USA > Missouri > Cole County > Jefferson City > The illustrated sketch book and directory of Jefferson City and Cole County, 1900 > Part 31
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the original members of the Single Tax League of Jefferson City, of which he is also treasurer. Mr. Sarman is a bright business man, his efforts in life having been attended with uniform success; he has, in addition to his established business and valua- ble business property, a good home, No. 225 East Main, all the result of his well directed industry. He has been a close student of the ideas advocated by Henry George on the subject of taxation, is well posted on the subject and active in his efforts to spread the truths so ably presented by that great writer on social problems.
P. J. DIERCKX, SR.
Peter J. Dierekx, sr., was born at Eelo, Belgium, April 5. 1828, from which place he immigrated at the age of nineteen to America, locating at Taos.
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in Liberty township, where he engaged in business of a general merchant. Two years later he returned
Residence of Mrs. P. J. Dierekx. St.
to Belgium, coming again to America in 1850. June 22. 1852. he was united in marriage to Anna Helen Bekel in St. Francis church, Taos. There were born to this union eleven children: Henry Joseph. Charles 1 ... Peter J .. jr .. Clem .1 .. Emil J .. August V., Otillia M., Sophia C., Joseph F. and Frank G., nine of whom are still living. Henry .. died September 20, 1888. One child died an infant. His wife, Mrs. Anna lelen Dierekx, still lives at the old home at Taos (a picture of which appears above, where she is postmistress, this office having been continuously in the family since 185t, excepting two years during the Civil war. Mr. Dierekx was an excellent citizen and a successful financier, leaving his family at his death (April 20, 1886) a good estate, accumulated by his well directed efforts. In addition to his fine business qualifications, Mr. Dierekx was an excep- tionally good citizen, in his family, social and busi- ness relations. He was one of the prominent and leading democrats of Cole county and active and loyal in the support of that organization. In this respect, his sons, who survive him. follow in his foot-steps, taking an active interest in the success of the democratic party. He was a faithful member of the Catholic church. Mr. Dierekx met with heavy financial losses during the Civil war, and suffered many hardships; all the corn in his fields was taken by the Union soldiers, amounting to about 500 bush- els, worth $1.25 per bushel, also a fine mare, which was returned after the war. In July. 1867. his barn was destroyed by fire, burning all his wheat. four horses and a good mnle: wheat was worth at the time. $3.00 per bushel and flour $9.25 per 100 pounds. During the war he retired from commer- cial business, and did not resume until the above
mentioned fire occurred. when he engaged again merchandising, from which he retired and return to farming. his favorite pursuit, in which he ce tinned until his death, at the age of fifty-seven yes and fifteen days.
J. A. ELLIS.
James Abraham Ellis, the senior of the firm Ellis & Son, grocer merchants on East High, w born on a farm in the southern part of the two m prairie in Boone county, sixteen miles south of ( lumbia, April 26, 1851; his father. Elisha P. Ell being the only survivor of the tive Ellis brothe who were leading and influential citizens of Boo county, to which his grandfather. Peter Ellis, er grated from Virginia at an early age. His moth Mary Jane Sheely, was the daughter of a promine farmerof Callawaycounty. Hiseducation was in t neighboring district school. later attending t High school at Ashland, Mo. Soon after reachi his majority he engaged in farming on his own : count. renting a place near the home of his birt In this business he continued until 1873. when
unproved a fine piece of land one mile south of s land, which had been given to his wife by her fathe This farm he conducted successfully until 1892, whe he disposed of it and came to Jefferson City, whe he was in the employ of the State at the prise
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until 1897, when he engaged in his present business. Mr. Ellis was married September 14. 1871, to Miss Margaret Z., daughter of Peter .Land Zeralda ( Wise- man) Ruffner. To this union has been born two children, Clarence, a young man of good habits and excellent business qualities, is a partner with his father, as above stated, in the grocery business. Miss Nellie, an exceptionally sweet young lady. is a student at the High School. Mr. Ellis has been for many years a members of the A. O. C. W .; he and his wife are also members of the first Baptist church of this city, of which he is a trustee. Soon after coming to Jefferson City, Mr. Ellis purchased his comfortable home at No. 121 West MeCarty, where he and his interesting family form a most charming and happy family circle. Of the charms of this home one of the most pleasant features is the mel. low mmsie furnished by the son and daughter, both of whom have excellent voices, Miss Nellie being also an accomplished performer on the piano.
11. A. SWIFT.
Horace Augustus Swift was born in Zanesville, Ohio, July 1. 1833, where he attended school until the age of 15. His father. Richard S. Swift, a na- tive of New Jersey. owned a large flouring mill and a line of canal boats on the Ohio canal. used for shipping flour to New York, before the days of rail- roads. His mother was Sarah Senter, a native of New Hampshire. After leaving school. Mr. Swift worked in a wholesale notion store two years and later went to southern Ohio, working for an mele on a farm. lle then went to Portsmonth. Ohio, where he spent three years learning brick-masonry. teaching school in winter; from there he went to Jackson, Ohio, and engaged in contracting, being the contractor for the M. E. church, a large mill, a block of store buildings and a number of private dwellings. In 1855 be built a court house at Me- Arthurs Town. Vinton county, and later at Point Pleasant. Va .. (which was burned by United States soldiers during the war, but the vaults were so sub- stantial not a paper was destroyed, and in rebuild- ing, the old walls were used. From Zanesville he went to Keokuk. la .. in the fall of 1856. and after working at his business (contracting) two years, he came to Jefferson City (May 26. 1858), continning in this business. In 1859 he built. under contract, two additions to the Lunatic Asylum at Fulton, Mo. He served a short time in the Home Militia. Mr. Swift was appointed warden of the Missouri penitentiary (January 4, 1865), by Gov. Fletcher, which position he held four years. He also served eight years as
Judge of the County Court, his majority at the elec- tion one term being 512. He was married Decem- ber 1857, at Oconomewac, Wis., to Miss Ada F. JJor- dan, of North Adams, Mass. To this union has been
born six children; Emma is at home. Grace is the wife of W. S. Ferguson. foreman at Buxton & Skin- ner's. of St. Lonis; Maude is the wife of E. E. Tur- ner, roadmaster for the M .. K. & T. at Mokane, Mo .; Albert D. is assistant postmaster of Jefferson City; Ulysses S. died at the age of 26; Edson B. died in infancy. M. Swift is engaged in the ice business and farming. His elegant home is on his farm in the west suburbs of the city. He is a member of the M. E. church, the A .. F. & A. M. and the A. O. 1. W. He is a man of sound judgment. a patron of education and is deeply interested in all that concerns the welfare of his city and county. In tilling his duties as County Judge he bent his ener- gies to the improvement of the county roads and many miles of this umch-needed work has been com- pleted as a result. His influence contributed greatly to the successful completion of the substantial steel bridge across the Moreau creek, and he is ambitions for Cole county to rank first in Missouri in regard to modern improvements. Few men in Jefferson Mity have had so wide an experience as Mr. Swift or are blessed with a more liberal or progressive spirit; under his direction a number of the best
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buildings which adorn the Capital City were erected. He has offen been called upon on account of his wide and broad experience, to inventory the State property at the penitentiary, in which capacity he has served four administrations. He has always been a generous and liberal supporter of every meas- ure to advance the Capital City.
L. D. GORDON.
Lafayette D. Gordon, treasurer of Cole county, was born on a farm four miles south of Jefferson City, Mo., November 15, 1847. His education being in the district school near by. He worked on the
K.C PHOTO FNG.C.
farm until 1868. During 10 months of that year he carried mail on horse back from Jefferson City to Rolla. It required four days to make the round trip, and it is said during the entire time he did not miss a trip and was always on time. Soon after this he worked on a farm in Callaway county for wages, a few months he engaged in work at a saw mill. In 1822 he purchased a portion of the farm where he was born and reared to manhood, and there continued successfully until 1886, when he rented his farm (which he soon after disposed of) and removed to Jefferson City. Here he has contin- ued to make his home. About a year previous to his removal to Jefferson City he engaged in burning lime, his kiln being three miles east of the city. The
very excellent quality of the product of his kih as it became known. resulted in a greatly increase trade. Ile continued to run his kiln, as state above, three miles east of the city, the busines management of which he conducts here in person In 1888 he was elected a member of the City Council serving two years. In 1892 he was elected one ( the School Board, in which office he continued thre years. He was made one of the board of regents ( Lincoln Institute in 1897, of which he is still a men ber. In 1598 he received the nomination of th Democratic party for the responsible and importar office of County Treasurer, to which he was electe the following fall, his majority being 417. Augus 20, 1871, he was united in marriage to Sallie W daughter of Robert Hord, a prominent farmer ( Callaway county. Of the children born to thi union, the eldest. Cora Alice, is the wife of Gerhard Guenther of Jefferson City; Charles died at the ix teresting age of 3; Minne V. is now Mrs. Wall Bolton, jr. The death of Stella May, when 19 year of age. cast a shadow over his home. Norman 2 is with The L. S. Parker Shoe Co., learning the mai ufacture of shoes. Mr. Gordon is a member the M. E. church (South, of Jefferson City, ( which he is steward; is an A. O. U. W. an a member of the Macabees. He has alway taken an active interest in the advancement ( Jefferson City and did as much work and contril uted as liberally to the building of the bridge an defeating the removal of the Capital as any man i Jefferson City. He is and has been since reachin manhood, an earnest, active worker in the Deme cratic party. Mr. Gordon is an excellent citizen an business man, highly esteemed by his neighbors an . people of Cole county, having recently received th nomination for re-election to the office he now hold. and will without doubt be again elected to the re sponsible position he is now filling with credit t himself and satisfaction to the people. Ile enjoy the fruits of a well-directed life of untiring industr in his comfortable home on East MeCarty stree His office is in the First National Bank.
J. J. HENDERSON.
J. J. Henderson, the present Sheriff. is a nativ of Cole county, born near Russellville, July 28. 185- He was reared on a farm. removing to Jefferso City in 1879 he accepted a position as foreman i: the prison brick yard, where he continued unti 1892, when he was elected City Marshal of Jefferson City, which position he held until elected to hi present office in 1898. His wife was Miss Netti
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Donnell, a native of Tennessee, whose parents re- moved to Cole county in 1861. He has four boys and three girls, all of whom are still with their par- ents. Mr. Henderson is, in polities, a Democrat; a member of the Knights of Phythias, Maccabees and Elks. He is a tine specimen of physical manhood, whose genial disposition has seenred for him the
warm friendship of many of the good people of this city and county who are likely to continue to avail themselves of his valuable services as an efficient official. He was nominated at the Demo- cratic primary for re-election to the office of Sheriff, and will no doubt be elected by a large majority in November.
T. B. MAMAN.
Thomas B. Mahan, Collector of Cole county. was born February 27, 1845, on a farm in Cooper county, this State, where he was reared. His op- portunities for early education covering a period of only a few winter months at a neighboring school. He removed to Cole county in 1864 and engaged in farming on his own account, until twelve years later he removed to Jefferson City, securing a position as guard at the prison, where he continued about 18 months, when he engaged as teamster with the City Transfer Company; his intelligent and faithful work soon after securing for him the position of superin-
tendent. A few years later he engaged in the wood and coal business, continuing until 1886, when he was elected Sheriff of the county and re-elected in 1888. In 1890 he was elected to the important and responsible position he now holds and re-elected in 1892, 1894, 1896 and 1898. He was married April 6, 1865, to Miss Priscilla, daughter of Alexander Gordon, a prominent farmer of this county. Six children are the result of this union, four girls and two boys, all of whom have reached the years of maturity and assumed the responsibilities of life on their own account. He, with his devoted wife, makes his home on his farm, one mile east of the city. Mr. Mahan is a Democrat in politics, and his continued re-election to the important offices which he has held is the highest compliment which conld be paid him, the statement of the fact carrying with
it the evidence of a good citizen and honorable man. He is a Master Mason, is treasurer of the local lodge and has been for the past fifteen years; is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and A. O. U. W., and a most worthy member of these educational and elevating social orders.
J. E. GARMAN.
John E. Garman, who is now filling the im- portant office of Public Administrator of Cole county a second term, was born the 28th of August,
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1846, in Wayne county. Ohio, on a farm near Wor- rester, where he was reared and educated. In 1868 he removed to Cole county, purchasing a farm near Elston, where he has continued since to make his home. In connection with his farm, Mr. Garman has engaged in teaching, having taught fifteen terms in his home district, and many of the youths attend ing school at that place will doubtless long carry the impress of his sterling character. While attend- ing the Democratic county convention in Jefferson
City in 1892 for the purpose of nominating county officials, he was urged by the delegates, who were familiar with his ability and anquestioned integrity. to accept the nomination at the hands of his party for the important and sareed office of public admin- istrator. The very satisfactory manner in which he performed the duties of the office brought to him. unsolicited, a second nomination and election. He was married in 1871 to Miss Mary Douglas, whose parents had recently moved to this county from Ohio. This companion he had the misfortune to lose by death one year later. In 1873 he was married to Miss Eliza Plummer, the daughter of a farmier near Elston. Death again visited his home tive years later, when he was called upon to perform the sad duties incident to the death of his second wife. A few years later he was united in marriage to Miss Rachael Plummer, sister of his former wife, who is at present his affectionate companion. As a re-
sult of the nion with his second wife he has a daughter, now the wife of Mr. George Crump, a farmer near Olean, Miller county. He has a son, a bright lad of 12, now attending the schools of this city, the result of the last marriage. Mr. Garman, with his wife and son, is now making his home with a brother-in-law on East Water street, but continues to own and operate his farm. He is a Master Mason and has been. for the last quarter of a century, an active, earnest member of the Cumberland Presby. terian church, of which he is an elder. Mr. Garman is a man of sterling character, performing all the Anties required of a good citizen in the most credible manner, and has proven himself most worthy of the high esteem in which he is held by the citizens of the commonwealth of Cole county, having recently been nominated at the Democratic primary to the office of County Assessor.
R. P. STONE.
Robert Price Stone, Assistant Prosecuting Attor- ney of Cole county, was born on a farm near Mary's Home, in Miller county, this State. March 25, 1863. At the age of 7 his parents removed to Moniteau county, settling on a farm near Russellville. Ilis
early education being in the neighboring school. He later attended the Hooper Institute at Clarksburg. At the age of 20 Mr. Stone removed to La Monte. in Pettis county, where he engaged as book-keeper in
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a general store, in which he continued nine months. the following three years in teaching in Saline and when he began the work of a carpenter, continu- Knox counties; he was four years a clerk in the hardware store of W. J. Folkerson of Marshall, when he engaged in that business on his own ac- count, the firm being Reid Brothers. After continu- ing some years in the hardware business at Mar- shall, he entered that of real estate and insurance, associating with Thomas Boatright, the firm being Reid & Boatright. In this business he continued until 1890, when he removed to Jefferson City and engaged in general merchandising on High street. While in this business he purchased the Model ing about a year, when he removed to Moniteau county, where he engaged in farming until the 31st of October, 1888, when he came to Jefferson City and resumed the work of a carpenter. in 1893 he was made Deputy City Marshal, which he resigned about 15 months later. He was elected Justice of the Peace in November, 1894, and Police Judge in 1895, filling both offices for two years. He was ad- mitted to the bar in 1895, when he began the prae- tice of law, for which he had been preparing. in fact, his object in removing to Jefferson City was for the purpose of securing the advantages of the State library. In January. 1899, he associated with Mr. Waldlecker in the practice of law, the firm being Stone & Waldecker. James Stone, the father of Robert Price Stone, was killed in a battle for the lost cause the year of his son's birth, July 4, 1863, at Helena, Ark., leaving the subject of this sketch an orphan at the early age of four months. Mr. Stone is a Democrat in politics and a strong advo- rate of bi-metallism. He is in the prime of life, with good health. and as a result of his preparation has a prospect for a successful and useful career. Mr. Stone was united in marriage March 21, 1893, to Miss Mary Workover, of Monitean county. He has three daughters, ages 1. 4, and 6 years, whose cheer- ful presence brightens his home at No. 609 East Mccarty street. He received the nomination for County Attorney at the primary April 7, and will certainly be elected November 5.
J. W. REID.
James W. Reid, whose ancestors came with Lord Baltimore's colony the first settlers of Maryland, was born at Edina, county seat of Knox, this State. May 23, 1846. llis early education being in the schools of that town. At the age of fifteen he en- listed in the Federal army in response to the call for volunteers, and served in the Missouri Division. After two years of active service, he was engaged in the Commissary Department. During his active ser- vice in the field he was wounded at Monticello. Mo. He was in the battle of Cape Girardeau, where the late Gen. Marmaduke, former Governor of the State, commanded the Southern forces; in fact. in the field throughout the raid of General Price. At the close of the war he engaged in the general mercantile business at Cape Girardeau, the firm being DeCoster & Reid. After two years he sold out this business and attended four terms the St. Francis Seminary at Milwaukee. Wis. Returning to Missouri, he engaged
Steam Laundry, running the same in connection with his store. finding it necessary to dispose of one, as he could not give his personal attention to both. a enstomer first appeared for his store. when he disposed of that business, in 1893; since which time he has devoted his energies to the management of his present business, which has greatly enlarged, he now having over three hundred customers each week, and giving support to thirty people. Mr. Reid was united in marriage May 8, 1873, to Miss Beitie, daughter of Michael Schreckler, at that time a prominent and wealthy farmer of Saline county. Five boys and two girls are the result of this union, all of whom are at home except the eldest daughter. Vincentia M .. who is the wife of George J. Stampfli, an attorney of JJefferson City. Mr. Reid is a good
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citizen whose large and varied experience not only makes his presence interesting, but assists in the intelligent direction of his profitable and growing business. Ile is a member of the A. O. U. W. and the G. A. R .. and an active worker in the Democratic party, which has been the political home of his family since its organization. Since his location in the Capital City he has given every measure in the interest of the city his active and material support. Hle aided greatly in establishing a free ferry, the ad- vance agent of the magnificent steel bridge which now spans the river at this point, for the construe- tion of which he contributed liberally. Mr. Reid, during his residence at Marshall, was one of the most prominent and active spirits in securing the extension of the great Chicago & Alton R. R. from Louisiana to Kansas City. He also made an active canvass in opposition to the Capital removal. With his devoted wife and bright, interesting children, his comfortable home is at 113 West MeCarty.
J. B. BRUNS.
J. B. Bruns, President of the J. B. Bruns Shoe Company, and a man who has been prominently identified with the public interests of Jefferson City
over 25 years, was born on a farm near Taylinyen Mappin Bay, Province of Hanover, Germany, De- cember 13, 1834, where he was reared, educated and
learned to make wooden shoes. Coming to this country, he settled in St. Louis (October 26, 186G), where, during the busy months of summer he worked in the brick yards and in winter, when there was little doing, he made wooden shoes, which was at that time a profitable trade. Hle came to Jeffer- son City in April, 1868. when Nature was all in bud, and began working at the brick yard, but re- mained only a year when he returned to St. Louis and resumed his original business. On August 30. 1869, he was married to Mrs. Mary Yunck, widow of Bernard Yunck, near Taos, Cole county. Assum- ing charge of his wife's farm, remained a short while, when he sold it and moved to Jefferson City again making wooden shoes, for which he found ready sale. He helped build the Dulle Milling Co.'s large building. and during the summer worked a various odd jobs. He was appointed street commis sioner of Jefferson City in 1873. He and his wife purchased their first property in Jefferson City, ¿ three-room dwelling (south of their present stand and started a dry goods and grocery store on : small scale. She attended to the details of thi business while her husband performed the dutie of his office, looking after the streets. In 1880 the; were able to add to these rooms and increase thei business, and later purchased the corner lot, erect ing their handsome store building and residence which they have occupied since. In the fall of 188 Mr. Bruns was elected County Treasurer on the Democratie ticket, to which office he was re-elected and served a second term. In May, 1894, associat ing with others, he organized a company for the pur pose of manufacturing shoes, under the name o the J. B. Bruns Shoe Co. Later. J. B. Bruns and son. J. Herman Bruns, Judge Henry J. Dulle an son, Edward Dulle, and Joe Cullen purchased the interests of the other members of the company, Mr J. B. Bruns still being President.
Of Mr. Bruns' three children Lona is now Mrs George Knollmeyer; Anna (who is at home with he parents) is equally interested with Mr. Knollmeye in the general store, conducted under the firm nam of 1. B. Bruns & Co. J. Herman Bruns, Secretar, and Treasurer of the J. B. Bruns Mfg. Co., was mai ried to Miss Mary Dulle, daughter of Judge Henr J. Dnlle, of this city, who enjoys with him the con forts of a beautiful home in the western suburbs.
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