USA > Missouri > Carroll County > Portrait and biographical record of Clay, Ray, Carroll, Chariton, and Linn Counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 58
USA > Missouri > Chariton County > Portrait and biographical record of Clay, Ray, Carroll, Chariton, and Linn Counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 58
USA > Missouri > Clay County > Portrait and biographical record of Clay, Ray, Carroll, Chariton, and Linn Counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 58
USA > Missouri > Linn County > Portrait and biographical record of Clay, Ray, Carroll, Chariton, and Linn Counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 58
USA > Missouri > Ray County > Portrait and biographical record of Clay, Ray, Carroll, Chariton, and Linn Counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 58
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Thirteen children grace the union of our sub- jeet and his wife. all of whom are living with the exception of Mrs. Convers, who died April 1. 1877. leaving a daughter, Angerona, who live-
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with her grandparents. The other members of the family are Wilham O., born October 16. 1851: Belle F., February 16. 1856; Marcellus D., Octo- ber 6; 1857; James T .. April 29, 1860; Sterling P., March 8, 1862; Benjamin F., on Christmas Day of 1861; George A., ,January 27, 1867; Robert N., March 17, 1869; Louis N., July 6, 1871; Mary C., August 8, 1874; Reuben A. and Sallie J. (twins), October 8. 1876; and Toby T .. October 9, 1879. Ten of these children are living at home.
Politically, our subject is a strong advocate of the Democratic party. He is a chapter member of Ada Lodge No. 441. A. F. & A. M. He and his wife are consistent members of the Christian Church, where they are active workers. Our sub- jeet's health is now very poor as he suffered a para- lytie stroke, in spite of which he manages his farm and stock business. He is very agreeable and soci- able in manner. and has friends without number. Hle is benevolent and kind-hearted. having made homes for several orphan children in addition to ยท his own large family.
FG RANK S. ROBERTSON. efficient Cashier of the Farmers' Bank in Norborne, Carroll County, has for over forty years made his home in this State. His ancestors emigrated to America from Scotland at an early day. He is a son of Richard C. and Naney ( MeGlassen) Robert- son, who were both born in the Old Dominion. His paternal grandfather, Walthall Robertson, was a native of Virginia.
Our subject's birth occurred March 27, 1828, in Cumberland County. Ky .. to which State his par- ents had removed in early childhood. When six years of age, with his parents, he went to Illinois. where his father engaged in farming for many years. The educational advantages of our subject were those of the public schools. In 1851, com- ing Westward to Missouri. he located in Miami, in Saline County, where he accepted a position as clerk in a general merchandise store. At the ex- piration of two years he embarked in the same line of business ou his own account in Miami, and suc-
cessfully conducted the same until the breaking out of the late war.
In 1853, Mr. Robertson was united in marriage with Miss Ann M. Rucker, whose father. George .A. Rucker, was a native of Virginia. Of this union were born two daughters, one of whom is de- ceased. The surviving daughter is Rosa. The wife and mother was called to her finil rest in Au- gust, 1860. In 1865, our subject was again mar- ried, at which time Mrs. Kate Latimer became his wife. Mrs. Robertson is the daughter of E. W. Lewis, who was born in Virginia. I'nto our worthy subject and wife have been born eight children. of whom five are living, as follows: Samuel A., Franklin S., William W., Henry T. and Robert E.
In 1866, Mr. Robertson engaged in business in De Witt, Carroll County, where he remained for two years. About the year 1868, going to Ne- braska, he there embarked in the lumber and grain business, which he carried on for six years. He then returned to Carroll County, which has been his home up to the present time. Ilis present abode is in Norborne, in which eity he is now oc- cupied as Cashier of the Farmers' Bank.
In politics, Mr. Robertson is a pronounced Dem- oerat. Hle is a member of the Christian Church, while his wife belongs to the Baptist denomina- tion. Mr. Robertson enjoys the confidence and es- teem of his fellow-citizens, which he well deserves by his honorable course in life.
ILLIAM C. SWAIN. Among the enterpris- ing young farmers of Chariton County is he whose name heads this notice. His farm is located on section 25. township 51, range 19, and his principal business is that of raising stock. Ilis paternal grandfather, Cornelius Swain. was born and reared in North Carolina, whence he removed to Tennessee and later to Kentucky. In Warren County of the latter State was celebrated his marriage with Miss Martha Tibbs. They set- tled in Russellville. where Mr. Swain followed hi- trade of stone engraver. There he continued to make his home for about a quarter of a century,
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when he removed to Illinois, where he engaged in farming until his death in 1863. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons. His family com- prised five children, one of whom, John, died in Mississippi at the age of sixty-seven. The living children are: George, a farmer of Chariton County; William, who is carrying on the old home place in Illinois; Jesse T .; and Hooper, who is in the tinner's business in Russellville, Ky.
Jesse T. Swain, the father of our subject, was born in Russellville, Ky., February 1, 1830. At the age of fourteen years he was apprenticed to learn the saddler's trade, at which business he worked for six years. then emigrating to Missouri. He worked at his trade for about one year in Fay- ette, after which he went to Lexington. Going from that point to St. Louis, he remained there but a short time. and in the fall of 1851 engaged in the saddlery business in Keytesville. In 1858 he re- moved to the farm he now occupies on section 4, township 51, range 19. He is considered one of the most successful farmers of the county and has devoted his attention principally to raising live . stock.
In 1856, Mr. Swain wedded Miss Martha Wheeler, daughter of D. N. Wheeler, who was a prominent farmer and early settler of the county, and whose farm is located six miles north of the county seat. They have seven living children. Mr. Swain has now about five hundred acres of land, on which he has erected a very commodious and pleasant farm dwelling. Ile is a member of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons. of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Grange. In his political aflili- ations he is a supporter of the Democracy.
We now next briefly note the history of William C. Swain, whose name stands at the head of this sketch. Ilis birth occurred August 2, 1858, in Chariton County. He was educated in the district schools and hasalways followed farming since his youth. He owns one hundred and sixty acres on section 25, which is arable and well-improved property. Ile is principally engaged in maising stock and is considered one of the rising and pro- gressive farmers of the township. In 1879, he lo- cated on a farm adjoining his father's, where he
had purchased one hundred and ten acres. There he made his home for four years, after which he re- turned to the old homestead. which he operated for one year. Ile then purchased a place one mile north of that point, which he shortly afterward traded for the farm which he is now operating. and where he has resided since 1884.
In the year 1879, Mr. Swain was married to Miss Lottie Price, by whom he has one child. Jesse. In 1882, Mrs. Swain was called to the home beyond, and some time later our subject wedded Miss Mol- lie Duff, whose father, Robert Duff, is a prominent farmer of this township. She was born and reared in this county and was educated in the public schools in Keytesville. The union has been blessed with one child, who is called after his grandfathers, Jesse Robert. Mr. and Mrs. Swain are workers and members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the former holds membership with the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association.
P ROF. WILLIAM B. ILARPER, who is a tal- ented teacher of music. has secured a hold on publie favor, and the success which he has achieved fully attests his ability as an instructor and upright, reliable citizen. He is es- pecially accomplished as a violinist, and is a thor- ough and practical instructor on that instrument. his pupils being representatives of the leading families and citizens. Although he is only twenty- four years of age, he is the director of Harper's Orchestra, which was organized by him in 1890. and which consists of seven pieces, the violin, cor- net, clarionet, trombone and double drums. Dur- ing the short time that this company has been organized it has attained a wide reputation and is in demaud at social gatherings, parties and balls.
Prof. Harper was born in Weston, Mo .. May 22, 1869, his father, John D. Harper, being a native of Kentucky, but of Scotch-Irish extraction, for his mother came directly from the Isle of Erin at the age of six years, John D. Harper during his youthful days made fourteen trips across the
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plains as a freighter of goods, these long journeys being attended by much danger and marked by hardships and privations of no ordinary char- acter. He would usually dispose of his good- in Salt Lake City and then convey a drove of mules, which he usually took with him. on to the Pacifie Slope, where he would sell them at good prices. He was very successful financially, but after a time grew tired of this mode of living and eventually purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 11. Liberty Township, Clay County, on which was standing a handsome brick residence and substantial and commodious barns. lle has since made many other valuable improve- ments. Near his residence he has a large pond well stocked with bass, carp, pereli, catfish, tobacco pouch and Buffalo fish, which are not only a source of mitch pleasure to the angler. but are of profit to the owner also. In his career as a farmer he has met with most pleasing results from a financial stand- point, and the energetic manner in which he has . taken advantage of all methods and ideas tending to enhance the value of his property has been in every way worthy of emulation. and has had a great deal to do with obtaining the competence he now enjoys.
The mother of the subject of this sketch was the daughter of the lon. John R. Keller. a native of Jessamine County, Ky., who settled in Clay County. Mo., at an early day. and served with marked abil- ity and distinction in the State Senate for two years. lle died a respected and honored citizen of Clay County, of which he had been a promi- nent resident forover half a century. Mr -. Harper is a woman of many noble traits of character, being amiable, generous. kind-hearted and de- voted to her family. She has exercised excellent judgment in rearing her children. and has the un- bounded satisfaction of knowing that they have profited by her good advice and have attained to honorable manhood and womanhood. She and her husband have the respect and esteem of all who know them.
William B. Harper was given far better than average educational advantages, and after attend- ing the common schools for a number of years he. at the early age of fifteen. became a student in
Washburne College, at Topeka, Kan., and later in William Jeweli College, of Liberty, Mo., his rec- ord as a diligent and painstaking student in both these institutions being excellent. Although he is a telegraph operator of no mean ability and a practical and therough civil engineer, he is devot- ing his attention to music, for which all the men- ber- of the family seem to have a natural aptitude and taste. Since 1886 he has been a resident of Lib- erty, where he has built up a paying patronage and gives every promise of doing well. lle is the fifth of sis children; the other members of the family were: Lizzie, who died in childhood: Lila. who was born in 1857, married E. Kimber. of To- poka, Kan .. and is now living in Chicago; John J. is married and has been a elerk in the post- office of Topeka for eight years; Irene L. was born in 1867. and is at home with her parents: and Sarah 1,, who was born in 1872. The daugh- ters received their educations in Bethany College. at Topeka, and Sarah A. has attended Liberty Fe- male Coliege. of Liberty. Mo. Mrs. Kimber. of Chicago, studied vocal and instrumental music for twelve years and is an exceptionally accom- plished musician, while Sarah has given it her at- tention for five years.
AVID EDWARDS, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Linn County, is the owner of eighty aeres of land situated on section 17, township 58. range 21. lie purchased his present property in the spring of 1871, paying for it at the rate of $25 per acre. Ile has brought it all under good cultivation and has made many improvements. It is now worth over 830 per acre and is considered one of the best farms in the township.
The paternal grandfather of our subjeet was a native of Wales, where he was an extensive herder of sheep, owning and grazing as many as ten thousand at a time. The parents of Mr. Edward- were also born in Wales and crossed the Atlantic. arriving in the United States in 1835. The father was a farmer by occupation and before leaving his
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native land married Miss Hannah Owens, by whom he had live children. as follows: Hannah. Thomas, Evan, David and Mary.
David Edwards, whose name heads this sketch, like his ancestors, was born in Wales in 1832, and consequently was but three years of age when brought by his parents to this country. Ile was reared in Waukesha, Wis., and there acquired his education. In 1866. he removed to Missouri, re- siding for four years in the eastern part of Linn County, after which he purchased his present farm and has since been engaged in general farming and stock-raising. Ile makes a specialty of breeding and raising good horses, and by his energy and industry has acquired a comfortable fortune.
Our subject has been twice married, his first. union being with Miss Mary German, of Wiscon- sin. To them was born a daughter, llannah. now Mrs. Thomas. In 1861. Mr. Edward- wedded Mi- Eliza C. Taylor, a native of Ohio, and of their marriage has been born a son, George W., who is a farmer in Clay Township. Linn County, and who on attaining his majority married Miss Mildred Duncan, of the same county.
For fourteen years Mr. Edwards has been School Director of his distriet and has taken an influential part in educational and local affairs. Ile has also served as Commissioner of Ihighways. In his political affiliation-, Mr. Edwards is a Dem- ocrat, and with his amiable wife holds membership with the Church of Christ.
C HARLES WIRT, the efficient and energetic general manager of Kirk Armour's fine country-seat and magnificent stock-farm located near Excelsior Springs. Mo .. was fitted by many years of practical experience to ably dis- charge the duties of his present most responsible position. Our subjeet was born in Ohio, in 1851. and was the son of Joseph and Margaret Wirt, both natives of Ohio, and born near Akron. The father was a prominent farmer and stock raiser, and was widely known in the Buckeye State. Mr. Wirt received his primary education in the pub-
lle schools and afterward received the benefit of a course of instruction in the Smithville (Ohio) Acad- emy. Before he was twenty years of age. he sue- cessfully taught school in his native State, and in 1870 came with his father to Missouri, and was en- gaged in stock-raising, buying and shipping for three years; then returning to Ohio he engaged in teaching school.
Upon October 22, 1878, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Susan, a daughter of John Croco, a prosperous agriculturist and leading far- mer of Holmes County, Ohio. He owns the finest homestead. improved with the most attractive and commodious buildings, to be found anywhere in that section of the State. and raises a choice variety of the best graded stock. Mrs. Wirt was born May 13, 1857, and was educated in the excellent schools of her native county. where she afterward taught school. She was the eighth of her parents ' family of nine children, and seven sons and daughters yet survive. Mr. Wirt is the third of six children, four boys and two girls, all of whom are living. His brother is the Principal of the public schools of Belden, Mo., and is an experienced and very successful teacher. Ile was Principal of the schools of Raymore, Mo., for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Wirt are the parents of four children: ller- bert, born October 15, 1880; Ralph, October 21, 1885; Wayne. October 1, 1888; and Ada, July 13, 1892.
Our subject took charge of Armour's extensive stock-farm and began his successful career as gel- eral manager on the 15th of October, 1890. This valuable country-seat contains eight hundred acre- of land located one mile from Excelsior Spring. and abont one hundred yards from the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul depot. It is laid out with beautiful drives and walks shaded by lofty trees and evergreens. The residence and extensive barns are the best in the county, the elegant stock barn alone costing $1,000, it being a model building, finely arranged for the convenience and comfort of the fine stock. Large numbers of Hereford cattle. all registered stock, are here how-ed. Superior grades of draft, driving and saddle horse -. from sixty to one hundred, may be constantly seen upon the farm, and within its acreage large
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6. Hassler
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flocks of sheep, Shropshire, Lancaster and South- down, graze. Ninety-five acres of good corn re- turn a large annual harvest, and other crops are produced. Mr. Wirt has the entire management and responsibility of the several interests centering in this large tract of land and uses his own judg- ment in the raising, care and sale of stock. keeping a complete set of books and rendering a monthly account of expenditures and income. A yearly account or report of all sales, stock or merchandise, help hired and expenses involved. is also rendered and all the business is conducted in the most sys- tematie manner. Our subject pays bills by check on the Excelsior Bank. In the faithful devotion he gives to his employer's interest he finds little spare time. During 1892. he broke eighty colts, all owned upon the farm. As soon as the young horses were fit to work. they were shipped to Armour's packing-house .. Mr. What is a salaried employee and receives compensation commensu- rate with the responsibility of his position. He is a valued member of the lodge of the Knights of Pythias in Excelsior Springs, and both within and without the order has many sincere friends. A man of sterling integrity of character, conscienti- ously doing well his work in life and faithfully fulfilling every obligation he assumes, he is also an earnest and public-spirited citizen, broad in his ideas, and liberal in sentiment.
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HRISTIAN HASSLER is a retired farmer living in Browning, and is a respected citizen, highly spoken of by all his neigh- bors and fellow-townsmen. He is a native of Ger- many, where his birth occurred April 7. 1813. Ilis father, Christian Gotleib Hassler, was likewise a native of the Fatherland, and unto himself and wife were born three sons and four daughters. Carl. a brother of our subject, resides in New Bo -- ton, Mo., and is retired from the active duties of farm life, in which he had been engaged for many year -. He was a soldier in the late war, serving till its close.
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The boyhood and early manhood of our subject were passed in his native land, from which he resolved to emigrate in 1818. Crossing the At- lantic he arrived in New York, where he remained but a short time, after which he went to Cincin- nati and obtained employment working on a.turn- pike for six months. Concluding to come further West, he traveled overland, and for eight year- engaged in farming in Oshkosh, Wis., whence he removed to Lmn County, Mo. On his arrival in Missouri he purchased land in Linn County, for which he paid from $10 to $15 an acre and which he still owns. Recently he has retired from active labor, and the income received from his land en- ables him to surround himself with all the eom- forts of life and enjoy a rest which he has truly deserved by his many years of industry and toil.
Before leaving his native land Mr. Hassler was united in marriage with Terasea Zlauswitz. This lady having died, he was married in Linn County in 1858 to Miss Emily Faukoner, a native of Ken- tucky. They are both members of the Lutheran Church and are liberal givers in the work of that denomination. Mr. Hassler enlisted in the First Regiment Cavalry of Missouri and was for one year in the service, receiving his discharge at Sedalia, Mo. Politically, he is a firm Republican and a man of publie spirit. For the past thirty-six years he has been thoroughly identified with and interes- ted in the prosperity and progress of this county, and it is therefore with great pleasure that we present to his many friends in this locality this brief record of his life and tribute to his well- known worth.
ENRY C. PERDUE, IR. A well-appointed grocery establishment goes far toward the solution of the problem of feeding the masses. for the question of food supplies is one of the first with which the human family have to contend. The drug business is little los- im- portant, for from the very carhest ages the art of preparing the compounds that arrest and remove pain and heal the sick has been regarded as among
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the highest of human functions. and thus it is that so much interest and importance attach to these two callings.
Henry C. Perdue is not only a reliable drug- gist, but also keep- a select and extensive stock of groceries in Orrick, hi- house being a popu- lar one, and he a successful and pushing man of affairs. He is keenly alive to his own interests, as all prosperous business men are, grasps at all opportunities for bettering his financial condition, but withal is so honorable and fair in every trans- action, and so desirous of pleasing his patrons. that it is not to be wondered at that his career has ever been "onward and upward." He cas al- ways be found at his busmess headquarters, where he is ready and willing to comply with the wishes of his customer -. experience having taught them that his word is to be relied upon, and that his goods are fresh and of the best.
Our subjeet is a native of Ray County. his birth having ocenrred on the 3d of March. 1863. He is a son of Henry C. Perdue. Sr .. of Richmond, Mo., a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work. The subject of this sketch may be said to have been reared to the drug business. for he entered an establishment of that kind when a mere lad, where he at first ran errands and did odd jobs of all kinds. He never attended school after he was sixteen years of age, and prior to that time received only ordinary advantages, but he was naturally so intelligent, wide awake and desirous of becoming well informed. that he was far better posted than the average boy of his age. After the death of his mother he left the shelter of his home and bravely started out to make his own way in the world as a elerk in a mercantile establishment in Saline County, Mo .. where he re- . mained about one year, his experience during that time being of great value to him. Immediately following this he worked with the company of surveyors on the Santa Fe Raitroad, spending about one year under the direct supervision of C. S. Carpenter, the locating engineer of the com- pany.
In the year 1887 Mr. Perdue went to Colorado. where he remained for some time, but once more arrived in Orrick on the Ist of January, 1892, of
which place he has since been one of the prosper- outs business men and a wide-awake and public- spirited citizens. Any enterprise that is started for the benefit of his section finds a ready and substantial supporter in Mr. Perdue, who has al- ways had the deepest interest in the welfare and progress of his native county.
b I'GO BARTZ is the junior member of the firm of Moore & Bartz. proprietors of the Keytesville Street Railway Company in the city of that name. He is a stockholder in the Keytesville Mercantile Company, of which he is Vice-president. lle is also a stockholder and Pre -- ident of the Keytesville Lumber Company, and is numbered among the prominent and healing business men of the city.
Our subject was born in Prussia. Germany .July 1. 1838. He received a good German educa- tion, and was there reared to manhood. In Isi? he crossed the briny deep, and soon after his ar- rival in America located in Keytesville. Mo .. where he built a mill and engaged in milling for twenty- three years. He learned his trade of a miller in Prussia, and was very successful in that line of business. In 1888 he sold his mill to Messr -. Owen & Courtney, who have since operated it. Mr. Bartz then, in partnership with JI. I. Moore. built the railway line which they still control. On the line they have two passenger and one freight car. Though they have about $3.000 is- vested in the company. they have succeeded so well that they would probably not be induced to sell out for twice that amount.
In 1873 Mr. Bartz married Miss Sophie. daugh- ter of Henry Sasse, who formerly resided in Bruns- wick. Chariton County. Mrs. Bartz was reared and educated in Brunswick, and by her marriage became the mother of four children. who are a- follows: Ilugo Ernest. Romeo Alexis. Norine Alma and Leta Inez. Mr. Bartz is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Keytesville, and, socially. holds membership with the Ancient Free & Ar- cepted Masons, and the Ancient Order of United
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