteran of the Civil war, a pioneer and for a long period a farmer, stock man, miller and merchant of this section of the Ozarks, would indicate that he is the possessor of those characteristics that make for success in almost any walk of life, and it also shows that he has not used these traits entirely for self aggrandizement, but that he has been a public-spirited and helpful citizen, doing what he could all along the line to promote the general welfare of the various communities in which he has resided.
Mr. Stafford was born in Dallas county, Missouri, November 6, 1843, the son of a pioneer family. He grew to manhood in Dallas county, and when a boy assisted his father with the general work about the farm and blacksmith shop, attending the rural schools in the winter time. When a young man he began life for himself by trading and handling cattle and other live stock. He made several trips to California and back in the early days, taking cattle to the Western markets. When the Civil war came on he enlisted in the Federal army, serving very creditably for three years as a member of the Twenty-fourth Volunteer Infantry. He participated in numer- ous battles and skirmishes, including Wilson's Creek, Pea Ridge, Lone Jack and Springfield. He was honorably discharged, and soon thereafter began farming in Webster county, later working in a flouring mill, finally becom- ing owner of a good mill there: later he engaged in general merchandising at Hurley. Stone county, Missouri. Having accumulated a competency for his old age he retired from active life some time ago and is now making his home at Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
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