USA > Missouri > Cole County > Jefferson City > The illustrated sketch book and directory of Jefferson City and Cole County, 1900 > Part 43
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Louis county, Mo. ; Francis William, one of the most popular and successful business men of the city. is serving his third term as County Clerk of Cole county, with whom Elizabeth and his mother make their home at 216-218 Madison street, the old home, which his father purchased March 1, 1867. Mr. Roer, at the time of his death was 78 years of age, and during the 42 years of his residence in Jefferson City he witnessed its growth from the hamlet it was on his coming, to the beautiful city of lovely homes and splendid business houses, with a population of over 10,000 happy and prosperous people. In this city no man was held in higher esteem, and de- servedly so, than the late Fracis Roer.
PROF. LEE JORDAN.
Prof. Lee Jordan, Principal of the school of Rus- sellville, was born in Monitean county. on a farm near Iligh Point, Jan. 27. 1867, where he remained until fifteen years of age, working on the farm in Summer and attending the neighboring school dur-
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ing the Winter season, when his parents removed to Miller county and settled near Olean, from which place he attended the Miller County Institute at Spring Garden, and later the Aurora Academy at Aurora Springs. Prof. Jordan began teaching at the age of fifteen, continuing to attend school dur- ing vacation. in this exalted profession he has continued since, having taught a term of from six to ten months each year. his work being in the coun- ties of Miller. Monitean and Cole. He took charge of the Russellville school in Sept. 1898. His sue- ressful work resulting in the renewal of his engage- ment at the expiration of each term since. He was married April 27, 1887, to Miss Ella, daughter of
Judge J. J. Pitchford of Spring Garden. Five bright children are, the result of this union, three boys and two girls, their ages being from two to twelve years. Prof. Jordan is a worthy member of that elevating social order I. O. O. F. at Olean, of which lodge he was Secretary three years; he is also an active and earnest member of the Missionary Baptist Church. In his exalted profession he has taken an intelligent and studions interest, being a continnous supporter of the institutes and other means of enlture for the teachers. His wife, who is his assistant, is in thorough sympathy with his work, being educated largely at the same school with him, and was en- gaged in teaching when they united their destinies. For this reason their companionship is most con- genial and mutually advantageous. Prof. Jordan is a fine specimen of physical and mental manhood, a most worthy man, whose sterling character is one of his most important qualifications in influencing the receptive young minds who are placed in his charge. He is serving a second term as School Commissioner of Miller county, his majority on his first election being 19, while at the second it was 775, a fact attesting his efficiency and quali- fications for this important position and the appre- ciation of the same by the citizens of that common- wealth.
W. S. LESLIE.
William S. Leslie, a farmer near Russellville, was born in Cole county, Mo., on a farm near Russell- ville, May 3. 1854, where he was reared, obtaining his education in the neighboring schools. He be- gan farming on his own account when twenty-one years of age, renting one year, when he purchased the farm on which he now lives. In addition to the successful management of his farm he has been for many years one of the prominent stockbuyers and shippers of Cole county, dealing principally in cattle, hogs and sheep. On April 7, 1874, he was united in marriage to Miss Ella, daughter of Wm. B. Groom, of Moniteau county. To this union have been born six children, three boys and three girls: the eldest daughter. who died at the age of eighteen, was at the time the wife of Dr. N. T. Enloe of Jeffer- son City, to whom she was united in marriage one year previous; Byron is a bright and talented news- paper man, at present engaged with the "Press" at Jefferson City, and the Jefferson City correspondent St. Louis and Kansas City dailies. The remaining children are at home with their parents. Mr. Leslie is a member of the Cole Springs Baptist church, in which he has occupied the important position of
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clerk for a number of years. He is an active Demo. crat in politics. Mr. Leslie was one of the organ- izers of the Russellville Exchange Bank and sey- cial years a director, but has disposed of this in- terest.
GEORGE SCHNEIDER.
George Schneider, of Schneider Bros., of the Rus- sellville Hotel, was born on a farm near Taos, May 12, 1857, where he was raised. He engaged in farming near Shipley Shoals five years, when he purchased the farm he still owns near Brazito. He associated with his brother, Lonis, in the hotel busi- ness at Russellville in April, 1898, where he now makes his home, still retaining his farm, which he rents. He was married March 13, 1887, to Miss Katie Schubert, sister of M. Schubert, President of the Schubert-Weyler Mercantile Company of Rus- sellville. Of his three children, Albert is twelve years of age, Mary eleven and John nine, all of whom are now attending the public school at Russellville. Mr. Schneider is a good citizen, whose well-directed efforts have given to him a liberal portion of this world's goods, and he is one of the many public spirited men of the town of Russellville who assisted in giving to it its many advantages.
R. W. MORROW.
Robert W. Morrow, a member of the bar of lef- ferson City, was born in the city of Galway. Ireland, October 27. 1865, where he received his early educa- tion. At the age of nineteen he left his native conn- tiy for the United States, where he first visited a sister. Mrs. Logan Reavis of St. Louis. After a few months be accepted a position as stenographer and clerk with the Texas Pacific Railroad, from which position he resigned two years later to accept a sim- flar one with the Adam Roth Grocery Company, where he remained two years. Being an exception- ally efficient stenographer he was tendered a posi- tion with the Secretary of State, which he accepted. being in the office with Capt. A. A. Lesueur six years. During his residence in the Capital City he devoted his leisure hours to the study of law, and was, in April 1898, admitted to the bar at Vienna. Maries county, by Judge Shackleford. at present a member of Congress from this district. During the session of the 40th General Assembly he was elected Enrolling Clerk of the House of Representatives. After the adjournment of this session he decided to locate permanently in the Capital City, and opened a law office in the Realty building, where he contin- ues the practice of his profession with marked suc-
cess, Mr. Morrow is a young man of rare mental capacity, and exceptional literary culture. He is miquestionably one of the most talented men of the State, some of his productions in verse ranking with those of our greatest poets. His poem on the open- ing and dedication of the great steel bridge which spans the Missouri River at this point, shows a wide range of thought and an ability to express in fine words, most appropriate to the hour, rarely found in men of his age. Another poem, which was ex- tensively copied throughout the country, was on the death of the great silver champion, Richard P. Bland. He has written a number of choice short
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poems, which have appeared in the various papers and magazines of the country and received most favorable comment from the press. One of his most beautiful productions is entitled "Optimistic," and among those which are especially pleasing to men who are appreciative of the higher class of litera- ture is "Cupid in the Country." "The Lochinvar of the East" and many others which we have not space to mention. Mr. Morrow's ability as a writer is not confined to verse. He wields a strong and versatile prose pen. Being a close reader he has produced some articles on the current events of the day which are strong and show a wide range of observation and thought found only in an extensive reader and a close analytical observer. He is also an eloquent
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and forceful speaker. Mr. Morrow is a member of the M. E. church (South of Jefferson City. of the order Giant Oaks, and an active influential worker in the interest of the Democratic party.
GEORGE WAGNER.
George Wagner, deceased, was born in Schwarz- ach, Bavaria. February 13, 1821, from which place, at the age of twenty, he immigrated to America, and settled on a farm in Cole county, near Osage City. His education was in the private schools of his native town in Bavaria. In 1846 he built a brewery two and one-half miles west of Osage City.
this being the first one established in the county. He continued to operate this enterprise successfully until 1870, when he removed to Jefferson City. and purchased the plant (now owned by Moerschel Bros.) which he continued to operate until 1886, when he sold to his sons. Conrad and Lawrence, who in turn disposed of their interest to the present pro- prietors. He was elected Sheriff of Cole county on the Republican ticket in the Fall of 1878 and re- + lected in 1850. He served as Alderman of Jefferson City a number of years. He was a member of the Evangelical Central Lutheran church, and also of the I. O. O. F. He was united in marriage in the Spring of 1849 to Anna R., daughter of Nicholas
Wolfrum. a farmer near Osage City, she also being a native of Bavaria. Mr. Wagner was the father o thirteen children, of whom seven are living: Conrad is a prominent and wealthy citizen of this city : Law rence is in Colorado Springs; William W. is the popular proprietor of the Monroe House: Henry i in the hotel business in St. Louis; Christopher is in San Francisco, Cal .. and Louis is in Denver, Col. Katharine is the wife of George Peasner of this city Mr. Wagner was a prominent figure in Cole count: and Jefferson City during his successful life, and established what is now one of the most prominen families in the county. His death occurred in thi city. September 24, 1895, at the age of 74 years. Hi wife survives him, and is now aged 71 years, mal ing her home with her eldest son, Conrad.
CONRAD WAGNER.
Conrad Wagner was born on a farm near Osag City, this county, May 1, 1849, acquiring his earl; education in the district school nearby. He late attended Jones' Commercial College. St. Louis, grad vating in class of 1869, from where he returned t the home of his father, George Wagner. and late removed to Jefferson City. Here he worked in th
brewery his father had recently purchased fron John Gundelfinger, continuing here until his father retired from business in 1887, when he, in partner
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ship with his brother, Lawrence, operated the brew- ery successfully until 1892. when it was disposed of to the present proprietors, the Moerschel Brothers. Ile then engaged in the wholesale wine. beer and liquor business in Colorado Springs, being associated in this business with his brother, Law- rence, and in which he still retains his interest, his brother looking after the business. In addition to this and other property interests in Jefferson City, Mr. Wagner is a stockholder in the First National Bank, of which he is a director. He was united in marriage October 8, 1878. to Theresa C .. daughter of Albert Walther, a prominent farmer near Ewing Station. To this union have been born four sons and one daughter: Adolph L. is a druggist with G. .. Fischer: Edwin L. is also a druggist in the employ of J. L. Wright; Miss Frieda is at school in Colo- rado Springs; Emil and Paul are at home. Mr. Wag- ner is a member of the Evangelical Central Lutheran church. His business movements in life have been attended with uniform financial success, and, as a result, he is now able to live in comparative retire- ment, although still in the prime of life. Ilis home is 113 West Ashley street.
W. W. WAGNER.
William W. Wagner, proprietor of the Monroe House, is a native of Cole county. to which place his parents. George and Katherine Wolfrum Wagner, from Bavaria, Germany, immigrated in 1844, the year of the great over-flow. locating on a farm in the township of New Liberty, where the subject of this sketch was born February 10. 1855. On this farm he was reared and obtained his education in the neighboring schools, graduating later from the cele- brated Jones' Commercial College of St. Louis. In his early manhood he was Deputy Sheriff under his father, being afterward elected to that office. in which he served two terms. After engaging in various other pursuits with financial success. he be- came the proprietor of the Monroe House, the lead- ing commercial hotel of Jefferson City. Mr. Wag- ner was united in marriage November 16. 1876, to Miss Lena, daughter of John Bohrer, of Jefferson City. This union has been blessed with six child- ren. three boys and three girls: the oldest. Victor. assists in the management of the hotel: AAlma is the charming wife of Fred. C. Binder, a prominent young business man of JJefferson City; George is clerk in the hotel; Stella and Alfred are students at the High School; Edwina, the youngest, is five years of age. Few men in Central Missouri are bet- ter known or more popular than Wm. W. Wagner,
the genial proprietor of the Monroe House of Jeffer- son City. He has not only managed his hotel busi- ness with marked financial success, but has other important interests in most of which he was influ- enced to become indentified, not altogether on ac- count of their substantial character and promise of dividends, but largely to assist the material pro- gress of the city. Of enterprises of this class, he is a stockholder and director in the Jefferson City Water Works Co., the Bridge and Transit Company, the Jefferson City Light, Heat and Power Company, of the latter of which he is President. He is also largely interested in mining properties in the south- ern part of the county, property which promises on development to be immensely valuable. Mr. Wag- ner is a Knight Templar, a member of the 1. O. O. F., Elks, K. of P. and M. W. A., and in all of these exalted and elevating orders is a worthy representa- tive. He demonstrated his loyalty to Jefferson City by a very active opposition to the Capital removal, and was a strong advocate and assisted greatly in se- curing for Cole county its magnificent court house. All of Mr. Wagner's efforts have been attended with financial success, the result of the prompt and active exercise of his good judgment.
II. H. NEEF.
Herman Henry Neef was born July 18. 1833, in Baden, Germany, and died at his home in Jefferson City, Missouri, March 31, 1900. His parents were Joseph and Susannah Neef. His father was a wealthy and prominent citizen, owning a large hotel at the fashionable watering place of Constance. in the Southern part of the Grand Duchy of Baden.
The education of the subject of this sketch was in the schools of the place of his birth, and after- ward in Switzerland, where he attended a Lyceum for several years. In his early manhood he learned the trade of tinner. In 1848 the Liberal party, to which his family belonged. rose against the Grand Duke. (forcing him to flee the country), and estab- lished a Republic, which was shortlived, however, for the Prussians espoused the cause of the Grand Duke, and a few months later restored him to his country and throne, after several short conflicts with the Revolutionary party. Those who had been active in the Revolution (among whom were the Neefs) now found their estates confiscated to the crown, and their lives in imminent danger. Many of the prominent Republican leaders fled to America, among them Carl Schutz of New York and Louis Prang of Boston. Mr. Neef's family was scattered, and made their way singly to America. where, after
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much inquiry and correspondence they were again united in 1854, at. Carbondale, Ill. With his widowed mother, brothers and sisters, he removed to St.
Louis, soon after which, on account of serions sick- ness, be placed his mother in a hospital, hoping that The advantages thus afforded might relieve her phy- sical distress; but this hope was withont fruition, and he was soon required to per- form the sad duties attending her deatlı.
Mr. Neef. with the tools he could carry in hand, undertook to work his way to Jefferson City, on foot. but meeting with discouragements he re- turned to St. Louis. Soon after- ward, removing to Ste. Genevieve, be opened a hardware store there, which, within a few months, he re- moved to Jefferson City. In 1858 he sold this business and removed to Tipton, Mo., where he engaged in the hardware business with great snecess, and within a few years his business grew to such an extent that he owned and operated at the same time hardware stores in Tipton, Se- dalia, Warrensburg and Versailles. Having in this manner accumulated
considerable wealth he retired from the hardware business and established a large brewery at Tipton which, within five years, was destroyed by fire, en tailing a serious financial loss. Hle then opened : large hotel in the same city, meeting with great financial success, but within six months the entire property was consumed by fire. a total loss.
Soon after this he removed to Jefferson City and opened a hotel. doing a good business for six years when he leased the old Tennessee Honse. Two years later he purchased the property on West High street, known as "Neef Terrace." one of the handsomest pieces of architecture to be found in Jefferson City, containing two commodious offic rooms (now occupied by the Missouri Illustrate Sketch Book Company). and four beautiful and well-appointed dats which are among the most de sirable residences in the city.
Mr. Neef was married February 1, 1858, to Mar G .. daughter of Joseph and Theresa Brenneisen, o Jefferson City. To this union were born tive daugh ters, Amelia, the wife of Adolph Meyer, now el gaged in the grain and cotton business at Perry Oklahoma; Clara, wife of Dr. W. A. Clark, a pron inent physician of the Capital City; Bertha, wife Speed Mosby, Deputy Clerk of the Missouri Suprem Court; Misses Louise and Augusta, both of whoi are living at home with their widowed mother; an one son. Julius, who has been for more than twent years in the service of the Missouri Pacific Railway and now occupies a responsible position in the offie of the General Auditor of that company. at S
"Neef Terrace."
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Louis. Mr. Neef was a charter member of the A. O. U. W. lodge at Jefferson City. While at Tipton he served his community, successively, as member of the School Board, City Councilman and City Treas- urer. 1n 1861 he enlisted in Company H., Cole County Home Guards, in which he served as sergeant. He was in active service during the whole of the Civil War, and near the close thereof was commissioned a lieutenant of the State Militia. After the war, in polities. he was always a Democrat.
He was a remarkable character in many respects. He had seen his share of sorrow, but lived bravely through it all, and his old age was blessed with peace and comfort. He was always genial and happy to the day of his death. le envied no man, hated none, and called no man his enemy. In the evening of his days he was wont to recall the scenes of his boyhood in the mountains of Southern Ger- many. About the last aet of his life was to sing one of the sweet songs of his Fatherland, which he did with a voice which all who knew him will re- member as of uncommon richness and beauty, and whose tones retained their wondrous power and sweetness to the last. But a few hours later he sank to rest and his sont passed peacefully like the echoes of the songs he used to sing.
In religion he was a devout Catholic, and his body now sleeps in the new cemetery of the parish of St. Peter. on the summit of the Missouri bluff, within sound of the ceaseless dashing of that river whose waves forever sing his requiem, where the first beams of the morning may kiss his grave, and the last rays of the sunset may linger upon it.
DR. J. L. THORPE.
Dr. Jefferson L. Thorpe, son of Dr. A. B. and AAbigal (Shaon) Thorpe, is a native of Jefferson City, where he was born July 5, 1862, at the home of his grandfather,Capt. J. T. Rodgers. His great grand- father, on his mother's side, was John Yount, whose parents were natives of Holland, who came from Alabama early in the Nineteenth century and set- tled in Callaway county, opposite the Capitol build- ing. where he erected the first brick house in that county. His father's ancestors came from England with the Puritans. He was a prominent physician, associated with Dr. Gray at California, Mo., in prac- tice, and died when the subject of this sketch was two years of age. Dr. Thorpe's early education was in the public schools of California, Missouri, at White's Academy, and he later attended the State University at Columbia, Mo. Early following his inherited inclination for the science of medicine he
began the study in Dr. Gray's office, of California, Mo., which was followed by a short period with Dr. Davison, of Jefferson City, after which he entered the St. Louis Medical College, graduating from there in the class of 1886, when he located in Jefferson City in the practice of his profession. He was soon after appointed to fill the unexpired term of Dr. A. D. Standish, at the State Prison, in which position he served about two years, and declined further ap- pointment by Gov. Morchonse. He was appointed District Surgeon of the Missouri Pacific Railway Company in 1887, and continues to serve the cor- poration in that capacity. He was Secretary of the
Board of Pensions eleven years (1887-1898). In the Fall of 1893 he was elected on the Democratie ticket as Coroner of Cole county, in which position he qualised and immediately resigned. In 1896 he took a post-graduate course in the Polyclinic School of Medicine of New York City. He was united in marriage October 1, 1889, to Helen C., daughter of Capt. W. C. Thomas, a wealthy citizen of Cali- fornia, Mo. He is a member of Jefferson Lodge A., F. & A. M., No. 43, a Knight Templar, a member of the Brotherhood of Elks and Medical Examiner of the M. W. A. He is a man of fine physique, un- usnally favored by nature in personal appearance and enjoys perfect health. He has a large and grow- ing practice. His elegant and well appointed home is 111 West High street, which is presided over by
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his charming wife, and is brightened by the presence of his lovely daughter, Mildred, now nine years of age.
JUDGE E. L. EDWARDS.
Judge Edward Livingston Edwards, whose death occurred in this city September 1. 1894, was one of the most prominent and worthy characters found in the history of the citizens of Cole county. He was born in Rutherford county, Tenn .. March 17, 1812, on a farm near Murfreesboro, where he re- mained until 19 years of age. His early educational advantages were confined to a few Winter months in the nearby school. He engaged to teach a school term in Williamson county, but resigned in the Au- tumn of 1831, coming directly to Jefferson City, Mo., where he studied law with his elder brother. Hon.
John C. Edwards, the Secretary, and later Governor of the State. In February, 1835, he was licensed to practice law, and during the same year was elected Clerk of the Circuit and County Court. the office of which had just been made elective. In 1837 he was elected Brigadier General of the First Brigade, 6th Division of Missouri Militia, but resigned the posi- tion a few weeks later. In 1838 he established. in company with John Mccullough, the Jefferson En- quirer, as a Democratic paper, but suspended the publication at the close of the campaign in IS40 on
account of lack of patronage. In 1841 he was ap pointed by Governor Reynolds Circuit Attorney o the Fourteenth Judicial District, which office h resigned soon after and entered earnestly into th practice of the legal profession. In 1846 he wa elected to the State Legislature, and two years late to the Senate. In 1858 he retired from practic and removed to his farm in the Osage Valley, 1 miles east of the city. In 1860, however, becoming ir t nsely interested in the tragedy-breeding question which occupied the minds of the people then, h removed to Jefferson City and became the editor-in chief of the Examiner, a strong Democratic organ After one year he again retired to the farm. I 1863 he again removed to JJefferson City, resumin the practice of law, and in 1874 was elected to th Legislature. In May 1879, he was elected to th bench to till the vacancy caused by the death o Judge George W. Miller, to which position he wa re-elected in November 1880. His life on the bene was marked with the same love of justice, as it ha been as a lawyer at the bar, and he was frequentl called to preside in other circuits by his brothe judges. Ilis judicial career ended, after fourtee year's service, December 31. 1892. He then bein nearly $1 years of age, declined to be a candidat for re-election, though physically he could do a much as any member of the bar and his mind wa not in the least affected. He was recognized as on of the best Circuit Judges that ever presided i Missouri. Ilis demisc. September 1, 1894, was th result of a stroke of paralysis at 7:30 a. m.
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