USA > Missouri > Johnson County > Portrait and biographical record of Johnson and Pettis counties, Missouri ; containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 53
USA > Missouri > Pettis County > Portrait and biographical record of Johnson and Pettis counties, Missouri ; containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 53
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RANK L. WRIGHT, a gentleman of superior ability and pleasing address, is Cashier of the Smithton Bank, which position he has - held since its organization. He was instrumental in establishing this institution, preparing and set- ting in motion nearly all of its machinery about three years ago.
Alexander M. Wright, the father of our sub- ject, is now living in Rialto, San Bernardino County, Cal., retired from the active duties of life. He owns a fine fruit farm in that locality and is prepared to spend his declining years in the "Land of Flowers." Many years ago he was a farmer in Ross County, Ohio. In 1866 he made his way to this state, and until about four years ago was the proprietor of a fine tract of land in the vicinity of Smithton. He married
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Susan Edmiston, also of Ohio, who departed this life when sixty-three years of age, while living in California. Of her three children, our subject was the second-born. Jennie R. is the wife of Sylvester Sawdey, and makes her home in Rialto, Cal. Amzi C., now a resident of the above city in California, has been a missionary to China. He was there for five years in the interest of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but was called home by the sickness of his wife. It is his intention, however, to return to heathen lands, and spend his life in telling others about Christ.
The subject of this sketch was born May 21, 1854, in Ross County, Ohio. As soon as old enough he was sent to school, and after the re- mnoval of the family to this state, which occurred when he was eleven, he continued to go to school. He became a good scholar, and after completing his education taught school very successfully during the winter months for seven years, the summer season being spent in farm work. He thus continued to labor until twenty-four years of age, and the three succeeding years he gave his attention entirely to agriculture, after which he moved into Smithton to engage in the general merchandise business. For nine years he was proprietor of one of the best establishments of the kind in the place, and at the end of that time he sold out with the intention of moving away. He was persuaded from taking this step, however, by some of the most influential business men, who regarded him as a valued addition to the business community, and could not very well afford to lose him. He accordingly altered his plans, and remained. The city was very much in need of a good banking institution, and when the establish- ment of this enterprise was suggested, he was chosen as the best qualified, and in every way competent to carry out the scheme. He possessed good business qualities, and, what was most needed of all, the confidence of the people. In a short time the Smithton Bank was ready for business, and Mr. Wright was made its Cashier and Man- ager. Under his efficient control the business of the company is prospering, being well patronized by the merchants and farmers of the community.
Mr. Wright was married in 1879 to Miss Mollie
Sallaway, who was born in Maryland in 1858. To them were born two children, Kate V., thir- teen years of age, and Reginald A., seven years old. Socially our subject is a Modern Woodman and belongs to the ranks of the Republican party. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which his wife is also connected. He is a Notary Public, and altogether is regarded as one of the most influential men of Pettis County.
ILLIAM H. FLESHER, M. D., a pioneer physician of Green Ridge, is also serving as Mayor of that thriving little city. His personal popularity is shown by the fact that he has officiated in this honored position for the past ten years, and during that time has dis- charged every duty devolving upon him with great fidelity and to the satisfaction of the public.
Our subject was born in the Old Dominion June 12, 1829, and is the eldest now living in a family of ten children born to Andrew and Anna (Hughes) Flesher, both of whom were also Vir- ginians by birth. They resided in their eastern home until advanced in years, when they were induced to live with their youngest son, Ameri- cus, then a resident of Illinois, at whose home they passed to their final reward.
William H., of this sketch, passed his early years in attendance at the common schools of Virginia, and also aided greatly in the work on the farm. Upon attaining his majority, however, he decided to follow a professional life, and in order that he might study under the best of pre- ceptors he went to Meigs County, Ohio, and en- tered the office of Dr. Jeremiah Ackley. When fully prepared to attend lectures he became a stu- dent in the Louisville (Ky.) University, but just one month prior to being graduated was com- pelled to leave school on account of having been stricken with erysipelas fever. He later received his diploma, however, from the university.
On the outbreak of the Civil War our subject
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became a member of the Eleventh Virginia In- fantry, and with his regiment was sent to Par- kersburg, Va., where he was made Assistant Sur- geon. Soon after entering upon his duties in this capacity he received a telegram from the Gover- nor of Virginia, who desired him to recruit a bat- talion for the Third Regiment of Virginia Cav- alry. The Doctor was reluctant to do this, but being shown that it was his duty, he obeyed and was commissioned Captain of Company H. In 1863 he was promoted to be Commander of four companies of the Third Battalion and served as such until the close of the war. He was in active service all this time, participating in more than forty battles and skirmishes. While a great many of his men were either captured or wounded, he fortunately escaped injury, although on one occa- sion his entire command was captured, but was fortunately recaptured by the Seventh Michigan Regiment.
Dr. Flesher was mustered out of service at Washington, D. C., in June, 1865, and after re- maining in his native state for a few months, in July of the following year went to Illinois and was engaged in practice in Olney, Richland County. Owing to ill-health, he changed his lo- cation in 1877, then coming to Missouri and choosing for his future home what was, at that time, the little hamlet of Green Ridge. He very rapidly grew into prominence as a practitioner, and in the years that have intervened has built up a large practice.
The Doctor was married, in 1852, to Miss Mary C., daughter of Jesse and Malinda (Sheets) Parr, both of whom were born in the Buckeye State and were of Welsh and German descent, respect- ively. Their union was blessed by the birth of nine children, two of whom are deceased. Those living are Irwin D., a prominent citizen of Chey- enne, Wyo .; Rosa, who is the wife of H. M. McBride, and lives in Rich Hill., Mo .; Lucy, now Mrs. Charles D. Rayburn, of this county; Minnie, the wife of George Hollenbeck, who is President of the Green Ridge Bank; Mamie, whose husband, E. E. Durand, is Cashier in the above bank; Cora B. and Nellie, at home with their parents. The Doctor, together with his wife
and two daughters, is a member of the Christian Church. The former has been connected with that religious body since 1855, and in Green Ridge and vicinity his name is a synonym for charity and love.
Socially our subject belongs to Illinois Lodge No. 362, A. F. & A. M., also Green Ridge Lodge No. 300, I. O. O. F. He has been Past Grand of that order and is now serving as Secretary of the lodge. The Doctor is a stanch Republican in politics and an active worker in the ranks of that party. In the early days his father was a Whig and on that ticket was elected many times to the Virginia State Legislature. In 1881 our subject was nominated and elected to the Mayor- alty of Green Ridge by a large majority. He is very enthusiastic in the improvement of the city and has set on foot many enterprises which have been of great benefit to it. His home is one of the most beautiful and attractive in the city, and by the judicious investment of his money he has acquired a valuable property.
ODFREID MACK was one of the worthy German-American citizens of Johnson Coun- ty. His death occurred on his old farm on section 24, township 46, range 25, where his wid- ow and youngest son are still living. For nearly a quarter of a century his interests were identified with the development and progress of this county, and he put up one of the first houses erected in Warrensburg. He was well known and popular all through this section of the county, and until he became an invalid was a very active and ener- getic man.
A native of Wurtemberg, Germany, Mr. Mack was born October 27, 1813. He was a son of John and Rosina Mack, natives of the same prov- ince, and life-long agriculturists. The father for a number of years was extensively engaged in hauling freight over the Alps, and in transport- ing merchandise to various points. He died in
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1841, and his wife's demise occurred twenty-one years later. They were the parents of eighteen children, eight of whom grew to maturity, name- ly: John, Mary, Fredericka, Frederick, Margaret, Johanna, Caroline and Godfreid.
In 1842, while engaged in running a farm in his native land, our subject was married to Bar- bara Deere, who was born January 9, 1821. Her parents were Godfrey and Elizabeth C. (Luke) Deere, both natives of Germany, and the former a farmer and wagon-maker. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Mack continued to live on the farm owned by our subject's father until 1856, when they set sail for America. On the journey West they stopped at Dayton, Ohio, where Mr. Mack obtained a position in the asylum as a stationary engineer. This position he held for five or six years, when he moved to Columbia City, Whit- ley County, Ind., buying a farm in that vicinity. At the end of four years he sold out and moved to Warrensburg, in this county.
In 1870 our subject rented land near the city just mentioned, and for a period of seven years raised vegetables for the local trade. For the following four years he lived on another rented farm, and then, moving to a tract of land near Montserrat, cultivated the place for six years. In 1887 the family moved to the farmn of two hundred acres which is now carried on by Jacob J., a son of our subject, who is an enterprising young agriculturist. The homestead is well im- proved with good buildings and comprises two hundred acres within its boundaries. For fifteen years prior to his demise, Godfreid Mack was in very poor health, and death came to him as a re- lease. In politics he was a Democrat, and in everything which concerned the public welfare he was always ready to do his share.
John, the eldest son of Godfreid Mack and wite, married a Miss Harmon and is now living in Kansas; Frederick, the second son, is now in St. Louis, and the lady who bears his name was formerly Anna Beanerman. George, of Portland, Oregon, and a Police Commissioner of that city, married Mollie Abraham. Jacob J., born in 1852, married Ollie Williams, by whom he has two children: Sammy, boru October 7, 1888, and
Lena, born November 7, 1891. The mother of these children died March 7, 1895. Catherine died at the age of eight years, Johanna R. and Christina Fredericka died in infancy Mrs. Mack holds membership with the Presbyterian Church, with which denomination her husband was also associated.
RED HELM, one of the enterprising busi- less men of Sedalia, is agent for the Anheu- ser-Busch Brewing Association, besides be- ing proprietor of large bottling works. He was born in Boll, province of Wurtemberg, Germany, on the 8th of August, 1852, and is a son of An- dreas Helm, an agriculturist of the Fatherland, who also conducted a hotel. The father died in his native land in 1855, at the age of forty-two years. He held membership with the Lutheran Church. The mother, whose maiden name was Annie Maria Esslinger, was also born in Germany, and was the daughter of a farmer. She became the mother of seven children, six of whom are still living.
In the beautiful land of his birth our subject passed his boyhood days, and there attended the common schools. At the age of eighteen he learned the baker's and confectioner's business with the firm of Obonndorf & Rottweil, but, be- lieving that better opportunities were afforded young men in the New World, he decided to leave Germany, and embarked at Bremen on the steam- er "Hohenzollern." After a stormy voyage of nineteen days he landed at Baltimore, Md., in July, 1872. He proceeded at once to Kansas City, where for three years he worked as a baker, when he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he also followed his trade for a time. He next made his home in St. Louis, but came to Sedalia in 1875, where he followed his trade for some four years. On account of ill-health Mr. Helm was obliged
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to give up that vocation, and began the bottling business on Main Street, which he conducted very successfully for seven years. On the expiration of that time he went to Kansas City, where he opened a grocery store on the corner of Seven- teenth and Madison Streets. He returned to Sedalia, however, in 1890, and bought out J. S. McFadden, agent for the Anheuser-Busch Brew- ing Association, becoming a member of the firm of Heuerman & Co., but one year later bought out his partner and is now alone in business. His place of business is 91x120 feet, and is located at No. 213 Osage Avenue. He also carries on steam bottling works in connection with the other, and has an excellent trade, keeping two delivery wagons busy all the time. Besides his main building he also has a large icehouse, storerooms and stable.
Mr. Helm has been twice married, his first union being with Miss Mary Siebe, who died, leaving one child, Ida. After her death he mar- ried Maggie Wolf. Our subject is a member of the Sons of Herman, in which society he takes an active interest, and for many years served as Secretary. He also belongs to the Leiderkrouz, in which he holds the office of Trustee. In politics he affiliates with the Democracy, being a stanch supporter of that party. He is largely interest- ed in real estate in Kansas City, Kan., and in Sedalia, owning both buildings and lots.
ON. P. D. HASTAIN, attorney-at-law and Mayor of Sedalia, was born in Henry Coun- ty, Mo., April 18, 1854, and is a son of Daniel M. and Martha J. (Wade) Hastain. The name was originally Hastings, but was changed by the grandfather of our subject, who emigrated front England to the United States at a very early day. Daniel M. Hastain was reared in Tennes- see, but came to Missouri in 1834, locating in Henry County. The country at that time was
entirely new, but little improvement having been made in any part of the county. He entered Government land, to which he added subsequently by purchase, and became one of the large land- owners of that section. In 1862 he removed to Calhoun and there engaged in general merchan- dising, and subsequently removed to Warsaw, Benton County, where he engaged in the same line of business, and there died in 1874. His wife, the mother of our subject, was born near Louisville, Ky., and is of Scotch-Irish descent. Her father was one of the early physicians of Henry County, Mo. She now resides in Sedalia.
On the removal of the family to Warsaw, onr subject was but ten years of age. Here he en- tered the public schools and received his primary education. Later he entered the State Univer- sity and graduated from the law department in 1879, with the degree of LL. B. Returning home, he at once engaged in the practice of his profes- sion, and soon became one of the most noted at- torneys in this part of the state. In 1880 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Benton County, and was re-elected three terms, serving in all for eight years. In 1890 he located in Sedalia, and formed a partnership with Judge Shirk. He still retains his office at Warsaw, and there regu- larly attends the Benton County Court. His part- . nership with Judge Shirk continued for about one year, since which time he has been alone. In 1892 he was nominated as the Republican candi- date for Congress in the Seventh Congressional District. The district was strongly Democratic, and as the year 1892 was disastrous to the Repub- licans, he was not elected. He was offered the nomination in 1894, but declined to accept. In the spring of that year he was nominated Mayor of the city of Sedalia, and although the city has been usually good for five hundred Democratic majority, he was elected by six hundred votes over his opponent. In the discharge of the duties of the office he brings to bear good executive ability, and has the respect and confidence of all his associates. As may well be understood, in the councils of the Republican party his advice is eagerly sought and his influence is great.
In 1880 Mr. Hastain was married, at Warrens-
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burg, Johnson County, to Miss Lena Hill, a na- tive of that county, and daughter of James Hill, who lost his life during the late Civil War. Four children have been born unto them, Imogene, Reese H., Janet and P. D., Jr.
Socially Mr. Hastain has connections with the Odd Fellows, Elks and United Workmen, in all of which orders he takes considerable interest. As has already been stated, politically he is a Republican, and since attaining his majority has been active in the councils of the party. For some years he was chairman of the Republican Central Committee of Pettis County, and since 1880 lias served as a delegate in every district and state convention of his party. While an act- ive party man, he yet enjoys the respect and con- fidence of his political opponents, and as a citizen takes great pride in the upbuilding of the com- munity in which he resides.
OHN A. WRONG, contracting agent for the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad, and one of the popular citizens of Sedalia, is a Cana- dian by birth and parentage. The family orig- inated in England, whence his grandfather, John Wrong, emigrated to Canada and became one of the prominent residents of his province. He par- ticipated in the War of 1812, and held an official rank in the British army.
The father of our subject, J. W. Wrong, was born in Canada, and for many years carried on a mercantile business in Vienna and Port Burwell, but now lives in retirement from active cares, and at the age of seventy-five is enjoying, in his pleasant home at Windsor, Canada, the fruits of his toil in former years. His wife, who is now sev- enty years of age, bore the maiden name of Au- gusta E. Brewster, and was born in Watertown, N. Y. Her father, Dr. Augustus E. Brewster, was a lineal descendant of Love Brewster, son of Elder Brewster, of "Mayflower" fame. He was born in Vermont, and received an excellent med-
ical education, graduating from the Vermont Medical College. For some years he practiced his profession in Watertown, N. Y., thence re- moved to Canada, and engaged in practice at Vi- enna; later he went to Royal Oak, Mich., where he died at the age of eighty-eight years.
Born in Vienna, Canada, September 27, 1845, the subject of this notice is the eldest of six chil- dren, four of whom are now living. He was reared in Port Burwell, where he was for some years a pupil in the public schools. At the age of seventeen he left home, and went to Oswego, N. Y., where he secured a clerkship in a dry- goods store. Two years later he went to Cleve- land, Ohio, where also for a year he was clerk in a dry-goods store. In 1863 he shipped before the mast on the schooner "John Thursby, " and sailed 011 all the Great Lakes during that season. The following year he was on the schooner "San Ja- cinto," and the third year shipped on the barque "Tom Wrong."
Abandoning his sea-faring life, Mr. Wrong went to Terre Haute, Ind., where he sojourned a few months. In January, 1866, he came to Mis- souri, where he has since resided. The first few years were spent in the freight office of the Terre Haute & Alton (now the "Big Four") at St. Louis. In 1870 he transferred to the St. Louis freight office of the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad, where he held the position of foreman. In 1871 he went to Neosho, Mo., where he was agent for the same road two years, remaining with it until its consolidation with the Atlantic & Pacific. Afterward he was agent at Pleasant Hill for the Missouri Pacific Division, being in that place for two years. Later he held various agencies under that line. In 1877 he came to Sedalia, where for a time he was agent for the Missouri Pacific Railroad, but June 30, 1894, re- signed that position in order to accept the office of contracting agent for the Missouri, Kansas & Texas.
In 1869, while a resident of St. Louis, Mr. Wrong married Miss Emma C. Newkirk, a na- tive of that city, and the daughter of Thomas Newkirk, deceased, one of the first Mississippi River engineers in St. Louis. Socially, Mr.
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Wrong is a Master Mason in Sedalia Lodge No. 236, and belongs to Equity Lodge No. 26, A O. U. W. Politically, while not a partisan, he is firm in his advocacy of Democratic principles. In public affairs he takes a commendable interest, and keeps himself well posted concerning all top- ics of general importance, affecting the welfare of the people. He and his wife have four sons, namely: John N., a graduate of the American Veterinary College, New York City, Class of '95, and now practicing in Sedalia; Edward B., who is a clerk in the St. Louis freight office of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas; Charles A., who holds a similar position with the Missouri Pacific in Sedalia; and Walter E., a student in the Co- lumbia Law School.
D HARLES D. SPRAGUE. For many years this honored and worthy farmer and old sol- dier in the Civil War has been a resident of Johnson County, where he has hosts of sincere friends. His estate is located on section 22, township 44, range 27, and is devoted to the rais- ing of grain and the breeding of a fine grade of stock.
Mr. Sprague was born in Cold Run, Washing- ton County, Ohio, May 14, 1842, and is the son of John and Eliza Ann (Beach ) Sprague, natives of the same state and county. Charles D. was about six years of age when his father, who had been a moulder through life, went to Iowa, locat- ing near Bonaparte, Van Buren County. There he purchased land, and after abandoning his former occupation gave his entire time to its cul- tivation and improvement. He made his home there until 1852, when he sold out, and with his wife and two eldest children, our subject being one of the number, went with ox-teams to Cali- fornia. On arriving at Placerville, in Eldorado County, the father entered the mines and meet- ing with fair success remained there for four years.
When making the return trip to this state the
little party passed through many experiences new to them, and on arriving in Johnson County tar- ried a short time. They then moved on to Bond County, Ill., where John Sprague invested in two hundred and forty acres of land, on which the family made their home from 1858 to 1870. In the last-mentioned year the father disposed of his landed interests and began buying and shipping grain from various points in the Prairie State, fol- lowing this business with signal success until the time of his decease. Four or five years prior to his demise, which occurred in September, 1893, he removed to Sedalia, Mo. Mrs. Sprague is still living in the latter place at an advanced age.
While traveling about in California and Iowa our subject had very poor opportunities for at- tending school regularly, but after the family lo- cated in the Prairie State he attended the com- mon schools there, and as he was studious and anxious to become well informed he made rapid progress in the common branches. In April, 1861, he enlisted in the Union service and became a member of the Post Band at Camp Yates, Springfield, Il1. At the end of three months he returned home, and a short time thereafter he joined Company I, Sixty-fifth Illinois Infantry. When at the battle of Harper's Ferry his regi- ment was captured, and Mr. Sprague, with others, was sent to the parole camp at Chicago, where they were detailed for several weeks. On being ex- changed they were ordered to report at Kentucky and were assigned to General Burnside's com- mand, fighting with him at Knoxville, Tenn. They later participated in the battle of London and when driven back to Knoxville were besieged and nearly starved to death. When at Strawberry Plains Mr. Sprague veteranized and was given a thirty-days furlough. He served until June, 1865, when he was honorably discharged at Greensboro, N. C.
On his return from the war our subject began farming in Bond County, Il1., on a tract of eighty acres which had been given him by his father, al- though previous to this time he had aided in pay- ing for the place. He was married, February 22, 1869, at Greenville, Ill., to Miss Allia C. Larra- bee, of that place. They continued to reside
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