USA > Missouri > Nodaway County > Past and present of Nodaway County, Missouri Volume II > Part 33
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On December 25 (Christmas day), 1875, Mr. Craven was united in marriage with Nancy Casteel, daughter of James Harvey and Nancy (Mc- Creary) Casteel, who was born on May 17, 1857. Politically, Mr. Craven is an ardent Democrat, though he has been too busy to aspire to public office; however, he has at all times taken an active and intelligent interest in local public affairs, giving his unreserved support to all movements which have promised to be of benefit to the community in any way. Fraternally. he is an appreciative member of the time-honored order of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, while his religious membership is with the Christian church, to which he gives his earnest support. In the community where he resides, Mr. Craven is held in the highest regard by all classes, who esteem him because of his upright life and high personal character.
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CHARLES LEMING DILLE.
Maryville, Nodaway county, is fortunate in having among her citizen- ship the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch, as he has, since locating here, been a strong and potential factor in business affairs and has contributed in a definite way to the commercial prosperity of the com- munity. Of marked business and executive ability, he has so managed his business affairs as to attain a definite success, and today he is numbered among the leading business men and representative citizens of the county.
Charles L. Dille was born August 17, 1866, in Lanesfield, Kansas, and is a son of Alfred B. and Mary E. (Leming) Dille. Alfred B. Dille was born January 1, 1842, in Cleveland, Ohio, and is a son of Clark L. and Margaret Dille. At the age of fourteen years he went to work on a farm, but eventually he accompanied his parents on their removal to Lanesfield. Kansas. Clark L. Dille died in 1907, and his wife, Margaret, in 1892. A. B. Dille is now living on his fine farm of two hundred and eighty acres at Lanesfield. Politically, he is a Republican; religiously, a member of the Christian church, while his fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grange. On September 9, 1865, he mar- ried Mary E. Leming, who was born in Covington, Kentucky, on August 25, 1844, her parents subsequently moving to Cincinnati, Ohio, where their deaths occurred. To A. B. and Mary Dille were born six children, all of whom are living. The mother of these children died in Lanesfield, Kansas, in 1893.
Charles L. Dille received a good practical common school education, which he supplemented by attendance at business colleges at Wichita, Kansas. and Ames, Iowa. Upon completing his education he engaged in the cream- ery business at Edgerton, Kansas, where he remained for eight years. He then assisted in the consolidation of several plants and became the active manager of a large plant at Ottawa, Kansas, where he remained during the following three years. At the end of that time he sold his interests and went to Kansas City, where he organized the Meriden Creamery Company. of which he became secretary and treasurer. Three and a half years later he disposed of his interests in this company and established a creamery at Bethany. Missouri, which he still owns. In October, 1908, Mr. Dille came to Maryville and bought an interest in the Maryville Creamery Company. of which he assumed the active management. His practical and extensive experience in this line rendered him peculiarly adapted to the situation here, and his efforts as the executive head of the local company have resulted in
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building up a large and constantly increasing business. The Maryville Creamery is widely and favorably known, its products, which are sold over a wide range of territory, being rated among the very best on the market. All the cream used in this plant is furnished by Nodaway county farmers, who are thus directly benefited by the industry, while, on the other hand, practi- cally all the creamery butter consumed in the county is furnished by this company. They also ship large quantities to Kansas City, St. Joseph and the eastern markets. The daily output of the plant is one thousand pounds of butter, the great churn having a capacity of twelve hundred pounds. The plant is completely equipped in every respect, the machinery including a large and up-to-date pasteurizer, receiving and refining vats and other fea- tures which characterize a thoroughly modern and sanitary creamery. In addition to the production of butter, the company also manufactures ice cream in large quantities, which finds a ready sale in Maryville and the surrounding country, the popularity of the product attesting its high quality. Mr. Dille gives his personal attention to every detail of the business and the manufacture, the success of the business being largely due to his practical knowledge of its requirements and his sound business judgment. Among his business associates he is held in high regard, and he is popular in a large circle of social acquaintances.
On June 22, 1893. Mr. Dille was united in marriage to Emma L. Krat- zer, of Kansas City, Missouri, who was born April 9, 1874. To them have been born two children, Charles B. and Ruth E., both of whom are in school.
Politically, Mr. Dille is an ardent supporter of the Republican party, and takes an intelligent interest in public affairs, though he is not in any sense a seeker after public office. Fraternally, he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the De- gree of Honor, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Neighbors.
SWEITZER & DAVISON.
Among the business houses of Maryville, Nodaway county, none holds higher rank than the cigar manufacturing firm of Sweitzer & Davison. This firm, which was organized on August 8. 1908. has rapidly and steadily grown in magnitude and importance until today it is one of the best known concerns in its line in this part of Missouri, its reputation and goods being
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also known in several adjoining states. This success has been secured through the sound business principles which have controlled the business, the output of the factory being known for its high grade and honest quality. Messrs. Sweitzer and Davison have, by pursuing the right course, built up a large and constantly increasing business, and are numbered among the representative business men of Maryville.
The factory gives employment to sixteen people, some of whom are employed in the retail end of the business. The building is one hundred and thirty-two by twenty-two feet in size, the entire floor as well as the base- ment of the same size being used. The firm makes five- and ten-cent goods. among the former being the widely-known brands, "Great American," "Trav- eler," "Pawnee." "Havanna Leader." "Rosebud." "No. 9" and "Henry Vane," which are favorably known among users of the weed all over north- ern Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska. "Lord Digby." a ten-cent cigar, made in two sizes, is considered one of the best cigars of its class in the market, and is extremely popular with smokers of high-grade cigars. Messrs. Sweitzer & Davison import direct all the Sumatra and Havana tobacco used in their goods, and they also buy the best leaf from Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Georgia. They have an elegantly appointed retail store at No. 113 South Main street, where they carry not only a full line of cigars and tobaccos, but also all kindred lines and supplies. A shoe-shining parlor is run in connection.
Conrad Sweitzer was born on February 19. 1878, in Maryville, Mis- souri, and is a son of John and Mary ( Wisner) Sweitzer. John Sweitzer, who was born in Germany in 1828, came to the United States at the age of twenty-four years, and engaged in farming. In 1870 he came to Mary- ville and for a number of years was engaged in railroad work, having been in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy and the Wabash roads. He has now retired from active labor and is living at No. 701 Saunders street, Maryville. Mrs. Sweitzer was born in Germany, and their marriage occurred in Illinois. They have become the parents of nine children, of which number four are living.
Conrad Sweitzer was educated in the public schools of Maryville, and on completing his education he learned the trade of a cigarmaker. In 1900 he started the manufacture of cigars on his own account, and in 1908, as already stated, he entered into a partnership with George D. Davison, under the firm name of Sweitzer & Davison, this business being referred to at length in preceding paragraphs. Politically, Mr. Sweitzer is a Democrat, while his religious membership is with the Catholic church. Fraternally,
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he is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters. Personally, Mr. Sweit- zer is genial and companionable and enjoys a large circle of warm personal friends. He possesses good business ability and has given his undivided at- tention to the business with which he is identified, much of its success being directly due to his indefatigable efforts.
George Delbert Davison was born on a farm in Page county, Iowa, October 17, 1876, the son of Clay and Sarah (Ingram) Davison. His father was also born in Page county, in 1842, being the son of early pioneers of that section of the state. He has always followed farming, and still lives on his two-hundred-acre farm there. He is a Republican in politics and a mem- ber of the Methodist church. In 1863 he married Sarah Ingram, and they have had six children, five of whom are living. George D. Davison was educated in the public schools and applied his energies first to farming. Sub- . sequently he became a clerk in a hardware store at Bradyville, Iowa, later buying an interest in the business. Two years later he went on the road for a Des Moines wholesale firm, with which he was identified for four years. During the following two years he was engaged in traveling as a cigar salesman. In 1908 he entered into the partnership with Conrad Sweitzer, and has devoted his attention to this business. He possesses to a marked de- gree those qualities which contribute to the success of any business, and he is numbered among the popular and successful business men of the city.
On January 31, 1905, Mr. Davison was united in marriage with Bessie Harbison, of Maryville, who was born January 30. 1888. Politically, Mr. Davison is an advocate of Republican principles, while his religious mem- bership is with the Methodist church. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the United Commercial Travelers.
E. HARVEY BAINUM.
A man of wise discretion and business ability. as his rapid rise from a comparatively modest beginning to his present excellent standing among the enterprising and successful business men of Nodaway county indicates, is E. Harvey Bainum, proprietor of the Union Bus Company of Maryville, and while he has very naturally and properly labored for the advancement of his own interests and those of his family, he has not neglected his duties of
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citizenship, taking a pride in whatever tends to promote the general good of Nodaway county.
Mr. Bainum was born on March 3, 1860, on a farm near Burlington Junction, this county, and is the son of James F. and Hannah (Moreland) Bainum. His father was a native of Ohio, having been born in Monroe county. September 6. 1836. When he was a young man he came to Nod- away county, Missouri, and settled on a farm near Burlington Junction, pur- chasing eighty acres there. On September 5, 1858, he married Hannah Moreland. James F. Bainum proved his patriotism to the Union when the great rebellion threatened to disrupt it, by enlisting, in 1861, in the Federal army, in which he served with credit until the close of the struggle, taking part in many trying campaigns and hard-fought battles, at last giving up his life for his country, one of the noblest things any man ever had the privilege of doing, he having been killed by Mosby's guerrillas in 1865, ranking at the time of his death as first lieutenant. His wife was born and reared in Ohio, her birth occurring on February 6, 1838; she now lives with her son, E. Harvey, in Maryville. James F. Bainum was a Republican and a Methodist. He was a good citizen and well liked by all who knew him.
E. Harvey Bainum received a good education in the common schools and the high school at Maryville. He learned telegraphy in his youth and became very proficient in this line of work, having been in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad for a period of sixteen years as operator and agent, giving eminent satisfaction as a faithful and trusted employe. He then purchased an interest in the Union Bus Company of Maryville, which he retained four years and then disposed of; but after conducting a livery business in a small way for two years, he again, in 1903, purchased the business of the Union Bus Company and has since very suc- cessfully conducted the same. being well equipped in every way for this business.
Mr. Bainum is a man who takes great interest in everything that ad- vances the interest of Maryville and community. He is a Republican, and served very faithfully as township trustee, also as city clerk for a period of five years. Fraternally, he is well known and takes an active interest in the following orders, of which he is a member: The Knights of Pythias. the Modern Woodmen of America, the Independent Order of Odd Fellow's and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Mr. Bainum was married to Laura Gruber at Hiawatha, Kansas, and this union has resulted in the birth of two children, Maude and Anna, both living at home.
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JOHN ELDON BAILEY. 1
Whether the elements of success in life are innate attributes of the indi- vidual or whether they are quickened by a process of circumstantial develop- ment, it is impossible to clearly determine. Yet the study of a successful life, whatever the field of endeavor, is none the less interesting and profitable by reason of existence of this same uncertainty. So much in excess of those of successes are the records of failures or semi-failures, that one is con- strained to attempt an analysis in either case and to determine the measure of causation in an approximate way. But in studying the life history of John Eldon Bailey, a well-known citizen of Maryville, we find many quali- ties in his makeup that always gain definite success in any career if properly directed, as his has evidently been done, which has resulted in good to him- self, his family and to others with whom he has come in contact.
Mr. Bailey was born April 16, 1869, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Samuel P. and Lavinia (Dunlap) Bailey. The father was born March 3, 1837, in Morgan county, Ohio, where he grew to maturity and was educated in the early schools of the Buckeye state. He came to Iowa in 1865 and first engaged in the newspaper business; then entered the mercantile business at Center Point, and continued successfully in this line until his death, Janu- ary 22, 1903. He was a Republican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and belonged to the Masonic fraternity and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He married Lavinia Dunlap, who was born in Fulton county, Pennsylvania, February 7, 1839, and whose death occurred at Tarkio, Missouri, July 12, 1892.
John E. Bailey was brought to Tarkio. Atchison county, Missouri, when a child and there he grew to manhood and was educated in the public schools. Early in life he turned his attention to the mercantile world and began clerk- ing in a store in Westboro, Atchison county, also clerked in Tarkio, then went to Princeton, this state, and from there to Maryville in 1903, and or- ganized the Maryville Furniture Company, of which he is still secretary and manager and W. H. Lee is president. He has built up an extensive patron- age with the town and surrounding country, and his store is widely known, being one of the neatest and best-equipped of its kind in the county, always carefully stocked with an up-to-date line of everything to be found in a modern furniture store, a full line of furniture, sewing machines, kitchen cabinets, wall paper, window shades, etc. Mr. Bailey, in connection with his store, does a large undertaking business, having been licensed by the state board of embalming on June 3, 1907.
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Mr. Bailey is a member of the Christian church, belongs to the Masons and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He has won a reputation for honesty in all the relations of life, and his many customers and patrons have remained his friends.
Mr. Bailey was married on June 15, 1892, to Anna E. Frazier, daugh- ter of W. R. and Sarah (Maupin) Frazier, a well-established family of At- chison county, this state. Mrs. Bailey was born September 21, 1876. To this union one child has been born, William Frazier Bailey.
RICHARD LEWIS MCDOUGAL.
In no profession is there a career more open to talent than is that of the law, and in no field of endeavor is there demanded a more careful preparation. a more thorough appreciation of the absolute ethics of life or of the under- lying principles which form the basis of all human rights and privileges. Possessing all the requisite qualities of the able lawyer. Richard L. McDougal stands today among the well known attorneys and successful business men of Maryville. Nodaway county, Missouri, where for many years he has been numbered among the leading and representative citizens.
Mr. McDougal was born on January 24. 1857. in Warsaw, Illinois, and is a son of John and Elmira (Lewis) McDougal. The paternal grand- parents were Richard and Mary McDougal. of Ohio, the former having been a successful farmer and miller. Their son John, father of the subject of this sketch, was born on the paternal farmstead in Vinton county. Ohio. on April 22, 1832, and while but a boy he suffered the loss of his parents by death. He engaged as a farm hand and for a while was also employed in a flour mill. He was also engaged in the mercantile business for a short time in his native state. and then, in 1855, went to Warsaw. Illinois, where he engaged in contract carpenter work. He was so employed a number of years. but eventually he went to Wichita, Kansas, and still later to Denver, Colorado. where he now resides. He is a Republican in his political faith, while, fra- ternally. he is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. On October 18, 1855. he married Elmira Lewis, a native of Ohio, and they be- came the parents of five children, of which number four are now living. Mrs. Elmira McDougal died in Denver, Colorado, on March 27. 1907.
Richard L. McDougal was reared by his parents and secured his educa-
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tion in the public schools, graduating from the Warsaw schools in 1874. Hav- ing determined upon the practice of law, he entered the law department of the University of Michigan, where he graduated in 1877. In the same year he was admitted to the bar of that state and in the following year he was admitted to the bar of Illinois. He at once engaged in the active practice of his profession, where he remained until 1883, when he came to Maryville, Nodaway county, Missouri, where he has practiced ever since. As a lawyer he evinces a familiarity with legal principles and a ready perception of facts, which has won him the reputation of a sound and safe counselor. While an able and painstaking lawyer, Mr. McDougal's practice is largely that of an office counselor, especially as to matters pertaining to real estate law and real estate securities. This is particularly advantageous to him, since he has compiled a system of abstracts of the real estate records of the county, giv- ing the work his personal supervision and labor. Conscientious work has brought him not only increase of practice and reputation, but also that growth in legal knowledge the possession of which constitutes marked excellence in the profession. By a straightforward, honorable course he has built up a lucra- tive legal, loan and abstract business and is numbered among the successful men of his city.
In 1886 Mr. McDougal organized the Maryville Homestead and Loan Association, which has had an uninterrupted and remarkably successful career of nearly twenty-five years and which has been of incalculable benefit to the community. The association was organized with fifty-six members, or share- holders, while at the present time there are one hundred and sixty, or three times as many as there were when the organization was effected. The asso- ciation is particularly fortunate in having for its officers and directors the most prominent, successful and influential business men of the community. which has not only given the society marked prestige, but has been a guaranty of its stability and integrity. The present officers are. John G. Grems, presi- dent : N. Sturm, vice-president : Richard L. McDougal, secretary, and W. C. Pierce, treasurer, while the directors are Richard Kuchs, J. C. Allender. C. WV. Yehle, C. Butherus, W. C. Pierce, John G. Grems, Nick Sturm, M. Nus- baum and Curtis Wray. On March 26, 1906, the association was re-incor- porated and has now an authorized capital of three hundred thousand dollars Since its organization the association has paid out in actual gain to its share- holders one hundred and ten thousand one hundred and ninety-one dollars and eighty-two cents, or a total gain since organization of almost one hundred and eighty-four thousand dollars, its present resources amounting to almost fifty- four thousand dollars. The motto of the company. "Rest beneath thine own
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roof tree," is the well-worded expression of the sentiment which has actuated the prime movers of the association and in many ways it has been a power for good in the community. As a means whereby ambitious people may become owners of their own homes and as a means of safe and profitable investment the association has been a mutual blessing. "Frenzied finance" plays no part in the management of this institution, which is run on principles of time- honored conservatism. In the management and operation of the Mary- ville Homestead and Loan Association, Mr. McDougal has been actively and personally identified ever since its inception and much of its success is directly attributable to his sound judgment, business ability and conservative methods.
On November 25, 1887. Mr. McDougal was united in marriage with Alla Cake, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, October 26, 1862, the daughter of Rev. E. B. and Jennie S. Cake. To this union have been born four children, namely : Margaret, of Maryville, and John L., Francis E. and William H., who remain at home and are attending the public schools.
Politically, Mr. McDougal is an ardent supporter of the Republican party and takes an intelligent and commendable interest in local public affairs, although he is not a seeker after public office for himself. His fraternal rela- tions are with the Knights of Pythias, holding membership in the local lodge at Maryville. He belongs to that class of citizens who, by their support of the moral, political and social status for the general good, promote the real wel- fare of their respective communities. He is a man of large public spirit and enterprise, genial in disposition and one who readily makes friends. Because of his marked ability and his high personal worth, he enjoys a high standing in the community. being numbered among its representative citizens. He and his wife move in the best social circles of the community and their own home is a favorite meeting place of their friends, who fully appreciate the spirit of hospitality and good cheer ever in evidence there.
AUSTIN BEECH ALLEN, M. D.
Success in what are properly termed the learned professions is the legiti- mate result of merit and painstaking endeavor. In commercial life one may come into possession of a lucrative business through inheritance or gift, but professional advancement is gained only by critical study and consecu- tive research long continued. Proper intellectual discipline, thorough pro- fessional knowledge and the possession and utilization of the qualities and
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attributes essential to success have made Dr. Austin Beech Allen, of Mary- ville, Nodaway county, eminent in his chosen calling, and he stands today among the scholarly and enterprising physicians and surgeons in a com- munity long distinguished for the high order of its medical talent.
He was born February 12, 1850, in Warren county, Illinois, and is the son of Dr. Alfred A. and Nancy (Maley) Allen. The former was born on April 7, 1818, in Muskingum county, Ohio, and died April 26, 1910, aged ninety-two years and nineteen days, leaving one brother, Dr. Boyd Allen, of Hillsboro, Iowa, the only survivor of his immediate family. He is eighty- eight years old. The father of Alfred A. died when the son was two years old; he had the distinction of serving as a colonel in the war of 1812. Dying early in life, he left a widow and four children almost destitute, therefore the children received a meager education and began working for themselves when quite small. When twelve years of age, Alfred A. lost his mother, and he and the rest of the children were reared by farmers in their native vicinity, Alfred A. working on various farms until he was twenty-five years old, when, being ambitious to become a practitioner of medicine, he entered the Cincinnati School of Medicine. He first began to practice in Indian- apolis, Indiana, and remained there one year, then came to Warren county, Illinois, where he practiced his profession until 1855, then moved to Henry county, Iowa, where he engaged in practice and the mercantile business until 1875. He then turned his attention to farming in Taylor county, Iowa ; moving to North Dakota in 1886, he continued farming until his death, on April 26, 1910. He had been very successful in all that he had undertaken, and was a man beloved and admired by hosts of friends wherever he was known. Politically he was a Republican, and he belonged to the Presby- terian church. He was married to Nancy Maley in Warren county, Illinois, about 1847. She was born in West Virginia, February 13, 1826, and this union resulted in the birth of ten children, six of whom are now living. The mother's death occurred in Steele, North Dakota. February 13, 1904.
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