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 91
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Twelve children were born to Thomas and Sarah Minto, but only two survive at this writing, namely: Elizabeth, Thomas, Robert (subject) ; Clement, are all deceased; Henry lives in Cleveland, Ohio, and Mrs. Bertha Cook still makes her home in Shelbyville, Illinois; the other six children died in infancy or early life.
Robert Minto spent his early childhood in Alton, Illinois, where his parents resided until he was about ten years old. He received his edu- cation in the schools of Shelbyville, that state, and by wide home reading in later life. He was married in Shelbyville on December 24, 1874, to Annie Lane, who was born in Ohio, February 27, 1857. She is a daughter of Marcus D. and Colista (Benadum) Lane, both natives of Baltimore, Ohio, the birth of the father having occurred in 1833, and that of the mother in 1834. There they grew to maturity and received good educations. Mr. Lane followed teaching and became a well-known educator in Shelbyville, Illinois, and there his death occurred in 1880, and there his widow, now advanced in years, is still living, having survived him thirty-four years. To Mr. and Mrs. Lane thirteen children were born, nine of whom are still living. Mrs. Minto grew to womanhood in Shelbyville, Illinois, and there received a good education.
To Mr. and Mrs. Minto one child was born, Robert Minto, Jr., whose birth occurred in Shelbyville, Illinois, October 1I, 1880. There he spent his early childhood, being six years of age when he removed with his parents to Springfield, Missouri, where he grew up and was educated. He married Belle Keet in Springfield. They now reside in Kansas City, Missouri, and to their union two children have been born, namely: Virginia Lane, and Robert Keet.
Robert Minto, of this memoir, first began his railroad career in Beards- town, Illinois, soon after his marriage, as brakeman on the Baltimore & Ohio, later was promoted to freight conductor on this road. He removed with his family to Springfield, Missouri, in 1886, and went to work as freight conductor on the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Memphis Railroad, which is now operated under lease by the Frisco System. His run was from Springfield to Thayer and that continued to be his run until his death. He could have become passenger conductor but preferred to remain on a freight train. He performed his duties most faithfully and stood high in the esti- mation of the company and his fellow employees.
The death of Mr. Minto at St. Joseph's Hospital, Springfield, on June 13, 1914, was the result of an unfortunate accident at Cabool, Missouri, while on his regular run. He was injured while assisting in unloading freight, receiving a severe blow on the head; however, he lingered for seven weeks before death came to his relief. He was sixty-one years of age, and
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had been a resident of Springfield twenty-eight years, during which time he had been a freight conductor on the Ozark division continuously.
The pleasant Minto home, where Mrs. Minto still resides, is on Guy street, Springfield.
Politically, Mr. Minto was a Republican. He belonged to the Masonic order and to the Order of Railway Conductors. Religiously he held mem- bership with the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he was an active worker, and was a trustee of one of the local churches for a period of twenty years, and was one of the most active and influential members of the congregation that built the Daly Methodist church in this city. When such men are removed from any community their loss can not but be keenly felt for a long time to come.
ISAAC NEWTON SMITH.
In many respects the career of the late Isaac Newton Smith, for a period of thirty years one of the progressive business men of Springfield, is peculiarly instructive in that it shows what a well defined purpose, sup- plemented by correct principles and high ideals, can accomplish when rightly and intelligently applied, even in the face of obstacles. A native of the Hoosier state, he spent the major portion of his life in Missouri, where he devoted over thirty years to the insurance business and became one of the most efficient and widely known insurance men in the southern part of the state. The last days of his busy career were devoted. in a large measure. to the promoting of the electric railway between Springfield and Joplin and he was president of this company. But he was a man who was not only noted for his large success in material affairs, having found time to take an active interest in church work and was one of the most potent members of the Presbyterian denomination in this section of the state. In short, he was a successful, useful and honorable man and his record might be studied with profit by many.
Mr. Smith was born, February 27, 1847, in Miami county, Indiana. He was a son of George and Rosa ( Dilsaver) Smith, the father a native of Virginia and the mother was born in Ohio, and there she grew to woman- hood. George Smith was brought to Ohio by his parents when he was a child and grew up in that state and he and his wife were educated in the rural subscription schools and were married and established their home, but later removed to Miami county, Indiana, on a farm and devoted their lives to agricultural pursuits. Their family consisted of twelve children, three of whom are still living.
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Isaac N. Smith grew up on the farm and he had little chance to obtain an education, but improved such as he had and in later life became a well informed man through contact with the world and much home reading; in fact, he was a fine sample of the self-made man for which America is noted. He left home when about seventeen years old, being compelled to make his own way. He was ambitious to go through school and obtain a high education, but the opportunity never presented itself. At the age of nine- teen he came to St. Louis where he worked at different employments in order to get a start, later became a bridge builder. Then he came to Webster county, this state, purchasing a farm near Marshfield, and while operating this he studied architecture and made some advancement, drawing plans for buildings and in the general preliminary work of an architect. About thirty- two years ago he went into the insurance business and this proved to be his chief life work. He started at Marshfield and remained there until 1884, when he removed to Springfield, continuing the same business. He was with the Mutual Life all the while, and he was district manager of this company the rest of his life. He was very successful from the first and the com- pany regarded him as one of their most faithful, industrious and trust- worthy employees. About twenty years ago he received a handsome cup, given by the company, for writing the most insurance in a given period. This was won over hundreds of competitors and it shows his ability in this field of endeavor. At the time of his death he was president of the new traction line between Springfield and Joplin and was doing much to make the project a success ; in fact, his close application in this enterprise hastened the closing of his earthly career.
Mr. Smith was married, November 25, 1875, to Margaret E. Butcher, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, her birth occurring February 9, 1852. She is a daughter of Stephen and Maria (LeKeux) Butcher. The father was born in England, near London, in the year 1802, and there he grew to manhood and married Maria LeKeux in 1847, and they subsequently immi- grated to America, locating in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His wife was also a native of England. Mr. Butcher received a good education in his native land, traveled extensively and followed the sea for six years. Mr. Butcher enlisted in the Civil war, in 1861, serving the full time enlisted in a Missouri calvary regiment. He was in several battles, including the battle of Wilson's Creek, was a very faithful soldier and a strong Union man. His family consisted of five children, three of whom are still living, namely : Margaret E., who became the wife of Mr. Smith of this memoir; Mrs. Mary F. King, and Stephen H. Mrs. Smith grew to womanhood in Pittsburgh, where she was given excellent educational advantages, and she engaged in teaching for a while after leaving school.
Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, named as follows:
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Lucian L., who married Lallah Smith, is claim agent for the Frisco railroad ; Mable married Charles F. Bishop, and they live in Quincy, Illinois; Ada married John J. Tooker, and they live in Boonville, Missouri.
Politically, Mr. Smith was a Republican and a great worker for his party. Fraternally he belonged to the Masonic Order. He was one of the leading members of Calvary Presbyterian church for many years and was active in church work. He was chairman of its board of trustees and was most efficient in this capacity. He was a devoted Christian, with marked administrative ability and was enthusiastically devoted to the service of the church.
The substantial Smith residence is on Benton avenue, and there the summons came for Mr. Smith to close his earthly account and take up his work on a higher plane of being, March 10, 1914.
GEORGE E. DILLARD.
One of the well-known railroad men of Springfield is George E. Dillard, assistant superintendent of locomotive performance for the Frisco lines. He is a scion of one of the old and respected families of Greene county, and for reasons which are too apparent to enumerate here should be given a place in this volume.
Mr. Dillard was born in Taylor township, Greene county, Missouri, September 12, 1860. He is a son of George A. and Eliza J. (Gibson) Dil- lard. The father was born in Tennessee, in 1827, and his death occurred on the old homestead in this county in 1903. The mother was born in Tennessee in 1835 and died on the home place here in 1911. They grew up on farms and received limited educational advantages. They came to Greene county, Missouri, when young and were married here, each emi- grating here with their parents about the year 1837. William Dillard, our subject's paternal grandfather, was a native of North Carolina, where he was born on May 1. 1782, removing from that state to Tennessee, where he lived for some time before coming on to Greene county, Missouri, where he spent his last years, dying here on April 13. 1877. His wife was known in her maidenhood as Sarah Gregory. The maternal grandfather was John H. Gibson, who was a native of Tennessee. He died in this county in the early eighties. His wife was Isabelle Buchanan before her marriage. She was a native of Tennessee, and her death occurred in this county in 1863. George A. Dillard enlisted for service in the Civil war in the spring of 1861, becoming captain of Company E. Twenty-second Enrolled Missouri Militia, and his father was a member of the Home Guards. The former
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saw little service outside of Greene county, taking an active part in the defense of Springfield during General Marmaduke's raid. He spent his life engaged in farming and stock raising. His family consisted of nine children, five of whom are still living, namely: William C., who lives in Springfield, is clerk in the office of the circuit court clerk's office; Mrs. Margaret Turner; Mrs. Isabelle Demar; James L. lives on the farm; and George E., of this sketch.
Our subject grew to manhood on the home farm and he received his education in the district schools, remaining on the homestead until he was twenty-one years old, then came to Springfield and began working for McGregor-Noe Hardware Company as clerk for a short time, then began railroading, which he has continued ever since, first as fireman on the Frisco between Springfield and Dixon. He was firing a freight locomotive when the road extended no farther than Pacific, Missouri. Later he fired a pas- senger engine, and in 1886 was promoted to freight engineer. In 1910 he was promoted to the position of road foreman of equipment, and he is now assistant superintendent of locomotive performance for the Ozark division, from Springfield to Memphis, Tennessee. The fact that he has been with the same company so long and that his rise has been steady would indicate that he has given entire satisfaction and that he is capable and trustworthy as well as thoroughly understanding his work and diversified duties.
Mr. Dillard was married on November 29, 1883, to Sarah G. McGinty, who was born in Howell county, Missouri, September 13, 1861. She is a daughter of A. C. and Susan (Hayden) McGinty.
Politically, Mr. Dillard is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic order, including the Blue Lodge, also the Royal Arcanum and Knights and Ladies of Security. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
ELISHA B. MADDOX.
It is a noticeable thing, to people who have formed habits of compari- son, that the people of the various states are somewhat individualistic, each having peculiar traits of their own, and notwithstanding the fact that the same language is spoken in all our forty-eight states, each state has local- isms of its own. Thus it is easy to single out the true Kentuckian, princi- pally because of his gallantry and unfailing courtesy, his thoughtfulness of the welfare of his friends and those with whom he comes in contact. The late Elisha B. Maddox, for many years a faithful employee of the
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Frisco system, was a typical son of the Blue Grass state, and he was a man of praiseworthy traits of character and he was always well liked by those who knew him.
Mr. Maddox was born in Campbell county, Kentucky, May 16, 1803. He was a son of Charles and Barbara (Vaughn) Maddox, both natives or Kentucky also, the father being born in 1833 and died there in 1891. The mother was born in 1840 and died in 1882 in that state. They had spent their lives there on a farm, and were the parents of the following named children : William, Elisha B. (our subject ), Ida, Lucy, Hettie H. and Hubbard.
Elisha B. Maddox grew to manhood on the farm in his native state. where he did his share of the general work when growing up, and he received his education in the rural schools of his community. He farmed in Campbell county, Kentucky, until he was about twenty-six years old. then went to Covington, that state, and began working on the Louisville & Nashville railroad, in the coach department of the company's shops, and there learned his trade-coach carpenter-at which he became quite expert. He remained there eleven years, and removed from Covington to Springfield, Missouri, in the fall of 1901 and at once secured employment in the coach department of the Frisco road, in the north side shops, where he worked until the new shops were opened, when he was transferred to them and worked there the rest of his life.
Mr. Maddox was married on April 16, 1890, in Covington, Kentucky. to Jennie Culvertson, who was born in Kenton county, that state, April 16. 1863. She is a daughter of George A. and Melissa (Rusk) Culvertson, both natives of Kentucky, the father born in 1822, and the mother in 1820. They grew to maturity in Kentucky, attended the common schools and were married there. The father died in Ohio on August 8, 1894, after spending his active life in farming, and the death of the mother occurred in Cov- ington, Kentucky, in 1892. They spent most of their lives in their native state, but moved to Ohio eventually. They became the parents of twelve children, named as follows: Lafayette, Isabelle, Joanna and Thomas are all living: Jennie, widow of the subject of this sketch; Michael and Cath- erine are both living: the other five are deceased. Mrs. Maddox grew to womanhood in Kentucky and received a common school education.
Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Maddox, namely: Stella, born on August 7, 1891, is a successful school teacher, and she lives with her mother in the Maddox home, just outside the limits of Springfield on the Fremont road; Byron, born on May 27, 1893. lives at home ; and Joan, born on December 19. 1897, is with her mother also. These children have received good educations in the local schools.
Politically, Mr. Maddox was a Democrat and was a member of the
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Robberson Avenue Baptist church, of which he was a deacon, and an active worker. His family are also members of this church.
The tragic death of Mr. Maddox occurred on July 16, 1914, at the age of fifty-one years. He died at the Frisco hospital from injuries he received a few minutes after going to his work that morning, having been knocked from the top of a coach by a crane, falling twelve feet to the floor, which injured him internally, never having regained consciousness. He was warned by his fellow workers, but the din in the shops prevented him hear- ing the shouts of the onlookers.
WALTER H. HENDERSON.
Books keep us from yielding to the commonplace. They equip us not only for more serious tasks in the daily tread-mill of existence, but also for an appreciation of the things about us, nature in her varied forms, 'for hearing the music of the spheres and for seeing the beautiful in life. Every- one, from the poorest to the richest, may find in literature a rich and large life. Walter H. Henderson, city treasurer of Springfield, is a man who regards his books as among his best friends and spends much of his spare time among them, therefore is a well rounded man mentally.
Mr. Henderson was born on September 16, 1877, in Laclede county, Missouri. He is a son of C. C. and Mary A. (McFarland) Henderson, natives of Kentucky and Tennessee, respectively, but when young in years they removed with their parents to Missouri and were married in this state, after receiving limited educations in the common schools. C. C. Henderson has spent his active life in general farming pursuits, making a specialty of cattle raising, also owned a general merchandise store at Phillipsburg for several years. He and his wife are now living on a farm near that town and are well known throughout that locality. Politically, he is a Democrat, and has long been active in party affairs. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic Order. His family consisted of nine children, namely: Maude, the eldest, is deceased; Walter H., of this sketch; Ethel is married and living in Laclede county; Ona is married and lives in Laclede county; Glynn is living at home; Rosa is married and lives at Phillipsburg, Missouri; Freda lives at home; Byrle is also a member of the family circle, and Mabel is with her parents.
Walter H. Henderson spent his boyhood years in Laclede county and he received his education in the rural schools and the high school at Lebanon, this state. He worked in his father's store at Phillipsburg for some time when a boy. In 1904 he came to Springfield and engaged in the grocery
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business, but not long thereafter he went to work for Edward V. Williams in his clothing store on Commercial street, remaining with him until 1909, proving to be an excellent clerk, being alert, polite and trustworthy. Upon leaving the employ of Mr. Williams he was made manager of the Springfield Security Company, with which he remained until August 1, 1914, giving satisfaction to all concerned. He is at this writing vice-president of the Murry Farm Loan and Title Company. He is also filling the position of city treasurer of Springfield, to which he was elected in the spring of 1914 and is discharging his duties in a faithful and capable manner.
Mr. Henderson was married on January 1I, 1903, in Phillipsburg, Mis- souri, to Dora Barnes, who was born in Laclede county, this state, and reared and educated there. She is a daughter of Samuel C. Barnes, for years a well known resident of that county.
Politically, Mr. Henderson is a Democrat and is active in the party. Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen of the World and the Modern Woodmen of America. He belongs to the Young Men's Business Club, and is a member of the Central Christian church.
WILLIAM M. HANSELL.
A history of the Hansell family shows that they are people who have ever been characterized by industry, thrift, foresight and honesty in deal- ing with their fellow-men, and when, with these qualities are coupled the attributes of sound sense, tact and fortitude, which people of their blood universally possess, there are afforded such qualities as will enrich any land and place it at the top of the countries of the world in the scale of elevated humanity. The career of William M. Hansell, who is now living practi- cally retired in his beautiful home in Springfield, is an interesting and varied one, the major portion of which has been devoted to railroad service. He has been a resident of Springfield for over a quarter of a century and is well known in railroad and business circles here.
Mr. Hansell was born in Clinton county, Ohio, March 24, 1851. He is a son of Joseph A. and Hannah (Leeka) Hansell, the father having been the oldest child of Michael and Rachael ( Adams) Hansell, and he was born in Clinton county, Ohio, also, and there occurred the birth of the mother of our subject. These parents grew to maturity, were educated in the common schools and were married there. The Hansell family originally lived in Virginia, from which state they removed to Ohio in a very early day. Joseph A. Hansell was a carpenter by trade and a very highly skilled workman. He moved from Ohio with his family in 1853 to Linn county,
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Iowa. His family consisted of four children, all still living, namely: Frank M. lives in Marion, Iowa; Mary E. lives in Marion, Iowa; William M. of this sketch; and J. E., whose sketch appears in another part of this work. The father of these children was born in 1823, and the mother was born in 1824; they spent the last years of their lives in Linn county, Iowa, where the father died in 1895 and the mother passed away in 1897.
William M. Hansell received a common school education and when a boy he learned the printer's trade in the office of the Marion Register, in Iowa, remaining there two or three years, then went back to Ohio, where his mother's people lived and went to school for a year at Hillsboro, High- land county. Not caring to follow the printer's trade he learned the sad- dlery trade, and was working in Chicago at the time of the great fire in the autumn of 1871. He then returned to Marion, Iowa, where his par- ents resided, and soon thereafter began his railroad career on the Burling- ton, Cedar Rapids & Northern road as brakeman, working there about a year, then went to Clinton, Iowa, and began work for the Chicago North- western railroad as brakeman, and eight months later was promoted to freight conductor and worked at the same with that road for a period of four years, then as passenger conductor for ten years. He then went to Chadron, Nebraska, and ran a passenger train from that city to Ft. Casper, Wyoming, this being a branch road of the Chicago Northwestern. Leaving the West in 1889 he came to Springfield, Missouri, and began working for the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis railroad as freight conductor. A year and a half later he quit railroading and since then has been engaged in the real estate business, handling principally his own property and has been very successful in a business way. He owns considerable valuable property here, including a handsome and modernly appointed residence on East Elm street, one of the most desirable homes in the city.
Mr. Hansell was married in September, 1877, in Clinton, Iowa, to Emma Dickson, to which union two children were born, one of whom died in early life: Harry Howard, born, October 29, 1878, was graduated from the high school at Clinton, Iowa, and is now living in Chicago, where he is engaged in the drug business. The wife and mother passed to her rest in January, 1885. In 1888 Mr. Hansell married Lucy Torrence, at Chadron, Nebraska. She is a daughter of John and Sophia (Wilson) Tor- rence.
To our subject and his second wife one child has been born, Charles C., whose birth occurred December 10, 1890. He received a good educa- tion in the Springfield schools, being a graduate of the high school, and is now living in Kansas City, where he is in the employ of the Swift Packing Company.
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Politically, Mr. Hansell is a Republican and has long been active and influential in political affairs. He is chairman of the state legislative com- mittee, and is chief of Division No. 321, Order of Railway Conductors. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic Order, being a Knight Templar. He is an Episcopalian in his church affiliations. He is broad-minded, and a gentleman of pleasing personality.
W. ROBERT KELLER.
The name of W. Robert Keller is a well-known and highly respected one in railroad circles in Springfield, he having been connected with the local lines for a quarter of a century, principally as conductor, having had a passenger run on the Ozark division of the Frisco since 1900. Early in life he manifested a natural inclination to this important field of human endeavor and, being alert, a keen observer and trustworthy, his rise was rapid and he is one of the most efficient conductors that has ever run out of the Queen City.
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