USA > Missouri > Buchanan County > The history of Buchanan County, Missouri > Part 81
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CHRISTIAN MAST,
Revenue Collector, was born October 8, 1836, in the Province of Wur- temberg, Germany, and in 1842, moved to Attenstaig, Province of Nagold, where he was raised. In 1852, he emigrated to America, and went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he learned the trade of printer, and remained five years. In 1857, he came to St. Joseph, remaining with his brother, Charles Mast, for six months, and in 1858 enlisted in the United States regular army, and took part with his regiment, under the command of General Albert Sidney Johnson, in the Utah campaign. At the outbreak of the civil war he returned with his regiment, and joined the army of the Potomac, and served up to 1864, when, being honorably discharged, he returned to St. Joseph, and engaged in the ice business, which he carried on successfully, and is now President of the St. Joseph Ice Company. September 1, 1875, he was appointed Deputy Collector of the Sixth District of Missouri, which position he still holds. Was
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married, June 30, 1868, to Miss Augusta Figge, of Waldick, Germany. They have four children: Fritz, born May 3, 1869; Ida, born June I, 1871; Josephine, born September 10, 1873; Oscar, born September II, 1875.
MAYERS & BENNETT,
dealers in boots and shoes, 415 Felix Street. Among those who occupy a conspicuous place in the city's commercial circles and have contributed a full share towards its reputation, is the above firm. Mr. C. F. Mayers, the senior member, is a native of Switzerland, where he was born in 1820. He is of German and Swiss lineage, and was raised and learned the watchmaking trade in his native country. In 1848, he came to Amer- ica, and for ten years pursued his vocation as a jeweler, in the city of New York, after which he came west, and until 1870 was engaged in various pursuits in Colorado and other parts of the distant west. In that year he came to St. Joseph, where he has since been a resident, engaged in the boot and shoe trade. He is a man of clear judgment, quick com- prehension, and a close applicant to his business details. The boot and shoe house of Mayers & B. is well stocked with a line of superior goods, and their trade lucrative and steadily on the increase. They are repre- sentative gentlemen of the truest type and well merit their success.
HENRY MAYER,
bridge builder, house mover and contractor, was born in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, September 7, 1851, and was there reared and learned the carpenter's trade. His father, Joseph, was an agriculturist, and Henry spent his early days on the farm. In 1869, he came to St. Joseph. Is well known throughout Buchanan County, and has attained an enviable reputation. Was married in 1873, to Miss Maria Riter, of St. Joseph, daughter of Joseph Riter, one of the old settlers in the county. They have three children by this union-Edward, Albert J. and Josephine M. Himself and family are members of the Catholic Church, and he belongs to the St. Francis Society.
JOHN MEDLEY,
salesman for W. J. Swope, was born in Madison County, Virginia, Decem- ber 27, 1819, and at an early age removed with his parents to Missis- sippi, where he was educated and reared. His father, M. B. Medley, was a native of Madison County, Virginia,, and for thirty-eight years was a resident of the old homestead where he was born. In 1856, our subject came to Missouri, locating in Platte County, and residing there until 1863, when he took up his abode in St. Joseph. Mr. Medley has lost two
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wives, the first was Miss Caledonia Adkins, and the second Miss Mary Byrne. By his first marriage he has one daughter, Mary. He traces his lineage to English extraction, and is possesed to a large degree with an appreciative intellect.
GEORGE MEIERHOFFER,
a native of Booneville, Missouri, and was born September 7, 1852. He was there raised, and learned his trade of his father, Jacob, who was the pioneer cooper of that town. George remained at home until 1869, when he came to St. Joseph, and, until 1875, worked as journeyman, when he established himself in trade, in a small way. It has been on the increase, until at present it reaches out in the distance, West and Northwest, proportionately. May 7, 1876, he married Louisa Herwig. They have three children : Nettie, Lena, and an infant. He is a member of the German Benevolent Society.
Ç. A. MERRILL,
engineer on the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, was born in Andro- scoggin County, Maine, December 1, 1842, and was there brought up and educated. At the breaking out of the rebellion, in 1861, he displayed that patriotism characteristic of his native state, by enlisting in the three months' call, and served until the close of the war. He participated in the first battle of Bull Run, was in the first expedition to the gulf, and at the capture of New Orleans, the bombardment of Fort Phillip, and also with General Banks on his famous Red River expedition. Participated in all the principal engagemeuts in the Shenandoah Valley and the majority of the hard-fought battles of the rebellion. Passing through the usual routine of promotion, he was mustered out as a Second Lieu- tenant. He received seven wounds, some of which were painful, but none serious. He had two brothers, also in the service-David V. and Joseph S. The former was a Sergeant, and was killed at the battle. of Mount Bermuda. Joseph S. was a First Lieutenant, and was discharged before the close of the war on account of wounds received while dis- charging his duty, from the effects of which he died soon after returning home. Mr. Merrill did his part towards suppressing the rebellion, and as a testimonial, Governor Joshua Chamberlain, of Maine, presented him with a memorial, signed by the members of the Legislature, for merito- rious conduct and bravery. In 1867, he came West, locating at Hanni- bal, and engaged on the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad in the bridge department. Being a carpenter by trade, was soon superintendent of bridges, and continued in this line of work for several years, after which he went in the train service, remaining until 1875, when he became assist-
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ant yard master with the Kansas City, St. Joseph and Council Bluffs Railroad Company in St. Joseph, holding this position until April, 1881. Was married December 24, 1868, to Miss Josie A., daughter of Hon. John B. Lewis, of Hannibal, Missouri, her father being a prominent attorney of that city. By this union they have one daughter-Lurah A. Mr. M. is a member of the I. O. O. F. Encampment, and the K. of P., Apollo Lodge, Hannibal.
JAMES A. MILLAN,
Recorder of Deeds, was born in Lancaster, Garrard County, Kentucky, April 20th, 1826, and came to Marion County, Missouri, in 1831. He received a good common school education in his own town, and when sixteen he was apprenticed to Jacob Sosey, editor of the Palmyra Spec- tator, where he learned the printing trade. At the age of nineteen he went to Columbia, Missouri, and took charge of the Missouri Statesman, as foreman. In this position he remained five years, when he became one of the proprietors of the Missouri Sentinel, at that place. In 1852, he sold out the paper, and in 1853, came to St. Joseph, where he commenced the publication of the Commercial Ciycle. After publishing two years, he sold his paper, and in 1854, embarked in the dry goods trade, locat- ing on Second Street. This was the first exclusive dry goods store opened in the city. In 1856, he sold out and opened a job printing office, the first established in the city. Frank M. Posegate, who had formerly learned the printer's trade with him, was a partner in the bus- iness. He continued to run the job press until 1865, when he sold out and established the St. Joseph Vindicator, which he published for sev- eral years. After disposing of this, in 1875, he was appointed City Assessor for two years. In 1879, he was elected Recorder of Deeds for the county. He married Miss Mary E. Barnett, daughter of the Rev. Wm. Barnett, then of Pike County, Missouri, in October, 1852. They have four children living : Edward A., Wm. R., Mary E. and Louise W. By his energy, enterprise and uniform kindness and just dealing toward all, Mr. Millan, in every position in which he has been placed, has secured the peoples' confidence and earned for himself an enviable reputation.
MILLER & TURNER,
proprietors of grocery and meat market. Mr. Turner established a meat market at this point in February, 1877. The above firm was formed April 1, 1881, continuing the meat market and adding a choice line of fresh family groceries, consisting of sugar, tea, coffee, spices, canned goods, bottled goods, vegetables, etc. It is their aim to keep every- thing in season, and sell to their many kind patrons on close margins. They also have a fine line of tobacco and choice cigars. They pay the
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highest price for choice butter and fresh eggs. Full weight and meas- ure is their motto. Mr. Miller was born in Germany, and emigrated to America in 1854, locating in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1858, he moved to Palermo, Kansas, and located permanently in St. Joseph in 1876. Mar- ried Miss Ellen J. Smith, in March, 1861. They have four children, all living. He is a Mason and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Turner was born in Illinois in 1847, and came to St. Joseph in 1866. In the spring of 1870, he moved to Kansas, returning to St. Joseph in 1876. He was born and raised on a farm. Was married June 23, 1873, to Miss Jane D. Vermillion, a native of New York. They had two children, one of whom died in January, 1880. Mr. T. has seen many ups and downs in life but is well satisfied with his condition.
GIDEON MILES,
carriage manufacturer, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, in 1839, and was reared and educated in the Buckeye State. In 1863, he came West, and located in St. Joseph in 1869. In 1866, he was married to Mary E. White. They have two children, Gideon L. and Mamie E. Mr. Miles is a Mason and one of the popular citizens of the city.
E. F. MITCHELL,
proprietor of livery, feed and sale stable, one of the leading horse fan- ciers of Buchanan County, and one of St. Joseph's sterling business men, is our subject. He is a native of Bureau County, Illinois, and was born January 28, 1851, and was there reared. He traces his ancestry to English extraction. When our subject attained his eighteenth year, he migrated to Fairfield, Jefferson County, Iowa, engaging in the stock trade, which he continued there, for a time, and at other points, up to 1879, when he located in St. Joseph. His stable is one of the finest in all its appoint- ments to be found in the county, and Mr. Mitchell's genial qualities makes it quite a popular trading market. In 1874, he was married to Miss Mattie Johnson, of Fairfield, Iowa. They have two children : Fred. and Herbert. Mr. M. is a member of the I. O. O. F.
F. L. MITCHELL,
photographer, was born in Embden, Maine, September 1, 1840, and when very young, drifted Westward, locating in Chicago. His father, D. D., was a mill-wright, and saw mill man, and during later years was well known on the Mississippi. He was head sawyer for a time in a mill at Davenport, and F. L., when a boy, worked in this mill, and sawed a large portion of the timber for the Rock Island bridge. He resided at different periods in Quincy and Keokuk, and at the latter place learned
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photographing, and conducted a gallery. In 1860, he came to St. Joseph, and opened a gallery, which he conducted for a considerable length of time. During the war he went South, and was commissiond First Lieu- tenant of the First Tennessee militia, and acted as Captain. After the war he returned to St. Joseph, where he has since been in trade. Mr. Mitchell is an inventive genius, and among the various inventions he has placed before the public is a washing machine, a fire grate and a fire escape. The latter is so constructed as to be easily operated, and in case of fire in a three or four story building, would prove invaluable in life saving. It is highly indorsed by firemen. He has been a life-long worker in the temperance cause, and is a member of the I. O. of G. T.
JAMES MITCHELL,
Justice of the Peace, was born in Ireland, and in 1840 emigrated to America, locating in New York City. He had a good education in Ire- land. „Was married to Miss Kate Mitchell in 1869, and by her had two children, both living. Mr. Mitchell left New York in 1857 for St. Louis. He served as book-keeper during his stay in that city, and in 1868 emi- grated to St. Joseph and engaged in the book business. In 1873 he became Deputy City Recorder, and in November, 1878, was elected Jus- tice of the Peace, and has held that important and responsible office ·ever since. He is a member of the Catholic Church. While in New York the 'Squire, in connection with Thomas Dorsey McGee, published the American Celt from 1853 to 1857. The subject of this sketch has a table in his office that was used in the Court House at Sparta.
RICHARD MOORE,
.carpenter ; was born in England January 14, 1836, where he enjoyed the advantages of a moderate education. He emigrated to America in 1851, landing in Cleveland, Ohio, from which place he went to Mt. Vernon, and thence to Kansas, where he remained for three years. He after- wards explored Montana and returned to Missouri in the fall of 1859 ; has followed carpentering ever since. He married Mary Spearman, a native of England, and they had one child, Frank A. Mrs. M. died in 1857. Mr. Moore married in 1859 Mattie Pickard, also a native of Eng- land. By this union they have five children, Fred, Harry, Nelly, and Stephen. Mr. Moore's second wife died April 6, 1876. He enlisted in the Thirteenth Kansas Regiment, Company A, for three years, and returned home safe and sound. He is an Odd Fellow. Has been suc- cessful in life, and owns the house and lot where he lives.
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THOMAS D. MOORE,
proprietor of sale and feed stable, is a native of Jefferson County, West Virginia, and was born March 18, 1830. In 1856, he came to Missouri, locating on Grand River, Daviess County, and engaged in farming until 1869. From that time, resided at different points until 1880, when he became a resident of St. Joseph. Mr. Moore is a steady going, unas- suming man, and is respected by all who have his acquaintance. In 1858, he was married to Miss A. B. Terrill. They have one son, Wil- liam F.
GEORGE W. MORRIS,
contractor and builder, is a native of Ohio, and was born March 25, 1833. Was there reared, educated and became proficient in brick masonry. He lived in Illinois for a few years, and in 1856, came to St. Joseph, and has since been a resident, with the exception of four years spent in the far West. Mr. Morris has erected many of the attractive and substantial buildings in St. Joseph, and has a good record as a contractor and builder. He was married in 1860, to Miss Maggie Dillan. They have three children, Charlie, Allie and Harry. Mr. M. is an Encampment member of the I. O. O. F.
WILLIAM MORRISON,
of the firm of Fredericks & Morrison, contractors and builders, was born in Wilmington, Delaware, November 24, 1833, and was reared on a farm. When sixteen years of age commenced to learn the bricklayer's trade in Philadelphia, remaining there several years, after which he went to St. Paul, Minnesota, and there made his home for two years. In the spring of 1858 he took up his residence in St. Joseph. His first work in the town was on the old Court House ; also worked on the Patee House. During the war he was engaged in railroading, and for a time was located at Denver, Colorado. He has been contractor of many leading buildings in this city, and also done a large amount of building in Iowa, Nebraska, and other States. Mr. Morrison has been twice married ; first, in 1860, to Miss Mary Turner. By this union they had two child- ren, Mary Agnes and John. Mrs. Morrison died in 1867. In 1872 Mrs. Liddie Southerland became his wife. Mr. M. is a Master Mason.
CHARLES MOREHEAD,
engineer on the St. Joseph & Western Railway, is a native of Campbell County, Kentucky, and was born April 8, 1842. His father, W. C., was a cooper by trade, and immigrated, with his family, to Quincy, Illinois, when Charles was quite young. When twelve years of age he com-
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menced to learn engineering on the Mississippi River, in which he became quite proficient, and this he followed for a number of years. In 1865, he came to St. Joseph, and was engineer on the ferry for a time. In 1867, he was on the packet line between St. Joseph and Omaha. In 1868, was captain on the ferry at Brownsville, Nebraska, and in 1869 was on the steamer Thompson Dean, as engineer, plying between St. Louis and New Orleans. Mr. M. commenced railroading in 1870 on the M. I. & M., at Alexandria, Missouri, and in 1872, returned to St. Joseph, and was on the transfer until 1873, when he went in the employ of the St. Joseph & Denver Railroad. He is an accomplished and experienced engineer, and is held in high esteem by his employers. In 1868, Miss Gertude Spalsbury became his wife. They have one son, Harry. Mr. M. is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.
JOHN L. MOTTER,
railroad builder, was born in Frederick County, Maryland, in 1831, and graduated from the Marshall College, Pennsylvania. He emigrated to St. Joseph, Missouri, in July, 1856. Was married to Miss Helen M. Dun- lap, in 1855, she being the daughter of Hon. John Dunlap, a member of the State Senate. By this union they had five children, all living. Mr. Motter has been engaged in manufacturing, general merchandising, saw milling and railroading. He is a Mason and member of the Episcopal Church. He was a member of the Kansas Legislature in 1875. Mr. Motter was founder, President and Manager of the St. Joseph Glucose Works. He built the St. Joseph and Topeka Railroad, which was after- wards taken up, and he also built the St. Joseph and Des Moines Narrow Gauge Railroad to Albany. Was President and General Manager of this road, which was afterwards sold to the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Company, by whom he was retained as Manager.
JOIIN MUEHLEISEN,
of the firm of Muehleisen & Co., lumber merchants, was born in Wur- temberg, Germany, January 2, 1839, and came to America in 1855, locat- ing in Racine, Wisconsin. In 1861, he enlisted in Company F., Nine- teenth Volunteer Infantry, and passed through the usual routine of pro- motions, being mustered out as First Lieutenant. He participated at the long engagement at Petersburg, and many other notable events of the rebellion, and was three times wounded, once seriously, by a piece of a shell. He defended the Union cause faithfully until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged. Returning to Racine, he soon after located in St. Joseph, and became an employe in the lumber firm of Bell & Lowell, and remained with them and their successors, for
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eleven years. In the spring of 1881, the present firm was organized, which comprises Mr. M., J. L. Unangst and M. Lillig. Our subject occu- pies a front rank among the St. Joseph business men, and is well known throughout the Northwest. He was married in 1864, to Miss Christena Gress. By this union they have three children, Flora, Minnie and Stella.
CHARLES MURRAY,
engineer on the Kansas City, St. Joseph and Council Bluffs Railroad, is a native of Zanesville, Ohio, and was born December 9th, 1849; was there reared and educated and commenced railroading on the Baltimore and Ohio, in the capacity of fireman, in 1867. In 1868, he went on the west- ern division of the Chicago and Northwestern, remaining for a time ; thence on the Hannibal and St. Joseph, as fireman, after which we find him in the same position on the Missouri River, Fort Scott and Gulf ; here he remained five months, and served as fireman until April 3rd, 1872. April 17th, 1872, he accepted the situation of fireman on the Iron Mountain Road, remaining until October 10th, 1874, the latter part of this time being engineer. He next was on the Cairo and Fulton ; thence on the Mississippi Central, after which, for a few years, was on the Texas, International and Great Northern, and on the 28th of March, 1878, accepted his present position .. He has had a wide experience in rail- roading, and is among the most trusted employees of the road. He is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen.
E. D. NASH,
grain dealer, and proprietor of St. Joseph Elevator No. I. One of the most important features of the commerce of St. Joseph is its grain trade. The largest dealer in this branch, not only in St. Joseph, but in the Northwest, is E. D. Nash, who came to Missouri from his native State, New York, in 1859, and has since been closely identified as a buyer and shipper of grain. The capacity of the St. Joseph Elevator is 175,000 bushels. Mr. Nash was formerly, for several years, in the grain trade at Savannah. He commenced business in St. Joseph in 1869, the firm being Waterman & Nash. In 1875 he built the St. Joseph elevator. During the year 1880 the receipts amounted to one and a half million bushels. Mr. Nash buys at Savannah, Rosedale, Bolckow, Barnard, Pickering, Hop- kins, Forest City, Craig, Mound City, Maitland, Skidmore, Whitman and other points.
EDWARD B. NEELY,
was born in Accomac County, Virginia, December 25, 1828. He enjoyed the benefits of early and classical training under his father, Professor
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John Neely, a gentleman of fine attainments as a linguist and great abil- ity as a teacher. Edward, in his seventeenth year, entered the junior class of Washington College, Pennsylvania, and soon after was appointed tutor of ancient languages. He was graduated with honor in 1847, and commenced his life-work of teaching, accepting the position of assist- ant in an academy near Baltimore. A year later he went to his native county and conducted a select school, and upon the death of his father succeeded him as principal of Margaret Academy, in East Virginia. From the first was an enthusiastic and successful teacher. Was married, May 5th, 1852, to Miss Charlotte Slagle, daughter of Hon. Jacob Slagle, of Washington, Pennsylvania. He moved to St. Joseph in 1854, and, in connection with a fellow student, established an academy, infusing into the management and teaching his individuality and enthusiasm. Mis associate soon turned his attention to commercial pursuits, leaving Mr. Neely in sole charge of the academy, and he soon won for himself and school the confidence and support of the people. Upon the organization of the St. Joseph public school system, in 1860, he consented to become principal of the High School. The public schools were suspended dur- ing the late civil war, and Mr. Neely again opened his private school. In 1864, the public schools were reopened, and Mr. Neely was unani- mously appointed superintendent. So ably and wisely did he fill this position that he has held it ever since. From this point on, the history of St. Joseph public schools and that of Mr. Neely are synonymous. In 1866, he was President of the Missouri State Teachers' Association, and was the same year, also, County Superintendent of public schools, receiving, for that position, a vote far in excess of any party strength. He was, in 1870, appointed a member of the Board of Regents of the State Normal Schools, and by that Board elected its President. The best evidence of Mr. Neely's ability, enthusiasm and success as a teacher is shown in the fact that he has been for seventeen consecutive terms elected Superintendent of the St. Joseph public schools, and was for six years and a half of that time County Superintendent of schools, each · time elected with an increased majority. The Board of Public Schools have honored themselves and complimented him by naming one of their finest buildings the "Neely School." Mr. Neely's professional standing is well attested in the above outline of his career. He is a genial, stu- dious, hardworking, painstaking gentleman, of great administrative abil- ity, who infuses into his teachers much of his own individuality, and makes his home as pleasant and charming as his public life is unblem- ished, honorable and successful.
GEORGE A. NELSON,
farmer, Section 27, post office St. Joseph, was born April 18, 1830, and is a native of Norway. He was reared in his native country till sixteen
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years of age, receiving his education in the common schools. In 1846, with his parents, he came to America, and located in Buchanan County. In 1853, he went to California, where he remained till 1861, and while there was engaged in mining. His farm contains 100 acres, all of which is well improved. He was in the Missouri State Militia twelve months. He was married August 26, 1873, to Miss Osa Thompson. She was born in Norway, January 31, 1850. They have four children, Irena M., born September 20, 1874; Newton P., born May 27, 1876; Thomas N., born May 8, 1878, and Clarence, born December 3, 1880. His father, Peter, who now lives on the adjoining farm, was born in Norway, June 10, 1794, and while in his native country he was principally engaged in boat building and working on the sea.
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