USA > Missouri > Cole County > Jefferson City > The illustrated sketch book and directory of Jefferson City and Cole County, 1900 > Part 39
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Residence of John Tweedie, Sr.
and business world of which he may justly be proud. As a citizen he is a worthy representative of the thrifty manufacturers who have located in JJefferson City and built up a large and prosperous business. lle has given to his family all the advantages of a comfortable and well provided home as well as those of a modern education, and is today in fine health,
with his business well in hand and gives promise of a long life of continued usefulness.
H. F. PRIESMEVER.
Henry F. Priesmeyer, Secretary and Treasurer of the A. Priesmeyer Shoe Co., was born in St. Louis, Mo., August 16, 1857, and was educated in the public schools of that city. At the age of six- teen he went to Chicago, entering the law office of
Lyman & Jackson, with the view of studying for the practice of the legal profession. At the age of twenty-one he resigned this position and came to Jefferson City to engage in work for his uncle, A. Priesmeyer. After several years of practical and pains-taking work in the factory, he went on the road as salesman, where he continued seven years in North and Southwest Missouri, building up a large and profitable business in the prodnets of his unele's shoe factory. In July, 1884, he gave up the road, taking charge of the office, and in 1892, be- came manager of the finance and salesmen. In November, 1899, the A. Priesmeyer Shoe Company was incorporated, the incorporators being his uncle, 1. Priesmeyer, who established the business. and was made President of the corporation, John Twee-
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d'e, sr., who for many years had charge of the fae- tory, becoming Vice-President and Superintendent of the factory. and he, the subject of this sketch. Secretary and Treasurer. Although both he and Mir. Tweedie had been sharing in the profits of the business for a number of years they had not become regularly associated in the business until the incor- poration as above stated, November 1. 1899. Mr. Priesmeyer was united in marriage May 2. 1883, to Miss Julia M. Meyer, of St. Charles, Mo., a lady of
Residence of H. F. Priesmeyer.
culture and of charming personality, the mother of his five children, Mamie, Charlotte, Colette, Theo- dora and Jack. The death of Mamie at the interest- ing age of sixteen cast a shadow over this bright and interesting home. Mr. Priesmeyer is a mem- ber of the Elks, of which he is at present Exalted Ruler. He was a charter member of the Commer- cial Club, and was twice elected its President, and through all its history has continued a loyal and generous supporter of this valuable organization, whose purpose is to advance the general interests of the city. He is a stockholder and director of the Bridge and Transit Company, of which he was the first Vice-President. He is also President of the Board of Education of this city. He has been active and generous in developing the State Horse Show Association. is fond of base ball, and all the manly sports. As a citizen and business man none stand higher in the estimation of the people of JJefferson City than Mr. H. F. Priesmeyer. His ideal home. with his charming wife and most interesting child- ren, is at the corner of MeCarty and Madison streets.
W. Y. MAYO.
Walter Young Mayo, deceased, is directly des vended from Maj. William Mayo, who immigrated from England, in 1716, to the Isle of Barbadoes, mak ing the excellent map of that Isle, which is now of tile in the King's College Library. Coming to Vir ginia, in 1723. he ran the dividing line between Vir ginia and North Carolina. One of the rivers inter secting that line was named in honor of Maj. Mayo which name it still retains. He was the most promi nent civil engineer in Virginia. In 1736 he was ap pointed surveyor of the Northern Neck of Virginia in order to settle the disputed boundary between Lord Fairfax and the crown. Early in 1737 he lai off the City of Richmond, but in 1744 he died. Col John Mayo (born October 21. 1760, was the pro jector and founder of the celebrated Mayo bridg just below the falls of the James River at Richmond lle obtained a charter for the bridge in 1785, and after ineffectual efforts to obtain State aid or to fori a corporation, boldly built it from his own desig: and at his own expense. His petition for the charte was received with ridicule, and Col. Innis, a prom inent member of the Legislature. facetiously of served that "after passing that bill they would pas one to build a ladder to the moon." Mrs. Mayo wa a daughter of John De Hart, of Elizabethtown, N. J who was a member of the First Continential Com gress that met in Philadelphia in 1774. The annua advent of Col. and Mrs. Mayo to their beautifu home, in their coach and six, with colored footme and ont-riders, was an event long to be remembere by the inhabitants of that ancient borough.
The old Mayo homestead, "Powhatan," is a shor distance from Richmond (in a perfect state of pro servation and in full view from the Capitol steps where. partially protected by an open arbor, is huge rock which marks the last resting place of th most powerful Indian Chief of Virginia, Powhata (1741), whose principal residence was here and fo whom the place was called. Maj. Mayo served i the State troops during the war of 1812, and hi eldest daughter, Maria, (the reigning belle of th dayı was the wife of Gen. Winfield Scott (the her of Lundy's Laney, a woman noted for her persona beauty, exquisite charm of manner and conversatio and a finished harpist.
Walter Young Mayo was a son of Lucy Elizabet (daughter of Dr. Elijah Young, of Jefferson county Ky .. and Walter Powhatan Mayo, born in Louis ville, Ky., November 21, 1874. His grandfather llon. William H. Mayo, was killed near his home a Boonville. Mo., during the Civil War by the Bush
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whackers through mistake While being pursued he threw his watch and valuables into a brush heap at the roadside, and told a lady, who was hiding there. to take them to his wife, which she did, this being the valued timepiece of the subject of this sketch. With his widowed mother and sisters. Walter came to Jefferson City, Mo., (1886), when a small boy thug- ging his beloved dog. "Charlie," close to his side). He remained until a few months before his death. when he went with his mother to New Mexico for his health. As we sit listening to the echoes of the past. the variations of his marvelous whistling come as
strains of celestial music from the vast unknown. "His was a peculiarly magnetic nature that drew all who knew him to his side; he counted his friends by the score from the humblest to those highest in social and political life. true of him not only in def- ferson City, but in New Mexico, where he had been but a few months at the time of his death (March 7.'1895)."
Governor Lon V. Stephens wrote of him: "Wal- ter Y. Mayo, who, for over four years, held a position under me in the Treasury Department, has passed over the river. Death has taken from us the young- est member of our force within but a few months of his legal majority, full of hope and rich in promise; his sun had just risen, and it gave promise that before him was a bright day. The position of stenographer, which he held, brought him into close and confidential relation with me. I found him at all times trustworthy, respectful. submissive, anx- ious to please, sensative to criticism. By his model life and devotion to duty he won the respect of my- self and his associates. Hle bore in his manner the cherriest good will to all, with malice to noue. He was a manly Christian boy, who loved his church. his league and his Sunday School. Berett of father when but a few weeks old, he has fought life's bat- tles for his mother, sisters and self under many dis- advantages, winning the praise and admiration from those who witnessed his struggles and who appre-
viated his surroundings. His beautiful love for his mother was at all times noticeable. His chiefest aim was to make her happy. In her presence and at her knee he found the truest altar, and for his sisters. Virginia and Jessie, the companions of his . boyhood. there was a love tender and beautiful. He appealed to them in every instance, in every emergency. Their wishes were his, their happiness his. He would die before he would bring to them sorrow or disappointment. His money was always used to their comfort and enjoyment. Although full of courage, he leaned upon his mother and seemed to be as a dependent, helpless child in her arms, and she in turn was dependent upon and trusted him, looking forward to the day when her son would be a strong man who would comfort and support her in her declining years. God is too wise to err and too good to be unkind. otherwise we would feel that in this instance he had struck a eruel blow. Walter's tender heart is hushed forever, he has laid down his office work never to again re- sumie. Eternal joy to his immortal spirit."
His remains are at rest in the cool bosom of mother earth in Woodland Cemetery, in the east- ern part of Jefferson City.
P. T. MILLER.
Phillip Thomas Miller (deceased) was born at Greensburg, Greene county, Kentucky, May 7. 1818, from which place he came to Jefferson City in 1833, when fifteen years of age. accepting a position as clerk in the store of his uncle. Thomas Miller, where he continued six years, when, in 1839, in partner- ship with Thomas M. Winston. sr., he embarked in merchandising on his own account, in which busi- ness he continued until 1846, when he withdrew from the business to engage in steamboating on the Missouri River with his uncle. Thomas Miller, who was the master and owner of the Steamer Amelia. He served as clerk, and later as captain of this steamer. Later he was clerk of the Mis- souri Penitentiary, under Major Cochran, and was appointed to the position of Warden. without solici- tation, in 1861, by Gov. Gamble. He performed the important duties connected with this office until March. 1865. While Warden, Mr. Miller secured the passage of an act of Legislature establishing the commutation, or three-quarter rule, now in force in the Missouri Penitentiary. Later, in com- pany with Gen. IT. Clay Ewing and Win. E. Dung- combe, he organized the Jefferson City Savings As- sociation, of which the present Exchange Bank is the successor. Ile held the important position of
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Cashier of this banking association until it was changed to the National Exchange Bank, when he was made the Cashier of the new organization. in which position he continued until December, 1872. when he resigned to take the position of editor of the Jefferson City Tribune, which was published at that time by Reagan & Carter. He retired from this position on being appointed chief book-keeper in the office of the State Treasurer, under Phil. E. Chappell. a position in which he continued through four administrations and until his death. January 25, 1895.
Mr. Miller was married December 22, 1841, to Miss Maria Louise Winston, daughter of Nicholas J. Winston, who survives him. To this union were born seven children, four boys and three girls, three of whom, George B. Miller, Louise, now Mrs. Bragg. and Dr. Phil. T. Miller, a prominent dentist of Jef- ferson City, are living. Mr. Miller moved into the
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honse his widow and surviving children still oc- cupy, 509 Jackson street, in the spring of 1842, and under its roof all his children were born. Mr. Mil- ler was all his life a constant and devoted member of the Old School Presbyterian church. He super- intended the erection of the first Presbyterian church building at Jefferson City (the old stone church still standing on Main street, west of the Madison Hotel). He was a member of the State
Board of Guardians until the Board was abolished by legislative enactment; was a steadfast friend of the public schools. He was a delegate from Missouri to the National Prison Congress in Jan- uary, 1873, which met at Baltimore, Md., and has held many offices of trust and honor during his active and useful life. He was a friend and cham- pion of every measure looking to the advancement of Jefferson City and his Democracy was a part of his religion. His life was a model from his early childhood, never having the disposition to sow wild oats. He lived and died a Christian gentleman, a man among men. His home life, which is the very best place in which to judge a man, was ideal.
Of the many worthy characters now deceased who helped to make the history of Jefferson City none shine with more luster or credit as a worthy exemplary and model citizen in all the relations of life than the subject of this sketch. While he was editor of the Tribune, his forceful writing did much to lead the Democracy of Missouri into a broad and liberal policy, and the result of his work and influ ence at that time is still felt and doing its work.
J. M. SOMMERER.
John M. Sommerer, of the firm of Sommerer & Bassman, grocers, on East High street, was born or a farm near Honey Creek, Cole county. December 18, 1871, where he grew to manhood, assisting or his father's farm, acquiring his education in the nearby district school. At the age of twenty (1891) he came to Jefferson City, where he engaged a: flerk for T. E. Schultz. a grocery merchant. the fol lowing two years. Resigning this position in 189: he was steward one year at the United States Gov ernment works, a position which he continued unti the works shut down. After spending a short time at his old home he returned to Jefferson City, and was engaged as clerk one year with Jesse W. Henry then one of the leading grocery merchants of Jeffer son City, after which he was one year with Joh Stuart, also a grocery merchant, on the corner o Lafayette and Iligh streets. Following this er gagement he was with Lawrence Wagner nnti 1896, when he, in connection with Mr. Bassman, hi partner, purchased the business of Mr. Wagner which they together have condneted most succes: fully since, having greatly enlarged the business it now being recognized as one of the leadin and most popular grocery houses of the city. Mi Sommerer was united in marriage October 1, 1896 to Miss Emma Schaefer of Jefferson City. Thi congenial and devoted companion he had the mis
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fortune to lose by death March 29, 1898. His in- fant daughter. Emma, survived the mother only a few months. Mr. Sommerer is a member of the Lutheran Trinity church, of which he is Collector. Ile is a bright young business man, who gives his close attention to business, in which he uses the
experience he has accumulated in his association with other merchants in the city to the best ad- vantage possible. In addition to his interest in the grocery store, he is a stockholder in the Jefferson City Building and Loan Association.
G. C. BASSMAN.
George Casper Bassman, of the firm of Sommerer & Bassman. grocery merchants, 220 East High street, was born on a farm in St. Louis county, Mo., May 21, 1857. His parents were George Casper and Eva B., (Ott) Bassman, who removed to this county when the subject of this sketch was six months old, and settled on a farm ten miles south of Jefferson City, where he received his education in the nearby schools. Ile followed farming until March, 1890, when he moved to Jefferson City. A year later he began business on his own account. leasing the Farmer's Home, and continued three years. The following three years he engaged successfully in farming. when he again returned to Jefferson City and formed a partnership with Mr. John M. Soul-
merer and purchased the grocery business from Lawrence Wagner, which they have successfully conducted since. He is a member of the Knights of Maccabees.
Mr. Bassman was married September 30, 1879, to Miss Margaretta Sahr, of Jefferson City. To this union eight children have been born: Frederick, the eldest, died in infancy. Hilda and Estella are young ladies at home. Agnes and Otto are attending school. George and Oscar (twins) and Sophia are
also at home. His comfortable home, with his de- voted wife and interesting children, is 802 Jefferson street.
PROF. J. H. SULLENS.
Prof. John Hunter Sullens was born near Bra- zito. Cole county, January 24. 1869, where he was reared, his early education being in the Centennial public school nearby. He later attended Hooper Institute at Clarksburg. In 1889 he began teaching school, which has since been his life work. His first engagement was at Russellville, where he continued one year, since which time he has taught at Lohman, Bass, Elston and Mt. Carmel. He was appointed School Commissioner of Cole county by Governor Stone, to which office he has been elected a second time, and is now serving the second term. August 26, 1891, he was united in marriage to Dora D.,
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daughter of JJudge John Musiek, at present member of the Cole County Court. This union has been blessed with four children ; the eldest, Fern, is seven years of age: Clyde died in infancy; Clarence is a bright boy of three years, and Elsie Dean an infaut of one year. In 1892 Mr. Solens bought a farm near Bass, this county, where he at present makes his home. He and his wife are members of the Mt. Carmel M. E. church (South). He is also a prominent member of the State Teachers' Association, and takes an active interest in their meetings and those of the teachers' institutes. He is a strong advocate of County School Supervision and has been one of the active leaders in bringing about the submission of that important question to the voters of Cole county the coming Spring. He is a strong advocate for a compulsory school law. He believes that school children, both intermediate and advanced, should have the advantages of a good library in con- nection with each school. He encourages among his pupils the manly sports, and is especially fond of baseball.
J. A. HOUCHIN.
James Albert Houchin, Secretary, Manager and Treasurer of the Star Clothing Manufacturing Com- pany of Jefferson City, was born on a farm near At- lanta. Logan county. Ill., October 10, 1869, where he remained until eighteen years of age, assisting his father iwho was an energetic, pushing farmer), attending school during the Winter abont three months in the year. His father, who was ambitious to secure for his family better educational advant- ages than those afforded by the country schools nearby, removed to Lincoln, where the subject of this sketch enjoyed the higher educational advant- ages afforded by the schools of that city. He also attended the Lincoln Business College, taking a com- mercial course, short-hand and typewriting. Jan- uary 1, 1890, for the purpose of more thorough equipment for an active business life, he entered the Gem City Business College of Quiney, Ill., where he enjoyed the advantages of practical business training by real commercial transactions, including that of banking. Completing his course at the Gem City College, he was sent by that institution to fill a position in Jefferson City, Mo., as book-keeper and stenographer for the Charles R. Lewis Clothing Manufacturing Company, from which position, after remaining three years, he resigned to accept a sim- ilar one with the C. M. Henderson Shoe Company. also of Jefferson City. After continuing one year with this company, he resigned and organized, with
others, the Star Clothing Manufacturing Company of which he was elected Secretary and Treasurer and one year later he had added to his duties th office of General Manager. This company suffere the trying incidents which often attend a youn enterprise on account of lack of experience and e tablished business, and. during the panie of 1895-4 had to struggle for continued life. In March, hov ever of 1897. the stockholders re-organized, plaein the subject of this sketch in complete control an under his well directed efforts its prosperity ha been almost phenominal, their products now bein sold throughout the West and South, and exceed ingly popular with the close and judicious buyer From a capacity of 25 dozen per day in 1897 th business has grown until they now turn out 17
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dozen articles of men's substantial wearing appar daily. their annual business now amounting to ov $300,000. Mr. Honchin, who is now directing t affairs of this progressive and growing concer recognizes no obstacles as standing in the way snecess. To his persistent and well-directed effor the success of the concern is largely due.
Mr. Houchin was united in marriage Angust : 1893. to Miss Mollie Clark, of Jefferson City, ) He is a member of the M. E. church (South) of tl city, cheerfully performing the duties devolvi upon him as a member of that great religious orga
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zation. He is also a director and a most active and progressive member of the Commercial Club, an or- ganization which is doing so much to brighten, stim- ulate and unite the people of the Capital City in making it a most desirable place in which to live. During his college life Mr. Honchin was an active participant in the field sport of baseball, and was also a member of one of the most successful foot ball teams. Being a fine specimen of physical man- hood. he carried off the first honors in many athletic contests. and now advocates for students. an abund- ance of recreation as a means of developing the physical as well as the mental man. Although now only 30 years of age he has, by his untiring energy and well-directed efforts established a substantial and prosperous business and made himself comfort- able in this world's goods. His home. with his con- genial wife and one child, a lovely danghter, Myrone, four years of age, is 611 East Main street.
J. W. HESKETT.
In most cities there are men, whose peenliar qualifications as sagacions buyers and sellers. coupled with an ambition to do a large trade, en- ables them to rapidly develop an immense business,
the volume of which carries with it the advantages incidental to large purchases and reduced percent- age of expenses, enabling them to make lower prices than less favored competitors, thus drawing to their
counters the economical and thrifty buyers from all the paths of life. Of this class of men in the State of Missouri none stand higher than Mr. J. W. Heskett, the proprietor of the New York Racket Cash Department store. No. 232 East High street. Mr. Heskett was born on a farm in Ross county, Ohio, near Chillicothe, May 6, 1859. At the age of eleven his parents removed to Missouri, settling on a farm in Saline county, near Malta Bend, where he attended the country school, later graduating from the Normal Department of the Missouri State University, class 1881. Like many successful men, Mr. Heskett's first work on his own responsibilities was teaching, after which he managed his father's large farm, later embarking in the general mer- cantile business, in partnership with S. T. Wilson at Malta Bend. Abont fifteen months later he dis- solved with Mr. Wilson, who continned the business, while he removed, with his part of the stock, to Marshall, doing a successful business until 1888, when he purchased a farm eight miles northwest of that city. On account of the ill health of his wife he quit farming, and selling his Jersey herd, other stock and implements, rented his farm, when, at the request of the Postoffice Department and several of the bondsmen (he being one) took charge of the post- office at Marshall, which office he managed from March 1, until July 1, 1897, when he removed to this city opening the New York Racket store on Main street. This business, under his judicious management, soon outgrew his quarters on Main street, and in September, 1899, he removed to his present commodious store. Although he began business here with a small stock, it is now the largest department store in the county. Hle em- ploys constantly from seven to eight assistants, which during the holiday season is increased to about thirty. Mr. Heskett was married March 18, 1886, to Miss Mollie, the only daughter of Henry Blosser, one of the most prominent and wealthy farmers of Saline county. As a result of this mar- riage they have five children, two of whom died in infancy, the others, two girls and a boy, ages eight, ten and twelve, are bright, healthy children, attend- ing the public schools of this city. Mr. Heskett still owns his tine farm in Saline county, but is com- pletely absorbed in his rapidly growing business which he is managing most successfully.
F. G. SUDEN.
Frederick Gustave Suden, the leading photogra- pher of Jefferson City, was born in Schulan, Hol- stein, Germany, April 11, 1849, where his father
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was an extensive dealer in coffees and spices. The subject of this sketch was educated in the schools of his birth place. At the age of 16 he shipped as steward on the Germania. a tramp steamer, engaged in the South American trade. During this service he visited all the important seaports of South America. the West Indies. Mexico, and the seaports of Europe on the Atlantic seaboard. Among other places, during his connection with this steamer, he
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