The History of Pettis County, Missouri, History of Sedalia, Part 78

Author: Demuth, I. MacDonald
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: [n.p.]
Number of Pages: 1148

USA > Missouri > Pettis County > Sedalia > The History of Pettis County, Missouri, History of Sedalia > Part 78

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

EZRA J. SMITH.

Attorney at law. Was born in Butler County, Pa., on the 21st day of March, 1842. His father, Robert L. Smith, was also a native of that State, as was his mother. . Ezra J. Smith was educated at the schools of De Witt, Iowa, and at Cornell College, Mount Vernon, Iowa. He began the study of law at De Witt, which he continued until the beginning of the rebellion of 1861, when he entered the Federal army in Company B, First Iowa Cavalry. He served in this regiment for about three years and six months, and during his service in that regiment was wounded in the right shoulder at the battle of Bayou Metoe, near Little Rock, Ark. This occurred on the 27th day of August, 1863. During Mr. Smith's career as a soldier, he served the greater part of his time in Arkansas and Missouri. In February, 1865, he received a commission, appointing him First Lieu- tenant, and remained until November of the same year, doing garri- son duty at Nelson, Ky. After the war he came to Osceola, Mo., and again took up the' study of law under S. S. Burdette. He was admitted to the bar in October, 1866, and began the practice of his profession. with S. S. Burdette, at Osceola. Here he remained, making rapid progress as a lawyer, until 1874, when he came to Sedalia, and was at once recog- nized as a cultured gentleman, and a young lawyer of great promise. He continued his practice successfully. Mr. Smith is a member of the M. E. Church. He was married December 19, 1869, to Mary J. Landes, of Osceola, Mo., a native of Mifflin County, Pa., and by this union have four children, named respectively: George R., Naomi C., Nelson C., and Edwin J.

ROBERT C. SNEED.

Attorney at law. Was born February 26, 1853, in Boyle County, Ky. His father, John M. Sneed, was also a native of Kentucky, and came to Pettis County in 1852, and is now a resident of this county. Robert was reared in Pettis County, educated at Westminster College, graduating with the class of 1872. He immediately took up the study of law on his return from college, reading in the office of Philips & Vest. In June, 1873, he was admitted to the bar, and has since been practicing in Sedalia. Mr. Sneed, although quite a young man, has a very lucrative practice. In con- nection with his law practice, Mr. Sneed has a complete set of abstract books in his office, and deals extensively in real estate. He was married October 19, 1881, to Miss Maggie Montgomery, daughter of Dr. T. J. Montgomery, now deceased, for many years a resident of this county.

JOHN B. SNEED.

Grain dealer. Was born in Pettis County, Mo. His father, John M. Sneed, being one of the early settlers of Pettis, having located here in

735

HISTORY OF SEDALIA.

1852, is still living about three miles from Sedalia. His mother, Mary J., nee Stewart, was a native of Kentucky, and is still living. John B. was reared and educated here, and at the age of seventeen years he entered the First National Bank, of this city, where he remained five years. He afterward engaged in the grain trade at Clinton, Henry County, and other points on the M., K. & T. R. R. He continued in this business until Sep- tember, 1881, when he opened an office and feed store in Sedalia, where he has since been engaged. Mr. Sneed has been a successful business man, and although still a young man is rapidly taking his place among the leading business men of the county.

COL. WILLIAM WALLACE S. SNODDY.

Every life has a history of its own; and although in appearance it may seem to possess little to distinguish it from others, yet there are marks and characteristics which give distinct individuality. An earnest activity has marked the life of Col. W. W. S. Snoddy, and the fact that he has gained for himself a wide and honorable reputation in the legal profession, is evi- dence of his character and worth. He is of Scotch-Irish descent, his maternal grandfather being a Scotchman, and his paternal grandparents natives of the county of Antrim, Ireland. On account of family opposi- tion, his paternal grandfather eloped with his wife, and on the day of their marriage sailed for America, arriving in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, in 1783, where they purchased a small piece of ground and lived to be very aged people, each being over one hundred years old at their death. The subject of this sketch was born in Lycoming County, Penn., Jan. 25, 1838. When a boy he had a great desire to get an education, and availed himself of every opportunity afforded him to acquire. knowledge. So earnest was he in his efforts in this direction that he labored on a farm during the day and studied at night. Inspired by the examples of many illustrious men, he struggled on with the thought ever in his mind that he would accomplish what they had. He early evinced a decided taste for the legal profession. But his friends and advisers opposed him, and urged him to remain upon the farm, yet he was not to be turned from his course, and was fully determined to battle with opposition and surmount every obstacle that barred the way. At the age of seventeen he com- menced teaching and was successful both in public and private schools. At the same time he devoted his spare time to his studies, and advanced as rapidly as most college students. In this way he completed the mathematical course, the higher English branches, the elements of Latin, and began the study of law, using the books of T. T. Abrams, a leading lawyer of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. When ready to be admitted to the bar the war broke out and he responded to the first call of the Governor for troops. He volunteered and enlisted in the 137th

736

HISTORY OF SEDALIA.

Pennsylvania Volunteers, served in the ranks eight months, and then, for meritorious conduct, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant. He received the most flattering testimonials from Generals Kidder, Cox and other general officers under whom he served. In June, 1863, at the expiration of his term of enlistment, he returned to Lock Haven, Penn., and was appointed, by Governor Curtin, Superintendent of the schools in Clinton County. He gave entire satisfaction in this office, the duties of which were onerous. He had under his supervision two hundred and ten schools which he had to visit as well as pass judgment on the teachers. The pressure of events and his military reputation and experience forced him into the army again, and at Harrisburg, in 1864, he was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 207th Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was with his regiment in some of the noted engagements, and amid the last throes of the "Lost Cause." On his return home with his regiment he was received at the Capital of the State with an ovation fit for a patriot and hero. He was married on the 11th of June, 1864, to Miss Mary M. Long, a lady of culture and good family, residing at Selin's Grove, Penn. This union was blessed with seven children: Blanche E., Claude L., Cora L., Erskine, Cook, Edna May and Raymond. Blanche E., Cora L. and Raymond are dead. In December, 1865, he was admitted to the bar. During that winter, with $300 in his pocket, he started to Missouri with his wife and baby. He paused on his way to visit the Island of Blenner- hasset, made illustrious by the eloquence of William Wirt, and linked to immortality with the ill-starred Aaron Burr, and there his heart was sad- dened by the death of his only child. The remains of the little one were brought to St. Louis and laid in the Calvary Cemetery. He arrived in Sedalia on the 8th of April, 1866, with only $60 left from the expenses of his journey. Without money, without books, without friends, and with- out experience as a lawyer, he resolved to cast in his fortunes with the young " Queen of the Prairies." He rented an office'and entered upon the practice of law. It was a month before he had his first case, but he gained it, and since that time he has had a good and increasing practice. A few months after he formed a partnership with R. G. Durham, a well- read lawyer of twenty years' experience. In 1868 his partner was appointed Judge of Common Pleas Court. Then for eight years he was one of the popular and well established firm of Snoddy & Bridges. The Colonel is a prominent and influential member of the Ancient Oider of United Workmen, Amity Lodge No. 69, also is a member of the Grand Lodge, and at present is District Deputy Grand Master Workman of the 38th District of Missouri, composed of the counties of Pettis, Cooper and Moniteau. Col. Snoddy is six feet two inches in height, large in person, with a powerful physique and regular features. All of his qualities are strong and decided, none negative. Time, nor political rivalries can

737

HISTORY OF SEDALIA.

estrange him from his friends. Nor can the lapse of a generation remove prejudices which he once entertains against men. He devotes all of his time to his profession.

JOHN G. SPRAGUE.

Of Sprague & Clark, Sedalia. Was born in 1817, in Washington Co., Ohio. His father Joshua, who died in 1831, was also a native of Ohio, being born in the same county. His mother, Phoebe G., nee Brown, was a native of Massachussetts. She died in Illinois in 1873. John G. was reared and educated in the county and State of his birth and when old enough was taught to work on the farm where he remained until 1846, when he. went to Iowa. John G. Sprague, after remaining in Iowa until 1852, concluded to go to California, whither he went in the same year. Here he remained mining for four years after which he returned to Ohio and engaged in farming. He again moved to Bond County, Ill., in 1858, remaining until 1868, when he again sought wider fields. He removed to Washington County, Ill., where he engaged in the grain business, and in the fall of 1875 he came to Sedalia where he resumed his business as grain dealer, also dealing in wood, coal etc. Mr. Sprague is a member of the M. E. Church, to which denomination his wife also belongs, he being a steward of the same. He was married in 1838 to Miss Eliza Beach, of Ohio They have seven children living, Dudly D., of California, Mo., Charles D., of Sedalia, Mo., Pearly J., Agent at Higbee, Mo., for the rail- road, Ezra B., of Sedalia, Cynthia M., wife of E. M. Clark of Sedalia, Frank M. and John W.

G. R. STANTON.

Chief operator of the Missouri Pacific General Office in Sedalia. The subject of this sketch was born in Collins, Ohio, July 26, 1849. He received his education from the schools of his native State. After finishing his edu- cation, Mr. Stanton learned telegraphing at Chillicothe in 1865. He first took an instrument at Athens, Ohio, remaining in the office one year, when he returned to Chillicothe. He then accepted a position in the office at Hillsborough, then was promoted to a position at Cincinnati, and afterwards accepted a similar position in the the offices at Chicago. He was in the offices of the latter city, when the great strike occurred. in which about 5,000 operatives were engaged. After the strike he accepted a position in the offices of the C., B. & Q. R. R. Co. After being in the employment of said company for quite a while he resigned his position and took a trip south, visiting Columbus, Miss., Huntsville, Ala., New Orleans, Selma, and other points. At Selma, Mr. Stanton was engaged in taking press reports for about two years. He afterwards visited the principal cities of California and Nevada, then returned to

738

HISTORY OF SEDALIA.

Cincinnati, where he remained about two years, at which time he was appointed superintendent of telegraph of the Springfield & Southeastern, now a part of the Ohio & Mississippi. After that he accepted a similar position with the Wabash Road, the offices being located at Decatur. He was also assistant superintendent in the offices at Toledo. Then in October, 1880, he went to St. Louis and accepted a position with the American Union, which position he held until the consolidation with the Western Union, when he received the position of chief operator in the offices of Missouri Pacific at Sedalia, which position he still holds. Mr. Stanton is courteous, generous and a popular young man.

JOHN STARK.

Dealer in organs, pianos, etc. Mr. Stark was born in Spencer County, Ky., in 1841. His father, Adam Stark, was a native of Kentucky, as was his mother, Elener, nee Stillwell. John, the subject of this sketch, was raised on a farm in Kentucky, and engaged in farming for many years. In 1861, he enlisted in Co. B, Twenty-first Regiment Indiana Infantry, and served one year in the ranks, taking part in many prominent battles. After the first year he was made a musician and served in that capacity until the close of the war. In 1872, he came to Missouri, and engaged in farming until 1874, when he went into the music business at Cameron, Mo., for the Mason and Hamlin Organ Company, and has ever since been with this well known company. From 1880 until 1882, he was located at Chillicothe, Mo. In the spring of 1882, he came to Sedalia, where he is doing an extensive business at No. 219 Ohio street. Mr. Stark was married in 1864 to Miss Sarah Casey. They have three children living.

JAMES STORY.

Is the son of Thomas Story, a native of Scotland, but who emigrated to Canada in the year 1820, where he lived until his death, which occurred April 15, 1866. The subject of this sketch, James Story, was born at Smith's Falls, in the Dominion of Canada, April 21, 1846, and is the youngest child in a family of four children. He received his primary education in the schools of his native country, completing the same at Belleville, N. Y. After he had completed his education he returned to his home in Canada, where he remained until the fall of 1871, when he emigrated to Missouri, settling at Green Ridge, in the southern part of Pettis County. During his residence here he was engaged in the general mercantile business, where he remained until the spring of 1875, when he moved to Sedalia, where he has since resided, engaged in the grocery business. Mr. Story was married Feb. 11, 1873, to Miss Carrie Walker, a native of Indiana, and a most estimable and refined lady. From this union there was one child, viz: Clara Mabel, who died while an infanta

739

HISTORY OF SEDALIA.

Mr. Story owns the fine three-story 'block opposite the public square on Ohio street, known as Story's Central, a view of which appears elsewhere. Mr. Story is one of the popular business men of this city, courteous in manners, generous in disposition, and a favorite among his friends. He is at present traveling salesman for Jarratt, Gilliland & Roberts, importers and jobbers of coffee and wholesale groceries, Nos. 401 and 403 North Second street, corner Locust, St. Louis, Mo.

HENRY D. STRINGER.

Real estate. Mr. Stringer was born July 10, 1845, in Lincoln County, Kentucky. His father, Thomas M. Stringer, was also a native of Ken- tucky, now living in Carthage, Mo. His mother, Nancy, nee Watkins, was a native of North Carolina. Henry D. enlisted in Company B, Fif- ty-fourth Indiana Regiment, Volunteers, in 1862, under Col. Mansfield, and served until the close of the war. He was twice wounded. Once in the right arm, and once in the head, the ball running down into his shoulder, where it still remains. He took part in all. the battles of the Mississippi, from Island No. Ten down, and in the Red River expedition. In 1865, after his return, he married Miss Louisa Cunningham, near Louisville, Ky. In 1868 he went to Putnam County, Ind., and was engaged in livery business until 1874, when he removed to Jasper County, Mo., and sold dry goods until 1879, when he came to Sedalia, and has since been engaged in the real estate business.

CHARLES G. TAYLOR.

Mr. Taylor was born in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1828. His father, Wilson Taylor, was a native of Delaware. His mother, Mary E., nee Fenamore, was a native of New Jersey. Charles G. Taylor was educated in Philadel- phia, and early in life learned the jewelry business. He first embarked in business for himself at Richmond, Va., in 1851, where he continued until 1865, when he came to Sedalia, and has been constantly in the jewelry business since. He has a large and elegant stock of goods, and does an extensive business. He has served several terms as a City Councilman. Was a member of the committee who built the Sedalia Water Works. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church. He was married in 1849 to Miss Rosanna Bush. They have two children, Mary V. and Charles L. In 1878-79 Mr. Tay- lor served as County Judge of Pettis County. Mr. Taylor and Rod Gallie own the sewerage of Sedalia. He has always been actively identified with the interests of this city.

DR. J. P. THATCHER.

Was born in' Jacksborough, Tenn., in 1830. While he was yet an infant,

740

HISTORY OF SEDALIA.

his father, who was a physician, moved his family to Kentucky, where he died, leaving the subject of this sketch, at the age of fifteen, the oldest of four children. His limited education was obtained under very embar- rassing circumstances. Before he was eighteen, he enlisted as a private in the Third Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers Infantry, with M. V. Thompson and Maj. John C. Breckenridge, and served in the Mexican war. He was promoted to a Lieutenancy, and was during much of his service in command of his company. When peace was restored he returned to Kentucky, and resumed his study of medicine, and graduated at the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, In 1849 he went to Cali- fornia, where he met and married Miss Rebecca Perkins, a native of Missouri. He returned from California in 1854, and settled in Pettis County, then comparatively new. Dr. Thatcher took no active part in politics previous to the war. He opposed secession, but when the war came he did all in his power as a physician and citizen to ameliorate the sufferings consequent to the war. During the "Third Party" movement in 1874, he was elected by a large majority as a Democratic candidate to represent Pettis County in the General Assembly. His services were so appreciated that he was re-elected in 1876. In the session of 1877 he took an active part as a member of the committee appointed to examine the means used to secure the passage of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Renewal Bond Bill. Dr. Thatcher was an industrious and honorable man, a useful citizen, and a careful, painstaking legislator, doing all in his power to discharge the trust confided to him by his constituents. His life was one of untiring industry and activity, and though by nature endued with strength and iron will, his health at length gave way under the severe tax of mind and body, and at his residence three miles south of Sedalia, on the 8 th day of July, 1880, his active and useful life was brought to a close. He leaves a widow and a family of six children, viz: Laura E., Robley D., John P., Lizzie P., Emmet M. and Flavia M. The heirs have in the home farm two hundred acres of well improved land, and there are other lands amounting to about two hundred acres.

ALBERT H. THIELE.

Feed store. Mr. Thiele was born in 1839, in Germany. His father, Charles Thiele, came to America, in 1851, and died about 1872. Albert was brought up on a farm, which occupation he has followed most of his life. In 1881 he came to Sedalia, and opened the feed store on East Fifth street, where he is now in business. In 1877 he married Elizabeth Oben- haus, of St. Louis. They have one child living, Frank. Their eldest, Edward, died, Feb. 6, 1882, aged three years. Mr. Thiele enlisted in the Federal army in 1861, serving in a cavalry regiment, and three years in an infantry regiment.

741

HISTORY OF SEDALIA.

WILLIAM R. THOMAS.

Of the firm of Thomas & Haden, hardware merchants. Mr. Thomas was born in 1848, in Kentucky. His father, John H. Thomas, was a native of Kentucky, still living at their old home in Harrodsburg. W. R., the subject of this sketch, was reared and educated at his home in Ken- tucky. In 1867 he came to Lexington, Mo., where he was engaged as salesman one year, after which, he came to Sedalia, was salesman for D. H. Smith about two years, after which he went to Seneca, Mo., and engaged in business for himself. In about two years returned to Sedalia, and engaged in hardware trade where he still continues. Mr. Thomas was married in 1870 to Miss Mollie A. Smith. They have two children living, Harry A. and Montgomery. Mr. Thomas is member of the Masonic fraternity, and is also a member of the City Council.

MENTOR THOMSON.

President Sedalia Savings Bank. Was born in Scott County, Ken., March 9, 1811. His father, David Thompson, was a native of Virginia, who settled in Scott County, Kentucky. Mentor, the subject of this sketch, came to Pettis County, April 11, 1834, on his present farm, and engaged in farming. When the Sedalia Savings Bank was organized, in 1868, he was chosen President, and some years afterward left his farm and came to Sedalia. Mr. Thomson has, during the time he has lived in Sedalia, given his entire attention to the banking business, and, although now over seventy years of age, still attends to the duties of his position with the energy and ability of a man much younger. He was married Oct. 24, 1833, to Miss Cora'V. Wooldridge, of Christian County, Ky. They intend celebrating their golden wedding in one year from this time, if they should live that long. They have three children living, David W., farmer of Pettis County; Minnie, now the wife of James E. Bouldin, of Pettis County, and Bettie, now wife of J. S. Hopkins, of Pettis County. Mr. Thomson was County Surveyor for about thirty years. Mr. and Mrs. Thomson are prominent and influential members of the Christian Church of Sedalia. The youngest child, Melcena, died. Menter Thomson is the fifth of a family of ten children, five living. His father was a farmer and merchant, and also had a paper mill, the first paper mill in that part of the country.

CAPT. A. H. THOMPSON.

Was born May 24, 1822, in Warrenton, Va., son of Richard Thomp- son, a native of the same State. His mother, Sallie Thompson, nee Yeat- man, was also a native of Virginia. Young Thompson came to Boon- ville, Mo., in 1836, and there engaged in clerking for several years. In 1847, he engaged in business for himself, and for many years was identi-

742

HISTORY OF SEDALIA.

fied as one of the leading merchants of that city, at the same time com- manding both a large wholesale and retail trade. He continued his busi- ness till the war broke out, in 1861, and then answered the first call for enrolled militia. He was elected Captain and served with distinction until he was appointed Commissary of Exemptions, for Cooper County. In this capacity he served about two years, with rank as Captain. When Price made his last raid through Missouri, Capt. Thompson and his com- pany were captured, but soon released on the hasty retreat of the Con- federates. Since the close of the war Capt. Thompson has accepted sev- eral important positions under the general government. Much of his property was lost during the war, and soon after its close he came to Sedalia and set about retrieving his lost fortune. Among the honors shown him in this city, was that of appointing him Recorder for three terms. He was also Secretary of the Board of Trade and Fair Associa- tion. He was married May 7, 1844, to Lucy Collins, of Boonville, Mo. They have seven children: Sallie Y., now the wife of Capt. Samuel Ovenshine, of the Fifth Infantry, U. S. A .; James C., cashier of the First National Bank; Mary Cameron, Flora T., now the wife of Rev. Abiel Leonard, rector of the Episcopal Church in Atchison, Kan .; Harry, Edwin and Lucy Y. Mrs. Thompson died July 31, 1879.

GEORGE W. TOWNSLEY.

Jeweler and watchmaker. Was born in 1848 in Cooper County, Mo. His father, Channel P., was a native of Massachusetts, and was one of the early settlers of Cooper County, Mo. He died while on his way home from China, whither he had gone in 1852. His mother was a native of Baltimore, Md., and was born in 1808. George W. Townsley was principally reared in Pettis County, having come here when he was four years of age. He was educated in Sedalia, and after he finished his edu- cation he taught school for two years, after which he learned the jewelry business, serving an apprenticeship of four years. In 1874 he opened a store on Main street, and began business for himself. In 1877 he moved. his stock of goods to Ohio street, and occupied part of the store-room of Brown Bros., remaining until 1879, when he removed to his present loca- tion, 117 Ohio street, where he still remains. Mr. Townsley carries one of the most complete stock of goods, in his line, of any house in Central Missouri. He was married in August, 1873, to Hattie N. Van Wagner, of Sedalia, a native of New York, and daughter of Rev. J. M. Van Wag- ner, for several years pastor of the Congregational Church, Sedalia, now of Lowell, Mich. They have four daughters: Bertha, Mabel, Elsie and Mattie.

743

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

The History of Pettis County, Missouri, History of Sedalia, Part 78

Author: Demuth, I. MacDonald Publication date: 1882 Publisher: [n.p.] Number of Pages: 1148

Author: Demuth, I. MacDonald
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: [n.p.]
Number of Pages: 1148