USA > Missouri > Cole County > Jefferson City > The illustrated sketch book and directory of Jefferson City and Cole County, 1900 > Part 33
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thrilled by the rumbling sound accompanying the majestic tread of the immense herds which then roamed the plains between the Missouri River and the lofty peaks of the Rockies. In 1868 he returned from San Francisco via Panama to New York, with a bright and receptive mind well stored with the rich experiences of travel and observation, which he often put into well chosen words to the delight and instruction of his many friends. In the fall of 1868 he entered the St. Louis University, taking a commercial course, to better qualify him to assume the exacting responsibilities of the management of his father's large estate. In 1869 he returned home
and became the faithful nurse and constant attend- ant at the bedside of his distinguished father, whose death occurred July 16, 1870. In 1872 he was married to Miss Ada C. Bear of Rockingham coun- ty, Va., soon after which, having a taste and fond- ness for rural life and an admiration for agricul- tural pursuits, which the large fortune inherited from his father enabled him to fully gratify, he pur- chased a large body of land in Pettis county, near Sweet Springs, giving it the name of "Avondale." which, with well directed taste and prudent, but unstinted expenditure of money, he transformed into an ideal country home, surrounded by broad acres of rich land, divided into green pastures, tilled fields and downy meadows, upon which fed herds of registered cattle, and many horses through whose
veins coursed the best blood of the Arabian ste At the time of his tragic death, November 8, 18 (the result of a pistol shot by the hand of an unf innate neighbor) "Avondale" was an ideal ho which, in all its relations, could meet the most acting fancy of the poet's dream. In the persons Mr. and Mrs. Price, each of whom were highly vored by nature, were united two cultured and ceptionally congenial spirits, whose mutual de tion was intensified by the presence of a gener and noble son, then 16, and a lovely daughter the interesting age of 12. From this felicite home, the head of the family, a perfect sp men of physical and intellectual manhood, w a future full of hope and promise, "in ten ament sanguine, warm-hearted, a disposition ger and genial," with the sweet and sacred family re tions existing only in the life of a true man, a ) for his family which found a most hearty respo in every member, with every tie which could po bly create a desire for continued earthly exister he was suddenly called away. His devoted wife lowed the keen and endearing sympathy of re
Thomas Lawson Price (son.)
tives and friends, and their silent and delicate, profuse tribute of flowers to soften the horrors the tomb and bridge over from the rude shock sudden death to the sweet recollections that h
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since afforded her a refined sorrow that is really a fountain of joy from which she refuses to be ban- ished. Although Col. Price was never an aspirant for public office, he took a deep interest in the mu- nicipal affairs of his county and State, and did not shrink from any duty required of a good citizen. He was a man of large wealth, which he used in vari- ous interests aside from that of his farming. He was President of the Gazette Printing Company, Se- dalia, and a stockholder and director in a number of financial institutions in the State. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Elks, and a model man in all relations of life. His widow at present makes her home in this city, at the historical Price
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Old Price Mansion.
mansion on High street, her charming daughter. Miss Celeste, just merging into the beauties of re- fined and lovely womanhood, being with her. Her son. Thomas Lawson Price, having recently mar- ried Miss Mary Johnson of Boonville, is at present making his home at Sweet Springs, from which place he directs the affairs at "Avondale."
1. ROUTSZONG.
Adam Routszong, deceased. was born near Fred- erick City, Md., February 11, 1836, from which place le came to Cole County with his parents in 1840, settling on a farm near Lohman. His education was in the public schools. At the age of 20 Mr. Routszong began working in the store of C. F. Loh- man, but in 1860 entered into partnership with A. W. Morrison, then Treasurer of the State of Mis- souri, and opened a store at Morrison in Gasconade County, continuing one year, when he sold out and
came back to Cole County, and during the Civil War served a considerable portion of the time with the State Militia. Ile was unable to join the regu- lar service, owing to being crippled from boyhood by a white swelling, but did some hard service with the State troops in fighting the Bushwhackers and Raiders. He served as first sergeant in Company F. 9th Provincial Regiment, enrolled Missouri Mili- tia from July 1, 1863 to November 30, 1863. After securing his discharge, he again went to work for Mr. Lohman, and in the winter of 1865 was elected by the House of Representatives to the office of folder. In May, 1865, he began merchandising in Cedar City, and in 1866 was appointed postmaster of that place. In 1867 he sold his store and bought a farm near Elston, where he remained until the spring of 1892. when he came to JJefferson City. Shortly after coming to Jefferson City Mr. Routs- zong was commissioned Notary Public by Governor Franeis, and in the fall of 1894 was elected Justice of the Peace of JJefferson Township. To this posi- tion he was elected a second time in 1898. He was also elected Police Judge in 1897. and continued
in this office until his death, which occurred Octo- ber 5. 1899. His remains were laid to rest in the National Cemetery.
Mr. Rontszong was married in 1867 to Miss Har- riet C. Penninger, daughter of William and Eliza-
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beth Penninger, of near Wardsville, formerly of Vir- ginia, who survives him. To this nion have been born six children: William Levi, is one of the mail clerks at the post office: Sarah Elizabeth, has a position as clerk for the Sieling Dry Goods Co .; John 11. is in the laundry business in this city; Harriet Leona, Susan Ellen and James P .. are all at home. Mr. Routszong was an active and devoted member of the Presbyterian church, of which he was a member since 1869; he was also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. 1
11. C. HANSZEN.
Herman C. Hanszen was born in Dusseldorf, Ger- many, in 1847, his father removing to America when he was three years of age, stopping first in St. Louis, from which place, after two years, he re- moved to Westphalia, Osage county. A few years later he removed to the Osage River, where he estab- lished Hanszen's Ferry, which is still operated and
known by the name of its founder. It was here the subject of this sketch grew to manhood and was ed- ucated, assisting his father in the work of the ferry. during which time occurred the exciting events of the war of the Rebellion. At the close of the war, Herman, then 19 years of age, came to JJefferson City, where he was first engaged as clerk with Dr. Nicholas DeWyl, the druggist, where he remained
four years, when he entered, as clerk, the dry goo store of II. E. Schultz. now the Schultz Dry Goo & Carpet Co. He remained with Mr. Schultz . years, when. with the accumulations of his thrift a practical experience as a business man. he entere well equipped on his own account. the business shoe merchant, which he continued most succe fully until the time of his death. Angust 11. 1896. St. Louis, where he had gone to submit to au oper tion by one of the most eminent surgeons of the city. which. it was hoped. would give relief from 1 painful disorder. cancer of the stomach. Mr. Hai zen was united in marriage May 4, 1870, to M Clara. daughter of Frederick and Ilia Weiss, of J ferson City. To this union were born six childre the eldest. Alma, is the wife of Conrad Hirsch, Wheeling. W. Va .; Miss Lydia is a stenographer the law department of the National Shoe a Leather Exchange, Chicago; Oscar is superintende of the Manual Training School at Las Vegas. N. Eugene, a young man of exceptionally good hab and excellent business qualifications, has charge the shoe store, which is still being conducted at t place in which his father first established the hr ness. although the building has since been grea ondarged and improved. Edna and Harry are s denis at present attending the High school at leff son City. The latter three live with their mother No. 117 E. MeC'arty street. in the comfortable a well appointed home provided for her by their voted and worthy father. Mr. Danszen was a m who quietly and credibly performed all his dut in every relation of life as a husband. lather a citizen, and whose worth was recognized by wl he was more than by conspicuous actions. Althou a comparatively young man when overtaken death, he had provided amply for his family. whom he had given all the advantages necess; to make them worthy sons and daughters of a m worthy father.
DR. C. A. THOMPSON.
Dr. C. A. Thompson, whose death on the 1; of December. 1898, produced a keen but refini feeling of sorrow not only to his immediate fam but a large circle of friends, was born at Sandus Ohio. March 27. 1824. being a son of Giles and M; French Thompson, natives of the White Mont: State, the father being English and the mother Irish descent. Dr. Thompson's direct ancest came to the New World one year after the land of the Mayflower at Plymouth Rock, the family tl being composed of three brothers, one of whi
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John, was the lineal antecedent of the subject of this sketch. They originally settled on the spot where now stands New Haven, Conn., but later removed to New Hampshire. His grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and his father in the war of 1812. In 1818 his father removed to Sandusky, Ohio, being one of the first settlers of that now populous and wealthy district, where he engaged in farming. Dr. Thompson was reared largely in
Michigan and educated at the White Pigeon Uni- versity at Branch. He began the study of medicine ut the age of 21 with a view of making that exalted and humane profession his life work, graduating from the Indiana Medical College in 1849, at which ime he began practice at Lima, Ind. In 1856 he moved to Urbana, the University town of Illinois, where he remained until the close of the Civil War, except when performing his duties as surgeon of the Thirteenth and Nineteenth Illinois Volunteers. This service continued until 1865, when he moved to Jeť- erson City, where he continued practice the re- mainder of his life. He was physician for the peni- entiary during the administrations of Governors Fletcher and Brown, twenty years President of the Board of Pensions, and also twenty years Secretary of the Missouri Medical Association, and during Gov. Francis' administration a member of the Board of Managers of the Deaf and Dumb Institute at Ful- con. All of these official duties called for the exer-
cise of his sterling qualities which reflected credit on the judgment of those who were instrumental in honoring him with the important trusts. Ile was a consistent Republican in politics, an eminent phy- sician and surgeon and a citizen, the memory of whose noble qualities cannot be recalled without exciting feelings of an exalting character, which makes the impress of such men valuable long after they have passed from the stage of life. His widow survives him, making her home in this city, together with his adopted daughter, Miss Adelaide J. Thomp- son, the present Librarian of the Jefferson City Li- brary Association. He was buried in the National Cemetery.
JOHN GRANT.
John Grant, of the firm of J. Grant & Co., gen- oral merchants at Russellville, was born in Scotland, March 3, 1849, where he was raised and edneated. At the age of nineteen he crossed the waters, com- ing direct to Cole county, where his first work was as a laborer on the railroad. Soon after which en- gaged in lead mining, which was then carried on considerably in Cole county; in 1875 he engaged as clerk for .1. 1. Chambers, then a general merchant at Belleville, after which he was a short time with Mr. F. Steffens at Decatur and again with Mr. Chambers.
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SANDERS-CO.ST.LOUIS
In 1885, he purchased a stock of general merchan- dise, associating with him his present partners, W. C. Hatler and John F. Kelly, the firm being J. Grant & Co., who have since continued to do a large and prosperous business in Russellville. On July 3. 1873. Mr. Grant was married to Miss Alice, daughter of Jacob and Jane Morris, who had recently re- moved to Monitean county from Pennsylvania. To
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this union was born one daughter, now the wife of Robert Short, a prominent farmer near Russellville. Mr. Grant is a member of the A., F. & A. M., and for several years past has been Secretary of the lodge at Russellville. He is a social member of the M. W. A. He is one of the substantial and leading citizens of the thrifty and growing town of Russell- ville, where he has a comfortable home.
W. R. MENTEER.
William R. Menteer, contractor and builder of Jefferson City, is a native of the county, and was born December 11, 1860. His birth place was four miles south of the Capital, where he remained nntil
six years of age, when his parents removed to Polk county. Nine years later, in 1875, they returned to Cole county, settling on a farm. In 1879 his father died, leaving him to his own resources. In 1885 the subject of this sketch removed to Jefferson City and worked at the trade of a carpenter, for which he long had an inclination, and at which he had worked considerably while on the farm. In 1888 he asso- ciated with Mr. John T. Short in the business of contracting and building, the firm being Menteer & Short, which did a successful business the follow- ing three years, since which time Mr. Menteer has been engaged in the business alone. He was mar- ried October 21, 1885, to Miss Amanda Anderson of Jefferson City, who was the mother of his two danghters. Naomi and Margarette, both of whom are attending the public school. This companion he had the misfortune to lose by death November 13, 1891. In 1896 Mr. Menteer was united in mar- riage to Miss Emma, daughter of George J. Engel-
brecht, a farmer near the city. Mr. Menteer is member of the A. O. U. W., Select Knights a D. of It. He is also a member of the M. E. chur South. His comfortable home, with his interesti: family, is at No. 313 Jackson street. Mr. Mente is a well preserved man, enjoying fine health a has been uniformly prosperous in his business carpenter and builder. He was the contractor a builder of a number of the best residences in 1 city and county. His shop and office are near t Court House on Monroe street.
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. A. HUNTER.
A. A. Hunter, of the firm of Hunter & Steve lumber merchants of Russellville and Centretov was born on a farm in Cole county, near Russe ville, October 21, 1860. When of age he turned attention to agricultural pursuits, renting a fa in Moniteau county two years, when he bought farm near Decatur in Cole county, which, after th years' successful cultivation, he sold and bought : other near Russellville, which he sold in 1893, a removed to Russellville, engaging in the loml business with his brother-in-law, B. R. Stevens. 1898, finding themselves with sufficient capital enlarge their business, they opened a branch off at Centretown, which is in charge of Mr. Steve Mr. Hunter continuing the management of the bi
ness at Russellville. By close attention and ca ful methods, coupled with a location in the thri and growing town of Russellville, they have bi up a large and profitable business, carrying at be Russellville and the Centretown branch, in ad tion to their large and complete stock of lumb sash, doors, etc., lime, cement and roofing of varie
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kinds. Mr. Hunter was married October 2, 1884, to Miss Callie, daughter of A. R. Stevens, then of Cole county, but now a retired capitalist, making his home in Warrensburg, Mo. Both Mr. Hunter and his wife are members of the Mit. Olive Baptist church. In them are united two congenial spirits, who mutually enjoy the comforts of their own home in Russellville.
DR. J. F. SON.
Dr. James Franklin Son, son of James Monroe and Eliza Son, was born on a farm in Morgan coun ty, near Versailles, JJanuary 12, 1863, where he was raised. being educated in the neighboring schools. He attended the American Medical College at St. Louis, graduating in class of 1891, after which he located at Russellville, where he has continued since and built up a large and lucrative practice. He was united in marriage JJune 7. 1893, to Miss Emma,
LOUIS
daughter of B. F. Bradford, a prominent farmer near High Point, in Monitean county, Mo. To this union has been born four children, two boys, Edgar E., age six, and Landon F., age four. His sweet baby girls, Madge and Marie, are twins. Dr. Son is one of the most enterprising citizens of the thrifty town in which he has located permanently. He is a physician of the eclectic school, and his success in practice has secured for him the patronage of many people in other parts of the county, aside from! those immediately surrounding Russellville. He is a member of the A., F. & A. M. and also the M. W. A., of Russellville, and of the latter he has been vamp physician since the organization of the lodge. Mrs. Son is a most devoted and earnest working member of the M. E. church, South.
A. M. HOUGIL.
Arthur M. Ilough was born in Jefferson City. His parents, George W. and Mary C. Hongh, came from Loudon county, Virginia, and located here in 1838. He was educated in the public and private schools of Jefferson City, under the additional care. ful supervision and instruction of his father, who . was a man of nousnal literary attainments. Upon leaving school he began his business career, when but a youth, as salesman in one of the then largest general stores in Jefferson City, and a few years later sought to enlarge his experience by clerking on a lower Mississippi River steamboat, also making a trip or two to the head waters of the Missouri in the days when steamboating on both these rivers was exceptionally interesting and remunerative. In 1870 he decided to study law, and located in Kansas City, Missouri, reading in the office of his brother, Judge Warwick Hough, and meantime acting as as- sistant to the clerk of the Jackson County Circuit Court. He was admitted to the bar in 1872 at Kan- sas City. During the 26th and 27th General As- semblies he was in Jefferson City as a clerk in the Legislature. He was clerk in the Adjutant Gen- eral's office under George C. Bingham, and later Chief Clerk under Gen. Jno. B. Waddill, during the administration of Gov. T. T. Crittenden. At the close of the administration he located permanently in this city and began the practice of his profession, in which he has since continued with gratifying success. Mr. Ilough has taken a deep interest in every enterprise for the advancement of Jefferson City. He was one of the most intelligent and active workers in opposition to the removal of the Capital to Sedalia, and also took an active part in securing the creation of the new and well appointed court- house of Cole county. He is a prominent member of the various branches of the Masonic order, including the Royal Arch Chapter and Commandery, in all of which he has held important official positions. He was elected three times as Master of Jefferson Lodge No. 43. A., F. & A. M .; five times as High Priest of Jefferson City Royal Arch Chapter, No. 34, and seven times as Eminent Commander of Prince of Peace Commandery, No. 29, Knights Templar. In 1895 he was elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge A., F. & A. M., State of Missouri, and on the 25th of April, 1900, was elected Grand High Priest of the Royal Grand Chapter of Arch Masons of the State. He was Lieutenant-Colonel on Gov. Stone's Military Staff. One of his most important and enduring works for the city was his active as- sistance in the establishment of the Jefferson
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City Public Library, to which he was the first subscriber and also the first President of the Board of Trustees, which position he now hohls. Encouraged by the success of this institution Mr. Hongh has lately been especially active in securing a $25,000 donation from Mr. Andrew Carnegie with which to erect a public library building in Jefferson City. He was recently one of a committee of two appointed to wait upon Mr. Carnegie in New York City to arrange terms and conditions, and the propo- sition resulting from this conference will be sub- mitted to a vote of the citizens at an early date. He is at present a member of the committee engaged in the effort of procuring the necessary funds to secure the extension of the Bagnell Branch of the Missouri Pacific Railway to Springfield, Missouri. Ile is a most valuable citizen, whose well directed efforts and influence have aided greatly in making the Capital Citya desirable home for those whose as- pirations are for the highest and best things of life. Mr. Hough has been a number of times appointed Special Judge of the Circuit Court. He has always been a staunch Democrat, and. while not a seeker of official position or political honors, he has taken an active interest in every political measure for the advancement of his City, County and State, and is an influential factor in the affairs of the Democratic party.
E. SIMONSEN.
Ernest Simonsen, one of the most enterprising citizens of Jefferson City, was born near Halmstad. Sweden, November 30, 1858, where he attended the elementary school until 1875, when he was admitted to the Technical School at Orebro, Sweden, from which he graduated as mechanical engineer, class of 1878. Ile then engaged as mechanical draftsman at Halmstad's Mekaniska Verkstad, until 1881, when he left Sweden, and came to America, where he worked short periods for some of the leading ma- chine manufacturing firms of the East in the capacity of machinist, with a view of gaining more knowledge of the ways of his adopted country. He engaged (1882), as mechanical draftsman with the Bridgeport Machine Tool Works, at Bridgeport, Conn., which position he held two years, when he was made general superintendent of the works, fill- ing this important position with marked ability. He resigned this position in 1888 to accept one as general superintendent of the Ingersoll-Sergeant Rock Drill Co., of New York, remaining only a short time (till May 1, 1889), when he made a trip to Eu- rope, where he visited his native home and attended
the Paris Exposition, returning to America the fo lowing October.
He came to Jefferson City, in 1889, and pu chased what was known as the Jefferson City Fou dry, and continued the business under the nan of the Simonsen-Walther Mfg. Co. In Januar 1894, he engaged with Mr. P. H. Loethen in scie tifie heating, under the firm name of Jefferson lles ing Co., doing a general hot water and steam hes ing business, managing both companies until 189 when he disposed of the foundry business in ord to give more attention to heating contracting. Tl company has been in existence six years and h successfully exeented several large and importa
heating contracts, the universal snecess of which largely due to Mr. Simonsen's ability as a heati engineer. Among the many important contracts ; the Cole County Court House, Gasconade Cour Court House, four buildings of the Lincoln In: tute, Missouri Pacific Passenger Station, State mory, Exchange Bank, Dallmeyer building, Rea building and a number of private residences, al Eitzen's building, California, Mo.
Mr. Simonsen is a Republican, but not active polities. He is a member of the Commercial Ch of which organization he served as President fre 1897-1898, is director and Vice-President of theCa tal City Building and Loan Association, director the Jefferson City Bridge and Transit Compal
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He was made a Mason in Sweden, in 1880, where a victim of the grim reaper at the interesting age he still holds membership in St. John Lodge "Oscar" of 20. Fredrick is in the U. S. army, serving his country on the Island of Luzon. Miss Phillopena is n Halmstad, and is a member of the Jefferson City Royal Arch Chapter, No. 34, Jerusalem Council, No. 16. Royal and Select Masters of Bridgeport, Conn .. Prince of Peace Commandery, No. 29, Knights Templar; also a 32-degree Scottish Rite Mason, be- onging to the Lafayette Consistory of Bridgeport, Conn .. and has traveled over the hot sands in com- pany with the Pyramid Temple Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Bridgeport, Conn. He is a most worthy, progressive and enter- rising citizen of JJefferson City, whose worth is highly appreciated by all who know him.
W. H. MORLOCK.
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