The History of Pettis County, Missouri, History of Sedalia, Part 79

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 79

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HISTORY OF SEDALIA.

JAMES C. THOMPSON.

Was born April 29, 1847, in Boonville, Mo. His father, A. H. Thomp- son, was a native of Virginia, and emigrated to Boonville, Mo., in 1836, and is now a resident of Sedalia. James, the subject of this sketch, was reared and educated in Boonville. In January, 1864, he accepted a posi- tion in the office of Gen. Wm. Myers, chief Quartermaster of the Depart- ment of Missouri, with headquarters at St. Louis. Young Thompson remained in this position till May, 1866, and then came to Sedalia and commenced his career here as book-keeper for the firm of Stewart & Jenkins, at that time one of the leading houses in the growing town. In March, 1869, he accepted the position as book-keeper in the First National

RESIDENCE OF J. C. THOMPSON.

Bank of Sedalia, in February, 1871, was chosen assistant cashier, and July 19, 1880, was elected cashier. In the fall of 1876, Mr. Thompson, after a spirited contest, was elected Treasurer of Pettis County. Mr. Thompson is a thorough business man, enjoying the confidence of all with whom he associates. He is a vestryman in the Episcopal Church of this city; also a member of the Masonic fraternity. He was married October 21, 1874, to Miss Sallie C. Sneed, daughter of Capt. John M. Sneed, a native "of Kentucky. Their family consists of James C., Jr., Phillip M., and one child deceased. Mr. Thompson is largely interested in property and public enterprises in this city, and his influence and public spirit, combined with his social nature, render him at once one of Sedalia's most valuable citizens. A view of his residence appears on this page.

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HISTORY OF SEDALIA.

DR. JOHN W. TRADER.

Was born in Xenia, O., March 6, 1837. His father, Rev. Moses Trader, and his mother, Rebecca R. Trader, nee Wells, moved to Missouri in 1840 or 1841, and settled near Brunswick, Chariton County, and in 1844 moved to Linn County, Mo. In 1854 Dr. Trader began the study of medicine with Dr. Alex. S. Hughes, of Lindley, Grundy County. He afterwards attended the Missouri Medical College, graduating from that institution in 1859, after which he practiced medicine until the breaking out of the late war. In the early part of the war he commanded a company in the State Militia, but in 1862 joined the Federal forces at Laclede, Mo., and was commissioned Assistant Surgeon by Gov. Gamble, and mustered into the First Cavalry, 1st battalion, M. S. M. In 1863 he was commissioned Surgeon, and mustered into the same regiment at Jefferson City. In 1864, by special order, he was made Brigade Surgeon of the First Brigade, of Pleasanton's Cavalry Corps. In April, 1865, he was mustered out of the volunteer service, and immediately took service in the U. S. Medical Corps as A. A. Surgeon, and assigned to duty at Jefferson Barracks. From there he was ordered to New Orleans, with Medical Director on the steamer Baltic. They proceeded as far as Vicksburg, where they took on 300 Andersonville prisoners, and returned to Jefferson Barracks. He re- signed his commission in May, 1865, having served almost throughout the entire war. Dr. Trader was a gallant officer in the field, and in his pro- fessional capacity was called to fill some of the highest and most respon- sible positions in the State. As a surgeon, he has taken his place among the foremost men of the State, as is attested by the positions of honor and trust that he is from time to time being called to fill. After the war he located in Lexington, Mo., and engaged in the practice of medicine until 1865, when he came to Sedalia, where he has ever since made his home, and practiced his profession, enjoying a large and lucrative practice. In 1867 he visited Europe, holding an honorary commission from the Gov- ernor of his State to the Paris Exposition, and spent some time in the study of specialties in his profession, as superior advantages were there afforded him. In 1876 he was elected President of the Medical Association, of the State of Missouri, which position he occupied during 1876 and 1877. In 1877 he was appointed a delegate to the American Medical Association, which met in Chicago, and attended the same. During the same year he was appointed Surgeon for the M., K. & T. Railway, which position he retained for three years. In 1878 he was appointed by the Curator of the State University on the Examining Board of the Medical Department, State University, and is still holding said position. He was married, first to Miss Lucy A. W. Wyatt, daughter of Capt. John Wyatt, of Chil- licothe, Mo. His first wife died, leaving no children. He was married the second time, in 1867, to Miss Tillie B. Batterton, of Danville, Ky. They

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HISTORY OF SEDALIA.

have seven children living: Hattie Belle Trader, 1868; Charles Bell Trader, 1870; Arthur Montgomery Trader, 1872; John William Trader, 1875; George Henry Trader, 1877; Clara Matilda Hope Trader, 1879; infant, 1882. The Doctor has been an active member of the M. E. Church since 1854, and is at the present time President of the Pettis County American Bible Society. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F. His principal pastime is with his dog and gun, in which he takes great delight during his leisure hours, and his reputation as a marksman is second to none in the city. Dr. Trader has devoted considerable time to literary pursuits.

JACOB W. TRUXEL.

Dealer in music and musical instruments. Mr. Truxel was born in 1843 in Virginia. His father, Daniel B. Truxel, was a native of Virginia, as was also his mother, Mary, nee Reed. J. W., the subject of this sketch, was reared and educated in Ohio. In 1861 he enlisted in the Federal Army, in what was first known as "Birge's Sharp Shooters," organized at St. Louis as an independent rifle regiment, afterwards known as the Sixty-Sixth Illinois, under Col. Pat. E. Burke, of St. Louis. Mr. Truxel served until September, 1864. This regiment took part in many of the hardest fought battles of the war, among which were Ft. Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, Shiloh, Siege of Corinth, and throughout the Atlanta campaign. After returning home Mr. Truxel spent some years in trav- eling for a large New York manufacturing house. In 1869 they located him at Pittsburg as manager of their business there. He continued in their employ until 1877, when on account of his health he came to Sedalia, Mo., where he engaged in the music business, which he still continues. Mr. Truxel is the largest dealer in Central Missouri and is conducting a business which will compare favorably with houses of much larger cities. His music house is located on Ohio street, No. 216. A view of it appears on page 495 in this volume. He was married in 1873 to Miss Sadie Asdale, of Pittsburg, a native of that city.

L. M. TRUMBULL.

Attorney at law. Mr. Trumbull was born in Oswego County, N. Y., in 1834. His father, Smith Trumbull, was a native of Vermont. His mother, Cintha Lilley, was a native of New Jersey. L. M., the subject of this sketch, was educated in New York State, and in 1859 came to Macon County, Mo., where he practiced law until 1870, when he removed to Cass County. In 1879, he came to Sedalia, where he has since engaged in the practice of his profession. He has also been engaged in real estate to a considerable extent. He was married in October, 1864, to Sarah L. Henderson, of Macon County, a graduate of Ohio Female

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HISTORY OF SEDALIA.

College. They have two children, Ruboy H. and Lulu M. Mr. Trum- bull and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

WILLIAM T. TUCKER.

Of the firm of Tucker & Co., grocers and provision dealers.' Mr. Tucker was born, May 26, 1847, in Kentucky. His father, William G. Tucker, was a native of Kentucky; also now a wholesale grocer merchant of Kansas City. Since 1858, Wm., the subject of this sketch, has resided in Missouri. In 1870 he engaged in the saddlery and harness business, in Brownsville, Mo., where he remained two years, after which he spent two years in the Indian Nation, in the cattle business. In 1875 he went to Sher- man, Texas, where he was in the saddlery and harness business one year. He was in various kinds of business in Texas, until 1880, when he left the State, and after traveling over a large part of the west he came to Sedalia, July, 1881, and engaged in the grocery trade at the store on the corner of Ohio and Third streets, where we now find him. Mr. Tucker is a Mason, also belongs to the K. P. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. He was married, Sept. 3, 1872, to Jennie O'Brien, of Boonville, Mo. They have two children, Jennie W. and Mamie G.

GEN. RALPH VAN BRUNT.

One of the oldest and most experienced men connected with the M., K. T. office at this city, is the subject of this sketch, Ralph Van Brunt. He is the son of Abert Van Brunt, a native of Brooklyn, N. Y. The subject of this sketch was born at Schenectady, N. Y., Sept. 13, 1834. He received his primary education in the schools of his native county, afterwards com- pleted the same and graduated at Union College. This College has been a noted institution in the east, and some of our finest scholars and states- men have graduated from this institution. Notably among her alumni are such men as President Arthur and Wm. H. Seward and others. Proctor Nott was President of the College while Mr. Van. Brunt was a pupil. After he had completed his collegiate course he went to Wisconsin and engaged in teaching school until the breaking out of the late rebellion. He enlisted in the United States service under Col. Thomas Ruger, now Colonel of the Eighteenth United States Infantry, and late Superintendent of the United States Military Academy, at West Point. Mr. Van Brunt was Adjutant under Col. Ruger. He served until the close of the war, and was mustered out of service, Sept., 1865. Mr. Van Brunt was Brevet Major of United States Volunteers, and Adjutant General of the Second Brigade, First Division of the Twentieth Army Corps. After the close of the war he returned to his home in New York, where he remained three years. In 1870 he moved to Kansas, and accepted a position on the K. P. R. R., and in Nov., 1875, he moved to Sedalia, and accepted a position

747

HISTORY OF SEDALIA.

as Chief Clerk in the Master Mechanic's office of the M., K. & T., which position he still holds. He was married, Aug., 1867, to Miss Mariah Barhydt, a native of New York. From this union there were two children, only one of whom is now living.

REV. JAMES M. VAN WAGNER.

He was born at Pleasant Valley, Dutchess County, N. Y., July 8, 1818. While he was a babe his father lost a large property, and soon after deceased, leaving the mother to support herself and eight children as best she could. The boy's life was a trying one. He began work in the fac- tory when but eight years old. Two or three years of his life were spent in hard labor on a farm. He then learned the blacksmith trade in Pough- keepsie, N. Y., under his brother, and became a well known and expert horse-shoer. . At nineteen he determined to have an education, and went to Oberlin, Ohio, and there studied nine years in succession. He had no help, but paid his own way by manual labor at first, and then by lecturing and preaching. He also supported a sister, who pursued her studies at the same institution. Mr. Van Wagner's life in the ministry has been a successful one. He has held five positions, always drawn large audiences, and greatly built up the churches to which he has ministered. He is still in the height of his power physically and intellectually. He is noted for his boldness, originality and earnestness. For four years he was the pas- tor of the Congregational Church of Sedalia, and was very popular with all classes. His church was always crowded, and his resignation was greatly regretted by the church and city. He is now pastor of a church in Michigan. Three of his sons and one daughter reside in Sedalia. Rev. Allen J. Van Wagner, pastor of the Congregational Church; W. H. and C. C. Van Wagner, of the boot and shoe firm of Moses & Van Wag- ner Bros .; and Harriet N, wife of Geo. W. Townsley, jeweler. Rev. James M. Van Wagner was married in 1845 to Miss Harriet N. Johnson, daughter of Allen and Betsy Johnson, of Peru, Ohio. Her father was a man well known in all that region, and held many important offices. Ten children have been born to them, eight living, viz: Allen J., Mary L., wife of J. R. Loomis, of Atchison, Kansas; W. H., C. C., Harriet N., Carrie, wife of J. M. Everett, of Holden, Mo .; Libbie and Fannie; the two last residing with their parents.

WM. H. VAN WAGNER.

Of Moses & Van Wagner Bros., boots and shoes. Was born July +, 1851, in Clinton, Michigan. He is a son of Rev. J. M. Van Wagner, whose name is mentioned elsewhere. Wm. H. was educated in Illinois and New York. In 1869, he was employed as salesman in a book store in Atchison, Kansas, where he remained until 1871, when he came to

748

HISTORY OF SEDALIA.

Sedalia. Here he entered the general office of the M., K. & T. R. R., as clerk, where he remained until Sept., 1873, at which time he was appointed Deputy County Clerk of Pettis County, under R. H. Moses. He held this position until the expiration of his term, when he was re-ap- pointed by his successor, Henry Y. Field, and served under him until January 1, 1881, when he went into the boot and shoe business, in connec- tion with R. H. Moses and his brother. Of this house and its business we speak elsewhere. Mr. Van Wagner was married April 18, 1877, to Miss Nettie Freeland, of Tiogo County, N. Y., a daughter of Lyman Freeland. They are members of the Congregational Church. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W. They have one child, Ernest.

REV. ALLEN J. VAN WAGNER.

Pastor of the First Congregational Church of Sedalia. Son of Rev. James M. Van Wagner, born in Peru, O., Sept. 11, 1847. His early life was spent in Michigan, Ohio and New York, where his father held pas- torates. When fifteen years of age, his father accepted a call to the pas- torate at Kewanee, Ill., and here the subject of this sketch prepared for college. He was educated at Knox College, Galesburg, Ill., and the Theological Seminary at Chicago, graduating from the latter in 1873. In April of that year he accepted the pastorate of the Congregational Church of Elmwood, Ill., which position he held with satisfaction to the people and great credit to himself for six and one-half years. In October, 1879, as may be seen in the Sedalia City History, he accepted a call to his pres- ent position. His labors in Sedalia have met with universal favor and his influence is wide and deep. Other churches have diligently sought his services, but he has persistently refused to leave the people to which he has become so much attached. In Oct., 1881, he received a unani- mous call from the Congregational Church of Sandusky, Ohio, with a large salary, and in January, 1882, received an urgent and unanimous call from the Congregational Church at Marshalltown, Iowa, but refused both from a sense of duty to the field here. In Oct., 1881, he was elected Sec-' retary and Treasurer of the General Association of Congregational Churches of Missouri. and in the same year was elected Chaplain of the Veteran Club of Sedalia, composed of veteran soldiers from both armies of the late war. Mr. Van Wagner, as a pulpit orator, though a young man, is taking a foremost position; his sermons are forcible, eloquent, and entertaining, and his audiences are always large, frequently, at evening service, the church is too small for the congregations. He was married in June, 1870, to Miss Fannie E. Doty, a most estimable lady of refine- ment, daughter of Milo and Catherine Doty of Kewanee, Ill. Possessed of those social and Christian graces that produce sunshine wherever they go, this worthy pair are beloved by a large circle of warm friends.

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HISTORY OF SEDALIA.

LON. VAN WAGNER.

Of Moses & Van Wagner Bros., boots and shoes. Was born in 1853, in Ohio. Rev. J. M. Van Wagner, his father, was a native of New York, now pastor of the Congregational Church, at Lowell, Mich. His mother, Harriett, nee Johnson, was born in Connecticut. Lon., the subject of this sketch, was reared and educated in Illinois. After completing his educa- tion he spent some time clerking in the grocery business. In 1873 he came to Sedalia, Mo., where he engaged in the boot and shoe business, which he has followed ever since, with the exception of about one year, which he spent in the First National Bank of this city. Since the open- ing of the house with which he is now. connected, he has dealt exclusively in boots, shoes, hats and caps. Mr. Van Wagner and his partner, Mr. R. H. Moses, are gentlemen who are justly entitled to the patronage which they receive. Mr. Van Wagner is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He was married in April, 1877, to Gertrude Gleason of Sedalia, daughter of Samuel Gleason, of this city. He and his wife are members of the Congregational Church, and by their union have one child, Edna.

J. HENRY VITT.

Of Vitt & Meyers, dry goods merchants. Mr. Vitt was born April 26, 1838, in Prussia. His father, John P. Vitt, and his mother, Mary C., nee Lirsch, are natives of Prussia. J. H., the subject of this sketch, received his education in the old country, graduating there at the age of fourteen years. In 1852 he came to America, locating in Pennsylvania for a short time, after which he came to Jefferson City, Mo., where he engaged as salesman in a dry goods store. After a few years he went to St. Louis. In 1859 he was admitted to the firm of Charles F. Lahman & Co. as a partner at Syracuse, Mo., at that time the terminus of the Missouri Paci- fic Railroad. As the road progressed they followed it along from place to place, reaching Sedalia in 1861, since which time Mr. Vitt has been constantly identified with the business interests of Sedalia. In 1872 he and his present partner, Mr. Meyers, opened their large store on the corner of Main and Osage streets where they have ever since done a large and prosperous business. They have gone through the "hard times " of 1873 to 1875, keeping their " heads above water, " while many others have gone down, and have always paid 100 cents on the dollar, and now have an unlimited credit. Mr. Vitt and his wife are members of the Catholic Church. He is also a member of the Catholic Knights of America. He was married in 1863 to Philomena M. Meyers, of Jeffer- son City, a native of Ohio. They have five children, Mary C., Allie L., Clara, Willis P. F., Henry E. Mr. Vitt has served as a member of the City Council.

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HISTORY OF SEDALIA.

JAMES W. WALKER.

County Assessor. Mr. Walker was born in 1829, in Casey County, Ky. His father, James T. Walker, was a native of North Carolina. His mother was a Carter, a native of Virginia. James W., the subject of this sketch, came with his parents to Pettis County, Mo., in 1843, where he has ever since made his home. In the spring of 1850 he went to Cali- fornia, returning in 1856, after which 'he engaged in farming, owning a beautiful farm five miles northwest of Sedalia, where he continued until 1880, when he moved to Sedalia on account of educating his children. In 1880 he was elected to the office of County Assessor, which office he now fills. He was married Aug. 3, 1858, to Miss Sarah J. Powell. They have three children, Frank T., Henry A. and Sarah E.

JOHN WALMSLEY.

Merchant tailoring, carpets and house furnishing goods. Was born in England in 1846. His father, Thomas, emigrated to Canada in 1851. John, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Canada and was taught mercantile pursuits when quite young. In March, 1871, he came to Sedalia and was employed as salesman for Clute Bros. When the firm was changed to Clute & Co., Mr. Walmsley took an interest in the firm and continued in the firm until 1879, when he commenced business for himself. He carries a large stock of gents' furnishing goods, together with a stock of carpets. He is also engaged extensively in merchant tail- oring. His store room is situated on Ohio Street in the old Times build- ing, between Second and Third streets, where he occupies the first and second floors. His carpet hall, up stairs, is large and elegant and is sup- plied with an extensive stock of house furnishing goods. Mr. Walmsley was married in 1876 to Miss Maggie Fletcher, of Sedalia. They have two children, John Fletcher and Alice Scott.

GEORGE W. WALSHE.

Son of William Walshe, a native of Ireland, who emigrated to America at an early day and settled in New York State. Geo. W. Walshe was born Feb. 22, 1831, in Schenectady, N. Y., and received his education from the schools of his native State, and after completing the same he was apprenticed to learn the trade of a machinist and engineer, after which he worked at his trade on the Mohawk & Hudson R. R., now the New York Central R. R. After leaving the N. Y. C. R. R. he went to Bos- ton, where he was engaged for about four years as machinist and engineer for the Boston & Maine R. R., then accepted a position with the New York & Erie R. R., where he was made foreman in 1852 of Dunkirk shops. He remained in that capacity for a short time and then went to Joliet, Ill., and took charge of the construction of the C. & A. R. R. be-

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HISTORY OF SEDALIA.

tween that city and Bloomington, as master mechanic. This was in 1853. A similar position was tendered him by the Ohio & Mississippi R. R. Co., which he accepted, retaining the same about four years. He then purchased a farm in Washington County, Mo., where he engaged in farming and stock-raising till the breaking out of the late civil war. Dur- ing the war he was appointed Assistant General of United States railroads at Nashville, Tenn., where he remained till the close of the war. After peace had been declared he returned to his farm in Washington County, Mo., and built a barytes factory, in the manufacture of which he continued about three years. Then, about 1870, he accepted a position with the St. Louis & San Francisco R. R. Co., which was then under construction. After resigning his position here he accepted the position of foreman of the Missouri Pacific shops at Sedalia; then in 1877 he was promoted to master mechanic, which position he still holds. Mr. Walshe is a man of superior business ability and mechanical genius, warm-hearted and gener- ous, winning a large circle of friends.

MAJOR JONATHAN R. WEBBER.

Major Webber was born in 1815, at Hanover, N. Y. His father, Jona- than, was born in 1771, in Massachusetts, and died in 1834. His mother, Roxanna, nee Stebins, was a native of Massachusetts, died in 1840. Maj. Webber was reared on a farm, also learned the mason's trade in his youth, which he followed for about seventeen years. In 1840 he removed to Niles, Mich., after which he bought a farm and engaged in farming . for several years. He served while here several years as Deputy United States Marshal. In 1856 he moved to Morris, Ill., where he was in busi- ness until 1859, when he served as Sheriff. During the war he was Assistant Provost Marshal of the Sixth Congressional District of Illinois. In 1864 he went into the army as Captain, coming out at the close of the war as Major. After the war he dealt extensively in grain for several years. In 1871 he came to Sedalia, where he has dealt in grain and real estate, and served as justice of the peace. Major Webber was married in 1837 to Eliza Abeel, of Washington County, N. Y. They have one child living, Elida, now the wife of J. C. Parmlee. They have two deceased. Julias C., Colonel of the Eighteenth Illinois Regiment, died at Vicksburg, in 1872. Was Mayor of that city. William W., Captain Third United States Cavalry, died in 1871, of wounds received in the war, being shot three times.

JOSEPH G. WHITE.

Was born Oct. 6, 1841, in Cumberland County, Pa. His father, Wm. White, being a native of that State, is now residing in Pana, Ill. Jos. G. White was educated at Waveland Collegiate Institute, Ind. After

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HISTORY OF SEDALIA.

attaining manhood he went to Illinois and taught school one year. After- wards he was employed as clerk in a drug store, where he remained about four years. About this time Mr. White accepted a position as traveling salesman for a Chicago drug house, and was very successful in that capac- ity. During his travels Mr. White chanced to stop over in Sedalia, and admiring the location, push, thrift and enterprise of the little city, and with all the general prospects of the place he decided to locate here, and in Feb., 1867, he joined his brother, W. T. White, here, who was engaged in the lumber business. They formed a co-partnership in that business, which they successfully followed until 1880. During Mr. White, business career he, by successful enterprise, has accumulated quite a large property, owning considerable real estate in the city, and in addition to which he has about one thousand acres of good farming lands in the county. Mr. White is jointly dividing his time in improving his city and farming property. He was married, Jan. 31, 1871, to Miss Mary B. Barker, of Wooster, Ohio, daughter of Chas. Barker, a native of New York, who died in 1872. Mr White and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church in high standing.

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The History of Pettis County, Missouri, History of Sedalia, Part 79

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