The History of Pettis County, Missouri, including an authentic history of Sedalia, other towns and townships, together with biographical sketches, Part 76

Author: Demuth, I. MacDonald
Publication date: 1882]
Publisher: [n.p.
Number of Pages: 1154

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 76

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W. L. PORTER.

Is a native of Boston. His father, Edward F. Porter, is a native of Boston, of which he is still a resident. It was he who built the Porter Block, corner of Main and Ohio streets, Sedalia. W. L. was raised and educated in Boston. In 1868 he came to Sedalia and engaged in the boot and shoe business, and having great confidence in the future of Sedalia, encouraged his father to make investments in real estate here, which have proved to be good investments. In 1879 he sold out his store and has since given his entire time to real estate business. Mr. Porter was married in 1874 to Miss Nettie Rose of Boston. They have one child, Damon L. Mr. and Mrs. Porter are members of the M. E. Church.

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HISTORY OF SEDALIA.

JAMES RAMSEY.

Restaurant and confectionery. Mr. Ramsey was born in 1846 in Ire- land. In 1851 he came to America, locating at Boonville, Mo. In 1861 he was in Pennsylvania, and enlisted in the Federal Army in the 112th Penn- sylvania Regiment, and served three years. Was once taken prisoner, but never wounded, although he saw hard service under his commander, Ben Butler. In 1864 he came to Pettis County and farmed until 1877 when he came to Sedalia, and has been engaged in the auction and com- mission business, until the fall of 1881, when he opened the restaurant and confectionery store where he is now in business. Mr. Ramsey is a member of the A. O. U. W., for which order he has been receiver for the past two years. Mr. Ramsey is in command of the Queen City Guards, of which he is a charter member. He was married in September, 1870, to Mary Clark, of Cooper County. They have five children, Leonard, Florence, James H., Joseph B .. Nellie, and one deceased.

DAVID RAMSEY.

Was born, July 18, 1852, in Boonville, Mo. His father, Andrew Ramsey, was a native of Ireland, who came to Boonville in 1849. Now a resident of St. Paul, Minn. His mother, Sarah, nee Harley, was also a native of Ireland. David Ramsey was reared principally in Pettis County and educated at Boonville. After arriving at manhood he engaged in farming for a number of years. In the spring of 1875 he engaged in merchandising at Clifton, Mo. In May, 1877, he removed to Tipton, where he sold goods about one year, after which he came to Sedalia and engaged in grocery business for a time, after which he was in various kinds of business until 1880, when he was appointed clerk for the city of Sedalia, which position he held until the office was changed to that of Water Commissioner, in 1881, at which time he was appointed to that office and filled it until the spring of 1882. Mr. Ramsey was married Nov. 5, 1872, to Miss Sadie McCarty of Boonville, Mo., a daughter of William McCarty, one of the early settlers and prominent merchants of that city. They have two children, Maud and May.

JULIUS RANTENSTRAUCH.

Queen City Trunk Factory. Mr. R. was born March 27, 1849, in St. Louis, Mo. His father, Henry, was a native of Germany. Julius was reared in St. Louis, where he learned the trunk manufacturing business in his boyhood, beginning at the age of fourteen years. In 1871 he engaged in business for himself in St. Louis, where he remained until 1878, when he came to Sedalia and opened the factory and store where he has ever since been engaged, on Ohio street, near Third. Here he manufactures

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all kinds of trunks, valises, and everything in his line. His work took the first premium ever taken at the Sedalia fair. Mr. R. is a member of the the I. O. O. F. He was married in 1872 to Anna Nichter, of St. Louis; they have three children, Alfred, Irwin and Walter.

. JOHN W. RAYNOR.

One of the most popular freight conductors of the Missouri Pacific, is the subject of this sketch, John W. Raynor. He is the son of Thomas Raynor, a native of England, but who emigrated to the United States in the fall of 183S. He first settled in Addison County, Vermont. He after- wards moved to Ohio, where he died in the year 1864. The subject of this sketch was born in Cornwall, Adison County, Vermont, Oct. 6, 1840. He received his education in the schools of Vermont and Ohio. After com- pleting his education he learned the carriage painter's trade. He followed his trade for four years, when he accepted a position as brakeman on the Chicago & Alton Railroad, where he remained about six years; then, in the fall of 1872, he accepted a position as conductor on the St. Louis & Southeastern Railroad, remaining about eighteen months, when he went to the Wabash and accepted a position as conductor. In the spring of 1875 he invented a car mover. At this time he was engaged for about one year in selling the right to his patent. He also invented a street car starter, and engaged for a few months in selling interests in the same. Mr. R. has also invented other patents. In the spring of 1878, he accepted a position with the Missouri Pacific, as conductor, which position he still holds. He was married April 28, 1868, to Miss Mary A. Gorman. From this union there were eight children, six of whom are now living, viz .: Helena, Frances, Geo. E., Ralph H., Mary G. and Robert.

PROF. GEORGE W. READY.

Born in Fulton County, Pa., Aug. 12, 1836. Son of Alexander Ready, who died at the age of forty, and Susan, nee Miller, still living in Fulton County, Pa. Prepared in a private Academy to enter the Sophomore class of Alle- ghany College, Meadville, Pa., and graduated from that institution in 1858. The same year he became Principal of Linwood Academy, near Lebanon, Tennessee, a large and flourishing institute; held this position till the out- break of the war. Studied law in St. Louis one year, and entered Michi- gan University, and graduated in the law department in 1865. Located in Nashville, Tenn., and practiced law successfully two years. Came to Missouri in the summer of 1867, stopped in Sedalia, and in connection with his brother, opened an office, and continued practicing law till the organization of the public schools of Sedalia, in which event he partici- pated, entering upon his work then, which continued ten years. Under

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HISTORY OF SEDALIA.

his superintendency the schools of the city became equal to the best in the State. Retiring from this position, he purchased property and opened what was known as the Queen City Seminary, northeast corner of Fifth and Lafayette streets. The year was a successful one, closing with sev- enty-five students. At the end of this year he enlarged his school build- ing, and united his school with the Collegiate Institute, under Prof. J. B. Van Petten, giving to the combined schools the name of Sedalia Seminary, which Institute has been in successful operation three years. In Masonic bodies he has been especially honored, having held the position of Master, High Priest, Thrice Illustrious Grand Master, and Eminent Commander. In church, he is a member and elder in the First Presbyterian Church of this city. Married to Miss Addie M. Dixon, of Meadville, Pa., daughter of Joseph Dixon, who was a soldier of the War of 1812, still living, hale and hearty, at the age of ninety-three years. They have one child, eight years of age, Addie May. Mrs. Ready is also a member of the Presby- terian Church. On account of Prof. Van Petten retiring, Prof. Ready assumes the entire control of the Sedalia Seminary.

B. S. REMBAUGH.

Proprietor Enterprise Mills. Mr. Rembaugh was born in Chester County, Pa., in 1848. His father, George D., was a native of the same place. His mother, Elizabeth McCutcheon, was a native of England. Mr. Rembaugh served in the Quartermaster's Department for a short time during the war. In 1869 came to Sedalia and engaged in the dairy business. In 1875 he went to California, where he was in the dairy busi- ness one year, after which he returned and was in the same business here until 1879, when he engaged in milling. In 1881 he built the mill known as "The Enterprise," where he is now employed. He was married in 1879 to Miss L. E. Maxon. They have four children-Alonzo E., Flor- ence, Carrie and Harvey.

JUDGE CHARLES RICHARDSON.

Insurance Agent. Judge Richardson was born Feb. 16, 1822, in Col- umbiana County, Ohio. His father, Joseph R., was a native of Pennsyl- vania. His mother, Lydia Meyers, was a native of Pennsylvania also. Judge Richardson was reared in Ohio. Graduated from Washington College, Pa., in 1846, where he was a classmate of James G. Blaine. In 1845 he was admitted to the bar as a practicing attorney, practicing at Hamilton, Ohio, for some years. In 1853 he built a paper mill at Middle- ton, Ohio; in 1856 was Mayor of the city; from 1857 until 1861 he lived in St. Louis, Mo., after which he moved on a farm near St. Louis, where he remained until 1865, when he came to Sedalia. In 1866 he bought a farm near Sedalia, where he lived until 1873, when he returned to the

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HISTORY OF SEDALIA.

city, having been elected Judge of County Court in 1872. Since this time Judge Richardson has lived in the city, practicing law, dealing in grocer- ies and engaging in insurance business. Judge Richardson is at present a member of the School Board. He was married in 1851 to Hannah B. Graham, a native of Cincinnati, by whom he has six children living: Wm. G., now of San Francisco; Benjamin F. S., with Citizens National Bank, Sedalia; James G., Mary Belle, Charles, Anna S., and one deceased. .

JOHN B. RICKMAN.

Butcher. Alderman of the Third Ward. Mr. Rickman was born in 1840, in England. His father, Edwin, came to America in 1847 and located in Monroe County, N. Y., where John B. was raised and educated. He went to California in 1860 and spent five years mining in California, Australia and New Zealand, after which he returned to Shawneetown, Ill., and engaged in shipping stock for one year. In 1866 he came to Se- dalia and engaged in butchering and dealing in stock. He has gained largely in flesh since coming here and now weighs 340 pounds. He is a member of the Knights of Honor, also Knights of Pythias. In 1879 he was elected Alderman from the Third Ward and again in 1881. He was married in 1869 to Annie L. Hill, of Sedalia. They have one child living, Mary N.

PETER B. RIFFE.

Was born in 1807, in Casey County, Ky. His father, Christopher Riffe, was born in Maryland, and was a Colonel in the battle of the Thames. He was afterward promoted to General, which title he retained until his death. His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Casey, a native of Virginia. Peter B., the subject of this sketch, was reared in Kentucky, where he lived the greater part of his life on a farm, and after he had attained his manhood he followed it for many years. After Mr. Riffe left the farm he began the hotel business, in Danville, Ky., where he remained some time. He has filled creditably to himself and his constit- uents, every office which his county could bestow upon him, (with the exception of County Judge,) which fact will show the reader the character of Peter B. Riffe. In 1878 he went to Butler County, Kansas. Here he invested in lands and served two years as Magistrate, after which he came to Sedalia, and now makes his home with his children here. He was married to Julia A. Watkins, a native of Taylor County, Ky., in 1833, and they have four children living, named respectively: Bettie A., the wife of W. T. Cahill, of Sedalia; Roe A., the wife of C. H. Tucker of Sedalia; Jno. W., now of Augusta, Kansas; Doca E., the wife of Jno. W. Garner, of Louisville, Ky., and six deceased. Peter B. Riffe and wife were early members of the Baptist Church.

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HISTORY OF SEDALIA.

COL. RICHARD RITTER.

The subject of this sketch, Col. Richard Ritter, was born near Peters- burg, Sangamon (now Menard) County, Ill., Feb. 4, 1832. His father, John Ritter, was a native of Kentucky, where he resided until 1828, when he removed to Illinois and continued to reside there until his death, which occurred in 1852. His mother, Malinda, nce Watkins, was born and reared in the State of Illinois, and died in 1845. John Ritter was a farmer, and young Richard grew up strong of limb, muscular, full of ambition, nerve and courage; hard working, industrious and intelligent. On attain- ing his majority, he engaged in mercantile pursuits in Havana, Ill., and continued in that business until 1856, when he was married to Miss Jane Rule, daughter of Samuel Rule, of Mason County, Ill., and of this mar- riage there have been born three children, of whom two are still living: Alice M. and Richard H., one having died in infancy. In the same year (1856), he was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court, of Mason County, 111., and during four years discharged the duties of that office with integrity and ability. In 1861 he raised a company of volunteers, of which he was elected Captain, marched them to Camp Butler, Illinois, arriving there August 2d, being the first company that rendezvoused in that camp. His company was eventually assigned to the 28th Regiment Illinois Infantry Volunteers, designated " Company A," and ordered south October 28th, 1861. February 6th, 1862, Capt. Ritter, in command of his company and accompanying his regiment, participated in the capture of Forts Henry and Heiman, displaying considerable tact, skill and courage in the manage- ment of his men in action, and seven days later, (Feb. 13th), while in com- mand of a detachment of 48 men, he met and engaged a squadron of Confederate Cavalry, under Col. Miller, at Little Bethel Church, Tenn., and, after a stubborn contest, defeated the enemy, inflicting serious loss. In the battle of Shiloh, Tenn., April 6th and 7th, 1862, the 28th Illinois Infantry was conspicuously engaged, occupying the peach orchard, and for hours holding the ground against fearful odds. Captain Ritter was in command of his company and lost twenty-one men, killed and wounded. Lieut-Colonel Kilpatrick, of the 28th, was killed in the first day's fight, and immediately after the battle Col. Johnson called together the commissioned officers of the regiment to elect a Lieut-Colonel. Dur- ing the terrible ordeal through which the regiment had passed in that san- guinary battle, Captain Ritter had acquitted himself with great gallantry and discretion and was by far the most popular officer in the command. The result was that Captain Ritter was nominated for Lieut-Colonel and received all the votes except two, notwithstanding the Major of the regiment was a candidate for promotion. Captain Ritter's bravery in front of the enemy had been so conspicuous that he was known through- out the entire brigade, and the news soon reached the Governor of Illinois,

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who, when the commission for Lieut-Colonel was brought to him for his signature, caused to be inscribed across its face: "Promoted for meritorious conduct at the battle of Shiloh, April 6th and 7th, 1862." October 5th, 1862, he was engaged in the battle of Hatchie River, Tenn., where he again did gallant service by leading his command in a charge across a bridge swept by the enemy's fire of grape shot from howitzers at short range. The result was a glorious victory for the Union forces, the capture of the enemy's position and 400 prisoners. But the loss to the gal- lant 28th was something painful to contemplate. Within thirty minutes ninety-eight men were wounded or killed, and among the wounded was Lieut. Col. Ritter. His horse was shot three times during the action, and the Colonel received a wound during the charge, from which at times he still suffers great inconvenience and pain. He was in Grant's celebrated march from Bolivar, Tenn., to Holly Springs and Waterford, Miss., in November and December, 1862; he was engaged in the siege of Vicks- burg from June 11th to July 4th, 1863, and July 12th, engaged in a charge against Breckenridge's division at Jackson, Miss., losing out of a command numbering only 128 rank and file, 73 men killed und wounded. Sept. 1, 1863, participated in the capture of Fort Beauregard at Harrisonville, La., and August 4th, commanded an expedition to Black Bayou, doing valu- able service. March 27, 1865, he commanded his regiment in the advance on Spanish Fort, Alabama, occupying the extreme right of the division and corps, and during the entire siege of fourteen days held that position, losing fourteen men killed and wounded, including two Captains. April 12, 1865, engaged in a skirmish at Whistler Station, Ala., which was the last fight in which the regiment participated. On the 10th day of May, 1865, Gov. Oglesby ordered four new companies to join the regi- ment, thus filling it up to the maximum, and Lieut. Col. Ritter was com- missioned Colonel. And now we come to the close of his military career; he had been continually in active service in the field from Oct. 28, 1861, a period of nearly four years, during which he endured privations and hard- ships that would have wrecked a less robust constitution. The war was over, and Col. Ritter, in August, 1865, resigned his commission and returned to his home in Illinois, and in December following visited Sedalia, and removed his family there in 1866. In that year he was appointed road commissioner by the Pettis County Court, and located all the roads in Pettis County leading to Sedalia. The town was fenced in on all sides with scarcely a thoroughfare in any direction, and as the old settlers were strenuously opposed to the location of roads along the section lines, it required the exercise of considerable tact and much good humor and patience in dealing with them. From 1867 to 1870 he was a member of the Sedalia Board of Education, chairman of the committee on buildings, and superintended the construction of Broadway and Franklin school

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buildings. When he first came to Sedalia he made extensive purchases of real estate and has since invested a large sum of money in building up the city, and at present has large real estate interests in Sedalia and Pettis County. In 1868 he engaged in the lumber business, corner of Third and Osage streets, and, with the exception of one year, has continued in the business at the same place up to the present time. Col. Ritter is a shrewd, enterprising business man, and has applied the methods of military science to his business affairs, and the result is the most perfect order and system in every department. His home life is beautiful. Surrounded by every comfort and convenience, and with abundant means to meet every require- ment, he there finds relief and rest from the cares and vexations which inevitably follow in the train of active business pursuits, and enjoys the companionship so dear to the heart of every true man. In all his works and ways he is honorable, truthful and just, a kind husband and father, a consistent and faithful friend, a useful citizen, and an honest man.

WILLIAM H. ROSS.

Real estate. Mr. Ross was born April 5, 1838, in Summerset County, Pa. His father, Mark Ross, was a native of Pennsylvania. His mother, Hattie A. Ross, nce Snyder, was also a native of Pennsylvania. Wil- liam H., the subject of this sketch, was reared in Illinois and educated at Bloomington, Ill., where he engaged in merchandising until 1872, when he went to Carbondale, Ill. In 1875 he came to Sedalia, where he has since been engaged in the real estate business. He was married in 1864 to Mary C. Toms, of Bloomington, Ill. They are both members of the Chris- tian Church. They have five children, George C., Charles T., Edmond, Gilbert, Nellie. During the war Mr. Ross served in the United States army one and a half years.

GEORGE C. ROSS.

Of the firm of F. E. Hoffman & Co. Insurance. Mr. Ross was born in 1828 in Bedford County, Pa. His father, Mark Ross, was a native of the same place, as was also his mother, Hester A. Ross, nee Snyder. In 1850 Mr. Ross, together with the family, removed to Bloomington, Ill. In 1852 he went to California, where he was engaged in stock business and mining until 1866, when he returned to Bloomington and engaged in in- surance until 1875, when he came to Sedalia, where he has since been en- gaged in insurance. Mr. Ross was married in 1859 to Mary Flanary. They have four children living, William E., Emma G., Annie F., Frank C., and three dead.

SIMON P. ROWLETT.

Simon P. Rowlett, son of John Rowlett, a native of Kentucky, was

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born April 8, 1824, in Henry County, Ky., lived with his father until 1845, learning his trade and working at the business of manufacturing and lay- ing brick. When he became of age he commenced the busines in all of its branches on his own account. During his boyhood his father moved to Putnam County, Ind., followed brick-laying until 1842, when he re- turned to his former residence in Kentucky, the name of the county being changed to Trimble. Here he continued the business in Trimble and ad- joining counties until May, 1852, when he moved to Louisville, Ky. On Nov. 8, 1850, he was married to Lucy A., daughter of Monarch and Ann Murphy, of Trimble County, Ky. On the 16th day of November, 1851, his first son, Alonzo B., was born (six months before moving to Louisville). At the latter place his son George W. was born, Feb. 22, 1854. In December, 1854, moved to Pettis County, Mo .; settled near Longwood, purchased a farm and followed farming and brick-laying un- til the commencement of the war. In 1862 he was appointed Postmaster of Longwood, which office he held until he moved his family to Mattoon, Ill., in 1863. At this place he followed his trade-brick-laying-exclu- sively until 1866, when he went to Lebanon, St. Clair County, Ill. Here he built several public buildings -- M. E. Church, Gymnasium for the Mc- Kendree College; also a fine residence. In 1867 he returned to Missouri -- to Moniteau County-where he built the court house for that county. In 1868 he returned to Pettis County, manufactured the brick for and erected the residence of A. D. Jaynes, C. Newkirk, A. Parker and Charles Lesher, all of which are on Broadway, Sedalia. Mr. Rowlett has built several fine buildings in Pettis and adjoining counties, viz: Charles Leon- ard's residence, Latour's Block and D. H. Smith's business house. The names of Mr. Rowlett's children who were born in Pettis County are John M., born May 12, 1857; Wm. A., born Aug. 27, 1859; Mary F., born Feb. 21, 1862. Frank H. was born Feb. 19, 1865, in Cole County, Ill .; Anna May, Aug. 17, 1868; Lucy, Sept. 10, 1871, in Pettis County, Mo. Anna May died Dec. 25, 1869, and was buried at Knobnoster. Lucy A., mother of the above named children, died May 29, 1872, at Brownsville, Saline County, the family being there temporarily while Mr. Rowlett was engaged on several buildings. July 16, 1874, Mr. S. Row- lett was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Collins, who had two children whose names were Estella and James. Estella was born Dec. 5, 1858, and James was born Jan. 31, 1861. Alonzo B. Rowlett was married to Estella, daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth C. Rowlett, Nov. 16, 1878. Alonzo B. suc- ceeds his father in contracting and brick-laying. Mr. S. P. Rowlett now gives his attention to gardening and fruit-raising in the suburbs of Sedalia. Ye masons that work in stone, mortar and brick,

And lay your foundation deep, solid and thick,

Though hard be your labor yet lasting your fame ;

Both Egypt and China your wonders proclaim.

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HISTORY OF SEDALIA.

FRANCIS A. SAMPSON.

Attorney at law, Sedalia. Was born February 6, 1842, in Harrison County, Ohio. His father, Francis Sampson, was a native of Ireland, and came to America in 1823, and died in 1867. His mother was born in · Wales, and is still living in Ohio. Mr. Sampson, the subject of our sketch, was educated at the College of the City of New York, graduating in 1865, with the degree of A. B., and three years later the degree of A. M. was conferred upon him. He afterwards read law two years in the office of Lewton & Shepherd, in Cadiz, Ohio, at the expiration of which time he was admitted to the bar. Mr. Sampson was a zealous student, attending the law school of the University of New York, one year after his admit- tance to the practice of law, and graduating in 1868, at which time he was chosen valedictorian of his class, an honor of which he may well be proud. He then came to Sedalia, Mo., and engaged in the practice of his profes- sion with his brother, A. J. Sampson, who had preceded him to Missouri, but who is now in Denver, Colorado, and who was the first Attorney- General of that State. After his brother left Sedalia, Mr. Sampson con- tinued his practice alone. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fra- ternity, has served two years as High Priest in Sedalia, Chapter No. eigh- teen. At present is Worshipful Master of Sedalia Lodge No. 236. He was married July 19, 1869, to Harriet T. Lacey, nce Maiden, of Wolver- hampton, England, widow of Wm. B. Lacey, deceased, of the wholesale dry goods house of Chambers, Stevens & Co., Cincinnati, Ohio. She has three children living by her first husband, William B., Walter M. and Harry II. Mr. Sampson has by her two children, one living, Belle; Leroy Vernon died suddenly at Sweet Springs, June 28, 1879, aged nine years. He is the possessor of one of the largest private collections of rare and valuable curiosities in Missouri. It consists of specimens from almost every kingdom from the mineral up. This he prizes highly, and to the lover of the studies of nature it affords a field for hours of careful thought. His studies and researches in paleontology and conchology have been recognized by several species having been named for him. A land shell- Polygyra sampsoni-by Prof. Wetherby, of the University of Cincinnati; A Cretaceous fossil-Ostrea sampsoni-by Dr. White, of the Smithsonian Institution, and a Pentrimite by Dr. Hamback, of the Washington University. He is a valuable contributor to the Kansas City Review of Science and Industry, and his articles are extensively read. Mr. Sampson is a man who is recognized as a leader of his profession. Possessed of a remarkable memory, his mind has become a store-house of legal and classic lore. It can be truthfully said of him, that he is a finished scholar, a profound jurist, able edvocate, polite and cultivated gentleman. In all the relations of life, as citizen, husband, father and friend he is true to his duties and obligations, and esteemed and honored by all with

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The History of Pettis County, Missouri, including an authentic history of Sedalia, other towns and townships, together with biographical sketches, Part 76

Author: Demuth, I. MacDonald Publication date: 1882] Publisher: [n.p. Number of Pages: 1154

Author: Demuth, I. MacDonald
Publication date: 1882]
Publisher: [n.p.
Number of Pages: 1154