USA > Missouri > Cole County > Jefferson City > The illustrated sketch book and directory of Jefferson City and Cole County, 1900 > Part 38
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ated by the idea of duty, the grandest inspiratio. to continued, untiring, noble action that eve touched the heart of man. A man actuated by tha principle never ceases to grow in all that make one strong and noble. He has an active mind tha is ever finding new resources within itself. He ha a pleasant presence, is a clear, forcible speaker, good parliamentarian, and a most able and agree able presiding officer. His preparation for a suc cessful career has been most thorough. He wa raised in a home where the purest principles and the highest educational and literary entertainment were ever present as incentives and stimulants t the youthful mind.
"He is a graduate of the State University, and while never a seeker of office, has had many honor able trusts imposed upon him. He has neark always attained the position of presiding officer i all official boards and associations to which he ha belonged, occupying the honorable positions o President of the Board of Curators of the Missour State University, of the Alumni Association of the same institution, President of the Board of Com missioners of Missouri Insane Asylum, No. 3. Presi dent of the Missouri Press Association, President o the National Editorial Association of the United States." He is Moderator of the Baptist General Association of Missouri. "He has fine exeentive ability, as well as a genins for organization. II is most happily married, and is the father of four promising children.
"Mr. Stephens' publishing house in Colombia-ir a building erected especially for it -- is the largest in the State. Here are printed law books for tive States, stock books for various National associa tions, and books and pamphlets withont number.'
His home, an ideal one, is in the east suburbs of Columbia.
IIUGH STEPHENS.
1Ingh Stephens, Business Manager and Secre tary of the Tribune Printing Company of Jefferson City (State printers and binders), a son of E. W. Stephens, was born in Columbia, Missouri, Decem. ber 4, 1877. Ile was educated in the place of his birth, having taken one year of the A. B. course in the State University. At intervals, during his youth and early manhood, he was an apprentice in the different departments of the printing office of his father, where he served as printer's devil, bindery employe, press feeder and typesetter.
During 1897 and 1898, owing to the serions ill- ness of his father, he was compelled to assume more
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responsible duties in connection with the large busi- hess. On this account he abandoned the idea of a thorough college course to engage in the active und responsible duties of business life. Since then le has secured a fourth interest in the Oxford Pub- ishing Co., of which he is Secretary and Treasurer, he company having exclusive right to the sale of Rader's Civil Government and History of Missouri, which is used in all the public schools of the State.
When the Tribune Printing Company came un- ler the new ownership he acquired an interest and vas elected Secretary and Business Manager, Since ts reorganization, this company, who are the State printers and binders, have more than doubled the
alue of their plant, adding typesetting machines, n entirely new set of bindery machinery, and large dditions of type, making it one of the largest and host complete printing offices in the West. Dur- ng the past year this company has handled nearly onble the work heretofore turned out in the same ength of time, and has issued the largest edition of he Revised Statutes yet published. It has now on and a large contract with the State of Arkansas, nd other important outside contracts on which it about to begin.
The subject of this sketch is a member of the first Baptist church, of the B. Y. P. C., and a Pacher in the Sunday School. Although only 22 ears of age, Mr. Stephens possesses the executive bility which enables him to direct the affairs of his immense business corporation in a smooth nd thorough manner, which produces results host satisfactory to both his associate stock- olders and the public with whom they do a large nd extensive business. His duties, including in
their scope not only the management and direction of the immense business of publishing and binding the books and various publications which is con- stautiy increasing, but the management and direc- tion of the Daily and Weekly State Tribune, the State organ of Democracy.
E. M. WATSON.
Edwin M. Watson, editor of the State Tribune. Daily and Weekly, the official organ of the Demoe- racy of Missouri, was born in Callaway county, No- vember 29, 1867. Five years later, his father, Dr. B. A. Watson mow a prominent physician of the "Athens of Missouri") removed to Columbia, where the subject of this sketch attended the public school until the age of 14, when he entered the office of the Columbia Herald for the purpose of learning the "Art Preservative," where he remained three years. In 1890 he graduated from the Missouri State Uni- versity, receiving the degree of A. B., after which, following the bent of his mind, he entered actively
the field of journalism, his first work being reporter on the St. Joseph Ballot, a Democratic paper established that year by Col. Wm. M. flyde, who was so long connected with the St. Louis. Re- publiean, the name of which has since been changed to the St. Louis Republic. He soon after accepted a position as staff correspondent and special writer
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for the Fort Worth (Texas) Gazette, which at that time was the leading Democratic daily of the Lone Star State. He later accepted a position, as city editor of the Daily Mail of Fort Worth. an after- noon paper. In 1894 he returned to Columbia and entered the law department of the University, gradu- ating in the class of 1896, being one of the honored men of that class. In the Spring of 1897 he was nominated by the Democratic party and elected to the office of City Attorney of Columbia, which office, however, he resigned in November, 1898, to accept his present position with the State Tribune of Jef- ferson City. Mr. Watson is a young man, of a bright, receptive mind, who has enjoyed exceptional advantages in his education, to which has been added a large and varied experience in that great school afforded by journalism in the great states of Missouri and Texas. He is a close reader and ob- server. The daily products of his pen. which ap- pear in the State Tribune, give evidence that he takes a broad view of all matters of public interest not only in this State, but. throughout the country. his analysis of things being clear and forceful. He is of a happy, genial disposition, enthusiastic and bouyant in spirit, and responds promptly to every call to advance the general interests of the Capital City, to which. as a citizen, he is a most valuable acquisition.
JOSEPH SAILER.
Joseph Sailer, editor and publisher of the Jeffer- son City Post. a German weekly, was born in Calla-
way county. Missouri, December 28, 1873, on a farm near Cedar City, where he remained until eleven
years of age, when he removed with his parents the Capital City, his education being principally the private Catholic school. At the age of fourte he was apprenticed as a printer in the Volksfreun a German weekly of Jefferson City, where he co tinned two years, when he went to St. Louis, a the following four years did work on differe papers of that city. He returned to Jefferson Ci in May, 1894, and established the Post, beginni with very limited facilities, and, of course, no c culation, but by close and intelligent attention business he has built up a valuable plant, his circ lation now within Cole county being the largest any paper published within its limits. Mr. Sail in addition to his editorial work, does most of t mechanical work in his well-equipped office, whi he has secured to himself by the characteristics the best Germans, industry and thrift. He is a E publican in politics, and an uncompromising su porter of that great political organization.
M. L. TREMAIN.
The most important factor affecting the materi interests and progress of a community is the loc press. The recital, in its columns, of the wort! acts of men and women stimulates others to ente prise and deeds of philanthropy, while its conde! nation of vice curbs the baser passions and restrai the violation of law. As an educator it is a lo school of history, biography and literature, and well and ably conducted ranks in importance wi the school. It pictures the condition of the unfe tunate and places the scene before the more favor who carry relief. Through its influence. commu ties are united in developing and carrying out terprises which advance the general prosperity th would not be practical or successful without th mutual effort ; in fact, this vehicle of progress fleets and pushes forward the social, moral a material interests of a community more than a other element within its bounds. In the village Russellville this field is well filled by the Rustle whose editor and publisher is Marcus L. Tremai Mr. Tremain was born in Calhoun county, Ill., St. Valentine's Day. (Feb. 14), 1870, from which pla his parents removed, when he was an infant, to farm in Miller county, near Tuscumbia. He is a se of Dr. G. W. Tremain, who is still a practitione The subject of this sketch continued on the far until the age of 16, when his parents removed Aurora Springs, where he attended the Mill County Academy two and one-half years, his educ tion at this place being under the direction of tl
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eminent Prof. H. L. Moles, who was at the time principal of the school. Mr. Tremain began teach- ing in 1888, in which elevating work he continued in Miller and Morgan counties, Mo., until 1893, when Illinois, offering a more lucrative and inviting field, he removed to Calhoun county of that State, where he continued in the exalted profession until 1899, when he purchased the valuable property and plant of the Russellville Rustler, which he now so ably
conducts. He was married Der. 25, 1892. to Miss Rosa B., daughter of J. M. T. Miller, whose father was the first settler of Miller county, and for whom that commonwealth was named. fle has one inter esting boy. John Lyman, six years of age, the result of this union. In March, 1894. he had to perform the sad duties incidental to the death and burial of this devoted and congenial companion. On April 21, 1898. he was united in marriage to Miss Laura 1. Flagge, who is the mother of his infant son, Lindley Earnest. Mr. Tremain is a man of culture, an able writer and a practical business man, all of which qualifications he is using in an industrious and well-directed effort, through his paper, to ad. vance the interests of the town of Russellville and the adjacent community. He is a member of the A., F. & A. M., O. E. Star, I. O. O. F., M. W. A., M. P. L., A. Il. C., and the Elks of Jefferson City, a worthy representative of these social and elevating orders. . He is an active member
of the Christian church and a man whose influence is calculated to do much to sustain the reputation of Russellville as the best town of its size in the State of Missouri.
A. S. FERGUSON.
Alfred Sterling Ferguson, of the firm of Fergu- son & Mayer. was born in Callaway county, Mis- souri, May 30, 1861. He is the son of John R. and Minerva (Waggoner) Ferguson. On his father's side he is a descendant of the old Scotch family of Fergusons, known in history and literature. The first of the family who came to this country settled in Nelson county, Kentucky. In 1818 his grand- father, Robert Ferguson, immigrated to Missouri, settling in St. Louis county, and for whom Fergu- son Station was named. The following year he re- moved to Callaway county, purchasing a farm, where the subject of this sketch was born. On his mother's side he comes from German ancestors, who came to this country when it was still under
English rule, settling in Davidson county, North Carolina. During the Revolutionary War two of his great grandfathers fought gallantly (one a Colonel and the other a Major) for their adopted country in the struggle for independence. Early in the century his grandfather, David Waggoner, removed to Callaway county, near Millersburg, where he owned a large farm. Before the outbreak
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of the Civil War, Mr. Ferguson's father had, by his well directed efforts, become a wealthy farmer, en- joying with his family all the comforts of life, most of which he lost during that tragie period.
The subject of this sketch. being the youngest of the family. received none of the advantages as did the older children, and is. therefore, practically a self-made man. In 1873 he engaged with Col. Switzler on the Columbia Statesman as an appren- tice to learn the printer's trade, continuing two years. In 1875 he came to Jefferson City, where he worked at the Journal office, completing his appren- ticeship. In 1883 he became the editor and pub- lisher of the Journal. One year later he accepted a position with the St. Louis Globe- Democrat, and in 1886 was appointed to the responsible position of day foreman, resigning three years later (1889) on account of ill health. when coming to Jefferson City he formed a partnership with Mr. Edward Mayer, engaging in the stationery and printing business, mider the firm name of Ferguson & Mayer, in which he has continued since. He is a member of the A. 0. 1. W., and K. of P.
Mr. Ferguson was married in 1885 to Miss Vir- ginia Beauregard Harding, daughter of Gen. James and Christine (Cordell) Harding. They have one son, James Harding, now 13 years old. His com- fortable home is 429 East MeCarty street.
E. R. ILIGAN.
Edward R. Hagan was born on a farm near Cedar City, Callaway county, October 4, 1870, from which place, when he was one year of age, his par-
ents removed to Miller county, and settled on a farm on the Osage River. Later they removed to
Aurora Springs, where they were engaged in the livery business. Mr. Hagan's edneation was in the public schools of Miller county. Early following the bent of his mind, he engaged as a printer in the office of the Autogram, at Tuscumbia, where he continued until 1887, when he removed to JJefferson City. and was employed the following two years in the office of the Tribune, after which he had charge of the mechanical work on the Missour: School Journal, of which Prof. H. A. Gass was editor and publisher. In this he continued sever years, when. in connection with Mr. Prather, h established the Capital City Journal, but disposed of this plant in March, 1900, and accepted a posi tion with the Cole County Democrat. He is an in dustrious young man, of good habits, who has no yet assumed the responsibilities of married life.
F. W. PRATHER.
Frank W. Prather is a native of North Vernon Jennings county, Indiana, from which place hi parents, when he was two years of age, removed . to Boone county, Arkansas, later to Kansas, and from there to Missouri. when he was nine years o age. Mr. Prather's school advantages were ver. limited, the most of his education being acquire
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while performing his duties in the printing office where his first experience was as an apprentice il Appleton City, this State. At the age of seventeen he started the publication of a weekly on his own account at Forsyth, in Taney county, and in 189 established the Springfield Republican as a weekly but which is now a daily. and one of the most influ ential Republican journals, outside of the large cities
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of the State. This plant he sold. however, in 1892, and after spending four years in Texas, returned to Missouri, and was employed on the State printing by the Tribune Printing Co. of this city, until the changes resulting from the death of Mr. Ewing. when he associated with Mr. Ed. Hagan in publish- ing the Capital City Weekly Journal, which plant he, with his partner, disposed of in March. 1900. Hle was married June, 1897, to Miss Mollie Brumley. of Springfield, she being at the time a visitor in JJeffer- son City. As a result of this marriage he has a bright boy of two years. Mr. Prather is and has been a consistent and earnest Republican in politics, and for many years closely affiliated with the Typo- graphical Union, in which he has held a number of important official positions. He is a young man of large experience, good habits, and wields a facile pen. He is now in Washington, D. C., where he recently accepted a position in the Government Census printing office.
A. PRIESMEYER.
Angust Priesmeyer, President and founder of the A. Priesmeyer Shoe Company, was born on a farm near Westphalia. Prussia. December 17. 1832. At the age of 17 he immigrated to America, stop ping first near Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked on a farm several months, when he went to Cincin- nati. learning the trade of shoemaking. After an apprenticeship of two years he removed to St. Lonis, where he engaged in a shoe store. His apt- ness and close attention to business soon resulted in his having charge and management of the entire shop and store. In 1857 he made a trip to Europe. visiting his parents and many places of interest, re- turning in the Fall; he renewed his engagement at the same place, continuing until the Spring of 1859. when he opened a retail store on his own account. With this he did a prosperous business until 1867, when he disposed of his stock and engaged largely in the hide and tobacco business, which resulted in the loss of the accumulation of his thrift and good management of the past years. In 1869 he again opened a shoe store on his own account, receiving financial assistance from a friend, who later be- came associated with him, and whose loyalty as- sisted him greatly in bringing about the success which attended his later efforts in the manufacture of shoes. In 1874 he disposed of this business and removed to Jefferson City, where he engaged in the manufacture of shoes in partnership with the friend who had assisted him in the past, Mr. F. Woesten, now a retired capitalist and most worthy citizen of St. Louis. This friend continued to fur-
nish the capital. the firm being A. Priesmeyer & Co. In the work of manufacturing at the prison he still associated with his old friend and the part- nership continued until 1876, when he bought the interest of his partner and continued the business in the name of A. Priesmeyer, until the Fall of 1899, when the A. Priesmeyer Shoe Co. was organized and incorporated, with Mr. A. Priesmeyer as Presi- dent: JJohn Tweedie, sr., Vice-President and Super- intendent of the factory, and H. F. Priesmeyer, Sec- retary. Treasurer and Manager of the business. Both Mr. Tweedie and Mr. H. F. Priesmeyer had long been faithful lieutenants in this growing and prosperous manufacturing plant, and on account of their faithful and intelli-
gent services had been given a share of the profits for more than 15 years, although their names had not up to the time of the incorporation been asso- ciated with the business. When Mr. Priesmeyer first established this plant he only employed thirty- five men. but under able and successful manage- ment. pains-taking and straight-forward methods of doing business and producing the very best value possible the business was built up to its present proportions, now employing over 250 workmen. with eighteen traveling salesmen, who cover and enjoy a large trade throughout the entire West and South; in fact, covering virtually all the United States except those of New England and a few of
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the North Atlantic States which are more contign- ons to the manufacturing plants of Massachusetts. In August, 1860, Mr. Priesmeyer was married to Caroline Steinbruegge, of St. Charles, Mo. To this union were born three sons, two of whom died in infancy, Eddie at the interesting age of six. He had the misfortune to lose by death his com- panion May 20, 1889. In April, 1891, he was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Meyer, of St. Louis, and was called upon to perform the sad duties attend- ant upon her death in 1895. In 1899 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Emma Witte, of St. Louis, who is now his genial and devoted companion in his home, No. 1537 S. Grand Ave., St. Louis, he having retired from the active duties connected with his business and removed to that city in 1891. Mr. Priesmeyer is a fine example of the success which attends the earnest, active and well directed efforts of an honorable man. He came to this country when but a youth, without means, his first work being on the farm. After learning the business of shoemaking before the extensive improvements in machinery had brought that business up to its present high state of perfection, so greatly reducing the cost and assisting in the production of artistic and substantial foot-wear, he has moved steadily along with the business of his choice until he now ocenpies a place in the business world as a manu- facturer of which he may be justly prond. No man engaged in the manufacture of shoes in the United States stands higher than A. Priesmeyer, who is now enjoying in retirement the justly earned fruits of his long and constant labors. In addition to two trips to Europe, in 1897, Mr. Priesmeyer made a trip around the world, which occupied fourteen months, visiting Japan, China, the Orient, India, Africa, Palestine and Syria, and making trips in the va- rious countries, using the means of travel peculiar to each country, seeing life in its every phase in all parts of the world, and being a close and practical observer, he is an interesting and instructive talker. Although having lived nearly his three score years and ten, he is as hale and hearty as most men of 50; in fact, he yet seems in the prime of life, with a prospect of many years.
JOHN TWEEDIE, SR.
John Tweedie, sr., Vice-President of the A. Pries- meyer Shoe Co., and Superintendent of the factory, was born in Moffat, Dumfries Shire, Scotland, Sep- tember 28, 1838. He attended school until 10 years of age, when he engaged in learning the trade of shoemaking in his father's shop, continuing his studies at night. In 1856 he immigrated to America,
stopping first in New York, where he worked at his trade a few months, when he removed to Providence, R. I., and engaged in the work of a carpenter the following three years, after which he removed to Mystic, Conn., where, after working in the ship yard a few months, he returned to New York and resumed his trade of shoemaking. Removing to Middletown, Conn., in 1861, he responded to a call for volunteers. enlisting in the 2nd Connectient, which was dis charged from service a few months later, when, ir answer to a second call he enlisted in the 9th Rhode
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Island, and later in the J5th regular U. S. Infantry He continued with this regiment, and during the early part of 1864 was appointed Drill Sergeant a Fort Adams; afterward being promoted to Firs Sergeant. In 1865. when the army was reorganized he was transferred to the 33rd, retaining the same rank. Mr. Tweedie was in the first battle of Bnl Run and a number of other important engagements He was also with Gen. Sherman in his famous cam paign in Georgia. He received his regular discharge at Macon, Ga., in 1867. He then accepted the posi- tion of Superintendent of the Andersonville Na tional Cemetery. He was later Superintendent o the construction of the Peabody School Houses pu up, one each at Bainbridge, Thomasville and Newton for the United States Government, and one of the Superintendents in the construction of the Atlanta
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Barracks, Atlanta, Ga. Resigning in the Fall of 1869, he went to St. Louis, where he resumed his old trade of shoemaking as foreman for Cochran & Linden, and in 1872 accepted a like position with A. Priesmeyer & Co., who at that time were conducting a store and shop in that city. In 1874 he came with Mr. Priesmeyer to Jefferson City, where he has con- tinned in charge of the factory of that now large and prosperous manufacturing concern since. On May 1, 1867, Mr. Tweedie was united in marriage at Macon, Ga., to Anna DeBeruff. To this union ten children have been born. Charles died at the age of eighteen months and three others in infancy. Charles J. is an assistant to his father in the Pries- meyer factory. John. jr., has charge of the trimming and heeling department. Katherine is the wife of Julius Freeman of St. Louis. Joseph and Julia are at home. Caroline is attending the public school of this city.
Mr. Tweedie is a member of the G. A. R., the 1. O. O. F., the A., F. & A. M., Royal Arch Chapter and Commandery. He is also a loyal member of the Commercial Club and a generous supporter of all measures recommended by that organization. llis home, (a ent of which accompanies this article) with his family, is 601 East High. Mr. Tweedie possesses the characteristics of the Scotch race, pluck, energy and perseverance and as a result of his well directed efforts he today occupies a position in the social
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