USA > Missouri > Buchanan County > The history of Buchanan County, Missouri > Part 93
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JOHN W. WILSON,
contractor and builder, was born in Garrard County, Kentucky, Feb- ruary 2, 1830, but was principally reared in Washington County. He learned his trade with his father, G. B. In 1851 the family came to St. Joseph, and after a short sojourn, John W. removed to Andrew County, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits, returning in 1863 and for seven or eight years pursued his trade. He then again returned to Andrew County, remaining for a time. During his sojourn in St. Joseph he has been closely identified with its building interests. He married June 23, 1853, Miss Harriet E. Bowland. She died December 11, 1874, leaving a family of nine children : Henry W., Annie E., James B., Fielding, Viola, Hattie, John W., Garrard and Sophia.
R. WILSON,
proprietor of the box factory, was born in Philadelphia County, Penn- sylvania, April 20, 1804, and after living in different parts until 1855, we find him at Keokuk, lowa. His boyhood days had been spent on a farm, but after attaining manhood, he learned the milling business of his father, William, who followed that profession. Arriving at Keokuk, he engaged in the sash factory business, continuing for a number of years, and for a time represented the manufacturing company on the road. In 1869, he came to St. Joseph, engaging in his present business, which has been very successful, and in which he receives the hearty endorsement of the wholesale interest of the city by furnishing them boxes at a reasonable rate. In 1879, he was burned out, suffering a heavy loss. In 1829, Miss Lucinda Douglass became his wife. For
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fifty-two years they have lived harmoniously, and are still hale and hearty. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are active members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Wilson, politically, has been a life long Republican.
ISAAC WILKINS,
foreman of the blacksmith shop at the Kansas City, St. Joseph and Council Bluffs Railroad shops, was born in Wilkshire, England, January 12, 1825, and is a son of Abraham Wilkins. He was there raised to man- hood, educated and learned the blacksmith's trade. In 1851, he came to the United States, locating at Utica, New York, where he worked as a journeyman until 1857, when he came to St. Joseph, and engaged at his trade. He was the first blacksmith on the east end of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, in the employ of Duff & Osborne, contractors of Utica, New York, and was connected with the Hannibal Road until 1865, when he was employed by the Missouri Valley Railroad, remaining in their employ until 1869. In 1870, he took his present position. He has been looked upon in St. Joseph as a good mechanic. For three terms he was the choice of the voters of the Fifth Ward as their representative in the Council, and also has been a member of the school board. For a number of years he has been warden of Christ Church. Since 1865, he has been instrumental in having services conducted in the Holy Trinity Church. Much credit is due him for the manifest interest and his assistance in securing the erection of the Church of the Holy Trinity, on Eleventh and Monterey Streets. He was married in 1846, to Miss Honor Curtis, of England. They have four children-J. J., Walter G., Mather H. and Sarah, now Mrs. John Dodge.
JOSEPH WILLIAMS,
foreman of boiler shops of the Kansas City, St. Joseph & Council Bluffs Railroad, was born in London, England, December 31, 1836, and was raised to manhood, educated, and learned his trade in that city. For a number of years he was engaged in iron ship building. Was in the employ of Penn & Co., London, and in Her Majesty's dock yards, at Plymouth, Sheerness, Woolwich, and Chatham. For seven years he was in the employ of Miller & Co., marine engine builders ; also, was con- nected with the famous Thames Company (limited), and many other well known iron ship building establishments. While in the yard at Sheerness, in 1864, he was deputized to take a company of boiler makers to France and repair Her Majesty's ship Victor. Mr. W. had the advan- tage of seeing and working on some of the finest ships that ply the ocean, and was tutored under the best mechanics of the age. In 1866 he came to the United States, and after a six months' residence in New
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York, went to Macon, Georgia, remaining twelve months, thence to. New Orleans, and after four months came to St. Louis, remaining nine months, when he located in Hannibal. At these different points he worked at his trade. At Macon he was in the employ of the Macon & Western Railway, and for a time was at Atlanta in the State shops. He remained in Hannibal with the Hannibal & St. Joseph Company until 1872, when he came to St. Joseph, and has been foreman in the boiler shops for the Kansas City, St. Joseph & Council Bluffs Company since. He was married in March, 1770, to Miss Mary Francis. They have three children, Mary Elizabeth, Francis Matilda, and Joseph Edmond. Mr. Williams is a Mason, St. Johns Lodge, No. 28, Hannibal ; also a member of the I. O. O. F.
GEO. WILLIAMSON,
horse-shoer, was born in this county October 18, 1858, and was here. principally raised. His father, Geo. W., was among the early settlers, and is well known. In 1872 the subject of this sketch went to Kansas,. where he learned the blacksmithing trade. In 1878 he opened a shop in St. Joseph. His superior skill as a workman has given him an envia- ble reputation, and he does a large business. He was married in 1880 to Miss Carrie Edelbrock, an estimable young lady of this city.
REUBEN WILLIAMS,
carpenter and builder, was born in Schuyler County, Illinois, February 22, 1836, and when seven years of age removed to Missouri with his parents, his father, John, locating in the Platte Purchase. The subject of this sketch became a resident of St. Joseph in 1855, and has since lived here with the exception of his term in the service. He enlisted in the Union army September 22, 1863, in the Twelfth Missouri Cavalry and partici- pated in several stirring engagments. From exposure and sickness he was deprived of the sight of one eye and the other is badly affected .. Mr. Williams has contributed amply to the upbuilding of St. Joseph, and as a mechanic stands among the leaders. He was married in Octo- ber, 1867, to Miss Lucy A. Hart. He is a member of the Free Com- munion Baptist Church.
THOMAS WINN,
stair-builder, is a native of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, and was born December 1I, 1838. He was there raised to manhood, educated and learned his trade, remaining until the breaking out of the rebellion, when he enlisted in Company K, Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry. He was a non-commissioned Sergeant during his term of service, and partici-
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pated in the seven days fight at Richmond, Williamsburg, Petersburg, Rome Station, and others. Was taken prisoner at the latter battle but escaped the guard. While skirmishing near Danville, he was slightly wounded. He was one of the first mounted men to cross the chain bridge, after the Bull Run engagament; participated in that memorable contest when the Unionists fought among themselves by mistake; was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term, and returned to Pennsylvania, and engaged in working at his trade, there continuing until 1872, when he became a resident of St. Joseph. His skill as a mechanic may be inferred from the fact that for a number of years he has been superintendent of school buildings in the city. His wife was formerly Miss Margeret Turner. His parents were Samuel Winn and Mary Moore, the family being of English extraction. Mr. Winn is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
P. V. WISE,
was born in Franklin County, Kentucky, June 17, 1832, and removed to. Quincy, Illinois, in 1834, and thence to the northwestern territory in 1836, in what is now Wisconsin, near Galena. Here it was that the sub- ject of our sketch first commenced the active battle of life. His educa- tion was limited, the schools of the day being few in number and infe- rior in quality. The first school house he entered was three miles from his home, and owing to the illness of his father he was never permitted to attend a term continuously. At the age of fifteen he commenced business for himself as a farmer and burner of charcoal. In 1849, he went to California, taking the overland route via Salt Lake City. He and Colonel Ashel Woods put up the first stone building in Shasta. In his mining operations he was satisfactorily successful. After a severe attack of congestive chills he returned to the States, and in 1850 com- menced the study of law and was admitted to the bar at Lancaster, Wisconsin, in 1853, by Judge Jackson. He opened an office in Prescott,. and engaged in the active duties of his profession, in connection with which he did a large real estate business, and between 1854 and 1856 bought and sold more land in his own name than any man in the St. Croix Valley. In 1853, he was elected clerk of the board of supervisors, and in 1854, prosecuting attorney of the district. In 1856, he was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the state, and did a large business in all the courts of Pierce County and had an extended prac- tice in the adjoining counties of Wisconsin and Minnesota, as well as in the United States courts and departments in Washington. In 1858, he was elected Mayor of Prescott, and in 1858 he published the Northwest- ern Democrat, which he continued until 1860. It was a representative of Reform Democracy, and being disgusted with the actions of the
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National Democratic Committee he abandoned the party and supported Mr. Lincoln for the Presidency. While living here he showed a worthy public spiritedness in erecting the largest building in the city, and one that besides being used for business purposes was used for court room, church and public hall. In 1860, he disposed of his law business and went to Memphis, Tennessee. Refusing to enter the Confederate ser- vice, he and his wife were chased by the vigilance committee and nar- rowly escaped with their lives. He returned to Prescott and raised Company F, First Wisconsin Regiment, and was commissioned second lieutenant, and in December, 1861, was promoted to first lieutenant, and in April, 1862, to captain. After an exciting campaign through Kentucky, Tennessee and Northern Alabama, he was severely wounded October 8, 1862, at Perryville, and was reported dead. He remained on the battle field until October 14, his only attendant being a colored man, and it was not until the 15th that his wounds were dressed. He made his way to Louisville by private conveyance, and obtained with diffi- culty, leave of absence and returned to his home. In December he returned to Louisville and was placed on duty as a member of a court martial, and in company with Major Farris had charge of barracks No. I, which placed them in command of the police duty of the city. The difficulties they had to contend with were many. Suffice to say it became one of the most quiet and orderly cities in the Union. For a time he had charge of the secret service, and also of transportation, and in September, 1862, was relieved at his own request, and joined his command in Alabama, but his wounds prevented him from engaging in active duties in the field, and he was ordered back to Nashville, thence to Louisville and Camp Dennison, Ohio. In November he was trans- ferred to Camp Chase, and made post adjutant. December 27, Captain Wise was transferred to Camp Douglas, Chicago, for duty in the Fif- teenth United States Infantry. He resigned February 8, 1864, and returned to his home, but March 31 he re-enlisted as a private in Com- pany F, Thirty-seventh Wisconsin Infantry, in which he was appointed sergeant major, and was assigned to command and drill of Company K, wholly composed of Menominee Indians. He made application for an examination for a position in the regular army, which was granted by Hon. E. M. Stanton. The examination took place, he only missing one question, and was recommended for a first-class captaincy. He arrived before Petersburg, Virginia, in June, 1864, and went into trenches imme- diately in front of the enemy, and was almost constantly under fire. In the battles that followed, he, with his company, displayed heroic con- duct and rendered valuable assistance to the Union cause, but not with- out great sacrifice of life. Captain Wise resigned his commission May 19, 1865, returned to his home and resumed the practice of law and act- ing as real estate, claim and insurance agent. In November, 1869, he
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visited St. Joseph, and made arrangements to settle here. In 1872, he engaged in underwriting as a representative of independent insurance. A bitter fight by the board companies was the result, but his business increased, and in 1878 the board collapsed. In connection with his insurance business he has been a successful claim agent. In 1879, he visited England and the continent, and contributed numerous interest- ing articles to the newspapers. He is a member of the principal benev- olent orders and associations, and frequently represented them in the grand lodge. He is a radical in politics and thinks for himself. He is unqualifiedly opposed to all kinds of slavery, either of body or mind. He married Miss E. S. Hammond, April 10, 1853. She is a native of Missouri. To them have been born six children, only one of whom is now living.
WILLIAM WOMACH
was born in Bowling Green, Virginia, June 22, 1812, and remained there until 1825, when he moved to Lexington, Missouri, whence in the year 1838 he came to Buchanan County. He married the daughter of the well known Alfred M. Rector and settled near DeKalb this county, which is the birth place of his three children. In 1862 he left for the Colorado mines, where he remained until 1871, when he returned to the old home, where he continued to reside up to the period of his death which occurred in August, 1872.
ROBERT WOMACH,
was born in Buchanan County, Missouri, January I, 1852. He lived on a farm till he was twelve years of age, when he went with his father, William Womach, who was very successful in the freighting business, to Denver, Colorado, where he attended school and received a good educa- tion. Returning from Colorado, he first engaged in the drug business in DeKalb with Dr. Rose, a practicing physician of that town. He after- wards moved to St. Joseph, where he embarked in the grocery trade, which he still (1881) continues successfully to conduct. In the spring of 1881 he was elected a councilman of the city as an Independent against two popular candidates.
SILAS WOODSON,
ex-Governor of the State of Missouri, and, for twenty-seven years, a res- ident of St. Joseph, was born in Knox County, Kentucky, May 18, 1819. He worked on his father's farm, attended the log-cabin school house of the neighborhood, and occupied his leisure time in reading and study. His stout heart, resolute will, and untiring industry have resulted in achieving for him the distinction of a self-made man. At the age of
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eighteen, he left the farm and engaged, for a short time, in selling goods. This occupation failing to prove congenial to his taste, he commenced the study of law, and in 1839, was licensed to practice. Success crowned his efforts. In 1842, at the early age of twenty-three, he was elected a member of the General Assembly. At the expiration of his term, he declined re-election devoting his time to his profession, his ability in which was fully recognized by Judge Owsley, who appointed him to the position of Circuit Attorney for the Twelfth Judicial District. Re-ap- pointed, he soon after resigned the position, his growing and lucrative practice demanding his entire time. In 1849, he was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention of Kentucky. In 1853, he was again elected a member of the Legislature, and with the expiration of this term closed his official career in Kentucky. In August, 1854, he moved to Missouri, settling in St. Joseph, his present (1881) home, where he con- tinued successfully to practice his profession until 1860, when he was elected Judge of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, in the discharge of the duties of which position he achieved an enviable reputation, and at the close of his term, again resumed the lucrative practice of his profession. In August, 1872, he was nominated by the State Democratic Convention to the office of Governor of Missouri. The presentation of his name on this occasion, during the progress of the fourth ballot, was received with such enthusiasm that the nomination was carried substantially by acclamation. His election over his competitor, Hon. J. B. Henderson, was carried by a majority of 35,442. The manner in which Governor Woodson discharged, during the two years of service in this exalted position, the duties of the same, is a matter of just pride to his numer- ous constituents. At the expiration of his official term he again resumed the practice of his profession in St. Joseph. Governor Woodson has been three times married. His last marriage occurred December 27, 1866, to Miss Jennie Lard, daughter of Moses E. Lard, of Kentucky, one of the most distinguished ministers of the Christian Church in the United States. By this union they have several children.
J. R. WOODS,
carpenter and builder, is a native of Ohio and was born in Highland County, October 5, 1848, and when one year old he removed with his parents to DesMoines, Iowa, where his father, John A., still resides, and has been closely associated with the development of that city. Here J. R. was raised, educated and partially learned his trade, residing there until 1868, when he commenced traveling and lived temporarily in Chi- cago, St. Louis, Salt Lake and other points, eventually locating in St. Joseph in 1878, where he has since been engaged at his trade. He was married in 1877 to Miss Mary Clark, of Missouri. Mr. Woods is a member of the Carpenters Union.
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WILLIAM M. WYETH
was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, February 17, 1832, and received his education at the Harrisburg Military Academy, where he pursued an academical course. After graduating, he removed to Chillicothe, Ohio, where he commenced his mercantile experience in a dry goods store. After remaining in this house four years the firm went out of business, and he entered a hardware store in 1852. In 1856, Mr. Wyeth and a capitalist of the place purchased the stock and continued the business until 1859, when Mr. Wyeth sold his interest and started in search of a better location. After traveling through Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkan- sas and Missouri, he decided to make his home in St. Joseph, satisfied that it was destined to be the important place it has since become. In 1860, he opened a hardware store of very moderate character, in Corby's Block, where he remained until 1865, when the block was burned. After the fire he removed to the building adjoining the Herald office, on Sec- ond Street, where he remained until his new store on Third Street, was completed. In addition to their extensive hardware business, they have manufactured largely of saddles, harness and collars, which, like their hardware, sold only at wholesale. The retail hardware business was made a separate branch in 1869. The business has been constantly enlarged, and at the present time is the most extensive of the kind in St. Joseph, and occupies more floor surface than any other mercantile establishment in the city. Mr. Wyeth has spent two years traveling in Europe. Nature and his extended travel has bestowed on him that pol- ished and attractive manner which has readily gained him so many friends, while he is noted for his unassuming manners, the modesty of his demeanor, and the simplicity of his habits. As a business man he is prompt, energetic and painstaking, and of the strictest honesty and integrity. By his carefulness and long experience, he is enabled to carry on with ease his large and extensive business, and add to it from year to year. He was married September 28, 1858, to Miss Renick, of Ross County, Ohio.
ELDER J. J. WYATT.
One of the most worthy citizens that ever made his home in St. Joseph was born in Sinclair County, Illinois, July 13, 1819. On the 22d of Sep- tember, 1821, his mother died and his father removed to Fleming County, Kentucky, where the youth of Mr. Wyatt was spent. He enjoyed good educational advantages and was a diligent student. Forming a taste for the practice of law he entered the office of John Cavan, a leading attorney of the place, and after a thorough preparation was admitted to the bar. He was married March 28, 1844, to Miss Emily M. Gooding. To them twelve children were born only three of whom are now living.
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In June, 1845, Elder Wyatt came to St. Joseph and commenced the practice of his profession. He filled the office of Probate Judge and Judge of the Court of Common Pleas and during the years 1866 and 1867 he was Postmaster of St. Joseph and in the various positions of trust and honor, which he was called to fill, he discharged his offi- cial duties with scrupulous care and fidelity. He identified himself with the Christian Church in November, 1850, and at once commenced preach- ing the Word of Life. He was called to take pastoral charge of the Christian Church, of which he was the founder. The congregation first held their meetings in a little log church, situated on the hill, where the present stately court house now stands. He continued in charge of the church for a number of years, and only left its pastoral charge at his own request. But in the meantime he had seen the congregation increase from a mere handful to a large number, rich in means and influence, and powerful for great good in our midst. During the past twenty-one years, Elder Wyatt had charge of Union Church, near Taos, in this county, and for fifteen years he has preached steadily at Bethel. He, at the time of his death, also had charge of the congregations at Camden Point and Antioch. Elder Wyatt passed an active life, and the best part of his days were spent in the ministry-preaching the word of God to mankind to make them better men, and better christians. It was a work in which he took earnest interest, and it was his delight to be at work in the harness, doing the greatest good to the greatest number. The deceased was one of the founders of the college at Camden Point, and at the time of his death was one of the trustees of that institution. He was a man of strong personal attachments, and he endeared to him all who knew him. He died suddenly, April 9, 1881. His private life and public record are alike untarnished, and the esteem in which he was held by the pastors of the city is expressed in the following resolutions :
WHEREAS, It has pleased our Heavenly Father to remove from our midst by death, our beloved brother and co-laborer in the gospel of Christ, Elder J. J. Wyatt ; therefore
Resolved, By the Pastor's Union of St. Joseph, Missouri, that in the death of Brother Wyatt, the cause of Christ has lost one of its brightest ornaments, and most devoted, efficient and worthy ministerial laborers.
Second, That as ministers we feel that it is due to the departed, and a great, though sad privilege to us to give expression, to our very high appreciation of the sterling worth and Christian character of our brother in the ministry and of his efficient labors and influence for good as a min- ister of the Lord Jesus.
Third, That in the mature Christian character and exemplary life of Rev. Mr. Wyatt we feel that our holy calling has been honored before God, and the community in which he has so long lived and labored, and by whom he was so well and so favorably known, and that we will ever cherish his Christian spirit and example, and be encouraged to greater diligence and fidelity in our calling as ministers of God by the memory
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of his faithful Christian life, and that we will follow him as he followed Christ, till we, too, shall join him in the fellowship of the church of the first born above.
Fourth, That we tender to the Christian denomination, in which he so long ministered, our fraternal sympathy in their bereavement and great loss, and most devoutly pray that the mantle of our deceased brother may fall upon others of the church who shall imitate him in his superior Christian character and efficiency of labor in the ministry, and for the salvation of souls.
Fifth, That we tender to the bereaved wife and family the deep sympathy of our hearts in this time of great sorrow, and pray our kind Heavenly Father to support them in their hour of grief, and bestow upon them, each and all, the rich consolations of that gospel which our brother so long and so faithfully proclaimed to dying men, and in the certain, blessed hope of which he rejoiced through so many years, and the blessed fruition of which he doubtless realizes now in its completeness, in the presence and kingdom of God.
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