WADDILL, Alexander Nelson
Windsor Township, Henry County
born: Dec 21 1838, Tebo Twp, Henry Co, MO
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:599
Alexander N. Waddill was born in what is now Tebo Township, Henry County, Missouri, December 21, 1838, his parents being John S. and Sophia Waddill, nee Doak. They were both born near Jonesboro, in Washington County, Tennessee, the former on February 16, 1799, and their marriage occurred in that state January 6, 1831. To them were born four children - three sons and one daughter, and with the exception of one son, all are living: Samuel W. born December 5, 1831, died at Virginia City, Nevada, in 1878; Rebecca J., born March 13, 1835; Alexander N., as mentioned above, and James N., born May 1, 1843. In 1838 Mr. W. emigrated with his family to Henry County, Missouri, settling in Tebo Township, where he purchased something over 200 acres of land, and here they remained during life. Mrs. Waddill died June 27, 1843, and about four years thereafter, Mr. W. married Mary A. Pinkston, of this county. They had by this union four daughters and three sons, and of these, three daughters and two sons survive. Alexander N. received a good common schooling, which he supplemented by attending the seminary at Calhoun for one winter. In the spring of 1861 he took a trip to California, and in about eighteen months went to Nevada, where he remained for three years and a half. His father having died February 11, 1865, he returned home in the fall of the same year. In 1866 he purchased 100 acres of land on sections 25 and 26, with his residence on section 25, to which he subsequently added eighty-five acres. January 5, 1868, he married Miss Fannie Carter, of this county. They have three sons: Robert D., John C. and Alexander Thomas, and three daughters: Eliza J., Alice N. and May. Mr. Waddill is one of the thriving farmers of the county, and is quite an extensive stock raiser. In his political preferences he is Democratic.

WADE, Eli
Fields Creek Township, Henry County
born: Jan 20 1837, Floyd Co, VA
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:689
Eli Wade. The subject of this sketch was born in Floyd County, Virginia, January 20, 1837, being the son of Owen and Lavina (Fliger) Floyd {corr. Wade}, natives of Virginia. Eli was the third of a family of twelve children. His youth was passed on the farm in Virginia, and he received a common school education, following farming until 1871, when he began working at wagon making and carpentering in Tennessee and Illinois. In 1872 he removed to Lafayette County, Missouri, giving his attention to farming two years, after which he worked at wagon making in Higginsville for three years. In 1876 he came to Henry County, Missouri, and remained in Clinton for one year. Since that time he has been occupied in farming. In March, 1880, he took charge of the county farm and has continued to manage it to the entire satisfaction of the citizens of the county. In 1861 he enlisted in Company D, Fifty-fourth Virginia Infantry, and was sergeant of his company. At Bentonville he was captured and taken to Point Lookout, where he was confined for three months. He is a member of the M. E. Church, South. Mr. Wade was married November 14, 1874, to Miss Bettie Albine, of Lafayette County, Missouri. They have two children: Laura and Herbie. They have lost one child, Edgar.

WAGNER, Frank
Deepwater Township, Henry County
born: 1846, Germany
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:462
Frank Wagner, owner of a nicely improved farm of 106.66 acres of land in Deepwater township, south of Montrose, was born in Germany in 1846, near the Swiss boundary line, and he naturally belongs more to the Swiss nationality than to the German. He is a son of Frank and Catherine Wagner, who emigrated from their native country to America in 1852 and resided in Illinois for the next seven years. In the fall of 1859 the family located in Henry County, Missouri, and Frank Wagner, the father, followed his trade of carpenter and builder, and cabinet maker. He made his first home in Bogard township on a farm which he cultivated in addition to following his trade in various parts of the county. He located in Deepwater township in 1872 and purchased a tract of unimproved prairie land consisting of 160 acres. In the course of time he added another quarter section which, upon his death, was divided among his three sons, Frank, Joseph, and Jacob, who all live on adjoining farms at the Cross Roads south of Montrose. Frank Wagner, subject of this review, placed all of the improvements upon his land and has tilled his acreage successfully up to recent years or until his retirement from actual labor in the fields. Mr. Wagner was married in 1874 to Mary Schissler (born 1852, died 1891), a native of Deepwater township, and the daughter of David Schissler, a Henry County pioneer. Mr. Wagner has reared eight children out of ten born to this marriage: Kate, wife of Joseph Kaumans, living in Wyoming; Joseph, eldest of the family, lives in Kansas; Henry lives in Kansas; Mary, wife of William Hueser, who is tilling the home place, has seven children, Lenora, John, Ida, Loretta, Margaret, Bernard and Bertha; John lives at Rock Island, Illinois; Mrs. Annie Montague, resides at Grand Island, Nebraska; Mrs. Josephine Currie, lives at Rock Island, Illinois; Herman is a farmer in Deepwater township; Frank is deceased. Mr. Wagner is a Democrat. He is a member of the Montrose Catholic Church and is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus. His work here has been well done. He has reared a splendid family and accumulated a sufficient competence to care for his declining years, and has the honor of being one of the real old settlers of Henry County, and being universally respected and esteemed by all who know him.

WAGNER, George
Speedwell Township, St. Clair County
born: 1826, Germany
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1209
GEORGE WAGNER, farmer and stock raiser, section 17. The subject of this sketch is one of the prominent men of Speedwell Township and one worthy of mention in the history of this county. He is a native of Germany and was born January 28, 1826. When but four years old he was brought to America by his parents, who located at Petersburg, Virginia. George there received the benefits of the common schools, and in 1842 he went back to Germany, where he entered the Heidelberg University of Baden-Baden. There he took a thorough course in surveying, engineering and jurisprudence, learning the Greek, Latin and Hebrew languages. He was graduated from that institution in 1847. Returning to Petersburg, Virginia, he was engaged in ornamental gardening, at which he accumulated a large amount of wealth. This was all lost during the war. In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate service and was made regimental quartermaster of Roger A. Pryor's regiment, and after a short time was promoted to brigade quartermaster, which position he filled for eight months. After that time he filled the position of first assistant chief quartermaster of General Longstreet's corps until the surrender of General Lee. After the close of the war he remained in Petersburg, Virginia, for eighteen months, when he went to Kingman County, Kansas. He was occupied in farming and raising stock till 1878, when he came to St. Clair County, Missouri. Here he now has 320 acres of land, eighty acres in Vernon County and 320 acres of good farming land in Kansas, and he is one of the most practical farmers of this county. In 1874 he was elected probate judge of Kingman County, Kansas, which office he held four years. Mr. W. is a member of the Masonic fraternity. In February, 1849, he was married to Miss Caroline Bloom, a native of Virginia. She died in 1878, leaving five children: George, Herman, William, Caroline and Louisa. He was married again in July, 1881, to Mrs. Mary J. Price, of Ohio. Her maiden name was Russell. Mr. and Mrs. W. are members of the Baptist Church.

WAGNER, Joseph
Walker Township, Henry County
born: May 26 1814, Huntingdon Co, PA
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:726
Joseph Wagner was born on the Juniata River, in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, May 26, 1814, and is the eldest of a family of eight children, three of whom, beside himself are living. John T. Wagner, his father, was also a native of the Keystone State. His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Cross, originally from Maryland. While quite young Joseph was taken to Licking County, Ohio, where he grew to maturity and on September 13, 1836, when in his twenty-third year, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Covey, born in Maryland. They rented a farm for ten years, when he settled in Union County, on land given him by his father. After living in that locality for nine years he returned to Licking County, and remained there until 1864, when he emigrated west and located in Green County, Iowa, where he made his home until 1869. Coming to Henry County in the spring of that year he settled where he now resides. The family has consisted of eight children: Martha Jane, the eldest, (wife of Samuel Carrier), and living at Rich Hill; Francis Marion, lives at Monroe, Wisconsin; James Monroe, married Mary M. Bailey, and is in Leadville, Colorado; Mary Ann is wife of Nathan Lake; Nancy Elizabeth is the wife of J. W. Bennett, at Rich Hill; Emily Eliza married David T. Owens; John Wesley married Elizabeth Harrison, and lives in Davis Township; the youngest, Samuel Cox, was recently married to Miss Marian Birge, and lives with his father. Mr. Wagner has been a justice of the peace for about six years, a position which he has filled with credit.

WALKER, Calvin Edward
Walker Township, Henry County
born: Mar 16 1858
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:604
Calvin Edward Walker - The late Calvin Edward Walker was born March 16, 1858, in Walker township, Henry County, the son of Calvin E. and Martha Walker. Calvin E. Walker was born in North Carolina and in the days when men were coming from the southern and eastern States to homestead Missouri land, Mr. Walker located in what is now Walker township, Henry County. The township was named in his honor, as he was the first homesteader that entered land upon the Government's list. His wife, Mrs. Martha Walker, was a native of North Carolina and she was the mother of eight children, who have made their homes in Henry County and have added to the moral and financial welfare of the county. Calvin Edward Walker gained his education upon the old homestead and in the meager schools of his day. While they were not advanced as far as our educational institutions of today, still they learned the three R's and the practical work of the farm to earn a livelihood. Mr. Walker married Emily Moore, August 1, 1880. She was born March 19, 1861, in Walker township, Henry County. Her parents were among the early settlers of the township and are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are the parents of six children, all living in Walker township with the exception of Earl, who is serving in the National Army in Camp Funston, Kansas. They are as follow: Lillie M., deceased; George, whose sketch appears in this volume; Earl, in the service of the United States; Calvin P., twin to Earl, at home; Charles C., Walker township; Addie M., wife of Claude Jenkins, Lucas, Missouri. C. Edward Walker passed away April 20, 1900, and since his demise Mrs. Walker has continued to operate the home farm with the help of her sons, who are filling the places of their respected father and grandfather in Walker township.

WALKER, David
Butler Township, St. Clair County
born: 1842, Darke Co, OH
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1187
DAVID WALKER, farmer, section 17, a native of Darke County, Ohio, was born January 7, 1842, being the son of Alexander and Catherine (Sheppard) Walker, natives of Virginia. David was the fourth child of a family of ten children. In 1856 his parents moved to St. Clair County, Missouri, where he arrived at manhood, engaging in farming and stock raising. His farm is well improved and contains 120 acres. His fine residence was built in 1881. Mr. W. was in the Missouri State Militia during the late war. February 23, 1864, he married Miss Frances Kellerinan, who was born in Indiana May 9, 1842. They have seven children: William, Anna B., James P., Mary E., Charles, Minnie A. and Cora.

WALKER, George W.
Walker Township, Henry County
born: Oct 19 1883
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:603
George W. Walker - The descendants of Calvin E. Walker, the first homesteader of Walker township, are scattered all through that township, and George Walker, whose name introduces this review, is a member of this family and a descendant of this hardy pioneer. George Walker was born October 19, 1883, in Walker township, Henry County, the son of Calvin Edward Walker and Emma (Moore) Walker, both of whom are from representative families of Walker township, their birthplace. George Walker was united in marriage with Miss Pearl Steel in 1908, a native of Henry County and a member of one of the pioneer families of this county. She inherited ninety acres of land from her father's estate which she and her husband are now farming. To Mr. and Mrs. Walker have been born four children as follow: Lillie M., May O., Claude and Ralph. Mr. Walker carries on a general farming business and raises wheat and corn and also raises stock. In politics he is a Republican and one of Henry County's progressive and public spirited citizens. He takes a keen interest in local affairs. As a citizen of this county and State he stands ever ready to do his duty.

WALKER, John
Butler Township, St. Clair County
born: 1834, Miami Co, OH
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1187
JOHN WALKER, farmer, section 21, was born in Miami County, Ohio, May 12, 1834. His father, Alexander Walker, a native of West Virginia, was a son of James Walker, a Virginian by birth and a soldier in the war of 1812. The maiden name of John's mother was Catherine Sheppard, originally from Maryland. John was reared in Ohio and was educated in the common schools. In 1856 he came to St. Clair County, Missouri, where he has since followed farming, now owning eighty acres of good land, well watered, etc. Mr. W. has held a number of township offices, among which are those of trustee and constable. September 18, 1856, he was married to Miss Mary Riegel, a native of Ohio. They have nine children: Sarah A., Jacob A., Nehemian, Lydia, John L., James M., Oliver S., Rudolph and Nellie M.

WALKER, Richard R.
Walker Township, Henry County
born: Mar 24 1825, Forsythe Co, NC
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:726
Richard R. Walker was born in Stokes, (now Forsyth) County, North Carolina, March 24, 1825. His parents, David Walker and Mary, nee Bennett, who were both natives of North Carolina, had eight children in their family, of whom Richard was the sixth. Only five of the number are now living and he is the only one in Missouri. In 1855, September 2, he was married in Stokes County, North Carolina, to Miss Melissa Ann Hart, who died just four years afterward, on September 2, 1855. In the September following his marriage he came to Missouri and settled in White Oak Township, Henry County, where he entered a forty acre tract of land, upon which he lived one season. Then he entered forty acres on Grandady Branch. He also preempted a tract on Deepwater, upon which he built a house. In 1860 Mr. Walker returned to North Carolina and remained four years, locating on his present place in the next year. His farm contains eighty acres, all improved. In 1874 he went to Texas, but stayed only two years. He is a carpenter by trade, and much of his time has been employed at work at this calling. At the spring election of 1882 Mr. W. was chosen a justice of the peace. He is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the M. E. Church. He has one son, James T.

WALKER, Robert W.
Walker Township, Henry County
born: Oct 15 1845, Forsythe Co, NC
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:727
Robert W. Walker was born in New Forsythe County, North Carolina, (at that time Stokes County), October 15, 1845, and was the son of Dr. William and Elizabeth B. (VanHoy) Walker, both natives of that state. The former was born in Stokes County, October 19, 1804, and his wife in November, 1809. His grandfather came from Ireland early in the last century. The family of VanHoys are of Holland descent, and the ancestors were probably contemporaries with the Knickerbockers of New York. William and Elizabeth were married October 19, 1828. Dr. Walker early began the practice of medicine, which he continued through life. He came to Missouri and to Henry County in the spring of 1852, in company with several other families, and located on Deepwater, where he entered about 500 acres of land and where he lived until his death which occurred February 12, 1881. On the 10th of the month the doctor was superintending the loading of some saw logs, and one falling upon him he sustained injuries which resulted in his death. He had been one of the county's most highly respected and influential men, and his death was seriously felt by hundreds whose good fortune it had been to know him. He was one of the pioneer physicians here, and his practice extended over a large scope of country. His soul was in the work, and when called upon to render professional services to suffering fellow beings, he never hesitated to comfort the distressed, though often without hope of pecuniary gain. He became a professor of religion when a young man, and was a member of the M. E. Church for upwards of forty years, but since 1865 he had been connected with the Cumberland Presbyterians, and lived a consistent Christian life. None were quicker to respond to charity's call, and to the stranger who approached his door the latch string was always on the outside. His wife, Elizabeth, survived him but a few months, dying on the 12th of the following September. Robert W. is the only son living, one, the second in the family, James H., dying in camp in 1862, at Georgetown, Pettis County, aged about thirty-one years. Four sisters are living: Flavia V., (wife of B. M. Wayne), Luzettie J. (wife of John C. Rice), Florina A., (wife of John R. Greenhalgh), and Candace O., (wife of John Anderson, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri.) Three sisters have died. The eldest of the family, Martha A., died in 1855, at the age of twenty-six, Mary E., in 1852, when eighteen years old, and Verlinda E., also in 1855, at fifteen years of age. Robert Walker was married October 15, 1868, at Knob Noster, to Miss Mary E. Smith, daughter of a pioneer of Johnson County. She died of consumption November 19, 1877, leaving three children: Demarius Otelia, Charles Edward and William Jesse. Two years after this, Mr. Walker was married on November 24, 1879, to Miss Paulina McMillan, who was born in Forsythe County, North Carolina, January 17, 1859. They have one child, living: Lora Leona, and recently buried a little boy, Robert Hamilton, who died November 13, 1882. Mr. Walker received such education as could be gained in the schools of the county, prior to the war, and having access to his father's library, he soon acquired a thirst for reading and became familiar with standard works. He has served the people in the capacity of justice for some time, having been elected and afterwards appointed. Himself, wife, and eldest daughter are connected with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Walker lives on a part of the land which his father entered on his coming to the country.

WALKER, William H.
Windsor Township, Henry County
born: 1855, NC
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:600
William H. Walker, the popular editor and publisher of the Windsor Review, is the son of Wyatt Walker, Esq., who was born in North Carolina, where he resided until 1856, in that year moving to Pittsylvania County, Virginia. There he remained until 1870, working at his trade of wagon making. In 1870 he settled in Henry County, Missouri, and here still resides, carrying on his former business. He is a member of the M. E. Church, South, and a local minister of that denomination. William H., the youngest of eight children of Wyatt and Pamelia Walker, was born in Yanceyville, North Carolina, March 25, 1855. His mother was a Gilchrist, of North Carolina, a name quite common in that section of the state. William received his education in the common schools of Virginia until sixteen years of age, when he entered a hardware store in Windsor, being employed for two years as clerk. His tastes inclining toward journalism, he entered the office of the Windsor Helmet as an apprentice, and when that paper was moved to Tuscumbia, Miller County, he followed its fortunes and remained in the office altogether about eighteen months. Leaving there he was employed on the various papers in Southwestern Missouri, until 1876, when he returned to Windsor and started the Windsor Review, a family paper devoted to the building up of the material industries of that section of Henry County. With this object in view, he has carefully avoided committing his paper to the support of any political organization. Owing to his ability as a writer and his practical sagacity as a business man, he has succeeded in building up a successful newspaper where older and more experienced journalists have failed. His paper has one of the largest circulation's of any in Southwest Missouri. Though holding aloof from party politics, Mr. Walker is outspoken and decided on all questions of general interest, and gives free expression to his judgment of public men and measures, and proves the independence of his journal. Politically, his personal affiliations are with the Democrats, but in his editorial capacity he knows no party, but advocates such measures and supports such candidates as in his honest judgment will advance the interests of the community at large. Though but a young man he has made an enviable reputation for himself at home, and is becoming favorably known abroad. Mr. Walker married Miss Lelia Smith, October, 15, 1882. She is the daughter of Dr. B. F. Smith and Adaline Smith nee Depp, of Windsor. The latter was a native of Missouri.

WALKLEY, Stephen
Clinton Township, Henry County
born: Jul 4 1817, Genesee Co, NY
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:548
Stephen Walkley, section 4, was born in Genesee County, New York, July 4, 1817. He passed his younger days and was educated in that county, following agricultural pursuits as his occupation. In October, 1844, he removed to Dodge County, Wisconsin, where he was engaged in land speculating and farming. He made this his home till 1865, but during his residence there, in 1856, he came to Missouri, and purchased large tracts of land in several counties of this state. In 1865, he moved to Henry County, settling in Clinton, where he was occupied in the real estate business and money loaning till 1872. Then he located on one of his farms, and has since been actively devoted to farming. He lived on different estates in this county till 1879, when he moved to his present place. He here has 550 acres of well improved land, and also 120 acres of excellent land in St. Clair County. Mr. Walkley was married May 22, 1873, to Miss Mary E. Wilson, a native of Ohio. They have two children: William W. and Stephen A.

WALL, Eugene E.
Tebo Township, Henry County
born: Jun 26 1860
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:574
Eugene E. Wall - The day of the old time methods of tilling the soil in Missouri with its attendant waste and depletion of fertility and natural resources is fast passing. Intelligent methods of crop raising, conserving the richness of the soil and the application of scientific knowledge to crop production and the raising of live stock is taking the place of the former slipshod methods of hit and miss ways of farming. It has been ascertained that it costs less to produce live stock of the pure bred variety and to fatten them for the markets than to raise the former scrub cattle and hogs with which the Missouri farms were formerly stocked. Here and there in the different counties of the State a number of intelligent and highly progressive agriculturists and live stock men are taking the lead in this latest development in the science of animal husbandry. Where formerly the stockman gave little heed to the kind of cattle and hogs which he raised from year to year, there are now leaders who keep and produce only the best and purest bred stock which in turn is dispersed over the country among others who see the need of improving their herds, and a vast amount of good results. A leader in the production of fine livestock, and one of the most successful and widely known breeders in the State of Missouri is Eugene E. Wall of Tebo township, Henry County. Mr. Wall embarked in the pure bred live stock industry in 1895, and now maintains one of the most famous herds of registered Hereford cattle in the country. His Herefords have been exhibited throughout the country at various State fairs and the American Royal Stock Show at Kansas City. In the season of 1911, Mr. Wall sold a carload of cattle which brought the highest price on the Kansas City market, known up to that time, the cattle bringing $12.50 per hundred weight, a price of two dollars over and above the top market price. Again in 1912, he received $12.20 per hundred for a carload of cattle. Mr. Wall's herd leader, "Beau Merry" No.566449, was bred by Gudgell and Simpson, and the animal is valued at over $4,000. The fine cattle produced on the Wall farm are sold in many Western and Southern States, and he holds public sales which are attended by buyers from all sections of the country. Mr. Wall is also a breeder of Duroc Jersey hogs. Eugene E. Wall was born in Tebo township, June 26, 1860, the son of Julius F. and Bettie (Woolfolk) Wall, who were parents of two children: Eugene E., subject of this sketch; and Julius F., a druggist in Windsor. The father of these boys was killed on August 16, 1862, while participating in the Battle of Lone Jack, he having enlisted with the Confederate forces at the outbreak of the Civil War. He was born in North Carolina in 1830 and accompanied his parents to Henry County, Missouri, in 1836, the family settling on the farm now owned by Eugene E. Wall, of this review. The grandfather of Eugene E. Wall was Mason Wall, who was well known among the early pioneers of Henry County. On the 10th of August, 1862, about 100 boys of northern Henry and southern Johnson County met in an elm grove, about three miles southwest of where Leeton now stands. Doctor Warren was made captain of the company. The following day Julius F. Wall joined this company. This company joined the command of General Cockrell in the western part of Henry County and were sworn into the Confederate service in the afternoon of August 15th. This was about four miles west of Lone Jack, and in the night of the 15th they marched into Lone Jack, where the battle was fought on August 16. Julius F. Wall and a number of others of this county were killed in this battle and were buried by their comrades on the battlefield where they had fallen. After the war a monument was erected to mark the graves of the Confederate dead. Julius F. Wall's father, Mason Wall, was a native of North Carolina and fought in the War of 1812 and was made major. After the war he received a grant of land from the Government for his services. In 1836, Mason Wall came to Henry County. Mrs. Bettie (Woolfolk) Wall was born in Boone County, Missouri, and her parents, formerly from Kentucky, settled in Henry County, in 1856. After the death of Julius F. Wall, his widow married James H. Bass. Four children were born of this marriage: Mrs. Kate Carmichael, Holden, Missouri; Mrs. Sallie Hayden, widow, living at Pueblo, Colorado; Mrs. Ella Grinstead, deceased; Mrs. Bessie Rex, Drexel, Missouri. The mother of these children departed this life in 1900. After attending the district school and the Windsor public school, Eugene E. Wall studied for one year, 1876-1877, in Central College at Fayette, Missouri. From 1877 to 1881, he was engaged in the sheep business in western Texas. Returning to Windsor, he was connected with the furniture and undertaking business there until his marriage in 1883, at which time he purchased the old home place of the family and engaged in farming and live stock raising. Mr. Wall has prospered as he deserved and is owner of 720 acres of well improved farm land. March 7, 1883, Eugene E. Wall and Miss Anna Sutherland were united in marriage. Mrs. Anna Wall was born February 4, 1863, in Boone County, Missouri, the daughter of Logan and Margaret (Harris) Sutherland, natives of Kentucky, both of whom are descended from Colonial Revolutionary stock. To this marriage five children have been born: Charles S., a farmer in Tebo township; Julius F., a private in the National Army; Mrs. Helen Pigg, Windsor, Missouri, who with her mother, is a member of the daughters of the American Revolution; Logan and John W., at home with their parents. Mr. Wall is allied with the Democratic party, but confines his interest and activities in politics to voting. He and Mrs. Wall are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Wall is affiliated with the American Hereford Breeders' Association and takes considerable interest in the affairs of this association.

WALL, James William
Shawnee Township, Henry County
born: Sep 22 1851, Henry Co, MO
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:674
James W. Wall, of the firm of Wall & Reynolds, merchants at Shawnee Mound, was born in Henry County, Missouri, September 22, 1851. His father, James Wall, was a native of North Carolina, and a son of William M. Wall, of the same state. His mother's maiden name was Mary J. Fewell, of North Carolina. The subject of this sketch was the oldest of a family of six children. His youth was spent on a farm in this county, and he attended for some time the common schools. Subsequently he followed farming here until 1876, when he was employed as salesman in a store in Calhoun. In the same year he engaged in merchandising at Burnett's store, in Johnson County, and continued the business there and at other places in the same county until 1880, when he returned to the farm and lived upon it till July, 1881, when he established himself in the grocery business at Calhoun, and in 1882 he started in business at Shawnee Mound, with S. M. Reynolds. They carry a large stock of general merchandise, and are enjoying a most remunerative trade. Mr. Wall also owns a fine farm of 160 acres, well improved, with good house, out buildings, etc. Besides this he possesses town property in Calhoun. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. August 14, 1872, he married Miss Emma O. Avery, a daughter of Judge William Avery. Her death occurred January 7, 1875.

WALL, Martha J.
Tebo Township, Henry County
born: Jun 23 1820, Rockingham Co, NC
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:657
Mrs. Martha J. Wall, who at this time resides with her son-in-law, J. G. Callison, was born in Rockingham County, North Carolina, June 23, 1820, being the daughter of William M. and Elizabeth Wall, nee Walker, who were married May 11, 1816. They had four children, of whom Martha is the only one now living. His first wife dying in May, 1825; William Wall married July 31, 1827, Miss Sarah A. Fewell. He came to Henry County, Missouri, in 1838, located six miles north of Calhoun and became quite wealthy. He erected the first steam flouring mill west of St. Louis in 1841 or 1842, but during the war it was burned by order of General Pope. Mr. W. died August 2, 1865, at the age of seventy-two years. Martha J. Wall was married May 17, 1843, to Rev. Samuel D. Gilbert, and to them were born two children. A daughter, Sarah F., was born September 26, 1844, and subsequently became the wife of James H. Blackwell, she dying soon after her marriage. The son, William P., was born November 2, 1845; died May 3, 1857. Mr. Gilbert died September 13, 1847. On August 21, 1850, Mrs. G. married William J. Wall, and they had four children, two of whom survive, James R. and Hildred R. Mr. Wall departed this life August 19, 1873. Mrs. W. has been a member of the Sardis-Bethlehem Baptist Church for thirty years.

WALLACE, Oliver E.
Bogard Township, Henry County
born: Feb 19 1857, Johnson Co, MO
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:697
Oliver E. Wallace, M.D., physician and surgeon, at Urich, was born in Johnson County, Missouri, February 19, 1857, being the son of George W. and Margaret (Given) Wallace; his father a native of Tennessee and his mother of Missouri. Oliver was the second of a family of three children - two sons and one daughter. He was reared as a farmer's boy attending the schools of the county and the Warrensburg Normal School. In 1878 he began the study of medicine with Dr. Samuel Day, of Pittsville, with whom be remained for about eighteen months. In 1879 he entered the Physiomedical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating there in March, 1881. In April of that year he located at Urich, where he began the practice of medicine, which has since been constantly increasing. During the winter of 1881-82 he returned to Cincinnati where he lectured in the college from whence he graduated. The doctor is a member of the Baptist Church and also belongs to the I. O. O. F. fraternity. December 4, 1882, he married Miss Lillie Harris, a native of Illinois.

WALLACE, P.
Taber Township, St. Clair County
born: 1850, Hancock Co, IN
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1223
P. WALLACE, farmer, section 7, was born in Hancock County, Indiana, November 22, 1850. His father, John J. Wallace, a native of North Carolina, was married to Miss Eliza Sergeant, of Indiana, who now lives in Bates County, her husband being deceased. The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in the county of his birth. When about seventeen years old he came to Missouri and located in Bates County, where he lived until 1875, then coming to his present location. Here he now has a farm of 160 acres. He was married February 5, 1873, to Miss Naomi F. Fleemer, who was born in Monroe County, Indiana, July 30, 1853. She was a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Hendricks) Fleemer, the former of Indiana, and the latter of Kentucky. The family of Mr. W. consists of two children, Minnie and Eva. They are members of the Christian Church.

WALLAR, Charles M.
Windsor Township, Henry County
born: Sep 9 1854, Washington Co, OH
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:600
Charles M. Wallar, attorney at law, was born in Washington County, Ohio, September 9, 1854. Rev. James Lee Wallar, his father, now of Enfield, White County, Illinois, belongs to the southern Illinois Conference. He was born in Rutland, Vermont, November 25, 1819, and learned the stone cutting business in the marble quarries of that place. He then studied law and practiced for several years in Columbus, Ohio, and in Marietta. The practice of his profession was not preferable to him, so he abandoned it and entered the ministry of the M. E. Church. In 1861 he enlisted in Meigs County, Ohio, and raised 125 young men for three month's service, and was captain. At the close of this time he entered Company A, second West Virginia Cavalry, together with his company of young men. Captain W. was promoted to major, and participated in many severe battles under command of Colonel Paxton. After leaving the army he removed to Richland County, Illinois, joined the conference and engaged in preaching. He married Miss Fanny E. Gammard, and they had seven children, of whom four are now living. The subject of this sketch is the fourth son of the family. He received his education at McKendrie College, Lebanon, Illinois, and subsequently read law with Judge Bell, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, and S. P. Wheeler, of Cairo, and was admitted to practice by the supreme court of Illinois July 4, 1876, only sixteen out of a class of forty-two being admitted. During this time he was obliged to teach school in order to study his profession. He commenced practicing in Newton, Illinois, in 1876, and in May, 1882, he located in Windsor, Missouri. Though a comparatively recent arrival here he has become one of the foremost citizens of the place, and is having a good practice. Mr. Wallar married Miss Laura C. Townsend January 27, 1878. She was the daughter of William S. Townsend, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois. They have one son, Charles B., born January 20, 1881. Politically he is a Democrat. He belongs to the M. E. Church, South.

WALLIS, J. R.
Clinton, Henry County
born: Jan 18 1860
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:314
Dr. J. R. Wallis, a prominent physician and surgeon of Clinton, Missouri, was born at Marshfield, Missouri, January 18, 1860. He is a son of Dr. C. S. and Elizabeth (Hoover) Wallis. Dr. C. S. Wallis, the father, was a pioneer physician of Missouri and practiced his profession at Marshfield for over fifty years. He was a native of Columbia, Tennessee, and came to Missouri in 1844. He died in 1903, aged seventy-four years. His wife was a native of North Carolina. She departed this life in 1905, aged seventy-three years. They were the parents of ten children, six of whom are living as follow: Sarah Elizabeth, married Samuel N. Dickey, an attorney at law of Marshfield, Missouri; Dr. J. R., the subject of this sketch; Emma, is the widow of Emmet Ming and she now resides at San Antonio, Texas; Sophia, the widow of Harry Fyan, Marshfield, Missouri; Hattie, the wife of J. L. Pipkin, Marshfield, Missouri, and Dolly, the wife of W. H. McMahan, Marshfield, Missouri. Dr. J. R. Wallis received his preparatory education in the public schools of his native town, and entered the Washington University at St. Louis, Missouri, where he was graduated with a degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1883. He then entered the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York City, where he also was graduated with a degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1884. After practicing for one year in Marshfield, Missouri, he came to Henry County and located at La Due and after five years went to Montrose, where he was engaged in practice for fifteen years. In 1905 he removed to Clinton. Dr. Wallis' removal from La Due and Montrose by no means meant that he had given up his practice in that section of the county. He merely extended his field of operation, and since coming to Clinton he has continued to treat many of his old patients in the vicinity of La Due and Montrose. Dr. Wallis was united in marriage in 1884 with Miss Frances Ming of Washington, Missouri. She is a daughter of Judge James N. Ming and Jemima (Osborn) Ming, both of whom are now deceased. To Dr. and Mrs. Wallis has been born one child, Elizabeth, now the wife of James Parks, a well known attorney of Clinton, who is associated with his father, Peyton Parks, in the practice of his profession. Dr. Wallis belongs to a family notable for its great number of physicians. Not only his father, but two of his father's brothers were physicians, and a number of their sons, cousins of Dr. Wallis, are also physicians. Dr. Wallis has never ceased being a hard student of the science of his profession and has taken a number of post-graduate courses. He has done post-graduate work in the St. Louis Post-Graduate School of Medicine and has also taken a post-graduate course in the Polyclinic Medical School of New York City. He is a member of the County, State and American Medical Societies and the Southern Medical Society. He holds membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and he is a member of the Methodist Church, South. He is a Democrat.

WALLY, Andrew
Deepwater Township, Henry County
born: May 14 1853
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:867
Andrew Wally was born in Switzerland, May 14, 1853, and is the son of Joseph and Bertha (Minch) Wally, both of whom were natives of the Canton of Graubunden, Switzerland, and immigrated to America in 1870. They first located in Michigan, where they joined their son Andrew, who had preceded them to this country. From Michigan they went to Illinois and in 1871 they came to Montrose, Missouri, where Joseph Wally followed his trade of stonemason and also engaged in farming. Recently he removed to his son's ranch in western Arkansas and is making his home there. He was born in 1827. Mrs. Joseph Walley was born in 1836 and died in 1911. They were parents of four children: Mrs. Margaret Negg, deceased; Mrs. Eve Herman died in Bates County, Missouri, April 18, 1918; Mrs. Mary Kloeppinger, Rockville, Missouri; and Andrew Wally, subject of this sketch. When he had attained the age of fifteen years, Andrew Wally left his native land in order to find fortune in America. He first located in Michigan, from there went to Illinois and in 1871 he arrived in Montrose. For a period of two years he was employed as section hand on the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railroad. For seven years he was engaged in the mercantile business in the employ of O. S. Johnson. In 1880 he embarked in business on his own account with a small stock of hardware goods and a small capital which represented his savings for the past seven years. The business grew constantly and in 1885, Mr. Wally found it necessary to erect a new building, now known as the Wally building, in order to adequately house his large stock of hardware and implements. Mr. Wally succeeded in building up one of the largest hardware concerns in Henry County and he continued to operate the business until his retirement from active business affairs in 1910. He is owner of a large and well-equipped ranch in Benton County, Arkansas, located six miles west of Gravette. Mr. and Mrs. Wally divide their time between the ranch and Montrose. They have a beautiful, modern home in Montrose, built of stucco and very attractive both inside and out. Mr. Wally was married in 1883 to Wilhelmina Beckman, who was born in 1858 at Stadfelt, Saxony, Germany, and is the daughter of Heinrich and Amelia (Reinhart) Beckman, the latter of whom died in her native country in 1864. Heinrich Beckman immigrated to America in 1872 and settled on a farm located fifteen miles from Washington, Missouri. He died on his farm. Mr. and Mrs. Wally have one son and a daughter: Joseph Henry, engaged in business in Kansas City, married Edna Regnier, and has two children, Joseph, Jr., aged five years, and Bettie, one year old; Minnie, wife of Wallace Carl Duewel, who is operating the Wally ranch in Arkansas. Mr. Wally was formerly a Republican but of late years has become an independent voter. He has filled all local offices in Montrose during his long business career in this city and was always found in the forefront of civic movements which were intended for the betterment of the community in general. He and Mrs. Wally are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is fraternally affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and is also a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge, and the Commandery.

WARD, Ernest
Big Creek Township, Henry County
born: Apr 5 1881
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:722
Ernest Ward, a well known and progressive farmer and stockman of Big Creek township, is a member of one of the worthy pioneer families of Henry County. He was born in Big Creek township April 5, 1881, and is a son of Lafayette and Melissa A. (Waugh) Ward. A more extensive sketch of the Ward family appears elsewhere in this volume. Lafayette and Melissa A. (Waugh) Ward are the parents of the following children: W. S., a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Charles E., deceased; O. L., lives in Montana; Oscar T., Big Creek township, and Ernest, the subject of this sketch. Ernest Ward was reared on the home farm and received his education in the public schools of Henry County. He began farming on his own account in Montana when he was eighteen years of age in partnership with his brother, O. L. Ward. He continued farming in Montana for two years, when he came home and assumed control and operation of the home place, to which he has since devoted his attention. The Ward farm is located two and one-half miles east of Blairstown and contains 185 acres of well improved and valuable land. The farm buildings are modern and commodious and the place is well adapted to stock raising. Mr. Ward is not only extensively engaged in general farming but raises high grade mules, horses, cattle and hogs, and is recognized as one of the successful stock raisers of Henry County. On December 20, 1908, Ernest Ward was united in marriage with Miss Edith Atkins, daughter of County Judge R. O. and Dora (Doak) Atkins of Johnson County. Judge Atkins was born in Pettis County, Missouri, and is a son of James Atkins, a native of Kentucky, who was born in 1828 and died at Blairstown, Missouri, in 1904. James Atkins married Elizabeth Elliott, also a native of Adair County, Kentucky, born November 21, 1832, and died May 20, 1912. James Atkins and his wife settled in Henry County near Windsor in 1850. About three years later they removed to Johnson County, Missouri. The remains of James Atkins and wife were buried at Blairstown. To Judge R. O. Atkins and wife were born the following children: John, who now resides on the home place in Big Creek township, Henry County; Edith, the wife of Ernest Ward, the subject of this sketch; Ethel, married Harry Salsbury, principal of the Blairstown public schools; Mary, who resides with her father in Johnson County; Jennings, George and William, residing at home. To Ernest Ward and wife have been born the following children: Alberta Lee, Charles Ray and Robert Harold. Mr. Ward is one of Henry County's substantial citizens and the Ward family is prominent in the community.

WARD, Oscar T.
Big Creek Township, Henry County
born: Mar 13 1879
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:724
Oscar T. Ward, a prominent farmer and stockman of Big Creek township, is a native of Henry County and was born in the township where he now resides March 13, 1879. He is a son of Lafayette and Melissa A. (Waugh) Ward. A more extensive history of the Ward family appears in connection with the sketch of W. S. Ward. To Lafayette and Melissa A. (Waugh) Ward were born the following children: W. S., a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Charles, who was accidentally killed while digging a well on the Oscar T. Ward place; O. L., who resides in Montana; Oscar T., the subject of this sketch, and Ernest, who resides on the home farm. Oscar T. Ward was reared in Big Creek township and received his education in the district schools of Henry County. He has made farming and stock raising his life work. He purchased his first piece of land, which consisted of seventy acres, in September, 1901, and has added to this place from time to time until he now owns one hundred fifty-six acres of valuable land, one hundred sixteen acres of which is in Big Creek township and forty acres in Chilhowee township, Johnson County, Missouri. The Ward farm is well improved with good fences and modern farm buildings. The place is well watered and suitable for stock raising as well as general farming. Mr. Ward raises mules, cattle and hogs quite extensively and is regarded as one of the highly successful farmers and stockmen of the community. December 22, 1901, Oscar T. Ward and Miss Alice Albin were united in marriage. She is a daughter of D. L. and Hattie Albin, and was born in Ross County, Ohio, November 22, 1881. The Albin family came to Missouri in 1882 when Mrs. Ward was about a year old. They located in Johnson County, Chilhowee township, where the parents now reside. Mrs. Ward was one of the following children born to her parents: Charles, Greenfield, Oklahoma; Alice, the wife of Oscar T. Ward, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. John Davis, Big Creek township; Mrs. Walter Doak, Greenfield, Oklahoma; Roy Albin, who resides in Big Creek township; Myrtle, deceased; Mrs. Howard Waugh, Big Creek township; Edith and Edna, twins; Edna married Fred Shiel, Greenfield, Oklahoma, and Edith resides at home with her parents, and Nadine, who also resides with her parents. To Oscar Ward and wife have been born the following children: Forest Fay, Irene, Elva Ruth and Orval L. Mr. Ward is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Blairstown and also the Modern Woodmen of America. He takes an active interest in local public affairs and for many years served as treasurer of the consolidated school district number one, resigning from that position in 1917. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church at Blairstown. He is an elder and is now serving his second year as superintendent of the Sunday school. The Ward family are well known and prominent in the community.

WARD, W. S.
Big Creek Township, Henry County
born: Feb 19 1868
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:698
W. S. Ward, a well-to-do and progressive farmer and stockman of Big Creek township, is a native of Indiana. He was born in Boone County, February 19, 1868, and is a son of Lafayette and Malissa A. (Waugh) Ward, natives of Indiana. The Ward family came to Henry County in 1869, when W. S. was about one year old. They settled about two miles east of where Blairstown now stands. Here the father engaged in farming until the time of his death in 1882. His widow married Abraham Crites, who is now deceased, and she lives at Blairstown. To Lafayette and Malissa (Waugh) Ward, were born the following children: W. S., the subject of this sketch; Charles E., deceased; Omer, deceased; O. L., Salesville, Montana; O. T., Big Creek township; and Ernest, who resides on the home place in Big Creek township. W. S. Ward was reared on the home farm in Big Creek township and received his education in the rural schools of Henry County. He remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-two years of age. He then went to Johnson County, Missouri, where he was engaged in farming for four years, when he returned to Henry County and engaged in farming and stock raising in Big Creek township. He bought his present farm in 1902 and since then has added many improvements, making of it one of the attractive and valuable places of this township. Mr. Ward is a modern farmer and stockman, as the neat and well-kept appearance of his farm indicates. In 1889 W. S. Ward was united in marriage with Miss Katie R. Shelton, a daughter of C. D. and Emma (Ray) Shelton of Chilhowee, Johnson County, Missouri. Mrs. Ward was born in Illinois and her parents are also natives of that State. C. D. and Emma Ray Shelton are the parents of the following children: Katie R., the wife of W. S. Ward; James M., Kansas City, Missouri; W. A., Bozeman, Montana; Mrs. Mary Coe, Ft. Worth, Texas; C. N., Big Creek township; Mrs. Pearl Wright, Sedalia, Missouri; and Mrs. Alice Killingsworth, Walnut Grove, Missouri. To W. S. Ward and wife have been born the following children: Otto, born in 1890, enlisted in the United States Army September 20, 1917, and is now in the service in France, having gone there with the 88th Division in March, 1918; Francis P., born 1891, was educated in the Big Creek Consolidated High School and graduated at the University of Missouri. He then accepted a position as teacher of science in the high school at Litchfield, Illinois, for two years, filling the position of principal the last half of the second year. He entered the United States Army July 6, 1918, and is now stationed at the Central Officers' Training School, Camp Zachary Taylor, Louisville, Kentucky. Blanche, born 1895, a graduate of the Big Creek Consolidated High School, who resides at home with her parents. W. S. Ward is one of the substantial men of Big Creek township and all the members of the Ward family are prominent in Henry County.

WARDEN, Samuel Adams
Osceola Township, St. Clair County
born: 1838, Wilkesbarre, PA
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1100
SAMUEL ADAMS WARDEN, attorney at law, is the fourth of a family of nine children born to Samuel and Loretta (Richards) Warden, natives of Pennsylvania. Samuel was born in Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, July 27, 1838. He received a practical education in youth and when seventeen years of age was employed as a clerk in a store, where he remained two years, and during his leisure hours read law. He subsequently took a commercial course in bookkeeping and was employed as a bookkeeper in Chicago and St. Louis, but the business being too confining he went to Cooper County, Missouri, in 1866. The following three years he was interested in agricultural pursuits. Having early formed a desire to become a lawyer, he resumed the study of law, and in 1869 was admitted to the bar by Judge Rice in Cooper County. In 1871 he opened an office in Sedalia and lived there ten years. In May, 1881, he removed to Osceola. Mr. W. was married June 4, 1862, in St. Louis to Miss Virginia E. Fisher, a daughter of W. P. Fisher, a native of Virginia. Mrs. Warden died December 22, 1882, leaving two children: William Fisher and Beverly S. Mr. W. is a prominent member of the Greenback party and he started the Labor Greenback Advocate in Sedalia, the first paper of its kind in the state. He has rendered his party efficient service as a forcible and effective speaker. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the A. O. U. W. lodges.

WARE, Frank S.
Clinton Township, Henry County
born: Dec 3 1844, Woodford Co, KY
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:548
Frank S. Ware is the popular collector of Henry County. The subject of this sketch was born in Woodford County, Kentucky, December 3, 1844. His father, H. P. Ware, and his mother, (formerly Eliza J. Watkins) were Kentuckians by birth, and were married in that state. They reared four children, of whom Frank was the second child. When he was eight years old the family went to Henry County, Tennessee, where they resided till 1858, then removing to Calhoun, Henry County, Missouri. At the age of sixteen years Frank was engaged as clerk with his uncle, then a merchant at Calhoun, and continued in that capacity till 1862, when he went to Sedalia, Missouri. He gave his attention to various branches of trade, and in 1870 he came to Clinton, Missouri, and in 1875 was appointed deputy collector of the county. After serving in that position for six years he was elected collector in 1881, and entered upon the duties of this office in March following, and in November, 1882, he was re-elected to the same office. Mr. Ware was married September 18, 1881, to Miss Jennie S. Salmon. They have one child, Louise. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity.

WARNER, Philip
Monegaw Township, St. Clair County
born: 1858, Washtenaw Co, MI
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1141
PHILIP WARNER, section 11, a native of Washtenaw County, Michigan, was born February 28, 1858, and is a son of Abraham and Barbara (Layer) Warner, who were natives of Germany. Philip spent his youth on the farm at his birthplace, receiving a common school education. In the fall of 1870 he came to Missouri and bought land and settled in St. Clair County. Here he has a farm of eighty acres. Mr. Warner was married in this county September 17, 1878, to Mrs. Mollie Ruebush, a widow of Joseph Ruebush, and a daughter of Henry R. Holden. She has one child by her former marriage, Thomas Ruebush. Mr. and Mrs. W. have two children, Birdie B. and Harry T. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

WARREN, William Wilcox
Osceola Township, St. Clair County
born: 1837, Boyle Co, KY
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1100
ELDER WILLIAM WILCOX WARREN was born in Boyle County, Kentucky, June 25, 1837, and was the son of Dr. William W. Warren, who was born in Kentucky, in 1808, he being of English ancestry. He received a liberal education, and was graduated at the Transylvania University of Kentucky. After practicing for some time he went to Mississippi, and in 1843 came to Missouri and settled in Lafayette County. He died in 1876. He married Miss Maria S. Speed, of Kentucky, who was of Scotch descent. They had nine children, of whom William was the third. He received an academic education, and in 1859, he came to St. Clair County and taught school, and he has been engaged in this occupation for many years. In 1867 he commenced preaching and in 1868, he was ordained by the Christian Church and since that date has been an active minister. He owns 700 acres of land and lives on section 14. Mr. W. married Miss Mary E. Coonce, in March, 1862. She was the daughter of Jacob Coonce, the first settler to make a home in St. Clair County in 1831. They have five children: Bailey and Wirt (twins), Mary P., Willis K., and Henry Jacob. In politics he is a Democrat. He has held the office of county school commissioner. He is a Mason and a member of the A. O. U. W. fraternity.

WATKINS, William G.
Clinton Township, Henry County
born: Mar 14 1833, Mason Co, WV
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:549
William G. Watkins, dealer in organs, sewing machines, etc., was born in Mason County, West Virginia, March 14, 1833. He was reared at his birth place and his early life was that of a farmer's boy. He came to Henry County in 1853 and for two years followed farming, then being engaged in manufacturing lumber and running a saw mill until the outbreak of the war. He was one of the first in Henry County to offer his services to the south, enlisting in Captain Owens' Company of Missouri State Guards. After serving six months he joined Shelby's command and was commissioned captain. He was authorized to recruit a company. and while operating in Saline County was arrested and taken to St. Louis and confined in prison, and afterwards tried by a military commission for being found within the lines of the regularly organized forces of the United States, and having in his possession and person commissions and pretended authority to recruit for the armies of the so called Confederate States, of which commissions the following are copies: CAMP HINDMAN, Mo., September 9, 1862. Captain W. G. Watkins is hereby authorized to recruit a company of cavalry for the army for three years, or during the war, to consist of eighty able bodied and well mounted men, and to furnish transportation and subsistence for the same, and to report to these headquarters whenever required. (Signed) J. V. Cockrell, Colonel Commanding C. S. A. Headquarters Jackman's Partisans, November 24 1862. Captain Watkins; Sir: - In pursuance of an order from Major General Hindman, commanding the trans-Mississippi district, and Col. Waldo P. Johnson, recruiting officer of the state of Missouri, you are hereby authorized to enlist and swear into service of the Confederate States for three years, or the war, one company of men to serve as cavalry and comprise a part of my independent regiment, now being raised to operate in the state of Missouri, and to report to these headquarters as soon as practicable. S. D. Jackman, Colonel Commanding. The commission having materially considered the evidence in the case, sentence the prisoner to be shot to death at such time and place as the general commanding the department may direct. The findings and sentence of the commission in this case was approved by the proper commanders and forwarded for the action of the president of the United States. The sentence has been approved and will be carried into effect September 23, 1864, at St. Louis, under the direction of the provost marshal general. He made his escape from the prison and thus thwarted the sentence of the military commission. He rejoined his command at Batesville, Arkansas. He continued in active service until the surrender, in 1865. He returned to Missouri and for one year was interested in farming and milling, then he came to Henry County, which has since been his home, excepting a period of five months in Texas. In 1876 the firm of Watkins Brothers embarked in the general merchandise business and continued therein until March, 1883. Mr. Watkins married Miss Mary H. Spencer, a native of North Carolina, in May, 1867.

WAUGH, James H.
Big Creek Township, Henry County
born: Feb 27 1866
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:408
James H. Waugh, a leading farmer and influential citizen of Big Creek township, was born in Montgomery County, Indiana, February 27, 1866. He is a son of John W. and Julia A. (Hamilton) Waugh, natives of Indiana. The Waugh family trace their family history back to northern England to the year 1687, to John Waugh ,who was born in 1687 and died in 1781. His son, Joseph, was born in 1726 and died in 1819. Joseph's son, Joseph, Jr., was born in 1763 and died in 1849. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. His son, Milo, was born in 1804 and died in 1857. Milo was the father of John W., who was born in 1839 and died in 1910, and he moved from Ohio to Indiana. His son, James H., is the subject of this sketch. John Waugh, the first above mentioned, who was born in England in 1687, immigrated to America in 1718, landing at Boston. Later he lived for a time in Maine and then New Hampshire. In 1745 he moved from New Hampshire to Litchfield, Connecticut. John W. Waugh, the father of James H., came to Henry County, Missouri, in April, 1866, and located on section 17, Big Creek township, where he bought one hundred twenty acres of land. He was a prosperous farmer and stockman and at the time of his death was the owner of eight hundred forty acres. He died August 14, 1911. He was prominent in public affairs and at one time was candidate for county judge on the Republican ticket. His wife died May 22, 1885, and their remains are interred in the Carpenter Cemetery. John W. and Julia (Hamilton) Waugh were the parents of the following children: James H., the subject of this sketch; E. R., Blairstown, Missouri; Mary, now the wife of Dr. L. L. Smith, Urich, Missouri; R. H., Clarksville, Iowa; Jennie M., married Charles Crist and died at Chanute, Kansas, in 1910, and her remains are buried in Carpenter Cemetery; Walter S., on the home farm in Big Creek township; Minnie, married James Adair, Shawnee township, and Emma E., died in infancy. By a former marriage to Mary E. Henderson, the following children were born to John W. Waugh: William B., Baxter Springs, Kansas, and Martha, who married Ed Darr, and now resides at Blairstown, Missouri. John W. Waugh's first wife died June 28, 1864. James H. Waugh received his education in the district schools of Big Creek township, attending school at district number two. He remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-two years of age, when he engaged in farming on his own account in Big Creek township. In 1895 he bought one hundred forty-five acres of land one half mile south of Norris and since then he has added one hundred acres to his original purchase and now owns two hundred forty-five acres, which is one of the valuable farms in Big Creek township. The place is well improved, with a good farm residence and an ample supply of barns and other farm buildings. Mr. Waugh 'is a successful stockman and is an extensive feeder of both cattle and hogs, and his place is well equipped for stock raising and feeding purposes. He is of the type of agriculturist who follows farming not for a living, but as a business. Mr. Waugh was united in marriage March 28, 1888, to Miss Gertrude Haines of Macon County, Missouri. She is a daughter of Joshua and Minerva (Kinzer) Haines, natives of Ohio, the former of Highland County and the latter of Adams County. The Haines family came to Missouri in 1867 and settled in Macon County. The father died in 1871 and the mother afterwards returned to Ohio and was there married to Thomas Murphy, and they came to Johnson County, Missouri, in 1879, and the following year settled in Henry County. They now reside at Chilhowee, Missouri. To James H. and Gertrude (Haines) Waugh have been born the following children: Edward H., married Gertrude Albin and is now engaged in farming and stock raising near Norris, Missouri, has one child, Sylvia Daphney; John W., married Ursel Gilliam and lives near Norris, Missouri, has one child, Lyle Gilliam, and Jessie N., married James Hunter Merrill, Blairstown, Missouri. Mr. Merrill is now a private in the National Army. Mr. Waugh is a progressive citizen and is of the type of men who has contributed to make Henry County what it is today. Since coming to this county he has seen many changes and has many pleasant recollections of pioneer days. He has in his possession a picture of his first cabin home in Henry County, which he prizes very highly. He is one of the substantial men of Big Creek township whose citizenship means something to the community and county. He is a Republican. He is affiliated with Agricola Lodge No. 343 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He and Mrs. Waugh and the children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

WAUGH, John W.
Big Creek Township, Henry County
born: Dec 13 1839, Montgomery Co, IN
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:709
John W. Waugh, farmer and stock dealer, section 17, a successful and enterprising citizen of this locality, is a native of Montgomery County, Indiana, and was born December 13, 1839. His father, Milo Waugh, was born in Ross County, Ohio, and there grew to manhood and was married to Elizabeth Kiousa, of Fayette County, the same state. The family removed to Indiana in 1831, and were among the pioneers of Montgomery County. Milo Waugh entered land there, and improved a farm, living upon it until his death in June, 1859. They had a family of eleven children, six sons and five daughters, the subject of this sketch being the fifth child. His youth was spent on his father's farm, with common school advantages. and he was married in the county of his birth, July 19, 1860, to Miss Mary Henderson, of the same county, and a daughter of Alexander Henderson. She died in Indiana, June 28, 1864, leaving two children, William B., and Bartha (wife of Ed Dower). Mr. Waugh was married in Montgomery County, April 20, 1865, to Miss Julia A. Hamilton, who was also originally of Montgomery County, and a daughter of John Hamilton. There are six children by this marriage: James H., Ed R., Richard H., Mary E., Walter S., and Jennie May. After his marriage Mr. Waugh was engaged in farming in his native county until his removal to Missouri in 1866, when buying land, he located where he now resides. He has a fine farm of 550 acres, about 400 acres of which are in cultivation and pasture, upon which is a good two-story dwelling and outbuildings and a splendid orchard.

WAUGH, John Wesley
Big Creek Township, Henry County
born: 1892, Henry Co, MO
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:741
John Wesley Waugh, a progressive farmer of Big Creek township, is a native son of Henry County and is a descendant of pioneer ancestors. He is a son of James H., and Gertrude Payne (note: should be Haines) Waugh, the former a native of Indiana, and the latter of Illinois. James H. Waugh came to Henry County with his parents who were early settlers in this section of the State. To James H., and Gertrude (Payne) Waugh were born the following children, Howard, a farmer in Big Creek township; John W., the subject of this sketch, and Mrs. Jessie Merrill, who resides in Bogard township. John Wesley Waugh was reared in Henry County, and educated in the district school and the Norris High School. He now operates a farm of two hundred forty acres in Big Creek township, about one-half mile east of Norris, where he is extensively engaged in general farming and stock raising. Mr. Waugh was united in marriage October 29, 1913, to Miss Ursel L. Gilliam, a daughter of B. L. and Minnie (King) Gilliam of Big Creek township. Mr. and Mrs. B. L. Gilliam live on the old Gilliam homestead in Big Creek township. They are the parents of the following children: Ursel L., the wife of John W. Waugh; a son who died in infancy; and Mrs. Archie Waugh, who resides in Big Creek township. Mr. and Mrs. Waugh have one child, Lyle Gilliam Waugh. The Waugh family are well known and highly respected in Henry County. They rank among its leading citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Waugh are well known and stand high in the community.

WAUGH, Walter S.
Big Creek Township, Henry County
born: Mar 23 1877
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:710
Walter S. Waugh, a prominent farmer and stockman of Big Creek township, is a native son of Henry County and a descendant of a prominent pioneer family of Missouri. Mr. Waugh was born in Big Creek township on the place where he now resides March 23, 1877, and is a son of John W. and Julia A. (Hamilton) Waugh, natives of Indiana and pioneers of Henry County, Missouri. A more complete sketch of the Waugh family history appears in this volume in the sketch of James H. Waugh, a brother of the subject of this sketch. Walter S. Waugh was educated in the public schools of Henry County and was reared on the farm where he now resides. He has always been engaged in farming and stock raising and is one of the successful farmers and well known stockmen of Big Creek township. He purchased the home place in 1910. It is a splendid farm, containing 355 acres, situated two miles southwest of Norris. The place is well improved and is one of the attractive places in the township. The residence was destroyed by fire December 26, 1917. It was considered one of the finest residences in the western part of the county. Mr. Waugh is now building a residence that will be modern in every particular when completed. Mr. Waugh was united in marriage March 20, 1902, with Miss Jessie May Anderson, daughter of J. M. Anderson of Big Creek township, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Waugh have been born the following children: Thelma Agnes, John M., Claud A., Walter W., and Joe, who died in infancy. Mr. Waugh is one of the progressive and hustling representatives of Henry County's prosperous citizens.

WAYMIRE, Andrew
Roscoe Township, St. Clair County
born: 1828, Warren Co, IN
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1205
ANDREW WAYMIRE, blacksmith at Roscoe, is a native of Warren County, Indiana, and was born October 29, 1828. He is a son of Isaac and Rachel Waymire, who were natives of Ohio. Andrew was the fourth of a family of nine children. When ten years of age he accompanied his parents to Buchanan County, Missouri, where he was reared to manhood, and he was engaged in farming in Missouri and Iowa till 1859. Then he worked at the gunsmith's trade in Iowa till 1868, when he removed to Arkansas, becoming occupied at the trade of blacksmith for three years. He worked in Lawrence County, Missouri, till 1874, when he came to Roscoe, and has since been interested in blacksmithing. Mr. Waymire was married December 1, 1846, to Miss Malissa Barrow, of Kentucky. They have five children living: Huldah, Maria, John, Charles and Albert.

WEAKLEY, A. H.
Fields Creek Township, Henry County
born: Dec 31 1867
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:734
A. H. Weakley, the present superintendent of the Henry County Home has earned the well-merited reputation of being one of Henry County's most efficient public officers. Mr. Weakley was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1867, a son of Harrison and Martha (Messie) Weakley, both natives of Fairfield County, Ohio, and they now reside at Stoutsville, Ohio. They were the parents of the following children: A. H., the subject of this sketch; Effie; Arthur C.; Della and Edward, deceased; Mrs. Etta Lest, who resides in Pickaway County, Ohio; Mrs. Lydia Marks, Fairfield County, Ohio; and Lula Belle, deceased. A. H. Weakley was reared and educated in Fairfield County, Ohio, and in 1886 came to Henry County, Missouri. He settled at Deepwater, where he was successfully engaged in painting and paper hanging for twenty years. In 1911, he was appointed superintendent of the Henry County Home, which is one of the best conducted institutions of the kind in the State. Mr. Weakley possesses the faculty of not only making the place a real home for the unfortunate whose condition in life necessitate such institutions, but he also has been successful in conducting this institution with a minimum expense to the county. This is not because the inmates are not properly cared for and properly fed, for the reverse is quite true of the Henry County Home. Under Mr. Weakley's capable management he keeps the production of the home farm up to the highest state of efficiency. He raises from twenty to twenty-five head of hogs annually for the consumption of the home and also keeps a sufficient number of cows to furnish an ample supply of milk and butter, and every field of production is represented here. In 1917 he raised over four hundred chickens. Under his management the Home is as nearly self-sustaining as would seem possible, with from twenty to thirty inmates, which is about the usual number. Mr. Weakley was united in marriage in 1899 with Miss Inez McGinnis, a daughter of John McGinnis of Deepwater, Missouri; to this union was born the following children: Ray and Fay, twins; Ray is now a soldier in the United States Army, having enlisted in August, 1917, and is now with the American Expeditionary Forces in France; Fay, is a student in the Catholic Academy, at Clinton, Missouri; Clifford; Ruth; and Lula Belle, residing at home with their father. Mr. Weakley is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is one of the substantial men of Henry County.

WEBB, James
Shawnee Township, Henry County
born: May 25 1821, Baltimore, MD
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:674
James Webb, farmer and stock raiser, section 32, was born in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, May 25, 1821, and is a son of Samuel Webb, a weaver by occupation and a native of England, who emigrated to America in 1818. His mother's maiden name was Ellen Fletcher, and she was also born in England. James was reared and educated in his native city and there learned the trade of machinist, at which he worked in Baltimore till 1842. From that time till 1848, he followed the same occupation in Springfield, Pekin, and Beardstown, Illinois. Farming then received his attention till 1867, when he came to Henry County, Missouri, where he now owns a farm of 350 acres. May 27, 1845, Mr. W. was married to Miss Elizabeth Elam, a native of Illinois. They have nine children: Samuel A., Robert H., Francis A., Dora A., Mary E., Floda A., Mira T., Cora J., and Malissa K.

WEBER, H.
Osceola Township, St. Clair County
born: 1851, Alsace, Germany
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1101
H. WEBER, the son of Anton and Catherine G. Weber, natives of Baden, Germany, was born in Alsace, Germany, January 9, 1851. He received a good practical education in his youth, and learned the trade of shoemaking. In 1873 he emigrated to the United States and settled in St. Louis, working at his trade in that city three years. Then he went to Clinton, Henry County, from whence, after working two years, he removed to Osceola and opened a shop. He owns a good business building, carries a complete stock of goods and is doing a successful business. Mr. Weber married Miss Louisa Morelly March 10, 1878. She is the daughter of Charles Morelly. They have two children, Charles and Florence. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. Politically he is a Republican, and in his religious preferences a Catholic.

WEBSTER, James H.
Big Creek Township, Henry County
born: Feb 14 1827, Stokes Co, NC
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:710
James H. Webster, farmer and stock raiser, section 19, a well known and prominent man of this township, is a native of Stokes County, North Carolina, and was born February 14, 1827. Pleasant Webster, his father, also originally from North Carolina, grew to manhood and was married in Stokes County to Miss Hester Foy, of that county. The subject of this sketch passed his youthful days in tilling the soil, and in his 19th year came to Missouri in the fall of 1845 and located in Henry County. Three years later, March 15, 1848, he was married to Miss Mary Jane Carpenter, of Kentucky, and a daughter of Wilson D. Carpenter, one of the pioneers of this county. She died February 4, 1864, and left four children living: P. W., Hester Ann (wife of J. Anderson), Sarah E. (wife of William Stanberry), and May C. Mr. Webster married his present wife, Mrs. Mary A. Lotspeich, widow of William Lotspeich and a daughter of Abraham Fisher, May 3, 1868. They have four children: Charles, Dora, Walter and Oscar. After his first marriage Mr. Webster located on Honey Creek, where he improved a farm and where he resided for seven years. He has since improved three other farms, and now owns 150 acres of land, with 110 acres fenced, upon which is a good house and a young orchard. He was elected justice of the peace for Big Creek Township and has since been re-elected, and has served continuously in that capacity for twelve years. Mr. and Mrs. Webster are members of the M. E. Church South. The former is connected with the Masonic fraternity.

WEBSTER, Pleasant R.
Big Creek Township, Henry County
born: Apr 26 1820, Rockingham Co, NC
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:710
Pleasant R. Webster, farmer and stock raiser section 5, is one of the pioneer settlers of Henry County. He was born in Rockingham County, North Carolina, in April, 1821, his parents being Richard and Betsy (Black) Webster, also natives of North Carolina. Pleasant R., grew to manhood in his native county, and spent his youth on a farm, enjoying fair opportunities for acquiring an education. He was married in Stokes County, North Carolina, to Miss Matilda J. Webster, of the same state. In 1854 Mr. Webster came west to Missouri and settled in Henry County, near Clinton, removing to his present farm in February, 1880. He has 120 acres of land under fence, and nearly all in cultivation. Mrs. Webster died July 28, 1880, leaving eleven children: Martin V.; Elizabeth, (wife of William H. Childis); Susan, (wife of Benjamin Childis); James R.; Hester J. (wife of Byron Dunham); Nancy J., (wife of John Newman); William, Siby, Everett Salina, Richard Lee, and Luther L. Mr. W. is a member of the Baptist Church.

WEHMEYER, John B.
Bogard Township, Henry County
born: Apr 29 1838
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:616
John B. Wehmeyer, of Bogard township, is one of the successful farmers and stockmen and leading citizens of Bogard township, which has been his home for over half a century. He was born in Germany in 1838 and when four years of age (1842) was brought to this country by his parents, who settled in Warren County, Missouri. In 1867 John B. Wehmeyer came to Henry County and shortly afterwards bought his first land in Bogard township, which consisted of seventy acres, for which he paid seventeen dollars and ten cents per acre. He prospered and from time to time, as the opportunity presented itself, he acquired more land. His next purchase was one hundred sixty acres at ten dollars per acre, then eighty acres at nine dollars per acre, eighty acres more at nine dollars per acre, and forty-two acres at twenty dollars per acre. In recent years Mr. Wehmeyer has divided most of his land between his children, although he now owns one hundred ninety acres of some of the best land in Henry County. For a number of years he was extensively engaged in feeding cattle and was very successful in this branch of the stock business. He has also generally been engaged in stock raising and farming and is regarded as one of the successful men of the county. On March 6, 1867, Mr. Wehmeyer was united in marriage with Miss Mary Single, a native of England. She was the widow of Samuel Studley. To John B. Wehmeyer and Mary (Single) Studley Wehmeyer were born the following children: William H., a farmer in Bogard township, married Pearl Forsythe and the following children were born to this union, Mary, Ruth, John, Fred and Robert; George S. Wehmeyer, farmer in Bogard township, married Etta Schnorf, and the following children were born to them, Glen, Harmel, Wilbur and LeeRoy; Robert W. Wehmeyer, a farmer in Bogard township, married Jessie Schnorf and they have two children, Clarence and Chester; and Anna, married George Wisely and died in Texas, leaving two children, Ruth and Fred. On January 25, 1862, Mr. Wehmeyer enlisted in Company F, 3rd Missouri Cavalry and was engaged in the service until February 8, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. During the course of his military career, Mr. Wehmeyer participated in eighteen battles and skirmishes. The most of his service was in Missouri and Arkansas. He was a good soldier and always did his duty faithfully and well and earned a military record without a blot upon it. Mr. Wehmeyer is truly one of the pioneers not only of Henry County but of the state of Missouri. He was in the city of St. Louis before there were any street cars, and when a young man he clerked in a store in that city for twelve years. During his boyhood days in Warren County, Missouri, railroads were unheard of there and in fact there were none in the State when the Wehmeyer family settled here. Everett Single, a grandson of Mr. Wehmeyer, is now serving in the National Army in France. Mr. Wehmeyer was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Blairstown.

WEHMEYER, Robert Wallter
Bogard Township, Henry County
born: Oct 13 1874
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:778
Robert W. Wehmeyer, a well-known and progressive farmer and stockman of Bogard township, is a native of Henry County. He was born on his father's place in Bogard township in 1874, a son of J. B. and Mary Wehmeyer, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Robert W. Wehmeyer was reared on the home place and attended the district school at Bee Branch and Brushy district in Bogard township. He remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-five years of age, when he engaged in the livery business at Blairstown. He conducted this business for three years, when he engaged in farming on his present place in Bogard township. He made all the improvements on his place. The first year that he moved here he built a residence and later erected a barn and in 1905 built a second barn. His place is well improved with all necessary buildings including a garage. Mr. Wehmeyer is one of the successful stock breeders of the county, making a specialty of Duroc Jersey hogs and Shorthorn cattle. He also raises quite a number of horses and mules. His place is not only well adapted for general farming, but is an ideal stock farm. Mr. Wehmeyer was married June 28, 1903, to Miss Jessie B. Schnorf, a daughter of J. H. and Isabelle (Schellers) Schnorf of Bogard township. Mrs. Wehmeyer's parents are both now deceased. The mother died in 1902 and the father in 1916 and their remains are interred in the Grant Cemetery. He was a Civil War veteran, having served in Company H, 93rd Ohio Infantry for three years during the Civil War. He was born in Warren County, Ohio, November 20, 1831. Mrs. Wehmeyer is one of the following children born to her parents: Ilda, who died at the age of sixteen; Maggie, deceased; James, lives in Kansas City, Missouri; John, lives in Cass County, Missouri; Alonzo, resides on the home place in Bogard township; Mrs. Etta Wehmeyer, and Jessie, the wife or Robert W. Wehmeyer, the subject of this sketch. To Robert W. Wehmeyer and wife have been born three children: Lottie Belle, died in infancy; Clarence S. and Chester Everet. Robert W. Wehmeyer and his family are well known and prominent in the community and he is one of Bogard township's most progressive citizens.

WEHMEYER, William H.
Bogard Township, Henry County
born: 1868, Henry Co, MO
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:624
William H. Wehmeyer, well known as a leading farmer and stockman and enterprising citizen of Bogard township, is a native son of Henry County and a descendant of pioneer parents. Mr. Wehmeyer was born in the township where he now resides in 1868, a son of J. B. and Mary (Studley) Wehmeyer, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. William H. Wehmeyer was reared on the home farm in Bogard township and educated in the public schools, attending school at the old Bee Branch school district in Bogard township. He began farming and stock raising in early life, which has been his life's work. In 1891 he bought one hundred sixty acres of land from Benjamin Coke. Since that time he has added three hundred forty acres to his original purchase and is now the owner of a splendid farm of five hundred acres. The place is well improved. The residence, a modern eleven room structure, is equipped with water, lighting plant and all other conveniences. Mr. Wehmeyer follows farming and stock raising on an extensive scale. He raises horses, cattle and hogs, specializing in Shropshire sheep and Duroc Jersey hogs. In December, 1892, William H. Wehmeyer was united in marriage with Miss Pearl Forsythe, the only daughter of Andrew G. and Nellie (Foreman) Forsythe, both of whom now reside at Creighton, Missouri. Andrew G. Forsythe was born in Stark County, Ohio, December 26, 1840. His parents were John F. and Anna (Thornburg) Forsythe. John F. Forsythe was a native of Tyrone County, Ireland, born in 1780. He immigrated to America when a youth, locating in Ohio. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. His wife, Anna (Thornburg) Forsythe, was a native of Ohio. Andrew G. Forsythe was reared in Ohio and educated in the public schools of that State. About the time he reached his majority the Civil War broke out and he enlisted in 1861 in Company H, 105th Illinois Infantry. He was mustered out of service after a long and honorable military career, June 17, 1865. He participated in the battle of Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Ezra Church and was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea. To William H. Wehmeyer and wife have been born the following children: Mary, married Roy Hunter; John, married Bonnie Farnsworth and lives on part of the home place; Ruth, Fred and Robert, at home with their parents. Mr. Wehmeyer takes a deep interest in the civic welfare of his township and county and has served as township treasurer for four years. He is progressive and public spirited and stands ever ready to co-operate with any project for the betterment of the community. He is a Republican.

WEIDEMEYER, John M.
Clinton Township, Henry County
born: Jan 10 1834, Charlottesville, VA
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:550
John M. Weidemeyer of the firm of Weidemeyer & Son, dealers in dry goods and groceries, came originally from Charlottesville, Virginia, where he was born January 10, 1834. When two years old he was taken by his parents to New York City, where they lived for two years, then removing to Boonville, Missouri. After a residence there of two years, in 1840, they came to Osceola, Missouri, and there John M. was reared, receiving his education from the schools of Boonville, Missouri. His father, John F. Weidemeyer, a native of Virginia, was there brought up and married to Miss Lucinda Draffen, who was also born in that state. The former was at one time a prominent man in St. Clair County, Missouri, and for fourteen years was its treasurer. He is now a resident of Anderson County, Texas, and for the past fourteen years has been the treasurer of that county. Mrs. W. died in 1854. When not attending school the subject of this sketch was engaged as clerk in the store of his father, and in 1859, he became a partner in the business. In 1861, he organized a company of cavalry, and served with Colonel McGowen's Regiment Missouri State Guards, holding a commission as captain of his company. They disbanded in the fall of that year. He was commissioned captain of Company K, Sixth Missouri Regiment, and participated in the battles of Corinth, Mississippi, Pea Ridge, through Hord's campaign, Atlanta, and was paroled at Mobile, Alabama, in 1865. He then settled in Palestine, Texas, and gave his attention to the stock business a short time, when he was occupied in merchandising for brief periods in various cities. In August, 1869, he came to Clinton, Missouri, and embarked in the grocery business, the firm then being Yeater & Co. After doing business together for three years, Mr. W. purchased the stock and continued alone till his son became associated with him in June, 1881. Mr. Weidemeyer was married November 12, 1856, to Miss Lelia V. Coutchfield, of Missouri. They have eleven children: Mattie W., Charles F., William E., Lelia V., Anna M., Aggetha L., Mary E., John M., Jewell L., Gabriel. They are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

WELLS, John Allen
Bogard Township, Henry County
born: Apr 9 1820, Cumberland Co, KY
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:697
John A. Wells. The subject of this sketch resides on section 17, where he owns a fine farm of 280 acres, 180 of which are in cultivation and well improved. He is senior member of the firm of J. A. Wells & Son, merchants at Urich and Gunn City, and they carry a large stock of general merchandise and are enjoying an excellent trade at each place. Mr. Wells was born April 9, 1820, in Cumberland County, Kentucky, his parents being Joel and Martha (Allen) Wells, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of North Carolina. John A., the oldest in a family of ten children, was reared on his father's farm in Kentucky, and received his education in the subscription school. Upon arriving at manhood he became interested in farming, which he followed in Kentucky until 1851, when he removed to Henry County, Missouri. In 1859 he came to his present home. Mr. W. was in the Enrolled Missouri Militia and Home Guards during the late war. In 1866 he was elected county assessor of Henry County, and held the office for two years, and has also held the position of township clerk and assessor. December 13, 1849, he married Miss Molly A. Reed, a native of Kentucky. They are members of the Christian Church. They have one child, Thomas W., who was born in Christian County, Kentucky, September 16, 1850. One child died in infancy.

WELLS, John E.
Roscoe Township, St. Clair County
born: 1857, Carroll Co, MO
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1206
JOHN E. WELLS, hardware merchant at Roscoe, was born in Carroll County, Missouri, September 22, 1857. His parents were Daniel W. and Margaret (Craven) Wells, the former a native of Illinois, and the latter of Missouri. When John E. was an infant he was taken by his grandfather to Clay County, Missouri, where he was reared and educated. In 1875 he removed to Harrison County, Missouri and clerked in a store there, and then in Gentry County till 1878, when he came to St. Clair County, Missouri. Here he followed school teaching till the spring of 1883, when he engaged in the hardware business. He is a member of the M. E. Church, South, and belongs to the I. O. G. T.

WELLS, Thomas J. Sr.
Windsor Township, Henry County
born: Nov 2 1837, Barren Co, KY
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:601
Thomas J. Wells, farmer and stock raiser, was born November 2, 1837, in Barren County, Kentucky, where he received a good English education. His father, Ahasuerus Wells, who was born in 1797, in Kentucky, married in 1818, Miss Nancy Fisher, who was born March 3, 1800, in the same state. They had eight children, of whom only two are living: John Burgess, and Thomas J. Mr. Wells died in 1837. Mrs. W. was married again in 1842, to William Courts, of Kentucky. By this union there were two sons (twins), William and Walter. Walter died in 1844, and William is now a resident of Pettis County. In 1843, they emigrated from Kentucky to Carroll County, Missouri, where Mr. Courts engaged in farming, remaining for one year. Then he removed to Cole County of the same state, but after one year came to Henry County, and was for two years occupied in tilling the soil. He died in 1847. About a year later his widow married James Black, of Polk County, Missouri. She died in 1863 at the age of sixty-three years, and Mr. Black died in 1877, aged one hundred and one years. He was one of the last of the veterans of 1776. It was in honor of him that Fort Black, of Revolutionary memory received its name, he being a colonel in the federal army of that period. T. J. Wells was married January 12, 1860, to Miss Nancy E. Richards, of Hickory County, Missouri. By this union there were eleven children, seven daughters and four sons: Julia A., Kittie E., Nancy A., Johnnie W., Ben. E., Minnie E., Felix H., Maggie H., Lulia A., Ettie E., and Thomas J. Jr. Five of these are dead. Kittie E. died August 18, 1863; Johnnie W. died June 18, 1866; Julia A. died May 13, 1877; Thomas J. died October 3, 1881, and Ettie E. died November 3, 1881. Mr. Wells came to Windsor, Henry County, Missouri, March 2, 1879, and there embarked in farming, since which time he has steadily pursued that branch of industry. Himself and wife are identified with the Baptist Church of Windsor. His political preferences are Democratic.

WHALEY, John Calvin
Osceola Township, St. Clair County
born: 1838, Marion Co, MO
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1101
JOHN CALVIN WHALEY, M.D., comes of old revolutionary stock. His great grandfather, James Whaley, born in Virginia, removed to Kentucky at an early day. He served in the revolutionary war, and furnished his hired man with a horse and paid him a salary for service in the same cause. Edward Whaley, the son of James, came to Kentucky with his father when thirteen years old. He married and settled in Bourbon County, Kentucky. In 1819 he located lands in what is now Marion County, Missouri. He entered these lands at the first land sales in St. Louis in 1821. Albert Whaley, the father of John C., and Polly Bird were married December 21, 1826. The doctor's grandfather came to Missouri with his family and slaves in 1821 and improved the lands he had previously located. He was the first county surveyor of Marion County and a member of the first grand jury. The subject of this sketch was born in Marion County, Missouri, December 16, 1838, and was the seventh of a family of thirteen children. He was reared on a farm, and received a good practical education at McGee and St. Paul Colleges. After leaving school he taught for seven years in Texas. In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate army at the call of Governor Jackson and was commissioned a first lieutenant. After the battle of Lexington he was appointed adjutant to Colonel Franklin with the rank of captain, and he served in that capacity until wounded and captured near Bragg's School House in Shelby County. He was confined at Palmyra, St. Louis and Alton and succeeded in making his escape. He rejoined Price's army in Mississippi and became a volunteer aid to General Green in the Iuka Springs expedition. He went to Texas on important duty, and after the surrender he went to New Mexico and the mountains. In 1866 he was at Waco, where he engaged in teaching school and pursuing his medical studies. He commenced his professional career in Clernard County. In 1869 he removed to Arkansas, near Fayetteville, and practiced there until 1875, when he came to Osceola, where he has since been actively pursuing his chosen profession. In connection with Mr. G. W. O'Conner he is largely interested in stock raising. Dr. W. was married in September, 1867, to Mrs. B. Deckerd, widow of B. Deckerd, who was killed in a battle in the Red River expedition. Mrs. W. has three children by her former marriage: Hugh, Ben and Bettie. Dr. and Mrs. W. have one son. Politically, the doctor is a Democrat, and he is also a Mason.

WHEELER, J. W.
Monegaw Township, St. Clair County
born: 1844, Dearborn Co, IN
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1141
DR. J. W. WHEELER, merchant at Johnson City, was born in Dearborn County, Indiana, September 7, 1844, his parents being Captain Piercy and Jerusha Ann (Holiday) Wheeler. In July, 1862, when in his eighteenth year, J. W. enlisted in the Ninety-first Indiana volunteer infantry, and after nine months service he re-enlisted in the 105th regiment. After four months in this regiment he again re-enlisted in the 147th, and served till discharged in June, 1865. After his discharge he returned home and attended school at Moors' Hill College for two years and received a good education in the English branches. In the fall and winter of 1867 and 1868 he took a course of lectures at the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical College. Coming to Missouri in the spring of 1868, he commenced the practice of his profession at Hudson, Bates County. The following year he came to St. Clair County and located at Johnson City, and has since continued in the practice at this place. The Doctor has built up a large patronage and is accounted one of the most successful physicians in the county. He engaged in the drug business in 1870, and in 1878 he added a complete stock of general merchandise. He is identified with the Republican party; was elected township collector and collected the tax for two years. He owns about 1,300 acres of land in St. Clair County, about 600 acres of which are improved, besides considerable town property and land in Cedar County. He is extensively occupied in feeding cattle and hogs for the market. The doctor is a man of good business habits and qualifications, and has made what property he owns since coming to the county. He was married here December 8, 1870, to Miss Ariadnah Isabelle Peck, a daughter of John W.. Peck, of Greencastle, Indiana. They have two children: Glennie F. and Harry P. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

WHITAKER, Charles Houston Jr.
Clinton, Henry County
born: Feb 22 1862
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:291
Charles Houston Whitaker, owner and editor of the Clinton daily and weekly "Democrat," was born in Savannah, Missouri, February 22, 1862, his parents being Charles Houston and Mary Elizabeth (Selecman) Whitaker. He pursued his education in the schools of Macomb, Illinois, where he completed the high school course. His boyhood and youth were passed in Macomb and his initial training in newspaper work came to him in the office of his father, who was then owner and publisher of the Macomb "Eagle." Mr. Whitaker has been a resident of Clinton since 1894. He has made the "Democrat" both a mirror and molder of public opinion, utilizing the most progressive methods of modern journalism in the publication of his paper, which in both the daily and weekly editions now has a wide circulation. The name indicates the political complexion of the paper and its editor, who has always been a stalwart advocate of Democratic principles, content, however, to support the party as a private citizen rather than seek the rewards of office in recognition of party fealty. On the seventh of October, 1891, in Galesburg, Illinois, Mr. Whitaker was united in marriage to Miss Ella May Martin, a daughter of T. B: Martin, of Galesburg. They now have three children: Helen Elizabeth, Charles Houston and Marian Frances. Mr. Whitaker belongs to the Masonic fraternity, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, being exalted ruler of Clinton Lodge, No. 1034, in the years 1913-14. In private life as well as through his journalistic connections he stands for progressiveness in citizenship and for civic betterment and has made the "Democrat" a power for good along those lines.

WHITAKER, H. C.
Blairstown, Bogard Township, Henry County
born: Oct 28 1889
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:660
H. C. Whitaker, the well known cashier of the Farmers Bank of Blairstown, is a native of Missouri. He was born at Weaubleau in Hickory County, October 28, 1889, a son of Rev. John and Emeline (Ernest) Whitaker, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Kentucky. Rev. John Whitaker served in the Union Army during the Civil War and afterwards came to Missouri. He taught a private college at Weaubleau for thirty years. This college was under the direction of the Christian Church. Reverend Whitaker was not only prominent in educational and religious work, but also took a leading part in politics. He represented St. Clair County in the Legislature and represented Hickory County two terms in that body. He was a Republican, and the nominee of that party for Congress from the Seventh District. Notwithstanding that this was a strong Democratic district, Mr. Whitaker lacked but a few votes of being elected. He died in January, 1909, at Weaubleau, and his wife preceded him in death about five years. They were the parents of the following children: O. B., who lives in Hickory County, Missouri, and is now a member of the Missouri State Legislature; Minnie, married Ed Buller and is now deceased; Unie, died in childhood; S. W., cashier of the State Bank of Brownington, Missouri; J. S., lumberman, Walnut Grove, Missouri; Jessie, deceased; Effie, wife of Cyrus Paxton, Strome, Alberta, Canada; and H. C., the subject of this sketch. H. C. Whitaker was reared in Hickory County and educated in the Weaubleau Christian College, where he was graduated in 1906. He then taught school at Weaubleau and Brownington for two years, after which he was engaged in the lumber business in Oklahoma for one year. He was then assistant cashier of the Bank of Brownington until April 15, 1911, when he accepted the cashiership of the Farmers Bank of Blairstown and has served in that capacity to the present time. The Farmers Bank of Blairstown was organized November 20, 1909, with a capital stock of $10,000. Its first officers were: W. W. Johnson, president; W. R. Farnsworth, vice-president; and J. S. Stover, cashier. The present officers are W. W. Johnson, president; C. L. Farnsworth, vice-president, and H. C. Whitaker, cashier. The Farmers Bank is a substantial institution and has had a gradual growth since its organization. Its officers are safe and conservative financiers. To illustrate the increase in business of this bank the deposits of March 7, 1911, were $19,803.14, and on June 28, 1918, the deposits had increased to $90,717.53. Mr. Whitaker was united in marriage March 20, 1912, with Miss Ruby Shepperd, a daughter of D. E. and Susie Fisher Shepperd, of Blairstown, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Shepperd reside at Blairstown, where the father is successfully engaged in the automobile, implement and hardware business. To Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker has been born one son, Valgean.

WHITE, Charles M.
Appleton Township, St. Clair County
born: 1855, Cedar Co, MO
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1125
CHARLES M. WHITE, of the firm of White Bros., druggists, is a native of Cedar County, Missouri, and was born April 15, 1855. When he was four years old the family removed to Morgan County, Missouri, where he was reared to manhood there also receiving his education. When seventeen years old he engaged in the drug business as clerk at Versailles, Missouri, where he remained one year. Then he held a like position at Otterville, Missouri, for two years. He subsequently went to Bonham, Texas, and after residing there one year, returned to Missouri and for two years made his home at Pilot Grove. Then he embarked in the drug trade at Houstonia, where he carried on business two years. The following year he spent as a commercial traveler for a Sedalia house. He removed to Colorado and was engaged in mining from the spring of 1879 to the spring of 188i, when he came to Appleton City, and with his brother purchased their present stock of drugs. They are now doing an excellent business.

WHITE, Frank L.
Clinton Township, Henry County
born: Jan 8 1865
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:481
Frank White. The accomplishment of Frank White, owner of 550 acres of land in Clinton township, Henry County, is worthy of commendation and emulation. Since the time he attained the age of sixteen years, Mr. White has been doing for himself, and he began his career in this county as farm hand working by the month. Carefully saving his earnings, he made his first investment in farm land in the nineties and has continued to buy land until he has become one of the large land owners of Henry County. Upon his farm of 550 acres are three sets of improvements. Mr. White was born in Indiana in 1865. He is the son of Eli and Mary (Thompson) White, who were pioneer settlers of Henry County. Eli White was born in Ohio in 1827 and died in 1880. He was the son of Henry White, a native of Pennsylvania who came to Henry County via the overland route in the early forties and entered the land where Emery Martin now resides. He was among the first pioneers of the county and was a great hunter in his day. Eli White was a crack rifleman and killed many deer in drives which the hunters made in the early days. He operated a saw mill for the convenience of his neighbors. and erected the first school building in the Glenwood district. He entered the land where his son Walter now lives, erected a cabin thereon and made this place his home until the breaking out of the Civil War, when he took his family back to Indiana by wagon and remained there until after the close of the war. He was a Union soldier and served over three months in the Union Army. The wife of Eli White was, prior to her marriage, Mary E. Thompson. She was born in Ohio in 1833 and was a daughter of Robert Thompson, who came to Henry County in 1849. There were four children born to Eli and Mary White; Mrs. Lillie Frances Gill, St. Clair County, Missouri; Walter, living in Bear Creek township; Frank, subject of this sketch; Mrs. Nellie Barnes, living in Montana. Eli White was one of the "forty-niners" who made the long and dangerous trip to the gold fields of California in 1849, and he remained there for some years, engaged in mining. Robert Thompson organized the first Sunday school ever held in Bear Creek township. Mary E. (Thompson) White died in 1906. Frank White, of this review, was married March 13, 1887, to Miss Zilpha H. Adkins, who was born December 25, 1868, in Clinton township, the daughter of Henry G. and Zilpha Jane Adkins, concerning whom the reader is referred to the sketch of C. M. Adkins in this volume. Eight children were born to this marriage: Alpha Adkins, a graduate of the Clinton High School and the Warrensburg Normal College, and who taught one term of school; Clara May, died in childhood; James Joseph B., married Anna Marolf and has one child, Mary Pauline; William A., formerly at home with his father, now a private in the National Army; Bernice Ellen, Alla Adair and Eleanor Lucille, at home. The mother departed this life June 6, 1910. She was a woman of high and noble character, a devoted wife and a kind mother. She was a member of the Clinton Methodist Episcopal Church and took a great interest in church work when the family resided in Clinton for six years. She died while the family were living in Clinton and Mr. White and the children then returned to the farm. Mr. White is a Democrat, but he takes little active interest in political matters other than to cast his vote.

WHITE, Joseph
Fields Creek Township, Henry County
born: Sep 15 1834, Brown Co, IN
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:689
Joseph White is a native of Brown County, Indiana, and was born September 13, 1834. His father, Michael White, a Virginian by birth, was a farmer by occupation, while his mother came originally from Tennessee; her maiden name was Elizabeth Robertson. Joseph was the fourth of a family of thirteen children. His youth was spent on the farm and he received his education in common schools. When 21 years old he engaged in farming and stock raising in Indiana, which he followed there until 1864. Then he removed to Cass County, Missouri, and remained there until 1868, when he came to Henry County, where he has since resided. His farm contains 610 acres, 520 acres in cultivation, embracing the best of land and well improved. Mr. White is a large stock raiser and feeder. He is one of the directors in the Henry County Bank. He was married May 21, 1856, to Miss Lavina Mitchell, a native of Pennsylvania. They have four children, Nancy, wife of Albert Allen, J. R., O. P., G. Lee. He is a member of Tebo Lodge, No. 68, A. F. & A. M.

WHITE, Robertson
Chalk Level Township, St. Clair County
born: 1813, Sussex Co, NJ
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1150
ROBERTSON WHITE, farmer and stock dealer and the owner of 500 acres of land, was born in Sussex County, New Jersey, June 13, 1813. He was the son of John White, of New Jersey, and his grandfather was born in Scotland, His mother was formerly Jane Robertson, daughter of Robert Robertson, of New Jersey. John White was in the war of 1812. He had a family of twelve children, of whom four sons and two daughters are now living. In 1815 the family moved to Guernsey County, Ohio, and thence to Muskingum County, where they remained for many years. In 1836 Robertson went to Knox County, Illinois, entered a farm and improved 160 acres. In 1850 he took a trip to California, working in the mines while there. In 1861 he moved to California with his family, and after remaining two years, the climate not agreeing with his wife's health, he sold out and returned by way of New York, arriving in Knox County May 1, 1864. In 1866 Mrs. W. died, leaving five children: Aaron, Henry, George, Francis and Hattie. In 1867 he married Charlotte Ramboe, of Pennsylvania, a daughter of George Ramboe. By this union they have five children: John, Stella, Elizabeth, Theodore and Stephen A. Douglas. Politically he is a Democrat. Mrs. White is a Presbyterian. He is a Mason. He now resides on section 32.

WHITEHEAD, James K.
Deepwater Township, Henry County
born: Apr 1 1832, Tioga Co, PA
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:623
James K. Whitehead. Among the pioneer merchants of Montrose is the subject of this sketch. Mr. Whitehead is a native of Tioga County, Pennsylvania, and was born April 1, 1832. His father, Dr. Harmon Whitehead, was born in Pennsylvania in 1802, and his mother, whose maiden name was Harriet Kinney, was born in the same state in 1807 and is still living. J. K. Whitehead moved with his parents to Illinois in 1837 and located in Peru, LaSalle County, where his youth was spent on a farm and in attending the public schools, where he received a good education in the common English branches. Dr. Whitehead died in 1849, and as James was the oldest of four sons, the care of the family devolved upon him, and he took charge of the farm and business and carried it on very successfully. After reaching his majority he attended the Lombard University in Knox County for one term. He was married in Peru November 3, 1857, to Miss Sarah J. Brookie, of Glasgow, Kentucky, and a daughter of Dr. John Brookie, a druggist of St. Louis. After his marriage Mr. Whitehead continued his farming operations and opened out a new farm in Bureau County which he conducted for about ten years. In 1863 he returned to Peru, and was engaged in handling grain and agricultural implements for other parties until 1871, when he settled in Montrose, Henry County, where he embarked in mercantile pursuits under the firm name of W. H. Chamberlain & Co., hardware, implements and grain dealers. This firm commenced business in March, 1871, and continued about one and a half years, when they met with a misfortune and were burned out. After this loss Mr. Whitehead started in the same occupation alone. He erected a business house in the spring of 1874 and remained in business until June 13, 1882, when he was again burned out He is an energetic, enterprising and ambitious man, and during the past season erected a good two-story brick business house, 25x72 feet, where, in connection with his son, he is now carrying on the same line of trade. He has a good stock of heavy and shelf hardware, stoves, tin, sheet iron and copper ware and farm implements, and is very successful. He was appointed postmaster of Montrose and took charge of the office in June, 1875, and has since that time discharged the duties of the office in a satisfactory manner. Mr. and Mrs. Whitehead have three children: Howard L. (a partner in the firm), Edwin J. and Edith A. Mr. W. and his family are members of the First Presbyterian Church. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity.

WHITLOW, William Henry
near Coal, Leesville Township, Henry County
born: Jan 7 1860
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:552
W. H. Whitlow - The Whitlow family is one of the oldest of the worthy pioneer families of Henry County and members of this well-known family have lived in this county and taken an active part in its affairs since 1854, when Andrew Whitlow, father of W. H. Whitlow, of this review, left his old home in Kentucky and came to found a new home in the wilderness which was then Henry County. He entered Government land and lived on his farm created with his own hands until death claimed him. Andrew Whitlow was born in Kentucky, April 10, 1813, and died at his home in Henry County April 3, 1901. He came to Henry County in 1854, entered land, built a log cabin, which was later replaced by a good residence, reared a splendid family and did well his part as a pioneer in developing this county. He was married to Mary Jane Hall, a native of Kentucky, born in 1828, and departed this life December 20, 1900. To them were born children as follow: Cornelius, deceased; Judy Belle, wife of J. R. Burns, living in Texas; Mrs. Matilda Ann Woods, Oregon; Mrs. Narcissus Cole, a resident of Oregon; W. H., of this sketch; Mrs. Alice Rudd, a widow, living in New Mexico; Mrs. Laura Hutchinson, lives in Henry county; Mrs. Etta Ballard, Washington. Andrew K. Whitlow's first wife was a Miss Harvey, who bore him three children: R. W., of Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri; Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, Cooper County, Missouri; and P. W. Whitlow, deceased, died in Texas while on a visit. W. H. Whitlow was educated in Coal district school and remained at home with his parents until attaining the age of twenty-six years. In 1885 he purchased eighty acres of land from his father and began farming. He now owns 280 acres. The home farm of the Whitlows, where he was born January 7, 1860, is situated one mile south and a half mile west of Coal. Mr. Whitlow moved to his present home farm in 1886, erected the pretty cottage home which graces the premises, and has had the satisfaction of placing all of the improvements on his farm. He has prospered as the result of diligence, energetic accomplishment, and good financial management and is now rated as one of the most substantial and best-known residents of his township, where he has long been one of the leaders. In 1886 Mr. Whitlow was married to Miss Amanda Davis, who was born in Illinois, February 22, 1864, the daughter of Frank E. Davis, who was twice married, the stepmother of Mrs. Whitlow being Piney M. Davis. The Davis family came to Henry County in 1869. Both parents of Mrs. Whitlow died in this county. Her brother, Wells R. Davis, resides on the home place. The children born to W. H. and Amanda Whitlow are: Olney Hall Whitlow, born January 25, 1890; and Davis King, a bright lad, born December 17, 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Whitlow are members of the Good Hope Baptist Church and take an active interest in religious affairs, Mr. Whitlow having served in the capacity of treasurer of this church for several years. He is a Democrat and is considered one of the best citizens of Henry County, intelligent, sociable and well informed on public affairs. He takes a keen interest in his home county.

WHITTAKER, John W.
Bear Creek Township, Henry County
born: Dec 15 1845, Greene Co, PA
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:772
John W. Whittaker was born in Greene County, Pennsylvania, December 15, 1845, and was the son of John D. and Rebecca (Hammers) Whittaker, also natives of Pennsylvania. The former was a stock trader by calling and was a drover for over forty years. J. W. Whittaker passed his youth attending school and assisting his father in the stock business until his sixteenth year. In 1862 he moved to Illinois and located in Woodford County, where he was engaged in farming for some nine years. Moving thence to Iroquois County in 1871, he was married there September 15, 1874, to Miss Adaline Hicks of Ohio, who was reared and educated in Woodford County, Illinois. She is a daughter of Thomas Hicks. After his marriage Mr. Whittaker resided about eighteen months in Illinois, and in the spring of 1876 came to Missouri and located on the farm where he now resides. He makes a specialty of handling and feeding stock, and is also one of the successful farmers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. W. have three children: Charles A., born July 8, 1875; Willie E., born June 18, 1877, and Madge Myrtle, born December 18, 1881. Mr. Whittaker is a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity.

WILDER, Asa R.
Clinton Township, Henry County
born: Mar 13 1839, Lorain Co, OH
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:551
Asa R. Wilder, dealer in agricultural implements and of the firm of Wilder & Fenn, hardware merchants, is a native of Ohio, and was born in Lorain County, March 14, 1840. He grew up there where he also attended school, completing his education at the Baldwin University, of Berea, Ohio, in 1860 and 1861. He enlisted in Company H, Forty-First Ohio Infantry, USA, and served till the battle of Corinth, Mississippi, in 1862, and was confined to a hospital till discharged in May 1863. Then he returned to Cincinnati, Ohio, and became engaged in clerical work with the wholesale hardware firm of J. L. Wayne & Co., with whom he remained till the fall of 1865. He later accepted a similar position with J. H. Lewis & Co., of that city, and in the fall of 1866, they opened a branch house at St. Louis, Missouri, of which they gave Mr. Wilder the management. After serving the firm one year in that capacity, he represented their interests as a commercial traveler. In January, 1869, he came to Clinton, and established the present business. The firm, then known as Wilder & Co., did business till the spring of 1874, when it was known for one year as Wilder & Winslow. In January, 1875, it become Wilder & Fenn. Mr. Fenn has an interest only in the hardware department. Mr. Wilder manages alone the implement department. They carry a good stock in their line and are popular and successful merchants. Mr. W. was married July 16, 1866, to Miss Ella E. Bernard, a native of England, but who was reared in New York. They have four children: Carrie E., Sadie, Lotta L. and Charles T. Mr. W. is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity, and has held all the offices within the gift of his lodge. He is now its district deputy. He also belongs to the A.O.U.W.

WILEY, Abraham
Deer Creek Township, Henry County
born: Mar 12 1820
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:581
Abraham Wiley - The late Abraham Wiley, born March 20, 1820, was one of the true pioneers of this section. He was one of the men who laid the foundations of the social, religious, political and industrial life of Henry County. He was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, a son of William and Margaret (Whitson) Wiley. They were the parents of six boys and three girls, all born in Tennessee ere the family left their home in the crude ox-wagon for their slow and perilous journey to Lafayette County, Missouri. This was in 1830, and they remained in that county until 1833, when they came to Henry County to homestead 160 acres in Tebo township. The first night of their arrival upon Tebo Creek, an unusual display of shooting star illuminated the sky and it was a source of delight and a means of remembering their first night near their future home. In 1854, Abraham Wiley homesteaded 240 acres in Deer Creek township and for the following thirty-four years he made it his home, changing it from a wild timber land, where the deer and buffalo were in their native haunts, to the cultivated fields of waving grain. Mr. Wiley was a carpenter, a trade learned in his youth, and helped in the building of the Baptist Church in Clinton, Missouri, besides various other edifices. He was a leader in the organization of East District school and the South Methodist Church, not alone lending his financial aid but his strong arm as well, in its reconstruction. His moral and religious life was an asset to the community in which he lived and labored. January 25, 1857, Abraham Wiley married Angeline Woolfolk, who was born April 25, 1833, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, the daughter of Charles Thomas and Polly Ann (Payne) Woolfolk, natives of Kentucky. They emigrated to Boone County, Missouri, in 1840, and in 1856 they came to Henry County, where they homesteaded in Deer Creek township, where Mrs. Wiley has made her home since her husband's demise. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Wiley, as follows: Mrs. Nannie McElwrath, deceased wife of Alonzo McElwrath; Maggie, who was postmistress of the Lewis Station from 1902 to 1907, is now living with her mother; Robert G. lives two miles northeast of Clinton; Charles L., a sketch of whom is in this volume. Mrs. Nannie McElwrath left four children: Mrs. Mora Lillian Nesbitt, Deer Creek township; Charles L., merchant at Lewis Station; Helen N. and Hallie. Mrs. Wiley's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Woolfolk, were slave holders in Kentucky and brought their slaves with them to Missouri. They were in the family until their release after the Civil War. Abraham Wiley, in his capacity of carpenter, helped in the building of the first homes in Clinton, Missouri, and was influential in many of its affairs. He passed away in 1901 in Lewis Station, Missouri, where he had made his home since 1899.

WILEY, Abraham
Deer Creek Township, Henry County
born: Mar 12 1820, Cocke Co, TN
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:807
Abram Wiley, farmer and stock raiser, section 10, came originally from Cocke County, East Tennessee, where he was born in 1824. His father, A. Wiley, was a native of Shenandoah County, Virginia, and his mother, formerly Margaret Whitson, of Tennessee. The former was a soldier of the war of 1812. He removed from Tennessee to Missouri in the fall of 1830 and located in Lafayette County, where he lived about three years, then coming to Henry County. He settled in the northern part of the county, where he lived until his death, December 19, 1861. Abram grew to manhood here upon the farm, and after reaching his majority he learned and worked at the carpenter's trade for about fourteen years. He was married January 21, 1858, to Miss Angeline Woolfalk, a Kentuckian by birth and a daughter of Charles T. Woolfalk. They have four children: Nannie (wife of Alonzo McElwrath), Maggie A., Robert G. and Charles Lewis. Mrs. McElwrath has one child, Mora. After his marriage Mr. Wiley located on land he had previously purchased and which he now occupies. He owns 170 acres. A large portion of the place is underlaid with coal. There is a coal shaft, where about 12,000 bushels of coal per month are being taken out. Mrs. Wiley is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and the two daughters of the M. E. Church, South.

WILEY, Charles L.
Deer Creek Township, Henry County
born: Aug 25 1871
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:582
Charles L. Wiley, a progressive farmer and stockman of Deer Creek township, is a descendant of the earliest pioneers of Henry County. Charles Wiley was born August 25, 1871, in Deer Creek township on the old, homestead of his parents, Abraham and Angeline (Woolfolk) Wiley. A history of this family appears in this volume. Charles Wiley received his education in the district schools and very early in life began for himself, by hard work as a farmer. He married Sallie Elizabeth Showalter October 3, 1895. She is the daughter of Jacob and Sarah Belle (Beaty) Showalter, the former born in Ohio January 8, 1840, and the latter was born in Henry County, Missouri, in 1838. Jacob Showalter served as a soldier in the 128th Indiana Infantry Regiment of Volunteers, fought in many battles and was wounded at Chattanooga. He came to Henry County not long after the Civil War closed. He died January 8, 1908, and his wife departed this life August 2, 1910. They reared their family in Deer Creek township upon the farm of 382 acres, where their daughter, Mrs. Wiley, now lives. Mrs. Wiley was born on this farm February 6, 1873, and received her education in the rural schools. She has one sister, Mrs. Lillie Diehl. Three children have come to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wiley. They are: Cecil, now a private in Rahe's Army School, Kansas City, Missouri; Mary and Walter. Mr. and Mrs. Wiley are the owners of 981 acres of land in Deer Creek and Tebo townships. They are farming 500 acres, and renting the rest to tenants. Mr. Wiley is president of the Bank of Calhoun and school director of district No.41. He realizes the opportunities of feeding large herds of cattle in his vast acreage, and he does this from year to year, often shipping five and six carloads of beef cattle per year. Mr. Wiley is a Democrat and a public spirited citizen. In the Red Cross and Liberty Loan drives, he spent many days of his valuable time looking after Uncle Sam's business, as well as his own.

WILKINSON, T. E.
Butler Township, St. Clair County
born: 1836, Warren Co, TN
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1187
T. E. WILKINSON, farmer, section 11, was born in Warren County, Tennessee, February 28, 1836. His parents, Charles and Malissa (Cantrell) Wilkinson, were natives of South Carolina, and his great grandfather was a general in the Revolutionary war. When T. E. was about two years old the family moved to Missouri and located in Crawford County where they resided until he was sixteen years old, then going to Gasconade County. There he grew to manhood, receiving his education in the common schools. He followed farming in that county until 1870, when he came to St. Clair County. His present farm contains 170 acres of land. Mr. W. is a member of the Baptist Church and also belongs to the Masonic fraternity. November 25, 1860, he was married to Miss Sarah Walton, a native of Missouri. They have five children: Elizabeth M., George W., Mary M., Eliza B. and John T. They have lost two children.

WILLARD, John W.
Tebo Township, Henry County
born: Aug 5 1873
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:854
John W. Willard, one of the representative farmers of Tebo township, who by a strict attendance to his farming interests has become one of the prosperous citizens of Henry County, was born August 5, 1873, in Ross County, Ohio, the son of Ellis and Jerusha Emiline (Kline) Willard. Ellis Willard was born in 1838 in Muskingum County, Ohio. During the Civil War he served in Company A, 94th Regiment Illinois Infantry and saw service in a number of the important battles. He participated in the battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, December 7, 1862, and was at the seige and capture of Vicksburg, Mississippi, July 4, 1863. He fought in the battles of Fort Morgan, Alabama, and Spanish Fort, Alabama. After the war he returned to his farming in Ohio and for many years led a useful and happy life in the rearing of his family and took an active part in the reconstruction period after the war. His death was in 1873. Mrs. Jerusha (Kline) Willard was born October 9, 1853, in Vinton County, Ohio. To Ellis and Jerusha (Kline) Willard were born two children: Frank, deceased, and John W., the subject of this sketch. After the death of her first husband Mrs. Willard married Simpson Ross and had two children. She now resides in Caldwell County, Missouri, where she has lived many years. John Willard came to Caldwell County, Missouri, in 1881 with his mother and step-father, Simpson Ross. After receiving his education he rented land in that county until his removal to Johnson County, Missouri. He purchased land in Post Oak township which he later sold and bought land in Tebo township, Henry County, in 1903. He has built a house, barn and made various other buildings. Mr. Willard's marriage to Effie Hosman was solemnized October 25, 1896. She was born November 8, 1874, in Caldwell County, Missouri, the daughter of James and Cathena (Wheeler) Hosman. James Hosman was born March 2, 1848, in Davis County, Missouri, and his wife was born July 18, 1853, in Indiana. They are the parents of two children: Effie, Mrs. John Willard and George, a farmer of Caldwell County, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Hosman make their home on their farm in Tebo township which they purchased in 1907. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Willard, as follow: Edna, at home; Goldia, wife of Charles Hanger, Leeton, Missouri; Marion, James, Lawrence, Opal, Homer, Oren and Mable at home with their parents. Mr. Willard is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Church.

WILLENBRING, Herman Henry
Deepwater Township, Henry County
born: Sep 30 1868
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:479
Herman Henry Willenbring. Just south of the flourishing city of Montrose, in Deepwater township, is one of the finest farms in western Missouri, consisting of 480 acres in a high state of cultivation, owned and operated by Herman Henry Willenbring, one of the most enterprising and progressive farmers of Henry County. Since Mr. Willenbring took possession of this farm in 1905 he has been constantly improving it and has erected a new granary and made other substantial improvements. The large farm residence sets back from the highway and presents a striking appearance when seen from the roadway. Herman Henry Willenbring was born September 30, 1868, in Germany, the son of Anton and Josephine Willenbring, who emigrated from Germany in 1871 and settled in Nemaha County, Kansas, purchasing a farm just northeast of the town of Seneca. They resided on this farm until death called them, the father dying in 1886 and the mother departing this life in 1888. Herman H. is the only living child of his parents. Mr. Willenbring was married in Seneca, Nemaha County, Kansas, to Miss Anna Rottinghaus, who was born in Germany, the daughter of Bernard Rottinghaus, an early settler of Nemaha County, Kansas. Mr. Willenbring resided in Nemaha County, Kansas, until 1900 and then went to Garfield County, Oklahoma, purchased a farm, which he improved and sold. Mr. Willenbring bought and sold four different farms in Oklahoma, clearing $4,000 on his various transactions. In 1905 he came to Henry County and purchased one of the finest farms in the vicinity of Montrose, in a region noted for its fine farms. Although he has been a citizen of this county for but a few years Mr. Willenbring has taken his place as one of the leading agriculturists of the county and he and his family are well established in the community. The children born to Herman Henry and Anna Willenbring are as follow: Mary, Sister Meleta, a teacher in the parochial school at Ottawa, Ohio; Joseph, a soldier in the National Army at Camp Funston; Louis, also a soldier in the National Army stationed at Camp Funston, where he went April 2, 1918; Alphonse, a student at St. Benedict's College, Atchison, Kansas; Martha, in school at Clyde, Missouri; Frank, Lawrence and Paul, at home with their parents. Mr. Willenbring is a Republican and he and the members of his family are members of the Catholic Church at Montrose.

WILLIAMS, Charles C.
Clinton Township, Henry County
born: Jun 22 1822, Wheeling, Ohio Co, WV
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:551
Charles C. Williams, M.D., dealer in drugs, medicines, books, stationery, etc., was born in Wheeling, Ohio County, West Virginia, June 22, 1822. His parents, Joseph and Hester Williams, were natives of Berks County, Pennsylvania, and moved to Virginia at an early day. In 1830 they went to Harrison County, Ohio, where Charles was reared to manhood, receiving his education from the Allegheny College of Meadville, Pennsylvania. In 1849 he began the study of medicine with Dr. H. T. Grier, of Bellsville, Ohio, under whom he was a student for three years. The latter part of that time, however, he attended a course of lectures of the Sterling Medical College, and also during the term of 1854-5, at the close of which he graduated. In March, 1856, he located in Atchison County, Missouri, and began the practice of medicine and there resided till 1867, when he came to Clinton and continued his practice for one year. In 1868 he purchased a half interest in the drug store of Estes & Stone, buying the interest of the latter (the firm was then known as Estes & Williams), and two years later he became sore proprietor and has since successfully controlled the business. Dr. Williams was united in marriage in 1858 to Miss Barbara A. McNeal, a native of Tennessee. They have seven children: Charles V., Barton P., Harry M., Clinton C., Lillie P., Albia and Maude. Dr. W. held the office of coroner of Henry County for two years.

WILLIAMS, Joseph H.
Clinton Township, Henry County
born: Mar 13 1849, Cooper Co, MO
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:552
Joseph H. Williams, insurance and real estate agent and representative of the London and Lancashire Insurance Company, Fire Association of Philadelphia, Phoenix of London, National of Hartford, Boston Underwriters, and others, owes his nativity to Cooper County, Missouri, where he was born March 13, 1849. He Was reared to manhood and educated in his native county, and when eighteen years of age entered the mercantile world in the capacity of clerk in a Boonville grocery house. There he was engaged till 1876, after which he gave his attention to school teaching for one year. Subsequently he held the principalship of the school at Malta Bend, Saline County, Missouri, for two years. After this time he taught school in that neighborhood till December, 1879, when he came to Clinton. He filled a position with Brinkerhoff & Co. for some time, and in 1881 was appointed deputy circuit clerk under Mr. Quarles. He continued to discharge the duties of that office till January, 1883, and while holding it in August, 1880, with Mr. Wright, he became interested in the insurance business. Six months later he purchased Mr. Wright's interests, and from that time has been alone in the business. Since relieved of his duties as deputy circuit clerk he has devoted his entire energy to the insurance business, in which he is very successful. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity, and also belongs to the Presbyterian Church.

WILLIAMS, Joseph P.
Springfield Township, Henry County
born: Sep 6 1833, Green Co, KY
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:820
Joseph Williams was born September 6, 1833, in Green County, Kentucky, as was also his parents, William A. and Anna (Pettus) Williams. The former was born in 1788 and the latter in 1792. They were married in 1809, and to them were born fourteen children, of whom eight are living. They emigrated in an early day to Tennessee near Nashville, and in 1835 removed to Johnson County, Missouri. Mr. Williams died in 1848, and his wife in 1854. Joseph Williams commenced life for himself at the age of sixteen as a farm laborer, which occupation he has since followed. June 5, 1855, he married Mrs. Elizabeth Williams, widow of Thomas Williams, of Johnson County. By this union there was one daughter. Mrs. Williams died March 13, 1856. February 8, 1859, he married Miss Sarah E. Perkins, of Jefferson, Johnson County. They had thirteen children, nine of whom are now living. In March of the same year Mr. Williams moved to Bates County, Missouri. In two years he enlisted in the confederate army and served until the close of the war, when he was discharged at Shreveport, Louisiana. He returned to his family in Missouri and farmed in Johnson County until 1872, when he came to Henry County. In 1875 he removed to Shelbyville, Shelby County. After one year he returned to Henry County and settled near Calhoun, and lived there five years, but owing to sickness in his family removed to Springfield Township, where he bought ninety-five acres of land on section 30. Here he has since been engaged in farming. Mr. Williams is a member of the Masonic order. Himself, wife and one daughter are identified with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Bronaugh Chapel). Politically he is a Democrat.

WILLIAMS, Nancy A. LANE
Windsor Township, Henry County
born: Jan 4 1805, near Jonesboro, Washington Co, TN
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:602
Mrs. Nancy A. Williams, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Lane, and widow of the late lamented Major John W. Williams, was born January 4, 1805, near Jonesboro, in Washington County, Tennessee. A sketch of her husband will be found in another part of this volume. They were married January 13, 1822, and by this union had twelve children. Samuel K. was born October 30, 1822. He married Miss Almira Jane Mars, of Johnson County, Missouri, December 13, 1848. Warren W. was born December 2, 1824, and died May 23, 1845. Sophronia C. was born December 8, 1826, and married William L. Avery of Henry County, Missouri, January 17, 1843. Mr. Avery died March 2, 1875, and at the time of his death was probate judge of the county of Henry, and had served also as county judge, and had filled other offices of honor and trust faithfully and with acceptance to the people. Elizabeth Jane was born January 30, 1829, and died August 5, 1831. Henrietta L. was born December 31, 1830, and married Dr. William Huff, of Johnson County, Missouri, October 31, 1853. She was left a widow, and November 21, 1865. she married Thomas G. Cock, of Henry County, Missouri, whose sketch appears in the history of the county. Susan J. was born March 8, 1833, and married William H. Hammons, of Pettis County, Missouri, August 13, 1854. Mr. Hammons died in the hospital during the year of 1862 at Little Rock, Arkansas. His widow married Rev. Benjamin F. Lawler, of this county, November 21, 1865. Maria M. was born January 29, 1835, and married John S. Pigg, of Henry County, Missouri, September 6, 1855. John M. was born January 13, 1837. He enlisted as private under General S. Price, and was killed in the battle of Pea Ridge March 7, 1862. Nancy L., who was born December 24, 1838, married Thomas J. Creil, of Pettis County, Missouri, January 18, 1883. Mary F., born October 12, 1840, married Leslie L. Hurlbut, of Homer, Courtland County, New York, November 27, 1865. Henry A. was born November 2, 1843, and died December 23, 1861, at Springfield, Missouri, as private in the army, from the effects of poison, morphine, being administered instead of the medicine intended. Virginia was born October 23, 1846, and is living with her aged mother. Mrs. Williams left Tennessee, her native state, in company with her parents, at the age of nine years, and settled in Warren County, Kentucky, in the year 1814, where they remained until death. Major John W. Williams emigrated from Kentucky to Henry County, Missouri, in 1836. He first bought a tract of 400 acres at the head of Tebo, but in 1850 sold this land and went to California. During his absence of three years Mrs. W. bought 160 acres. He returned in 1852, and in 1854 he was elected representative, and was one of the leading men of Henry County during the remainder of his life. Mrs. Williams still owns a choice farm of several hundred acres in Windsor Township, about midway between Windsor and Calhoun. Besides her eight children living, she has twenty-eight grandchildren, and twenty-one great-great-grandchildren. She has for forty-seven years been a member of the Sardis-Bethlehem Baptist Church, of which she was one of the constituent members. In writing the history of that church, it has been found that she is the only surviving member of the original number. Her husband was for many years connected with the same church. Her children are all identified with some religious denomination.

WILLIAMS, Theodore O.
Tebo Township, Henry County
born: Apr 17 1847, Marion Co, MO
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:658
Theodore O. Williams, attorney-at law, was born in Marion County, Missouri, April 17th, 1847, his parents being Lemuel and Nancy M. (Hammond) Williams, natives of Worcester County, Maryland. They were both born in February, 1808, and were married in 1835, emigrating to Hannibal, Missouri, in 1836. Lemuel Williams died in Windsor, Missouri, April 23, 1879, and his widow departed this life in Monroe County, March 9, 1883, aged 75 years. Theodore passed his youthful days in Monroe and Macon Counties, this state, and in 1869 he took up his location near Tipton, where he taught school for four years. In January, 1870, he married Miss Sally J. Jones. They had four daughters, Rosa Lee,. Cora V., Jessie M. and Shelly, of whom Rosa and Shelly died, while small. In 1873 Mr. Williams began the study of law with H. F. Rothwell, late congressman from the Tenth District of Missouri, and subsequently with his brother, T. N. Williams, in Lynchburg, Virginia. In 1878 he returned to Henry County, at first engaging in the practice of his profession at Windsor. He is now located in Calhoun, where he has built up an enviable reputation as an attorney, and he is especially successful in his career as a criminal lawyer. Though comparatively a young man, he has become recognized as a prominent counselor among his brother practioners. Politically he is a Democrat.

WILLIAMSON, David
Shawnee Township, Henry County
born: 1850, near Marietta, Washington Co, OH
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:787
David Williamson is a successful breeder of Duroc Jersey hogs and Shorthorn cattle, living in Shawnee township. Mr. Williamson, who for the past twenty years has weeded out the unproductive and worthless cattle in his herd, has by so doing evolved a strain of cattle eligible for registration and made for the advancement of profit and pleasure in their care. Mr. Williamson, who is a native of Washington County, Ohio, was born near Marietta in 1850. His parents were Robert and Catherine (Mosteller) Williamson. They had a family of five children as follow: David, of this sketch; Sarah, living in Oklahoma; Clara, of Morgan County, Missouri; Alice, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Ida, of Kansas City, Kansas. Robert Williamson was born in Scotland and came to the United States in early manhood and settled in Ohio, where he met and married Catherine Mosteller, a native of that State. With their young family in 1859 they left their home and friends in Ohio and started out to build for themselves a home in the West. Morgan County, Missouri was their objective, and they came as far as Jefferson City, Missouri, by steamboat. From there they were drawn across country in a rude ox wagon and located near Versailles, Missouri. They reared their family on the farm. Mr. Williamson, when the call came from Lincoln, answered and for two years fought the battles of freedom for a great principle. Mr. and Mrs. Williamson have answered the call of the great reaper and are laid to rest in Mount Carmel Church Cemetery, Morgan County. David Williamson, a lad of nine upon his arrival in Morgan County, Missouri, remembers the days of struggle necessary to win a livelihood from the soil. After receiving his education and starting in life for himself and chose farming as his vocation. In 1888 he purchased his present farm in Shawnee township, after spending six years as a farm laborer in this locality. He built a house of ten rooms and the necessary farm buildings. Mr. Williamson was married in 1888 to Miss Elizabeth Sharp, who was born in 1854. Her parents, Joseph and Helen Sharp, who were natives of Scotland, settled in Illinois in 1850. Nine years later, in 1865, the wife and mother died and Mr. Sharp with his family came to Henry County, settling on the farm which his daughter, Mrs. Williamson, now owns. He remained on this farm for a number of years until he went to California and died there. There were three children of the Sharp family: Mrs. Elizabeth Williamson; Frank, of Howell County, Missouri, and Jennie, died in California. Mr. Williamson, for the past twenty years, has been a breeder of the Shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs, which are registered and of the highest class stock. A granary, built of stone over fifty years ago, is still on the Williamson farm. It was originally built by Mr. Sharp, the father of Mrs. Williamson. Mr. and Mrs. Williamson have made their homes in Shawnee township so many years that they have been instrumental in much of the progress of their immediate surroundings, being influential citizens of the community.

WILSON, Bruce McFarlan
Montrose, Deepwater Township, Henry County
born: Oct 8 1867
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:869
Bruce M. Wilson, farmer and stockman, Montrose, Missouri, is a native son of Henry County and is a member of one of the oldest and most prominent of the pioneer families of the county. He was born in Deepwater township, October 8, 1867, on the old Wilson homestead and is the son of Joseph H. Wilson, concerning whom an extended biography is given in this volume. He was educated in the public schools of Deepwater township and the Methodist Episcopal College at Morrisville, Missouri. Mr. Wilson has always been engaged in farming and stock raising and resided on the farm until his removal to a home in Montrose, Missouri, December 22, 1916. He is owner of 236 acres of land in Henry County and is cultivating the old home place of the Wilson family in partnership with Edward Houx. Mr. Wilson was married to Mrs. Maud (Post) Colson on December 22, 1916. Mrs. Wilson is the daughter of Allen and Caroline Post, former residents of Deepwater township, who were old settlers of Henry County and who are both deceased. Mr. Wilson is a Democrat and attends the Methodist Episcopal Church of which Mrs. Wilson is a member. He is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Montrose and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks at Clinton, Missouri.

WILSON, J. H., W. W. & R. B.
Deepwater Township, Henry County
born: 1854, VA
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:625
Wilson Brothers, farmers and stock dealers, section 9, are the sons of James R. and Susan (Everett) Wilson. The former was a native of Ohio, but moved to Virginia with his parents, where he grew to manhood. Their mother was a Virginian by birth. Mr. Wilson came from Virginia to Missouri in 1840, and bought land and settled in Henry County, on the farm where the family now reside. J. H. Wilson, the oldest of the brothers was born in Virginia, October 30, 1880?. W. W. was born in Henry County, on the home place, December 26, 1857, and R. B. Wilson was born on the same farm, April 9, 1854. They are among the largest land owners and stock feeders of Deepwater Township, having in the home place 640 acres, most of which is in a fine state of cultivation and pasture land; 320 acres are in Bear Creek Township on the county line, and adjoining this in St. Clair County, they have ninety-eight acres, and in section 36, in Deepwater, are 160 acres of improved land, making in all over 1,200 acres. A large residence is on the home place, together with a good barn and a fine young bearing orchard. The past season, 350 acres were planted to corn, which made an average of thirty-five bushels per acre. They are among the most extensive stock feeders and dealers in the county, and handle from 200 to 500 head of cattle, and about the same number of hogs annually. J. H. Wilson was married in St. Clair County, November 8, 1866, to Miss Susan Bruce, who was reared and educated in St. Clair County, and a daughter of Simeon Bruce. There are five children by this marriage: Bruce, Katie, James, Susie and Walter. W. W. and R. B. Wilson were educated in the public schools of the county, supplemented with about one year's attendance at the State Normal at Warrensburg. J. H. Wilson and wife are members of the M. E. Church, South.

WILSON, James Ramsey
Deepwater Township, Henry County
born: Jan 1803
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:464
James Ramsey Wilson. The basis of all true history is biography. History is but the narrative of the accomplishments of a body of people as a whole; the individual is the doer and it is necessary in the presentation of a true history of Henry County, to present the salient facts in the lives of the men who have made possible the upbuilding of this important section of Missouri. James Ramsey Wilson, late of Deepwater township, was a pioneer of this county who contributed more than the ordinary man to the settlement and development of Henry County. His sons and daughters today occupy important places in the State, and are among the leaders of the communities where they reside and have resided. James Ramsey Wilson was born in Maysville, Kentucky, in January, 1803, and died in Henry County, Missouri, in June, 1897. He was the son of James Wilson, who was born in the North of Ireland, and was a son of James Wilson, of Scotland, who moved from his native land to Ireland and there settled upon a large estate, which was named Bull Valley Castle. He had several children, among them being James Wilson, father of the subject of this review. James Wilson received a good education and during his twentieth year, he immigrated to America. The occasion of his leaving the old home in Ireland was owing to his disgust with the methods of dispensing justice in practice in the courts of his native country. One particular flagrant piece of injustice which he witnessed so incensed him that upon going home, he informed his father that he was not desirous of living in a country with injustice so rampant, and that he intended crossing the ocean to settle in America. His father gave his consent and supplied him with funds sufficient to last him for one year in the new country. Upon his arrival at New York, the captain of his ship recommended his services to a ship chandler or shipping merchant, as bookkeeper, the young man's skill as a penman having favorably impressed the ship captain. He immediately took up his duties and for many years was engaged in the mercantile business in various parts of the country, becoming successful, although his fortunes were variable. There were times when he was possessed of considerable capital, and others when he was forced to start with little or no capital. One instance, the loss of a cargo of cotton valued at $40,000 and which cost him but $10,000, serves as an illustration of the varying fortunes of his career. This happened in New Orleans and it was not long until he had paid back every dollar of his losses. He became a merchant at Maysville, Kentucky, and was there married to Elizabeth Bailey, the daughter of Col. Samuel Bailey, who had come to Kentucky from Virginia and purchased a large tract, of land in the vicinity from Simon Kenton. About 1812, Colonel Bailey settled near the mouth of the Ohio River and with his wife and children stayed at the hotel kept by Captain Dennis in Paducah. They moved to their new location aboard a Government steamboat confiscated from Aaron Burr at the time his ill fated plans for founding a great empire in the Southwest came to naught. Col. Samuel Bailey was killed by Indians a few miles above Bailey's Station, a frontier settlement which he had established on his land. He was attacked by a band of the savages and fought to the death. The Indians took his body and placed it in a new cabin near the scene of the crime. Later, Light Horse Harry Lee led a party to recover the body and give it proper burial near the site where he met his death opposite Rush Creek Island on the Kentucky shore of the Ohio River. James Wilson did not remain long in Kentucky. Indians becoming numerous and on the warpath and the War of 1812 raging at the time, making it unsafe for settlers in the new country, he took his wife and children and went on horseback to country of the Kanawha River in what is now West Virginia. Here he engaged in the manufacture of salt in partnership with a Frenchman named Savaryn and made a permanent home in West Virginia. James Ramsey Wilson was married in West Virginia to Susan Everett, born in Guyandotte County, Virginia, in 1811 and died in Henry County, Missouri, in 1875. She was a daughter of Col. John Everett of Guyandotte, Virginia, who married Miss Sallie Woodson of Charlottesville, Virginia. Col. John Everett was an officer of Virginia militia and was the son of John Everett, a soldier of the Revolution who was noted for the depths of his patriotism. It is said of him that he refused a large grant of Government land as payment for his services in behalf of American Independence with these words: "I did not fight for land; I fought for liberty." The wife of John Everett was Miss Sallie Deadman, a daughter of Captain Deadman, who also fought in the Revolutionary War on the American side. Mrs. Sallie (Woodson) Everett was the daughter of Tralton or Tarlton Woodson who married a Miss Shepherd. James Ramsey Wilson left Cabell County, West Virginia, in 1840 and came to Henry County, selecting a tract of land in the southeastern part of Bear Creek township near the Teays settlement. Be removed his family to the site of his new home in 1841 and for four years made his home in Marshall Creek. In 1845 he settled permanently in Deepwater township, erecting some time later one of the finest and largest houses in the county, modeled after an old Virginia home. This home is still standing and is the place of residence of Miss Bettie Wilson, a daughter. The estate which he built up has been operated by his sons as a corporation under the name of J. H. Wilson and Brothers and has prospered during all these years. To James Ramsey and Susan (Everett) Wilson were born the following children: Joseph H. Wilson, a widely-known farmer of Deepwater township, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Mrs. Mary E. Houx, Warrensburg, Missouri, widow of Rev. J. H. Houx, late of Warrensburg, and who was a noted pioneer preacher of the Methodist Episcopal faith; John M. Wilson, deceased; Capt. Edwin Wilson, deceased; Susan Elizabeth, or Bettie Wilson, residing on the Wilson Home Place; William W. Wilson; and Richard B. Wilson, postmaster of Montrose, Missouri, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Edwin Wilson left home when in his eighteenth year and enlisted in the Southern Army as a member of Parsons' Brigade. Although small for his age he never shirked duty and was always found in the thickest of the battles and struggles in which his command was engaged. He became a valuable assistant to the field surgeons and was advised, on account of his skill in handling wounded men, to become a surgeon. After the surrender of Parsons' Brigade in Louisiana, he went to Texas and was first employed in sampling cotton. Opportunities for advancement came rapidly his way and he became a large land owner and cotton planter on his own account. He also became interested in banking and was vice-president of the American National Bank of Austin, Texas, at the time of his death. He was a leader in the commercial and civic life of his adopted State and associated with the leading figures of Texas. He had large interests in Texas and New Mexico. His death occurred at Austin, Texas, June 10, 1912, at the age of 68 years. He married Lulu Bailey Wilson, who bore him two children: Mrs. John Harris, Dallas, Texas; and Mrs. Welburn Hudson, of Austin, Texas. John M. Wilson went West when seventeen years of age and became a gold and silver miner. His life story reads like a romance were it possible to record his travels and adventures among the mining camps of the Rockies, the Pacific Slope, Mexico, and the Andes of South America. For many years he was engaged in various mining enterprises in these sections and became wealthy. The various vicissitudes and fortunes of the gold miner were his. During his career he was associated with widely known mining men of the United States. He died at El Paso, Texas, February 4, 1914, aged seventy-seven years. His whole career was characterized by honorable and upright dealings, attributes which have been the heritage of the members of the Wilson family for generations. He was married in early life to Miss Marion W. Wright of Washington, D. C., and to this marriage were born three children: James Robert, living in New Mexico; Isabella Everett, wife of Nathan Foster, Fayetteville, Arkansas, a veteran of the Spanish-American War; Mrs. Anna Caldwell, whose husband is a mining man of New Mexico. William W. Wilson was born December 26, 1851, in Deepwater township, and is the jolly bachelor brother of the family. He has always been engaged in farming and makes his home with his brother, Richard B. Wilson. James Ramsey Wilson and wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and so lived their lives that a lasting and deep impression will be forever engraved in the annals of the county which they helped to create from an unbroken wilderness.

WILSON, John
Tebo Township, Henry County
born: Jun 18 1806, Greene Co, TN
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:658
John Wilson, farmer and stock raiser, was born June 18, 1806, in Greene County, Tennessee, acquiring his only education in the common schools of that locality. His father, Thomas Wilson, was an extensive farmer and stock raiser and a carpenter by trade. He was born in Botetourt County, Virginia, December 6, 1771. His mother, formerly Margaret Sherrell, was born May 14, 1774, in North Carolina. They were married October 8, 1794, and had nine children, six daughters and three sons, of whom there are but four living, three daughters and one son. They emigrated from Tennessee to Lafayette County, Missouri, in 1830, settling near Lexington, where they remained for five years, then going to Tebo Township of the same county, now Henry. Mr. Wilson entered eighty acres of land and commenced farming, which he continued until his death, May 22, 1836. Mrs. W. survived him but eighteen months, departing this life in October of 1839. The subject of this sketch was the only administrator of the estate and bought the farm in 1839, of which he held possession until 1866, when he sold it, being settled upon land he had purchased in the years of 1839, 1840, 1842 and 1843, consisting of 700 acres, lying north of the old place. He married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel and Susan Jennings, of Lafayette County, and to them were born eight children, four sons and four daughters. The eldest, William T., born December 28, 1833, married Mrs. Eleanor, widow of Samuel Reynolds and daughter of William M. Fewell, of Henry County, March 17, 1867. Thomas J. was born April 19, 1835, and married Miss Mary E. Gilliland, of Bates County, in March of 1860. Harriette Ann was born August 22, 1838, and married Thomas J. Jennings, of Livingston County, Missouri, November 14, 1882. John W. was born December 5, 1847, and married Miss Nancy Woolfolk, of Henry County, Missouri January 22, 1871. Lon was born October 16, 1843. Mary E., born October 4, 1848, married T. J. Bosley, of Bates County, February 18, 1879. Martha Jennie was born July 4, 1854. Charles E. was born November 9, 1857. Mrs. W. died May 28, 1872. Mr. Wilson has resided upon his present farm ever since 1833, except for two years, when in California. In 1850 he took the overland route and went to California, making a stay there of two years, with a result of success. He returned via New York in 1852, and then engaged in farming and in the general raising of stock. He was given a lieutenant's commission in 1832 by Governor Boggs. He erected his present residence in 1849. He belongs to Lodge No. 29, A. F. & A. M., his membership dating from 1863. He has for nearly fifty years been identified with the M. E. Church South. of which his wife was also a member for many years. Five of his children also hold that relationship. Democratic in his views, he cast his first vote for Jackson in 1832 with nineteen other Democrats, two men voting for John Q. Adams at that election, making a vote of twenty-two in the county of Lafayette. His sons now conduct the farm. They are capable men and excellent managers of the place.

WILSON, John S.
Chalk Level Township, St. Clair County
born: 1848, Warsaw, Benton Co, MO
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1151
JOHN S. WILSON, dealer in general merchandise at Chalk Level, was born in Warsaw, Benton County, Missouri, January 26, 1848. and was a son of Dr. Joel Y. Wilson, a native of Kentucky, whose father, John D. Wilson, was a Virginian by birth and of Irish ancestry. The mother of John S. was formerly Mary Burch, a native of Virginia. John S. was the eldest of a family of six children. He grew to manhood in his native county and was there educated, being for many years engaged as clerk in different localities. He was for three years conductor on the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. In 1880 he located in Chalk Level, having previously been engaged in business at Appleton City for two years. He now carries a stock of drugs and other articles of merchandise and is doing a good business. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. Mr. Wilson was first married to Miss Fannie Campbell, a native of Missouri, who died August 4, 1870, leaving two children: Annie and William Y. He was again married February 8, 1873, to Miss Annie Van Allen, originally from New York.

WILSON, Joseph H.
Deepwater Township, Henry County
born: Oct 31 1840, Cabell Co, WV
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:352
Joseph H. Wilson. Among the noted personages of Henry County who have figured prominently in the development of this county since the pioneer days none has had a more varied nor more honorable and useful career than Joseph H. Wilson, the "Sage" of Deepwater township, who has lived in Henry County since his parents brought him to this county an infant in arms. Well educated, intelligent, progressive and endowed with a keen and discerning intellect, his long life has been filled with deeds well done, not only in enhancement of his own personal interests, but he has accomplished much in behalf of Henry County and his fellow citizens. Reared in the southland, and of decided southern sympathies, he was among the first to take up arms in behalf of what he deemed to be a just and righteous cause. Deeply religious, he has devoted many years of his life to the furtherance of the cause of Christianity and especially delighted in the training of the young in the paths of right living and in giving them a knowledge of the Scriptures. So remarkable is Mr. Wilson's memory and so constant is his reading and study that for many years he was the final authority in settling disputes and questions of boundary lines between farms in his section of the county. Joseph H. Wilson, pioneer, Deepwater township, was born in Cabelle County, West Virginia, October 31, 1840, and is the son of James Ramsey (born January, 1803, died June, 1897) and Susan (Everett) Wilson (born 1811, died 1875). James Ramsey Wilson was born in Maysville, Kentucky, and was the son of James Wilson, who was born in Ireland. James Wilson of Maysville, Kentucky, married a Miss Bailey, who was a daughter of Col. Samuel Bailey, a Revolutionary soldier who was killed by the Indians during an attack made upon the settlement by the savages in the early history of Kentucky. James Wilson and his family were among the first pioneer settlers in Kanawha County, West Virginia, and it is a matter of history that James Wilson made the first salt at the Kanawha Salt Works, located above the city of Charleston, in partnership with John Savaryn, a Frenchman. As previously stated the Wilsons came to Henry County from Kanawha County in March, 1841, and established a permanent home in this county. The first settlement of the Wilson family was made near the Teays settlement on Marshall Creek in March, 1841. In 1845 they settled permanently in Deepwater township. James R. and Susan Wilson reared a splendid family of sons and daughters: John M., went west when seventeen and had mines in the West, Mexico and South America, died in 1914, aged seventy-seven years, at El Paso, Texas; Mrs. Mary E. Houx, widow of the late Rev. J. H. Houx, Warrensburg, Missouri; Joseph H., subject of this review; Capt. Edwin, born 1842, died June 10, 1910, at Austin, Texas; Susan Elizabeth, living on the old home place; William W., makes his home with Richard B. Wilson, and Richard B., postmaster of Montrose. The first company of Confederate soldiers enlisted in Henry County in May, 1861, found Joseph H. Wilson enrolled as a member. In the spring of 1862 he was invalided at Lexington, Missouri, ill with typhoid fever and received his discharge from the service in the fall of 1862. He enlisted in the service the second time at Springfield December 25, 1862. Three of his company came home to get horses but storms prevented their accomplishing the task and the effort to capture Springfield failed and General Price's army fell back to Arkansas. Mr. Wilson disguised himself and went to St. Louis, thence to Cincinnati, Ohio, and from there made his way through Cabelle County, West Virginia, to Red Sulphur Springs, Monroe County, Virginia. He was imbued with the idea of getting into the thick of the fight and believed that he could only do so by joining a Virginia regiment. He offered his services to General Williams, brigade commander, and Col. Patton, of the 22nd Virginia Infantry, and was sworn into the Confederate service for a third time. His command marched from Monroe County to the Kanawha River Valley and took possession of the valley, fighting the battles of Fayette Court House and Cotton Hill. He was forced to march without a gun for some time but managed to secure a weapon and took part in this fight. Mr. Wilson served until the close of the war but was made prisoner near Boone Court House on the Guyandotte River April 9, 1864. He was paroled and sent back from Camp Chase to Baltimore. From there he went down the bay and up the James River, arriving at Richmond, Virginia, March 9, 1865, just before the surrender of General Lee's army at Appamattox Court House. Mr. Wilson participated in the battles of Carthage, Missouri, Wilson's Creek, Drywood and Lexington. After his return from the battlefields of the South, Joseph H. Wilson, in November, 1868, settled on a farm on Round Prairie, Bates County, Missouri, where he resided until the spring of 1876, when he came again to Henry County and settled upon the old home place of the family in Deepwater township. In 1888 he removed to Appleton City, Missouri, and in the spring of 1889 moved to his present place near Montrose. This farm consisting of one hundred twenty acres is one of the most picturesque and attractive places in Henry County. A handsome brick residence surrounded by beautiful shade trees and shrubbery occupies a commanding site at the top of a gently rising knoll or hill which affords a view of the surrounding country for many miles, a view which is unsurpassed for magnificence and beauty of the landscape in this section of Missouri. A beautiful pastoral scene unfolds to the view as one gazes in any direction. This section which is now dotted with handsome farm homes and waving fields of grain and is unsurpassed in its richness of soil anywhere in the state of Missouri was once a virgin wilderness and Joseph H. Wilson himself has hunted deer and other wild animals and fished in the streams nearby at a period when settlers were few and far between. Geese and ducks were plentiful and it was no trouble for him to bag a dozen or so with ease in a short time. He often visited the Indian camps on the Deepwater during his boyhood days and the height of his aspirations when a boy was to have a gun and a dog. His next ambition as he grew older was to have a nice home with every comfort and even luxuries and to own a big orchard with trees hanging loaded with big red apples. He has owned several guns and dogs, and has the beautiful home and has hunted and fished to his heart's content, and is truly thankful for all the blessings which Providence has showered upon him. In 1876 he organized the firm of J. H. Wilson and Brothers and during all these years he has managed the Wilson estate, which has been kept intact and farmed for the benefit and to the great profit of every member of the Wilson family, although each has his individual holdings aside from the estate. Mr. Wilson is owner of four hundred acres of land in his own right. This business of Wilson Brothers has been so managed for over forty years that he has never had a lawsuit and has never sued nor has he been sued. On November 8, 1866, the marriage of Joseph H. Wilson and Miss Susan Cassandra Bruce, a daughter of Simeon C. and Zerilda Catherine (Browning) Bruce of St. Clair County was consummated. Simeon C. Bruce was a native of Tennessee, a son of Robert Bruce of Sumner County, Tennessee. Mrs. Zerilda (Browning) Bruce was the daughter of Dr. Jacob Browning, a native of Tennessee and a Henry County pioneer, after whom Brownington was named. Mrs. Wilson was born November 4, 1844 and has born him twelve children, seven of whom are living: Bruce McFarlan Wilson, farmer and stockman, Montrose, Missouri, married Maud Colson; Kate, wife of D. W. Stewart, Kansas City, Missouri; James Ennels, operates the home farm; Susan R., wife of William T. Lampkin, Fayette, Idaho; Walter B., at home with his parents; Henry Everett, St. Louis, Missouri, a stockman and salesman ; Anna, wife of Benjamin P. Lampkin, Deepwater township, Bates County, Missouri. Since attaining his majority Mr. Wilson has been a stanch Democrat. He is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons Lodge No. 408, Montrose, Missouri, and has been a Mason since 1878. He is a member of Chapter No. 90, George Frank Guley, Appleton City, Missouri. Mr. Wilson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, of Montrose and was steward of his church from 1870 to 1910. He was superintendent of the Sunday school for twenty-six years and is conceded to be the best authority upon family genealogy as concerns those families living in his section of the county. He was first made a steward of the church at Round Prairie in Bates County and when he removed to Henry County the same office was given him by the Montrose church. When he retired from the Sunday school superintendency by reason of advancing age the members of the Sunday school gave him a beautiful embossed Bible as a testimonial of their love and high esteem, in token of his twenty-six years of faithful and unremitting service in behalf of the young folks of the church. Mr. Wilson has lived an honest, honorable and just life according to the precepts of the greatest Teacher of all, and although during his long business career he has seen men take advantage of their fellows he has never succumbed to similar temptations and has treated his fellow men in a just and upright way. He likes to do right because it is right and because he has loved to deal justly and honorably with others. His seventy-seven years have been well and profitably spent and now in the eventide of his life he is able to look back over the years that have passed and calmly await the last great summons with a heart and mind at peace with all mankind. Mr. Wilson attributes much of his success in life to the faithful and loving counsel and assistance of his wife, whom he has invariably consulted regarding his business transactions. Although he has passed the age when men are active in civic affairs, this aged gentleman still takes a keen interest in movements of the day and is a constant reader who keeps abreast of the times and is well informed on many subjects. He was a member of the "One Hundred Booster Club," which put across the Third Liberty Loan in Henry County, and made the big drive to obtain the quota of this county in bond subscriptions an overwhelming success.

WILSON, Richard B. "Dick"
Deepwater Township, Henry County
born: Apr 9 1854, Deepwater Twp, Henry Co, MO
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:448
Richard B. Wilson. The Wilson family is one of the oldest and one of the most honored families in Henry County and dates their beginning with the history of Henry County as early as 1841. The striking characteristics of this family as a whole is the spirit of co-operation which has manifested itself during all these years among the various members of the family and which has brought prosperity in no small degree to the members of the family. Richard B. Wilson, better known as "Dick" Wilson, postmaster of Montrose, is a worthy descendant of excellent ancestry who has made a success of his life's work. R. B. Wilson was born in Deepwater township April 9, 1854, and is the son of James R. and Susan (Everett) Wilson, natives of Kentucky and Virginia, respectively. James R. Wilson was born November 26, 1803, and died June 7, 1898. He was a son of James Wilson, a native of North Ireland who was of Scotch descent. He was one of the early pioneers of the state of Kentucky. James R. Wilson came to Henry County, Missouri, in 1841 and first settled in Bear Creek township, later entering free Government land in Deepwater township. To his first tract he added a considerable acreage which he purchased from the Government, improved his farm and resided thereon until his death. Susan (Everett) Wilson, his wife, was a daughter of John Everett, a native of Virginia. John Everett was a soldier of the Revolution and belonged to a prominent Virginia family James R. and Susan Wilson reared a family of seven children: John M. Wilson, a miner in the West and in California and who died at El Paso, Texas; Mary Everett, widow of Rev. James H. Houx, former noted minister of Warrensburg, Missouri; Joseph H., of Deepwater township, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Edwin Wilson, removed to Texas after the close of the Civil War, and died in Austin; Susan Elizabeth, residing on the old home place of the Wilson family; William W., born December 26, 1851, Montrose, Missouri, residing with B. B. Wilson; Richard B., subject of this sketch. During the Civil War the Wilson home was a place of refuge for Bates County people who were forced to abandon their homes. During part of this period the Wilsons lived in Johnson County, returning to their home after peace was declared. Mr. Wilson received such education as was afforded by the district and private schools of his day and took up the life of a farmer. He is owner of a splendidly improved farm of 160 acres in Deepwater township and also owns another farm of 120 acres in Bear Creek township. He resided on his farm until 1913, at which time he came to Montrose, although his family are still living. upon the home place, Mr. Wilson's position as postmaster requiring that he live in Montrose. December 22, 1892, Richard B. Wilson and Marion Vickers were united in marriage. Mrs. Marion Wilson was born in Bear Creek township, a daughter of William H. Vickers, a pioneer of Henry County and whose people were old neighbors of the Wilsons in Virginia. To this marriage were born three children: Edwin Vickers Wilson, who is tilling the home farm. in Deepwater township; Katherine Frances and James Ramsey, at home. The Democratic party has always had the steadfast allegiance of Mr. Wilson. He received the appointment of postmaster at Montrose in 1913 and assumed the duties of his position in July, 1913. Mr. Wilson's conduct of the affairs of the office have been such as to commend him to the many patrons of the office. He is a member of the Methodist Church South, and is affiliated with the Woodmen of the World Lodge of Montrose

WILSON, William M. Judge
Davis Township, Henry County
born: Feb 21 1852
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:379
Judge William M. Wilson has been a resident of Henry County for over fifty years and is one of the best known horsemen in the western part of Missouri. While Judge Wilson's vocation has been that of farmer and stockman, his hobby has been that of a horseman. For many years Judge Wilson has been training fast horses and has been a breeder of track animals. He is the present owner of "El Casco," trial 2:15, a five year old. He has some very fine road horses in his stables, among them being "Hummingbird," a blue ribbon winner who has won ribbons and prizes at the various fine stock shows and fairs held in this section of the State. "El Casco" was bred at the Walnut Hall Farm, Donnerail, near Lexington, Kentucky, and is a beautiful and intelligent animal. Mr. Wilson was born on a farm in Tennessee and is the son of Samuel and Martha (Weaver) Wilson, natives of Tennessee and Kentucky, respectively. Martha Weaver Wilson was a daughter of Benjamin Weaver, a soldier of the War of 1812. In 1854 the parents of William M. Wilson removed to Iowa and after a residence there of a few months they came westward and located in Macon County, Missouri. In 1865 Samuel Wilson came to Henry County and settled in Walker township, where he became a large land owner and was widely known throughout the county as a successful farmer and stockman. He died in 1886 at the age of sixty-nine years. His father was Samuel Wilson, a native of Tennessee who was descended from ancestors who came to America from the North Ireland country. Samuel and Martha Wilson were parents of ten children, seven of whom were reared to maturity: Gerald, deceased; Benjamin, Marceline, Missouri; Philander, deceased; Mrs. Cordelia Hibler, Walker township; Mrs. Sarah Ann Short, Barton County, Missouri; William M., subject or this review; John M., a farmer of Walker township. The mother of these children was born in 1818 and departed this life in 1885. William M. Wilson was reared to manhood in Henry County and has resided on his farm in Davis township for the past forty years. He is owner of 235 acres of good land in this township. William M. Wilson and Janie Smith, a daughter of the late J. P. Smith of Henry County, were united in marriage in 1872. They have had four children: Mrs. Willie Young, living in Walker township; Mrs. Lulu Warner, Davis township; Samuel and Benjamin, who are tilling the home place. The Democratic party has always had the support and allegiance of Judge Wilson. He has served two terms as a member of the County Court for the second district of Henry County. He is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is highly esteemed by all who know him.

WILSON, William T.
Tebo Township, Henry County
born: Dec 28 1833, Lexington, Lafayette Co, MO
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:659
William T. Wilson, owner of "Woodlawn Farm," an excellent tract of 992 acres, located in the northwest portion of Tebo Township, about nine miles from Calhoun, was born December 28, 1833, in Lexington, Lafayette County, Missouri. His education was acquired in the common schools of that day. his father, John Wilson, was born June 18, 1806, in Greene County, Tennessee, and married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel and Susan Jennings, of Lafayette County, Missouri. By this union there were four sons and four daughters, all of whom are living. The subject of this sketch commenced for himself in life at the age of twenty one years. He married Mrs. Ella A. widow of Samuel M. Reynolds, and daughter of William and Elizabeth D. Fewell, of Henry County, Missouri, March 17, 1867. By her former union Mrs. W. had three children, and all are living. The eldest, William F., was born July 28, 1854, and married Miss Sallie B. Robinson, daughter of Colonel Jehu Robinson, of Johnson County, Missouri, October 15, 1878. Samuel M. was born September 11, 1859, and is now a merchant of Shawnee Mound. Anna L., was born September 22, 1861 By the last marriage there were three sons: Claude, born February 7, 1869, died July 28th of the same year; Arthur, born September 1, 1870, died February 18, 1872; Oliver H., born August 26, 1874, died March 27, 1876. In 1868 Mr. Wilson began improvements upon a farm in Tebo Township, consisting of 440 acres, to which, in 1I882, he added 452 acres, making 992 acres of magnificent land, and well watered with living springs. He raises not less than 15,000 or 20,000 bushels of corn, and is endeavoring to make wheat growing a success. He has a fine herd of short-horns, and is a man who thoroughly understands his business. He is one of the directors of the First National Bank, of Clinton, and has resided in the county for half a century or more, and has been successful through all these years. He feeds from two to four or five car loads of cattle annually, and also makes the raising and handling of hogs a prominent thing. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. order, belonging to lodge No. 274. Politically he is a Democrat. Mrs. W. is identified with the Sardis-Bethlehem Church.

WILSON, William W. "Major"
Deepwater Township, Henry County
born: May 3 1840
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:420
William Wilson. The ranks of the Old Guard are fast thinning. It is only here and there can be found one of the sturdy veterans of either side of the great civil conflict which convulsed the Nation from 1861 to 1865. The wounds of that great struggle have long since healed and it is a matter of history that the fighting men of both armies never at any time had any great personal animosity towards one another. The feeling which existed between the North and the South for so many years was kept alive by politicians of both sides of the imaginary line which divided the two sections. In these trying days when the grandsons of these old veterans are far across the Atlantic giving up their life's blood that the principles for which their ancestors fought and died might be kept alive on this earth forever, the ties which bind the people of this great Nation together are stronger than ever before. William Wilson, or "Major" Wilson as he is affectionately called in Montrose, Missouri, is one of the last survivors of the old guard which fought in defense of the Union. William Wilson was born in Licking County, Ohio, in 1840 and is the son of John A. and Agnes (Curry) Wilson, natives of Pennsylvania, and Licking County, Ohio, respectively. His mother was of Scotch descent. John A. Wilson was born in 1815 and died in 1880. Mrs. Agnes Wilson was born in 1817 and died in 1886. They came to Henry County in 1867 and settled upon a farm located three and a half miles northeast of Montrose. John A. and Agnes Wilson were parents of ten children: William, subject of this sketch; Stewart, Omer C., John W., Mary E., Eoline and Clara, deceased; Thomas, resides at Reynoldsburg, Ohio; Monroe lives at Cincinnati, Ohio; James resides in Montana. In 1861 William Wilson enlisted in Company A, 76th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served for nearly four years with his command, being honorably discharged from the service on July 15, 1865. He served with the 15th Army Corps under Generals John A. Logan and Sherman. He participated in the great battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain, and was in the campaign through Georgia, marched from Atlanta to the sea with General Sherman's Army, and thence through the Carolinas to Richmond, after the surrender of General Lee. He marched in the Grand Review of the victorious Union troops through the streets of Washington and then returned home. He accompanied his parents to Henry County and engaged in farming in this county until 1885, when he located in Montrose and engaged in the retail meat and butchering business. He followed this for several years and was also employed in a local grocery store for some time. Of late years Mr. Wilson has been living in peaceful and well earned retirement. William Wilson has been twice married. His first marriage occurred in 1868 with Eliza E. Stubblefield, who died in 1890. His second marriage took place in 1893 with Miss Emma Tuttle. Mr. Wilson is a Republican in politics and has served four years as city assessor of Montrose. He also filled the post of city collector of taxes. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and is affiliated fraternally with the Grand Army of the Republic Post at Appleton City, Missouri.

WINCHESTER, Josephus
Monegaw Township, St. Clair County
born: 1815, Guilford Co, NC
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1142
JOSEPHUS WINCHESTER, section 4, was born August 4, 1815, in Guilford County, North Carolina, his parents being William and Margaret (Witty) Winchester, natives of the same state. In 1830 the family removed to Kentucky and located in Callaway County. Josephus, the second son of five sons and seven daughters, spent his youth on a farm in that county, and was married May 14, 1839, to Miss Nancy Ann Rayburn, a daughter of John Rayburn. She was a native of Stewart County, Tennessee, but removed to Kentucky when a child and there grew to maturity. Mr. Winchester, after his marriage, resided in Kentucky about eleven years, coming to Missouri in 1850, and locating in St. Clair County. Here he bought land and improved the farm where he now resides, it containing 300 acres with about 100 under fence. He has nine children: Newton L., Eliza J. (widow of S. Hoover), Melinda (wife of C. Weir), Emily (wife of Lee Carroll), Rebecca (wife of D. L. Herndon), James J., Margaret (wife of C. S. Reding), William W. and E. C. Mr. and Mrs. Winchester are members of the Baptist Church. The former belongs to the Masonic fraternity.

WINGFIELD, John S.
Collins Township, St. Clair County
born: 1816, VA
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1178
JOHN S. WINGFIELD, was born in March, 1816, in Virginia, his parents being Christopher and Nancy (Stockton) Wingfield, also Virginians by birth, who were married in 1814. The former was born in 1788, and the latter in 1793. John S. the eldest of ten children, was brought up in the county of his birth, and lived at home principally until his marriage, in 1847, to Miss Harriet M. Bondurant. They have had ten children: Mary F, Christopher T., Millard F., Nancy J., Sarah E., Susan L., Charles P., Harriet M., and James M., and of this number three have died. In 1859 Mr. W. came to St. Clair County, locating in Collins Township, where he has since lived, gaining for himself an enviable reputation. The Republican party, recognizing his ability, nominated him for the position of county judge, but the Democratic party being in the majority, he failed to be elected. Mr. Wingfield's farm, one of the best to be found in the eastern part of the county, consists of 210 acres on the Weaubleau Creek.

WINTERS, Alonzo C.
Butler Township, St. Clair County
born: 1858, Pike Co, IL
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1188
ALONZO C. WINTERS, plasterer at Lowry City, was born in Pike County, Illinois, March 20, 1858, and was the son of Benjamin B. and Emeline (Cobb) Winters, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of New York. Alonzo was reared in his native state and was there educated. His father was a plasterer by trade and the son worked with him in Illinois until 1877, when he came to St. Clair County, Missouri. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity. March 13, 1881, Mr. Winters was married to Miss Lula Gracy, a native of Indiana. They have one child, Irving B. Mr. and Mrs. Winters belong to the M. E. Church.

WIRTH, Christian H.
Osage Township, Henry County
born: Jul 2 1845, Prussia
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:755
Christian Wirth, an enterprising mechanic of Brownington, owes his nativity to Prussia, where he was born July 2, 1845, being the son of Philip and Lizzie (Liasor) Wirth, also natives of that country. Christian was brought by his parents to the United States when an infant (in the winter of 1845), and settled in St. Clair County, Illinois, where he grew to manhood, his youth being spent on a farm and at the public schools, where he received a fair common education. When seventeen years old he commenced learning the wagon makers trade, and worked under instructions three years. Going to Waterloo, Monroe County, he worked a short time there, and also at different towns in the county and state about three years; In the spring of 1869 he came to Missouri and located in Clinton, Henry County, following his trade one year. He removed to Brownington in 1870 and has since carried on a shop at this place. Mr. Wirth has built up a good business and has established a reputation for industrious and fair dealing, exceeded by few. He was married in Illinois to Miss Mary Dietz, of that state, and a daughter or Adam Dietz, who came originally from Germany, Mr. and Mrs. W. have six children: George, Edward, Louisa, Ellen, Charles and Julia.

WISELY, L. A.
Big Creek Township, Henry County
born: May 25 1829, Wythe Co, VA
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:711
L. A. Wisely, M.D., merchant at Norris, is a highly respected citizen of this locality, and was born in Wythe County, Virginia, May 25, 1829. His parents were Daniel and Mary A. (Straw) Wisely, also Virginians by birth. In 1837 the family came to Missouri and located in Callaway County, where Mr. Wisely entered land and improved a farm. In 1841 they removed to Howard County, where Daniel Wisely was engaged in farming until his death, in 1868. L. A. served an apprenticeship in the office of the Missouri Democrat, at Fayette, Missouri, and worked at the printing business for eight years, three years of the time in St. Louis. While in St. Louis he took advantage of the night schools and supplemented this knowledge by two years attendance at Howard College. After completing his studies he bought out the Platte Argus, at Weston, publishing that paper, in connection with his brother, for three years. He studied medicine under the instruction of Dr. Bowers, of Weston, and took lectures at the University of Virginia, in 1857, graduating in Philadelphia from the Jefferson Medical College, in 1859. Upon the completion of his medical course Dr. W. commenced the practice of his profession in Howard County, in 1860, continuing there for six years. In 1866 he came to Henry County, locating at Windsor, where he practiced for two years. In 1866 he purchased a farm, removed to Big Creek Township and carried on agricultural pursuits in connection with his professional duties. He removed to Norris in 1879 and engaged in the drug business, and now has an excellent stock of everything in his line of trade. The doctor is Democratic in politics, and takes a leading part in all the political issues of the day. He received the appointment and held the office of postmaster at Norris for four years, and was appointed notary in May, 1882. He was married in Howard County June 23, 1863, to Miss Mary F. Bass, a daughter of George P. Bass. She is a native of that county, and received her education at the Howard College. Dr. and Mrs. Wisely have three children, Edna M., George D. and Sally Tuttle. The former is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders.

WISNER, John A.
Polk Township, St. Clair County
born: 1837, Canton Basel, Switzerland
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1164
JOHN A. WISNER was born May 3, 1837, and was a native of Canton Basel, Switzerland, where his parents, Adam and Catharine Wisner, were also born, the former in October, 1811, and the latter March 23, 1817. They were married April 6, 1836, and had seven sons and six daughters. and of this number two sons and three daughters have died. Emigrating to America in 1843, they first settled in Virginia, purchasing 100 acres of land and remaining upon it for four years. In 1847 Mr. W. sold this property, went to Sciota County, Ohio, and three years later removed to Van Buren County, Iowa, where he bought a forty acre tract. After residing in Iowa about six years, he came to Cooper County, Missouri, in the spring of 1859, and in 1860 to St. Clair County. He bought 160 acres of land in this township, but in two years exchanging places. secured one of 170 acres in Osceola Township, where he lived until his death, July 30, 1871. His widow now resides with one of her sons in this township. John A. Wisner, our subject, was married April 1, 1860, to Miss Lora Clark, of Van Buren County, Iowa. They have eight children: Joseph, born January 29, 1861; Sarah, born September 1, 1862, (wife of George W. Garrison, of this county); Martha A., born March 20, 1864; Laura and Lora, (twins) born April 29, 1867; Jessie, born December 17, 1869; Jeremiah, born May 16, 1872, and Adam Clark, born January 30, 1875. In 1866 Mr. Wisner purchased a farm of eighty-two acres in Polk Township, upon which he still resides. In 1876 he was nominated and elected to the position of magistrate, and was re-elected in 1878 and again in 1880, still holding that office. Mrs. W. and five children are members of the M. E. Church. He is a Democrat.

WITHERSPOON, M. B.
Fairview Township, Henry County
born: Jul 13 1868
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:443
M. B. Witherspoon, cashier of the Bank of Deepwater, Henry County, Missouri, is a son of one of the oldest pioneer families in this section of Missouri. He was born near Gaines, Missouri, July 13, 1868, and is the son of H. B. and Amanda (Levy) Witherspoon, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Illinois. H. B. Witherspoon was a son of one of the first pioneers of this county who settled east of Deepwater as early as 1840. H. B. Witherspoon was born in Kentucky in 1835 and died in 1914. He was a son of Isaac Witherspoon. Mr. Witherspoon followed farming during his entire life and died at Brownington, Missouri. His wife and mother of M. B. Witherspoon died in March, 1917. H. B. Witherspoon was twice married, there being two children by his first marriage: Mrs. J. N. Dunnin, a widow living in Deepwater, and Mrs. M. T. Beelor, Clinton, Missouri. There were four children born to the second marriage: M. B., subject of this review; B. H., Troy Mills, Iowa; R. L., died at Brownington in 1915, and Mrs. E. M. Beelor, living in Oregon. M. B. Witherspoon was educated in the district school and attended Lamkin's Academy at Clinton. For a number of years he was engaged in the mercantile business at Brownington, Missouri, and came to Deepwater in 1905 and one year later (1906) he became cashier of the Bank of Deepwater. Mr. Witherspoon was married in 1893 to Miss Lena L. Taylor, a daughter of Dr. M. B. Taylor of Brownington, Missouri. He is a Democrat and he and Mrs. Witherspoon are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Witherspoon is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and other fraternal societies. The Bank of Deepwater was organized as a State banking institution on February 13, 1889. The principal organizers were W. F. White, C. N. White, J. H. Yentzer, Matthias Hageman and Isaac Shaffner. J. H. Yentzer was chosen president and served for a number of years, until his death in February, 1905. M. B. Witherspoon succeeded J. C. Smith as cashier in 1905. Mr. Smith is now in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. J. C. Yentzer was succeeded by Robert Terrill as president. Mr. Terrill was succeeded by Wesley Griffin, who was followed by J. M. Marmaduke, who in turn was succeeded by Jacob Rhoads, the present incumbent of the office, who is a substantial man of affairs. The Bank of Deepwater is in a very prosperous condition. This bank has a capitalization of $10,000; a surplus of $10,000; undivided profits of $9,000, and deposits exceeding $145,000. The present officers are Jacob Rhoads, president; Fred C. Hill, vice-president; M. B. Witherspoon, cashier; F. A. Houston, assistant cashier. The directors are: Jacob Rhoads, Fred C. Hill, George S. Hovey, F. A. Huston, M. B. Witherspoon and L. L. Shaffer.

WITMER, Joseph
Deepwater Township, Henry County
born: Dec 25 1836, Switzerland
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:625
Joseph Witmer, farmer and carpenter, is a native of Switzerland, and was born December 25, 1836, being the son of Joseph and Mary (Hefner) Witmer, also of that country. The subject of this sketch spent his youth in the country of his birth, and was educated in the public schools, working on a farm and in a dairy until 1853, when he emigrated to the United States and located in Toledo, Ohio. There he lived about three years, and while in that city learned the carpenter's trade. From Toledo he went to Indiana and worked one year at his trade in Hundingdon county. In 1857 he went with some government troops to Salt Lake, where he passed about nine months, when he returned to St. Joseph, Missouri, and worked in that city until 1861. In July, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company A, Thirteenth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, serving until mustered out March 19, 1865. After the battle of Lexington he was promoted to second lieutenant for meritorious conduct, and afterward, in November, 1863, to first lieutenant. He was made prisoner at the battle of Lexington, but was paroled in three days. His regiment, after this engagement, was reorganized, and was known as the twenty-fifth. He participated in the battles of Shilo and New Madrid, and a number of other important engagements. In 1862 his regiment went on the plains and served on the frontier until 1864. After his discharge Mr. Witmer engaged as wagon master and went across the plains to Denver and Salt Lake. In the fall of 1866 he returned to Missouri and located in Clinton, where he followed his trade for three years. In the winter of 1870 he went to Indiana and was married January 11th of that year in Huntingdon County, to Miss Mary Lennartz, of that county, and a daughter of Peter Lennartz. Returning to Henry County he worked at his trade during that year, and in the spring of 1871 he came to Montrose and bought the farm where he now resides. Mr. Witmer has a fine farm of 106 acres in section 24, just in the suburbs of the town, which is well improved. Since moving to this place, besides overseeing and attending to it, he has also been engaged in working at his trade, and is one of the best workmen in his line in Montrose. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church. They have a family of two children, Mollie and Willie G.

WITTIG, Karl
Fairview Township, Henry County
born: Apr 20 1858
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:602
Karl Wittig, a successful farmer of Fairview township, is a native of Wittenburg, Germany, born April 20, 1858. He is a son of Frederick Wittig, who was a native of the home land and spent his life in her environs. Karl Wittig received his education under the parental room and in the schools of his native land. In his early manhood he learned the blacksmith trade and upon his arrival in Seneca County, Ohio, in 1880, he was employed in this trade. He also worked as a farm hand, and thus prepared himself for his work as an owner of his own land. In 1883 he homesteaded 160 acres in Morton County, North Dakota, proving up on the same and made the necessary improvements. In 1889 he sold his homestead and moved to Cowley County, Kansas, where he rented land until he came to Henry County, Missouri. He purchased 120 acres of land in 1894 and has added to his land holdings as he was able, and now owns 239 acres of valuable land. The marriage of Karl Wittig and Katherine Staib was solemnized in Seneca County, Ohio, September 9, 1883. Mrs. Wittig was born in Seneca County, Ohio, March 24, 1852, the daughter of Jacob and Katherine (Hauck) Staib, who were natives of Germany and came to America in 1836. Mr. Staib was employed in the clearing of the timber and brush in the natural timber of Seneca County. He spent his life in that county and he and his wife both died and are buried there. Mr. and Mrs. Wittig are the parents of seven children, as follows: Theodore, lives in California; Fred, of Mansfield, Washington; Nettie, at home; Robert, a soldier in the National Army in France; Alma, wife of Lloyd Sanders of Fairfield township; Anna, deceased (Alma and Anna were twins); Albert, at home. Mr. Wittig is a breeder of the Aberdeen Angus cattle and the Poland China hogs. His herd of pure bred hogs is favorably known in his locality and he raises them in great numbers. He is a stockholder of the Farmers Bank of Deepwater, Missouri. Mr. Wittig votes the Democratic ticket and has served on the township board two terms. He has also been school director for fifteen years of district No. 89. He and his family are members of the Reformed Lutheran Church.

WITZEL, John
Deepwater Township, Henry County
born: Aug 22 1835
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:442
John Witzel. The two greatest fishermen in the southern part of Henry County are John Witzel and his long time friend, Joseph H. Wilson. These two old settlers have spent many happy days in fishing for the finny denizens which are plentiful in the Deepwater River and even now, when age has come upon them, they love to take hook and line and spend a long summer day in angling for the watery denizens. In the early days Mr. Witzel also liked to hunt and remembers shooting a deer while working in a field. Despite the fact that the deer got away he is practically certain that he shot the animal, which was afterwards chased by dogs and fell dead in a neighbor's yard. John Witzel of Germantown was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1835, and is the son of Martin and Mary Elizabeth Witzel, both of whom died in Germany. John Witzel emigrated from his native country to America in June, 1866, and arrived at St. Louis when the cholera epidemic was raging in that city. He labored in that city for day wages until 1869 and then came to Henry County, where he rented a farm situated three miles southwest of Germantown. He purchased his home farm in 1881 and the place has been beautified until it is one of the pretty farmsteads in the county. For some years he and his son-in-law, Mr. Cook, farmed the place together and during that time many improvements were made of a substantial nature. Mr. Witzel is owner of seventy-seven acres of land. On June 2, 1868, John Witzel and Elizabeth Kloer were united in marriage. Mrs. Elizabeth Witzel was born March 7, 1848, in Germany, the daughter of Theodore Kloer, who immigrated to America in 1852. Both of Mrs. Witzel's parents died when she was but a child at their home near Cape Girardeau, Missouri. To John and Elizabeth Witzel were born children as follow: Frances, wife of J. H. Puthoff, Deepwater township; Mary, wife of August Schepers, a farmer near Montrose, who has three children: Joseph, Lizzie and Anton; Josephine, wife of Henry Cook, who died at the Witzel home February 14, 1915. Mrs. Frances Puthoff has five children: Norbit, Clements, Lizzie, Agnes and Josephine. On June 2, 1918, Mr. and Mrs. Cook celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at their home near Germantown. Over forty people were in attendance. Mr. Witzel is an independent Democrat and he and his wife are members of the Germantown Catholic Church. He is one of the best respected and highly esteemed old settlers of this section of Henry County.

WONACOTT, P. B.
Washington Township, St. Clair County
born: 1853, Cass Co, IL
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1198
P. B. WONACOTT, school teacher, was born in Cass County, Illinois, in 1853, and was the son of K. B. Wonacott, who was married in 1841 to Margaret Bell, of Virginia. They were the parents of eight children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the eighth in number. He remained at home until at the age of twenty-three years, when he entered school at Weaubleau Institute, remaining there for two years, and then left thoroughly prepared for the duties of teaching. On May 9, 1848, Mr. W. married Miss Nannie J. McConnell, daughter of Joseph McConnell. They have two children, Maggie and Lawson. He is a Greenbacker in his political faith and a member of the M. E. Church. He is at present teaching school in this township.

WOODALL, I. M.
Osceola Township, St. Clair County
born: 1845, St. Clair Co, MO
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1102
I. M. WOODALL, county treasurer and one of the most worthy and popular officials of St. Clair County, was born in St. Clair County, Missouri, in May, 1845, and was the son of Christopher Woodall, of Virginia, who came to this state in 1840. The mother of I. M. was formerly Margaret Simms, who was born in Virginia, and died in 1847. Mr. W. died in 1858. They left six children, of whom our subject is the youngest. He made the best use of his limited opportunities for acquiring an education in youth. He now owns a farm of 265 acres on section 21, in Collins Township. He was collector under the township organization, and has been a leading citizen in the township and county for many years. In 1882 he was elected county treasurer, and entered upon the duties of his office January 1, 1883. He enlisted in the Fifteenth Missouri Cavalry, Company M. for two years, and was mustered out at Springfield, Missouri, July 17, 1865. Mr. Woodall married Miss Minnie Fletcher in 1867. She was the daughter of Nathan and Sarah (Barnett) Fletcher, of Georgia. They have four children: John D., William, Sarah Margaret and James Francis. Mr. W. is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist Church.

WOODARD, John
Windsor Township, Henry County
born: Sep 5 1816, Randolph Co, NC
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:603
John Woodard, the owner of a fine farm of 415 acres, located about two miles north of Windsor, was born September 5, 1816, in Randolph County, North Carolina, acquiring his education in the common schools of that locality. His father was born in May of 1792, in Virginia, and his mother in 1780, in Randolph County, North Carolina. They were married in 1812, and to them were born five children, three daughters and two sons, of whom there are living two sons and two daughters. They emigrated from North Carolina in 1819, locating in Howard County, Missouri, where he purchased 160 acres of land remaining there until 1840, and then coming to Henry County. They settled near Windsor and resided there until death. Mr. Woodard died in 1859 and his widow in 1877. He left a large estate to be divided among his children. John Woodard had visited Henry County, then Rives, in 1836, pre-empting 160 acres in his own name, which is still a part of his possessions. About this time he was married. In 1859 he bought 140 acres in this county, and in 1866 he added 115 acres, lying in Johnson County, near or adjoining. Mrs. W. departed this life April 13, 1881. Some time ago Mr. Woodard's generous nature prompted him to aid a supposed friend, in consequence of which he became a heavy loser, yet he still has an excellent farm, and is now known as one of the honest and substantial men of this locality. He handles stock to quite an extent. His political views are Democratic.

WOODS, James
Clinton Township, Henry County
born: Mar 9 1841, Greene Co, PA
Source:1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg Pg:552
James Woods, harness maker, came originally from Greene County, Pennsylvania, where he was born March 9, 1841. He lived there till four years old, at which time his parents removed to Ritchie County, West Virginia, where he was reared and educated. He was engaged in farming till July, 1861; then enlisted in Company K, Third Virginia Infantry, United States Army, with which he served till November, 1863. He was wounded above the knee at the battle of Droupe Mountain, and a short time afterward was taken prisoner by the Confederate forces and held as such till liberated by the Federals in December, 1863. He was then taken to Beverly Hospital and remained therein till September, 1865, when he returned home. In 1866 he was elected treasurer of Ritchie County, discharging the duties of that office till June, 1868, when he resigned and came to Henry County, Missouri. After farming for one year he learned the harness trade with William Hoppe, remaining with that gentleman till September, 1872. He followed the same trade with different firms in the city till October, 1877. In the spring of 1878 he went to Waterloo, Iowa; resided there till October of that year; then returned here and in December, 1878, embarked in his present business. Mr. Woods was married October 17, 1870, to Miss Maggie Flanaghan, a native of Virginia. They have one child, Kate. In 1877 he held the office of clerk of Clinton Township. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church.

WOODSON, Chesley G.
Walker Township, Henry County
born: Feb 25 1837
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:328
Chesley G. Woodson. Nearly four score years have elapsed since Chesley G. Woodson of Walker township was brought to Henry County by his parents. Far back in 1839 this county was largely an unpeopled waste with here and there a lone settler's cabin in the timber tracts along the streams. The nearest trading point was Boonville, on the Missouri River, or Jefferson City. The pioneers of those faraway days would drive to either of these cities with ox teams and the trip required a week's time in the making. For a long time the pioneers would of necessity have their milling done at Boonville or Jefferson City until Cook's mill was erected on Grand River. During the days of his young manhood, Chesley Woodson shot many deer and wild turkeys and he recalls that his father killed a bear on Bear Creek. Various settlers operated grist mills by horse power and some of them ground their corn meal by hand. The main commodity which the settlers had to sell were hides and furs. These they would take to Boonville and exchange for salt and groceries sufficient to last for several months. Mr. Woodson has a distinction which few men possess. He served in both armies during the Civil War, having first enlisted in the Confederate Army and later through force of circumstances over which he had no control he was compelled to serve in the Union Army. Mr. Woodson was born on February 25, 1837, in Hancock County, Kentucky, and is the son of Shadrich and Agnes (Gates) Woodson, the former of whom was born in Virginia and the latter in Kentucky. Shadrich Woodson came to Missouri in 1838 and after a year's residence in Johnson County he came to Henry County and entered a tract of Government land in Walker township. He cut and hewed the logs for his two room cabin and spent the remainder of his days on the farm which he broke up and placed in cultivation. He was a hunter and killed a great deal of game which was very plentiful in those early days. He died December 4, 1852, at his home in Walker township. Of the children born to Shadrich Woodson and wife three are living: Jonathan, residing with Adam H. Woodson, his nephew; Mrs. Elizabeth Steele, who makes her home with William Steele in Walker township, and Chesley G., subject of this review. Chesley G. Woodson was reared to young manhood under primitive conditions and enjoyed the frontier life to the utmost. He grew up a strong and sturdy lad who was skillful with axe or gun and knew how to till the soil. He served for two years in the Southern Army during the war between the States and after his term of service expired he went to St. Louis. While in that city he became a member of the 87th Missouri Regiment of the Federal Army under Capt. A. J. Smith and served for one year with the Union forces. After the expiration of his term of service he returned home. After his marriage he settled down to active farm life and accumulated a total of one hundred sixty-six acres. Of late years Mr. Woodson has retired from active farm life and is now making his home with his son, Adam H. Woodson. The marriage of Chesley G. Woodson and Mary Ann Harness took place on March 1, 1866. Mrs. Mary Ann (Harness) Woodson was born in Franklin County, Missouri, February 10, 1839, and was a daughter of Adam Harness, a pioneer of Henry County, concerning whom an account is given elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Woodson died on March 31, 1898. The following children were born to Chesley G. and Mary Ann Woodson: Chesley A., deceased; Nancy Agnes, deceased; Adam H., and Mary Elizabeth, wife of J. M. Hull, a biography of whom is given in this volume. Adam H. Woodson was born February 7, 1869, and has achieved a splendid success as an agriculturist in Walker township. He is owner of three hundred twenty-four acres of well improved farm land upon which he has placed all of the buildings and fencing. Mr. Woodson has resided upon his farm for the past thirty years. He is a Democrat in his political faith as is his father, and has served as school director of his district. The other members of the Woodson household are Chester D. Hull and wife, nee Olga Robinson, who are keeping house for Adam H. Woodson. Mr. Hull was born August 29, 1894, the son of J. M. Hull of Davis township. He was married September 26, 1917, to Olga Robinson, the daughter of Thomas and Mary (Moreland) Robinson.

WOOLF, John J. C.
Dallas Township, St. Clair County
born: 1817, Caldwell Co, KY
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1171
JOHN J. C. WOOLF was born in Caldwell County, Kentucky, on the 20th of June, 1817, his father being Alfred Woolf, of the same county, born July 26, 1784. He was married in 1812, his wife, a Kentuckian by birth, having been born in 1786. John J. C. Woolf was united in marriage in 1836 to Miss Ellen Bigs, a daughter of Elisha Bigs, of the same county as himself. Soon after emigrating to Missouri, he located near Warsaw, Benton County, and upon living there for two or three years, in 1840 came to St. Clair County and settled, where he now resides, upon Weaubleau Creek. By his first marriage he had one child, a son, Henry Clay, now living in Livingston County. He was married a second time, in St. Clair County. to Miss Elizabeth Stealy, daughter of Jack Stealy, July 20, 1840. His third wife was Sealy M. Wade, to whom he was married in 1876. In 1856 Mr. Woolf purchased a mill on Weaubleau, known as Woolf's Mill, and successfully operated it during the war and after for twenty years. During the course of the civil war he remained neutral, taking no part on either side, and by his uniform courtesy and gentlemanly bearing was unmolested. He is now the owner of 1,080 acres of very fine land situated in the bottoms of Weaubleau.

WRIGHT, Benjamin Franklin
Clinton, Clinton Township, Henry County
born: Aug 14 1864
Source:1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg Pg:628
B. F. Wright, a successful grocer located on West Allen street in Clinton, is a native son of Missouri. He was born in Pettis County in 1864 and is a son of Jefferson and Martha J. (Emery) Wright, both also natives of Pettis County and descendants of Pioneer families of Missouri. The father died in Pettis County in the prime of life and his widow married Samuel Wilson, who is now deceased, and she resides in Duarte, California. B. F. Wright was reared and educated in Pettis County and was engaged in farming and stock raising until 1900. In 1901 he came to Clinton and entered the employ of George Wert, and after remaining with him two years, he was employed by Charley Markle in his grocery and feed store for four years, William Leonard buying Markle's grocery. He still remained with the firm for four more years. In 1915 he engaged in the grocery business for himself at his present place of business on West Allen street. He began with limited capital and borrowed some, and gradually increased his stock. Although his aim has never been to carry an unusually large line, but by close attention to business and square dealing he has built up a large trade and prospered. Since engaging in business he has built a comfortable residence, where he now resides, and also five other residences which he rents. Mr. Wright was married in 1891 to Miss Millie May Roberts of Pettis County, Missouri. She is a daughter of Zachariah and Ella (Ramey) Roberts of Lamonte, Pettis County, Missouri. Mrs. Wright's parents are both deceased. The father died when Mrs. Wright was four years of age and her mother died eight years later. Thus Mrs. Wright was left an orphan at on early age. She was reared by an aunt, Mrs. E. K. Canaday. She received her education in the public school at Lamonte, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Wright have one little daughter, Laura Etta Wright, who is nine years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Wright are deserving of the success which they have made of their mercantile venture. They strive to please their vast number of customers and from the continual growth of their business, the only conclusion is that their methods meet with public approval.

WRIGHT, C. W.
Jackson Township, St. Clair County
born: 1851, Washington Co, KY
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1157
C. W. WRIGHT, merchant at Iconium, is a native of Washington County, Kentucky, and was born August 14, 1851, being the son of Nathaniel and Elizabeth Wright, who were married October 11, 1831. The former was born October 14, 1806, and the latter October 11, 1813, and they were the parents of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, of whom all but one son are living. C. W. Wright attended the State Normal Institution at Warrensburg, Johnson County, Missouri, where he received a good education, and after leaving the school was engaged in teaching for a few terms. In 1877 he accepted a situation as salesman at Lowry City, the style of the firm being J. P. Wright & Co., in which capacity he served for three years. Being desirous of engaging in business on his own account, he selected a site, and for eighteen months has been enjoying a fine general merchandise trade, in the southern part of this township. His present place of business was opened January 6, 1882. His stock is a complete one, and he richly merits the success which has thus far attended his career. He is acting as magistrate and is very popular in this community.

WRIGHT, Edwin
Speedwell Township, St. Clair County
born: 1840, Licking Co, OH
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1210
EDWIN WRIGHT, farmer and stock deafer, section 5, was born in Licking County, Ohio, June 10, 1840. His parents were William S. and Samantha (Stedman) Wright, natives of Massachusetts. A colony had emigrated from Granville, Massachusetts, and located in Licking County, Ohio, when William Wright was about six years of age, hence the name of Granville, Ohio. Edwin was reared and educated in his native county, and there engaged in farming till 1859, when he came to St. Clair County, Missouri, where he resided till 1861, then returning to Ohio. He went from there with a number of men and enlisted in Company D, Thirteenth Missouri, which was afterward changed to the Twenty-second Ohio. He remained in service fourteen months, holding the position of corporal. In the fall of 1863 he went to Coles County, Illinois, and in the summer of 1865 came to St. Clair County, Missouri, where he has since followed his present occupation, having a landed estate of 880 acres. His farm is one of the best improved in this vicinity, and upon it is located a commodious and convenient residence, and one of the best barns in the county. On his farm is a number of medical springs, equal to those of Eldorado, his nearest trading point. He has also a very fine stone quarry equal to any in the state. July 27, 1864, Mr. Wright was married to Miss Fannie Bartlett, a native of Indiana. She was born in February, 1843, being a daughter of Charles and Emeline Bartlett, the former of New Hampshire and the latter of Kentucky. The family of Mr. and Mrs. W. consists of three children, Charles E., Maud and George S.

WRIGHT, George W.
Butler Township, St. Clair County
born: 1844, Washington Co, KY
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1188
GEORGE W. WRIGHT, merchant at Lowry City, is a native of Washington County, Kentucky, and was born July 4, 1844, being the son of Morgan Wright, a Kentuckian by birth, whose father, William P. Wright, was one of the pioneers of Kentucky, and a revolutionary soldier. The mother of George W., formerly Elizabeth Hickerson, was also born in Kentucky. The subject of this sketch was the sixth of a family of nine children. He grew to manhood on his father's farm, and was educated in the common schools. In October, 1861, he enlisted in Morgan's company, and was in the service until 1863. After this he returned to Kentucky and followed farming until 1865, when he began the study of medicine with Dr. J W Wright. He read with him one year, and then attended one course of lectures at Miami Medical College at Cincinnati. Returning to Kentucky he remained until 1870, when he came to St. Clair County, Missouri. In 1871 he built the first business house in Lowry City, and engaged in trade. He carries a full stock of drugs, groceries, etc., and is doing a good business. He is also proprietor of tile Wright House, an excellent hotel. Mr. W. was township clerk six years. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity. November 21, 1872, he married Miss Jennie G. Shinn, of this county. They have three children, Lillia, Minnie M. and Franklin P.

WRIGHT, James Polk
Butler Township, St. Clair County
born: 1844, Washington Co, KY
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1188
JAMES POLK WRIGHT, M.D., was born in Washington County, Kentucky, December 23, 1844. His parents were Nathaniel and Matilda (Moore) Wright, natives of Virginia. James Polk grew to manhood in his native county and there received the advantages of the common schools. He was engaged in farming till 1866, when he embarked in merchandising in High Grove, Kentucky, and at the same time was occupied in reading medicine with his brother, Dr. J. W. Wright. After this he was graduated from the medical department of the University of Louisville, Kentucky. In 1871 he located at Lowry City, where he has since been interested in the practice of his profession, and he is recognized as being one of the leading citizens of that vicinity. He Is also the senior member of the firm of J. P. Wright & Co., merchants of Lowry City. He belongs to the Baptist Church, and also to the Masonic fraternity. December 14, 1879, Dr. W. was married to Miss Emma Hubner, a native of Ohio. They have one child: Walter E.

WRIGHT, John W.
Jackson Township, St. Clair County
born: 1836, Washington Co, KY
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1157
DR. JOHN W. WRIGHT, was born December 20, 1836, in Washington County, Kentucky. His father, Nathaniel Wright, was born October 14, 1806, and on October 11, 1831, married Miss Elizabeth Parker, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Parker, she was born October 11, 1813, in Culpeper County, Virginia. John W., the second child and oldest son in the family, received a good education in youth, attending the Georgetown College at Georgetown, Kentucky, where he graduated in the class of 1861. Entering the Medical College of Kentucky at Louisville, he graduated in 1863, and in 1864 was a graduate from the Louisville University, having been a member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of that institution. He first commenced the practice of his profession at Louisville, but after remaining there one year, went to High Grove in 1865, where he had an extensive patronage for four years. April 1, 1868, he married Miss Amanda Rouse, a daughter of William A. and Amanda Rouse, of Bullitt County, Kentucky, and they have two daughters: Nancy A., born April 19, 1869, and Matilda B., born August 28, 1875. In 1870 Dr. W. purchased a tract of eighty acres of land in Jackson Township, St. Clair County, Missouri, and devoted some attention to agricultural pursuits and the raising of stock. He added, from time to time to his original purchase until he is now the owner of 1,200 acres of excellent land, several hundred acres of which are under fence and well adapted for fine stock raising to which he is giving considerable interest. In 1880 he represented this county in the state legislature and since his return has resumed his practice, which is very extensive and constantly on the increase. The doctor is a man well versed in his profession, kind and gentle to the sick and affable in his manners. He belongs to both the A. F. & A. M. and A. O. U. W. fraternities. Politically he is Democratic.

WRIGHT, Nathaniel P.
Polk Township, St. Clair County
born: 1849, Washington Co, KY
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1165
NATHANIEL P. WRIGHT, M.D., a native of Washington County, Kentucky, was born May 1, 1849, and was the son of Nathaniel Wright of the same county. born October 14, 1806, who on October 11, 1831, married Miss Elizabeth Parker, who was born in Culpeper County, Virginia, October 11, 1813. Of their original family of twelve children eleven are now living: Elizabeth V., John W., Amanda F., Missouri, James K. P., Kitty H., C. W., Alice A., Anna E., Albert S., and of this number the subject of this sketch was the fifth son and eighth child. One son, Thomas J., a graduate of the medical college at Louisville, died in his native state. Nathaniel P., was educated at his birthplace, and also an attended the medical college at Louisville, where he graduated in the class of 1875-76. In 1868 the senior Wright, with his family, emigrated to St. Clair County, Missouri, settling first in Jackson and later in Polk Township. The Doctor was married November 1, 1876, to Marietta Sheldon, daughter of Albert B. and Eliza (Gardner) Sheldon, of this township, They have three children: Leo S., born December 6, 1877; Julia, born August 27, 1879; and Ethel, born January 9, 1882. Though commencing his practice against a strong and well established competition. Dr. Wright has met with flattering success, and to a patronage which he richly deserves, it extending beyond the limits of St. Clair County, into Hickory and Benton. The first mill in this locality was erected on a part of his present farm. He owns 350 acres of land and has had great success in the raising of wheat. He is a member of the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Henry County, and also belongs to the A. F. & A. M., and A. O. U. W. fraternities. Politically he is a Democrat. His wife is connected with the M. E. Church, South, of Bear Creek.

WRIGHT, William P.
Jackson Township, St. Clair County
born: 1830, Lincoln Co, MO
Source:1883 History of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co. Pg:1156
REV. WILLIAM P. WRIGHT, pastor of the Wright Creek Baptist Church, was born in Lincoln County, Missouri December 15, 1830, his parents being William Wright, originally of Washington County, Kentucky, born in 1808, and Ann (Thomas) Wright, also a Kentuckian by birth, born in 1812. They were married in 1830, and have seven children living: William P., Elizabeth P., Morgan, Martin V., Nancy J., Milton F., and Henry F. One son, Thomas J., died in June, 1875. Coming to Missouri the senior Wright settled in Lincoln County in 1830, and after remaining there four years moved to this county (then Rives) and located in Jackson Township, where he entered eighty acres of land from the government. In 1840 selling out he bought 160 acres in Butler Township, but disposed of this in 1849 and purchased eighty acres in this township, where he remained until his death, February 15, 1854. Mrs. Wright, after being a widow for two years, married James Addington, of this county, and died in 1867. The subject of this sketch when a boy had limited advantages for acquiring an education, and being a great lover of books he was determined to prepare himself for a life of usefulness. While applying his mind to mathematics and somewhat to the sciences, he took a deep interest in the study of the Bible, and later became well versed in its truths and doctrines, which he at once put in practice. He was licensed to preach in 1854, and in 1855 was ordained a Baptist preacher by Revs. Peter Brown and James Cole, of this county. Since his ordination he has been pastor of different churches, and has been occupied in missionary work, in the old path association. His farm in section 8 contains 160 acres. He is actively engaged in farming and has done much surveying, being well learned in the principles of that science. His wife and five of his children are members of Wright Creek Church. Mr. W. married Miss Elizabeth Crabtree, of Benton County, December 18, 1850. They have eight children living: Columbus born October 24, 1851, and died August 31, 1852, Missouri A., Andrew E., W.