USA > Missouri > Pettis County > The History of Pettis County, Missouri, including an authentic history of Sedalia, other towns and townships, together with biographical sketches > Part 68
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were acknowledged by the appointment of Captain and Chief of the U. S. Secret Service, Department of Illinois. At the close of the war he was ordered on the Plains in the capacity of Captain and military store keeper. Army life, at a military post in time of peace, becoming irksome, he resigned, and came to Kansas City, Mo., receiving an appointment in the Internal Revenue Service, organizing the levying and collecting of the revenue tax, with headquarters at Versailles, California, Tipton and Seda- lia, changing as the geographical boundaries of his district changed, and while thus engaged advanced capital to a friend in the book, news and stationery business, and finally took charge of the business in person, enlarging his business until he now has two extensive stores in successful operation, carrying large stocks of miscellaneous books, papers, wail- papers and notions. He is the oldest merchant in his line in the city, and is thoroughly identified with the prosperity of the city and county. He has made many expensive and valuable improvements, and invests every dollar he can command in the county. His knowledge and experience in the West is extensive, and he firmly believes that Sedalia is destined to become an important and large commercial center. Mr. Dexter married, in Cincinnati, O., the daughter of John B. Clark, a merchant of that city, and has one son, Charles Stanley .
EDWARD J. DILLON.
Of the firm of Tucker & Co., grocers and provision dealers. Mr. Dillon was born in Cooper County, Mo., in 1836. His father, Edward P. Dillon, was a native of Ireland, who came to America in 1828, and soon after located in Cooper County, Mo., where he was a merchant until his death, in 1862. His mother, Margaret M., ncc Hardy, was also a native of Ire- land, a sister of John R. Hardy, the first beef and pork packer of St. Louis. She died in 1880, aged 80 years. Edward J., the subject of this sketch, was brought up to mercantile pursuits, under his father, and for a number of years superintended his father's business. In the early part of the war he entered the Confederate Army as 1st Lieutenant, and served until the close of the war. He was wounded three times. In 1865, he came to Sedalia, and married Miss Luvinia Heard, a daughter of George Heard, of this county, settled near Dresden, and engaged in farming for two years. He farmed in other parts of the county until 1870, when he engaged in business in Brownsville. In 1875, returned to Sedalia and dealt in real estate for several years. January 1, 1882, he engaged in the grocery business, in company with Mr. Tucker, where we now find him. Mr. and Mrs. Dillon have two children, Rosa C. and Clyde H.
GEORGE E. DUGAN.
House, sign, and ornamental painter. Mr. Dugan was born in 1845,
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in Beaver, Pa. His father, Talbot T., was also a native of Pennsylvania, as was his mother, Elizabeth, nee McLean. George began the painting business at the age of twelve years, under his father, who was a painter. In 1872 he came to Sedalia, where he has ever since done an extensive business, working twelve to twenty-five men. He was married in July, 1872, to Anna Stephens, of Sedalia, who, as a writer, is well and favorably known here. They have two children, Ernest and LaPette. One died.
JUDGE ROBERT G. DURHAM.
Was born in 1821, in Northumberland County, Pa. His father, James Durham, was a native of Pennsylvania, as was also his grandfather, and the house built by his great grandfather before the Revolutionary war, is still owned by the family. His mother's maiden name was Charlotte Garton. His grandmother, McClintic, was scalped by the Indians, during the Revolutionary war. Judge Durham received a Collegiate education, after which he studied law, which he practiced in Centre Co., Pa., until coming to Sedalia, in 1866. In 1867 he was appointed by Gov. Fletcher Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, which office he filled two years. Since which time he has practiced at the bar. Judge Durham has been a Mason since 1860. He was married in 1865 to Harriet Ritchey. They have three children, Thomas, Clara and Harry R.
DR. EDWIN C. EVANS.
Was born in Washington, D. C., October 29th, 1828. His father, Dr. Thomas Evans, was also a native of Washington and was one of the early physicians of Missouri, having located in the eastern part of Pettis County in 1832, where he practiced his profession until his death in 1874, at the age of 70. Edwin C. received a fair education, and at the age of twenty he commenced the study of medicine. He graduated from the St. Louis Medical College in the spring of 1854, and on the 6th day of June of the same year he was married to Miss Elizabeth Joplin. He began practicing in Otterville soon afterward, making a specialty of diseases of the eye and ear. Of these diseases he has had a wide experience, hav- ing taken a special course of lectures in this study at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pa., in 1857-58 and receiving the ad eundem de- gree. In addition to this Dr. Evans graduated in 1865 at the Ophthalmic College, New York, taking a wide course of study and having some val- uable experience in the hospitals. In 1873 he formed a partnership with his brother, W. H. Evans, and moved to Sedalia that he might have a broader field for his practice as an oculist, and to-day his reputation extends outside the limits of Missouri, as his success in many cases of the most delicate operation known in opthalmic surgery has given him the endorsement and respect of the profession and made him popular at
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large. In 1880 Dr. Evans was elected Mayor of Sedalia on the Demo- cratic ticket. He at first respectfully declined, and afterward positively refused to accept the nomination, but it was forced upon him, and he was elected by a large majority, although the Republicans had held the office for two years previous. He served the people well in that capacity.
DR. WM. H. EVANS.
Was born in Cooper County, Mo., in 1840. His father was Dr. Thomas Evans, who is spoken of in another part of this work. Dr. Wm. H. came with his father to Pettis County, when but a child, where he has ever since remained. He was educated in this county, and early com- menced the study of medicine. In the course of his medical study he attended the St. Louis Medical College, but graduated from the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York, in 1867. During the late rebellion Dr. Evans figured as Assistant Surgeon, in the Eighth Missouri State Militia and Thirteenth Missouri Cavalry, a veteran regiment, serving until the close of the war. After the war he returned to Pettis County, and began practicing medicine, in and around Sedalia. In 1873, he in con- nection with his brother, Dr. E. C. Evans, began practicing together, and have ever since been identified with Sedalia. They are both sons of one of Pettis County's pioneer settlers and physicians, and having been reared in this county, it is not strange that they are recognized as favorites among the people of Sedalia, or that they stand high as practitioners of medicine. Dr. Wm. H. Evans has served the county as Coronor, several terms. He was married in 1869 to Miss Ella Stone, of Pettis County, daughter of Clark Stone, deceased. They have two children, Lulu and Wm. C. Mr. and Mrs. Evans are consistent members of the O. S. Pres- byterian Church.
ALANSON FARNHAM.
Of Farnham & Gilman, liverymen. Was born in the month of April, 1842, in Genesee County, N. Y. His father, S. H. Farnham, was a native of New York, and is now a resident of Floyd County, Ia. His mother, Deborah A. Farnham, is still living in St. Clair County, Mo., aged 86 years. Alanson was but nine years of age when his parents moved to Winnebago County, Ill., and soon after moved to Iowa. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted in the Federal Army, Co. K, First Illinois Cavalry, and served until December, 1862, when he was mustered out. Early in the spring of 1865 he entered as 1st Lieutenant of Co. G, One Hundred and Fifty-third Illinois Infantry, and served until the close of the war. In the fall of 1865 he returned to Illinois and bought a farm, and in December of the same year married Lucy E. Gilman, of that State, daughter of Dr. Jno. P. Gilman, of Winnebago County, now of Kearney County, Neb.
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In 1869 he moved to St. Clair County, Mo., where he engaged in farming. After the M., K. & T. R. R. was built through there, he erected the first livery stable in Appleton City. In 1873 he came to Sedalia, and bought the stable of Wesley Kipp, on West Main street, where he remained until the summer of 1876, at which time he built the large brick stable on the corner of Osage and Third streets, which he now occupies. Mr. Farnham has quite a number of fine horses, with a complete stock of fine buggies and carriages, and does a large business. For about three years he owned the only hearse in the city. Mr. Farnham's partner in business, Mr. Gilman, spends much of his time in training and developing fine horses. Mr. Farnham is a member of the Christian Church, also of the Masonic and K. P. Lodges. He has three children, Lena A., Lizzie E., Leslie S., and two deceased. Their second daughter, Lonie May, died April 13, 1881, aged twelve years; Leon J. died when about three weeks of age.
GEORGE L. FAULHABER.
Pacific Express Agent, Sedalia. Was born at Kirchbromback, Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, April 6, 1838. His father, John, died in Germany. In the year of 1851 he came to America, locating in Pittsburg, Pa., and was engaged in the furniture establishment of his brother, E. A. Faulhaber, (who had preceded him to America,) until 1857. About this time he went South, but in September of the same year he came to Jefferson City, Mo., and was engaged by the U. S. Express Company as Agent at that place. He retained this position until 1864, when he came to Sedalia, and continued as agent in the same company. In 1867, Mr. Faulhaber started a private express line throughout the southwest, by stage, which he continued until the railroads began to overrun the ground, and at the same time holding his position as agent of the U. S. Express Co., making headquarters at Sedalia. On account of the competing lines he let his pri- vate enterprises in the business cease. During Mr. Faulhaber's career in Sedalia he has not escaped the toils of public office, being elected Mayor in 1879, serving in that capacity creditably to himself and his constitu- ents until the election of Frank Craycroft. He is prominently connected with many of the lodges of Sedalia, being made a Mason in 1865. He has done much for that fraternity in Sedalia. In 1881, when the U. S. Express Co. left the Gould lines, Mr. Faulhaber was appointed agent of the Pacific Express Co., at Sedalia, a position which he has filled with emi- nent satisfaction ever since. He is now one of the senior express agents in Missouri, probably only one or two having been acting in that capacity so long as he. He was married Jan. 2, 1861, to Lillie Grimshaw, of Jefferson City, daughter of Jonathan Grimshaw, express agent of that city. They have five children living, named respectively: Catharine E.,
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Gertrude, Earnest A., Eda M., and Blanch L., and one deceased. Mr. Faulhaber is one of the early settlers of Sedalia who is universally respected and esteemed both as a Mason, citizen and official.
WILLIAM L. FELIX, (deceased ).
He was born in Scotland County, Mo., March 15th, 1846. His father, Wm. L. Felix, Sr., was a native of Kentucky, and came to Missouri at an early day, about 1838-40. He died in the year 1875. The mother of our subject, whose family name was Susanna Carry, formerly resided in Jefferson County, Ky. She is still living at Pierce City, Mo. Wm. L. Felix, Jr., was educated at Abingdon, Ill., and Lexington, Ky. In 1869 he commenced reading law, in Sedalia, with John Montgomery, Jr., and was admitted to the bar in 1872, and for a time remained in the office as partner. In 1873 he was appointed city attorney, since which time he has twice been elected to the same office. Mr. Felix was chairman of the judicial convention which nominated Judge John P. Strother, of this cir- cuit. In February, 1881, he became associated in the law business with Geo. W. Barnett. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias and Knights of Honor, having been the representative of both these lodges to the Grand Lodges for several years. He was married, Nov. 4, 1869, to Miss Anna A. Fetterling, a daughter of John Fetterling, (deceased), of Johnson County, Mo. Three children cheer the household, though recently made sad by the death of their father. The names of the children are Eldon L., John W. and Clara A. William L. Felix departed this life May 3, 1882. He died in Texas, having gone there for the purpose of regaining his health. His remains were buried in the Sedalia cemetery, May 6, 1882, and his funeral services were conducted under the auspices of the Christian Church and of orders of which he was a member, and attended by the members of the Sedalia Bar, and an immense concourse of sympathizing friends and relatives. He was a member of the Christian Church, where he took an active part in all religious duties. Resolutions of the deepest respect and sympathy were offered by the bar and various lodges of the city to which he belonged. The following resolutions were passed by the bar:
WHEREAS, W. L. Felix, in the early manhood of his existence, has been taken from our midst by death.
Our deceased friend and brother, in the profession of the law, grew up from boyhood in this county, loved, esteemed and honored by all our citizens.
When one who has borne the reputation of an able and upright lawyer, honest and respected citizen, true to his church and country, is taken by the inscrutable hand of Providence, it is proper that we, who have been closely connected with the deceased in the practice of our profession, should express our sympathy and condolence with the family of our
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deceased friend, and bear our tribute to his many virtues and noble character in all the walks of life:
Resolved, That, in the death of Win. L. Felix, the Pettis County Bar has lost an industrious, talented and able lawyer; our city and county a true, upright and honorable citizen: the church a conscientious member; his wife a loving husband, and his children a kind and indulgent father.
Resolved, That our deceased brother in his life time was ever genial, courteous and gentlemanly in his intercourse with the members of our profession, and that we, the members of the Pettis County Bar, deeply deplore his untimely death, and condole and sympathize with his afflicted family, and will attend in a body the funeral of deceased.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the records of all the courts of Pettis County, and published in our city papers, and that a copy thereof be presented to the family of our deceased friend.
JOHN MONTGOMERY, JR., H. C. SINNETT, Committee.
R. G. DURHAM,
WILFRED D. FELLOWS.
Was born in Salisbury, New Hampshire, in 1852. His father, James Fellows, was a native of New Hampshire, where he still resides. His mother, Jane, nec Stephens, was a native of Salisbury-still living. W. D., the subject of this sketch, was educated at Henniker, N. H., after which he engaged in mercantile business for some years at his old home. In 1876 he went to Massachusetts, and remained until the fall of 1877, when he came to Sedalia, and engaged with H. H. Marine, as salesman, until 1879, when he began with the wholesale house of Brown Bros., with whom he has ever since remained. Mr. Fellows was married, April 20, 1880, to Emma V. Anderson, of Sedalia. They are both members of the First Presbyterian Church of Sedalia. He is leader of the choir, and Superintendent of the Sunday School.
A. S. FERNALD.
Of the firm of A. S. Fernald & Co., lumber dealers. Mr. Fernald is a native of New York State. His father, Joseph S., is a native of Maine; now living in New York State. In 1872 A. S. Fernald, the subject of this sketch, went to Muskegon, Mich., where he spent five years in the lumber business, as inspector. In 1877 he came to Sedalia and engaged in the lum- ber business, which he still continues. Mr. Fernald has served as a member of the city council since residing here, and is held in high esteem by all who know him.
CHARLES P. FERRELL.
Dealer in groceries and provisions. Mr. Ferrell is a native of Kentucky, and a son of Steward Ferrell. He was educated at Eminence College, Ky., and at Poughkeepsie, New York. Graduating from the latter in
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1872, after which he engaged as traveling salesman for a New York wholesale house, where he remained three years, after which he traveled for a Louisville leather house, until 1880, when he returned to Kentucky, and married Miss Lucy Smith. He now went to Lebanon, Mo., where he did a large grocery business for one year. In 1881 he came to Sedalia, where he and his partner, Mr. W. L. Smith, opened the store on Ohio street near Fourth, where they are in business.
GEORGE FERRELL.
Traveling salesman for Hall & Beiler. Was born in West Virginia. Garld C. Ferrell, his father, and his mother, Carolina, nee Sexton, natives of Virginia, have been dead for several years. George, the subjet of this sketch, was reared on a farm, where he spent his boyhood. In 1875, he came to Sedalia, and was engaged as salesman for Brown Bros., dealers in books, stationery, etc. After remaining two years in the store, he went on the road as traveling salesman for this firm, and continued until April, 1881, when, in partnership with W. J. Bugby, opened a grocery and provision store on Osage street. Here he remained until January, 1882, when he sold out his prosperous business to his partner, and accepted a position as traveling salesman with Hall & Beiler, wholesale grocers of Sedalia, and is now on the road again. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, of Sedalia, and is secretary of the same. Mr. Ferrell, although a young man, is possessed of untiring energy, and has already taken his place among the worthy business men of the city.
JOHN D. FESLER.
One of the guardians of the city peace is the subject of this sketch, John D. Fesler. He is the son of Daniel Fesler, a native of Pennsylvania, but who moved to Illinois in the year 1853, settling at Paris, in Edgar County, of that State. He died in Scott County, Ill., July 6, 1869. The subject of this sketch was born in Cumberland County, Penn., Oct. 26, 1844, and is the third child in a family of eight children. He was educated principally in the schools of Illinois. In June, 1869, Mr. Fesler moved to Kansas, settling in Craword County, where he remained until the year 1879, when he moved to Missouri, settling at Sedalia, where he has been engaged until recently in farming. In August, 1862, Mr. Fesler enlisted as a soldier in the United States service under Col. Fad, of the First Regiment of Engineers of Missouri Volunteers. He served until the close of the war, and was mustered out of service at the time of the grand review at the City of Washington, 1865. He was with Sherman on his march to the sea, was in the siege of Vicksburg. Mr. Fesler has principally been engaged in farming, though he has acted as assistant surveyor under Capt. Miller, Chief of Survey, made on the proposed
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route of the Sedalia Northern. He also acted in the capacity of bridge carpenter for a short time. In April, 1882, he received the appointment of city police, under Mayor Messerly, and confirmed by city council, May 16, 1882, which position he holds at the present time. Mr. F. is a young man of good standing, sociable and courteous, and will make the city an efficient and popular officer.
JUDGE CURTIS FIELD.
President of the Pettis County Bank. He was born near Richmond, Madison County, Kentucky, on the 3d of November, 1822. His father, Curtis Field, son of John and Dianna Field, was born in Culpepper County, Va., on the Sth of March, 1781. His mother, Rosanna, nee Har- din, daughter of the distinguished Col. John Hardin of the U. S. Army, (who was killed in his country's service by hostile Indians on the soil of Ohio in 1792,) was born in Washington County, Ky., on the Sth day of January, 1791. His parents were married near Richmond, Ky., on the 20th day of March, 1810. The subject of this notice received his early educational training at the Madison Male Academy of Richmond, Ky. In 1838 he entered Augusta College and remained a student at that in- stitution for three years under the instruction of a faculty composed of President Joseph Tomlinson, with H. B. Bascom, B. B. McCowen, J. Trimble and J. D. Kemp, Professors. He afterwards entered the Dane Law School, of Harvard University, at Cambridge, Massa- chusetts, and graduating there, he received the degree of A. B., in the class of 1844. His diploma is signed by Josiah Quincy, President of Harvard University, and by those eminent law writers, Hon. Joseph Story and Simon Greenleaf. On his return to Kentucky he passed an examination before Hon. Humphrey Marshall, of the Louisville Circuit Court, and Hon. Mason Brown, of the Franklin Circuit Court, (two of the most eminent jurists Kentucky has ever produced,) who being satisfied with his qualifications, signed his license to practice in the courts of Ken- tucky. He was sworn in as attorney-at-law in the Madison Circuit Court at Richmond, Ky., in December, 1844, and practiced in the Supreme and Circuit Courts of the State, until his removal to Missouri in the year 1868. He was married in Harrodsburg, Ky., on the 25th day of March, 1845, to Miss Martha Richardson, a native of Mississippi. Her father, Col. Frank R. Richardson, was a graduate under President Holly, of Transylvania University, and a distinguished planter and politician of Mississippi, and her mother, Sarah, nce Magoffin, was a native of Kentucky, and a sister of Hon. B. Magoffin, Governor of Kentucky at the commence- ment of the late civil war. She died in Richmond, Ky., March 13, 1860, leaving seven children, all of whom came to Missouri with their father and are now citizens of this State. The names of the children are, Sallie,
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the wife of I. B. McClure, Rosa Hardin, wife of C. W. Courtney, M. D., Curtis D., Frank Richardson, Martha Richardson, Charles R., assistant cashier of the Pettis County Bank, all of Pettis County, and John Hardin, of Audrain County, Mo In the year 1847, the Legislature of Kentucky established a Police Court for the city of Richmond, and Gov. Owsley commissioned Field as Judge of that Court, which office he held for about three years, and then resigned. In 1858, he was elected a member of the Kentucky Legislature, from Madison County, after the most exciting and strongly contested political battle that ever occurred in that State. He made a good member, and was highly complimented for his ability by the press of the State. In 1859, he took control as editor and manager of the Kentucky Messenger, a newspaper published at Richmond, and at the time the only newspaper published in the Sixth Congressional Dis- trict of Kentucky. He conducted the paper for something more than a year, with marked success, but could not be induced to continue for a longer term in the arduous and responsible duties incident to such a posi- tion. Soon after his removal to Missouri he settled at Knobnoster, Johnson County, and expended $15,000 in building a handsome residence, store rooms, opera hall, etc., for the improvement and adornment of that place. He soon became a large stockhalder in the Sedalia Savings Bank, and was elected and served as one of its directors. In 1869, he organ- ized the Savings Bank of Knobnoster, with a paid up capital of $50,000; which afterwards he converted into the First National Bank of Knobnos- ter. He was President of these banks from their organization to the time of his resignation and removal from the county in 1876, and each of them proved under his management, not only a public benefit, but a financial success. From the spring of 1876, to the fall of 1879, he was a resident of Audrain County, and expended large sums of money there in building, fencing, and otherwise improving his lands. His example was followed by others and wonderfully increased the value of real estate in that county. Removing to Pettis County in September, 1879, he settled upon one of his farms in the vicinity of Sedalia; bought stock in the Pettis County Bank, was elected its President July 1, 1880, and continues in the office to the present time. His bank experience, commencing in early manhood, as director and attorney of the Northern Bank of Kentucky, has always been pleasant and remunerative to him, and to those associated with him. When he came to Missouri to make it the permanent home of himself and children, he was the owner of about 12,000 acres of land, located in the counties of Sullivan, Linn, Cass, Callaway, Boone, Audrain, Johnson and Pettis; he has been selling and buying lands since that time, and now owns large farms in Johnson, Audrain and Pettis counties; but his talent and taste is rather in banking than in farming, or in attorney- ship, and he will probably pursue the former to the end. Such an enter-
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