BIOGRAPHIES
From
GOODSPEED'S HISTORY of JEFFERSON COUNTY

SAPPINGTON - ZIMPFER

A - B | C - G | H - L | M - R | S - Z

Back to Goodspeed's Jefferson County History

Page 946, continued

Dr. Wallace L. Sappington, practicing physician and surgeon, residing one and onefourth miles north of Maxville, on the Gravel road, was born at Sappington, St. Louis County, Mo., in 1861. He is the son of Thomas J. and Helen (Leffingwell) Sappington. The father was also born at Sappington, where he has lived all his life, and is now about fiftysix years old. He is one of the practical and enterprising farmers and stockraisers of St. Louis County, is one of its prominent citizens and active politicians, a lifelong Democrat, and an ardent advocate of low tariff. He was a stanch Union man during the late war, in which he served in the Enrolled Missouri Militia. He received a good commonschool education, and graduated from the high school of St. Charles. He is a great reader of history and all works of general interest, and has, by his own efforts, obtained considerable knowledge of the outside world. His fine farm consists of 600 acres, and is well improved and well cultivated. He has been twice married; his second wife, Julia Lefflngwell, cousin of his first wife, is still living. John Sappington, grandfather of Wallace L., came to Missouri when St. Louis was a mere French trading post, and the surrounding country a vast wilderness full of Indians and wild animals. He established a tannery where Sappington now stands, and followed the business for many years, the town being named in his honor. He owned a vast tract of land in the neighborhood, which was left to his two sons and three daughters. He was a man of considerable influence and ability, and was one of the county's first settlers. The Doctor's mother was born in Pennsylvania, and when a girl came to Missouri with her brother, Hon. Hiram Leffingwell, who served as United States marshall for the Eastern District of Missouri, under Gen. Grant's administration. She died when the subject of this sketch was about ten years old. The Doctor was reared at home and educated at Kirkwood High School. He began his medical studies with Dr. Henry F. Steinhauer, for three years, and was also three years at the St. Louis Medical College, from which institution he graduated in 1881. He then began his practice in the vicinity of Maxville, where he has an extended and successful practice, and where he is considered one of the promising young physicians of Jefferson County. He was married in 1882 to Miss Anna, daughter of John L. and Margaret Sutton, and a native of St. Louis County, where her grandfather was one of the pioneer settlers. Her parents are still living at Sutton, a place named in honor of the grandfather, James
Page 047
The Doctor has one child, Sadie. He is a Democrat in his political views, and cast his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland, in 1884. He was formerly medical examiner of the A. O. U. W. of Sappington Lodge.

Henry S. Schmidt is engaged in general merchandising at Victoria. He is a native of Prussia, Germany, and was born April 24, 1824. His father was John Schmidt, now deceased, who was also a native of Prussia. Henry S. Schmidt immigrated to this country in 1845, and first located in New York city, where he remained about two years; he then went to Luzerne County, Penn., from there to Kalamazoo, Mich.. and in 1854 settled in Chicago, where he remained but one year. In 1858 he removed to St. Louis, and from there, in 1862, went to California, where he was engaged in mercantile business until 1887, when he located in Victoria, Jefferson Co., Mo., and established his present business. He carries a general stock of merchandise, and as a result of reasonable prices he is enjoying a large and growing trade. In 1853 he married Jennie Thomason; and of the seven children born to their union but three are living, viz.: Thomas. Harris and Rosa. Mr. Schmidt is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the I. O. O. F.

Judge Henry Seckman was born in Prussia in 1838, and is a prominent farmer and stockraiser of Rock Township. He is the only surviving child born to Moritz and Elizabeth Seckman who came to New Orleans in 1840 from there to Warren County, Mo., and one year later settled in Washington, Franklin County, where the father died, about 1852. The mother died at the home of her son Henry, in Jefferson County, about 1881. The father was a carpenter by trade. Henry Seckman was educated at the Washington schools, and also spent two years at the public schools in St. Louis. From 1875 he served five years as an apprentice at stairbuilding, which he followed from that time until 1871 on his own responsibility, meeting with good success, doing work in Kansas, Indiana, Tennessee. Missouri and other States. In 1861 he enlisted in Company A, of Fremont's Body Guard, and served until November of the same year, participating in the battle of Springfield. In 1863 he married Miss Elizabeth Reckman, a native of Galena, Ill., and the daughter of Francis and Mary Reckman. Her father was a native of Switzerland, who came to the United States when a young man, was married in St. Louis, but afterward moved to Galena, Ill., where he passed his last days. The mother then returned to St. Louis, and here died in 1862. Seven children was the result of Mr. Seckman's marriage, five of whom are now living: William, a carpenter of St. Louis; Viola, Frank, Warren and Edward. In 1884 Mr. Seckman was elected county judge of the First District and reelected in 1886,with a greatly increased majority, being the first Republican to hold that office for a good many years. He is a man of good judgment and ability, and an earnest worker for the welfare of the county and of the Republican party. His first presidential vote was for Lincoln. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Richard C. Shearlock, a boot and shoemaker, of Festus, was born in Kaskaskia, Ill., on October 26, 1833, and is the eldest of the ten children born to Timothy H. and Peliga (Montroy) Shearlock, who were of Irish and French descent, respectively. Richard C. received a limited commonschool education, and spent his life with his parents until his twenty-first year, during which time he learned the shoemaker's trade with his father, who carried on a tannery business in connection with manufacturing boots and shoes. From home, Richard C. went to Sparta, Ill., where he engaged in manufacturing three years, and the following three years drove a team to and from St. Louis.
Page 948
August 1, 1855, he married Mrs. Mary E. Bartell, who died in August, 1860, the mother of one child, also deceased. Mr. Shearlock is now living with his second wife, whose maiden name was Virginia Montreville, to whom he was married June 14, 1863. This marriage was blessed with the following children: Henry A., Robert C., Richard T., Mary E., William, one infant unnamed, and Florence, all of whom are deceased but the eldest and youngest. After leaving Sparta, Mr. Shearlock returned to his home on account of his father's death; he remained with his mother for about one year, and has since been engaged in various pursuits in different places. In 1881 he located in Festus and reengaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes, which he has continued up to the present time. Mr. Shearlock is a member of the I. O. G. T., and with his wife holds membership in the Presbyterian Church. In political faith he is a Democrat.

Nathan Slawson, of the firm of N. Slawson & Co., hardware dealers, of De Soto was born in Orange County, N. Y., in 1827, and is a son of Dr. William B. and Mary (Millspaugh) Slawson. The former is a descendant of one George Slawson, who came to America from Scotland and located in Salem. Mass. Dr. William B. Slawson was born in Orange County, N. Y., in 1805. His father and grandfather, named, respectively, Nathan and David Slawson, were soldiers of the Revolution. He received his medical education in Fairfield Medical College, and in 1831-32 commenced the practice of his chosen profession at Bloomingsburgh, Sullivan County; three years later he moved to Genesee County; from there went to Watkins, N. Y., returning to Genesee County in 1856, when he located at Batavia; he came to De Soto about 1880, but has not been engaged in the practice of medicine for the past twenty-eight years. Mrs. Mary Slawson was of Dutch descent and was born in Orange County, N. Y., in 1803; she died in 1871, the mother of twelve children, five of whom are living, Nathan being the second. The latter was educated in the common schools, and at the age of seventeen commenced to learn the tinner's trade in Batavia; he worked three years as an apprentice and nine years as journeyman. In 1856 he married Miss Anzolette Cowden, a native of Genesee County, N. Y., born in 1831. The young couple settled in Fall River, Wis., where Mrs. Slawson died in 1858, leaving one child, Augustus F. In 1864 Mr. Slawson married Miss Phoebe M. Shepard, also a native of Genesee County, N. Y. To this union one child was born, Jennie Elnora. In 1865 Mr. Slawson returned to Genesee County, N. Y., and in 1867 came to De Soto, where he bought property and engaged in the culture of small fruits. In 1875, in partnership with his son, he established his present business, which is the oldest hardware firm in De Soto. They carry a first-class stock of hardware, stoves, tin, sheet iron and copper wares, etc., and are highly esteemed by customers and friends. In politics Mr. Slawson has been a lifelong Democrat, casting his first presidential vote for Gen. Cass in 1848. In 1881 he served as city collector of De Soto. He also served as mayor of the city a short time, having been elected in 1886 to fill a vacancy. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

Thomas Smith, foreman of the casting department of the Plate Glass Works at Crystal City, is a native of Stratford, on the Avon, England, born in 1837, and the second of five sons and three daughters born to Leonard and Elizabeth (Care) Smith, who spent their entire lives in England, the father engaged in the brewery business. Thomas left the parental roof at the age of eleven, and spent three years at such work as he could find. He then remained at home for about two years, after which he found employment at London, and later at
Page 949
Birmingham. In 1861 he came to the United States, but after working in various places until April, 1864, then returned to England, coming again to America, however, in November of the same year. Landing at New York, he made his way to Pittsburgh, started to work in an iron establishment, went thence to Chicago and accepted a situation as a section foreman on the Michigan Central Railroad. He later located at St. Louis, and afterward at Crystal City, where he worked several months, and was then made foreman of the digging and hauling department of the Crystal Plate Glass Works, and three years later was made foreman of the casting department, which position he has since held with credit to himself and to his employers. There are now between 800 and 900 employed, and he is one of only two who have been employes of the works since its origin. He was married, in 1873, to Mrs. Elizabeth Bills, daughter of John and Mary Ann Pass, natives of Yorkshire, England, but who came to the United States in 1867. They lived for some time in Boston, Mass., but moved from there to Toronto, Canada, and in 1872 came to Crystal City, where they kept hotel--the first one in the place. Mr. Pass died in 1878, and Mrs. Pass in 1876. The result of Mr. Smith's marriage were the births of two children: Martha and Mary. Mrs. Smith's first husband, Stephen Bills, was born in Manchester, England, and was married in London about 1863. Two years later they came to the United States, and he was engaged as a commercial traveler. He died in Toronto, Canada, in 1871. Mrs. Smith has made eight trips across the ocean. Mr. Smith is a member of the American Legion of Honor, is conservative in his political views, and is an honest, upright citizen. He and wife are members of the Episcopal Church. He has frequently been in the house in which Shakespeare was born.

Romain Spitz, farmer of Rock Township, and the only child of Dominique and Elizabeth (Loos) Spitz, was born in Alsace, France, in 1824. His parents were born in 1796 and 1777, respectively. They were married about 1821, and in 1853 came to the United States. The mother died while en route from New Orleans to St. Louis, and was buried in the State of Mississippi. The father and son came on to Jefferson County, and settled on Sugar Creek, three miles south of Fenton, where the father died in December, 1854. Romain secured a good education in the common schools, and came with his father to Jefferson County, where he was married (1853) to Miss Magdalena Flothau, a native of Lorraine, France, born in 1826. After her marriage she came with Mr. Spitz to the United States, and here three children were born to their union, viz.: Otto, Romain and George. Mrs. Spitz died in 1861, and in 1862 Mr. Spitz married Miss Catherine Rush, who bore him three children: Henry (deceased), Louis and Paul. Mr. Spitz has lived on the tract on which his father first settled ever since he has been in Jefferson County. He now has 180 acres under a good state of cultivation, and is an industrious, enterprising citizen. He is an ardent advocate of universal education, a member of the Catholic Church, and a Republican in politics, casting his first vote for Lincoln, in 1860. Previous to coming to America, and from 1845 to 1852, he was a soldier in the French Revolution, in 1848-49, under King Louis Philippe and under Napoleon III.

P. Steinman, dealer in meats, game and poultry, in De Soto is a native of Hancock County, Ohio, was born in 1847, and is a son of Peter and Mary Steinman. Peter Steinman was born in Germany about 1820, and came to America. with his parents, who settled in Pennsylvania; he was reared on a farm, which occupation he afterward followed. After his marriage he moved to Hancock County, Ohio, removing to De Soto, Mo., in 1870, and the following year locating in Gentry County, where he died in 1875, the father of thirteen children, of
Page 950
whom the subject of this sketch is the third. Mrs. Mary Steinman, who is of German descent, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1830. P. Steinman followed in the footsteps of his father until he grew to manhood, and at the age of nineteen commenced butchering; he came to De Soto with his parents in 1870, and for the past nine years has constantly been engaged at his trade. In 1885 he established himself in business, and keeps a first-class meat stand, having always on hand fresh and salt meats and poultry of various kinds. January 7, 1872, he married Miss Minnie Frazier, of Jefferson County. Mr. Steinman is conservative in politics, and is a member of the I. O. O. F.

John Theobald, proprietor of the Vienna Bakery and Confectionery, of De Soto, is a son of John George and Barbara (Martin) Theobald, and was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1838. John George Theobald, a cooper by trade, was born in 1800, and died in 1854. His wife was born in 1802, and died in 1858. They were the parents of nine children, of whom John was the seventh. At the age of seventeen the latter commenced learning the baker's trade, serving an apprenticeship of two years. He was subsequently enrolled and served four years in the regular army. In 1864 he came to this country, first settling in St. Louis, whence, in 1870, he removed to De Soto, and established his present business. In 1865 he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Heusner, a native of Germany, born in 1845. Mrs. Theobald died in January, 1873, leaving two children, John and Susie. In September, 1875, Mr. Theobald married Miss Susan Heusner, a niece of his first wife, who was born in Philadelphia, in 1852 and is the parent of six children, as follows: Lyda, Maggie, Helen, Willie, Eddie and Alfred. In politics Mr. Theobald is conservative. The family are members of the German Methodist Church.

William H. H. Thomas, senior member of the law firm of Thomas & Horine, at Hillsboro, is a native of Washington County, Mo., born June 10, 1839. His parents, James W. and Eliza (Johnson) Thomas, were natives of Virginia, where they were reared and married. In 1826 they removed to Washington County, Mo., where they remained until 1845, at which date they came to Jefferson County, on Big River, and here the father died the same year. The family afterward removed to Arcadia, in Iron County, for educational purposes. The mother died in Hillsboro in 1875. Both parents were, for many years, faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The father was well educated, and was a teacher by profession; was also justice of the peace for many years in Washington County, Mo. His father, John Thomas, was a Revolutionary soldier. William H. H. was reared principally by the filial care of a mother, and received his education at the common schools, and at J. C. Berryman's College, at Arcadia. Before finishing his education he took up the study of law, and was admitted to the bar before he was nineteen years of age. In 1858 he began his practice at Steelville, but in 1859 removed to Texas County, Mo., where he continued the practice of his profession until the breaking out of the late war. He then enlisted in Gen. Bride's recruiting command, and in the fall of 1862 was promoted to adjutant of J. D. White's regiment of M. M. Parson's brigade, Confederate States army, in which capacity he served with valor and credit until the close of the war, operating mostly in Arkansas, in the battles of Prairie Grove, Helena, and a great many minor engagements. He was severely wounded in the mouth, which disabled him from duty some months. In the spring of 1864 he was captured on the Arkansas River, taken to New Orleans, from there to Governor's Island, and then to Fort Delaware, where he was held a prisoner until May, 1865, and then released on parole. Mr. Thomas then went
Page 951
to Arkansas, where he farmed until 1867, after which he returned to Jefferson County, and has since made a successful career at his chosen profession, being a member of the most substantial and successful law firms in Jefferson County. From 1868 until 1880 he was a member of the firm of John L. Thomas & Bro. He was married in 1868 to Miss Rebecca A., daughter of Solomon and Sallie Brill, formerly of Virginia. Mrs. Thomas was born in Washington County, Mo., and to their marriage were born five children, all living. Mr. Thomas is a Democrat in his political belief, and cast his first presidential vote for S. A. Douglas in 1860. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

Capt. Charles B. Tilden, of one of the Missouri River Government improvement boats, with headquarters at St. Louis, was born in Kent County, Md., in 1835, and educated at Washington College, at Chestershire, Md., after which he spent about three years on Chesapeake Bay. In 1853 he came to St. Louis, where he accepted a position as civil engineer in preliminary survey of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad, which position he held for about four years, or until the road was completed to Pevely. He then went on the Missouri River as a pilot, remaining there until the outbreak of the late Civil War, when he and J. W. Kenneth raised a company of volunteers, in Jefferson County, for the Confederate army, and joined Gen. Thompson. After about two months Mr. Tilden resigned, and joined Gen. Price's army as a private, but was soon after promoted to the rank of first lieutenant of Gorham's Battery of artillery, of the Missouri State Guards. About a year later he was transferred to the Confederate service, and was made captain of Tilden's Missouri Battery. Prior to his raid through Southeast Missouri, Gen. Price recalled him, to follow him and take charge of the captured artillery, if there should be any. After the war the Captain returned to the river, where he was pilot, and commanded a great number of different boats, until 1884, since which time he has been in the Government service, as above stated, on the Missouri River, and has resided in Jefferson County. He was married in 1867 to Miss Mary Albertine, daughter of James L. and Cassandra A. Dunklin, and granddaughter of ex-Gov. Daniel Dunklin, one of the pioneer governors of Missouri. Mr. Dunklin was born in Washington County, but spent many years in Jefferson County as a well-to-do farmer and influential citizen. He moved to Mississippi in 1887, and intends making that his future home. Three sons and one daughter were born to Capt. Tilden's marriage, viz.: Mary S., Harry D., Alfonso J. and Charles B., Jr. He was reared a Whig, and cast his first vote for Filmore in 1856, since which time he has been a stanch Democrat. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. His parents, Hon. Charles B. and Elizabeth (Stewart) Tilden, were natives of Maryland, where they spent their entire lives, as did several generations before them, so far as is known. The father was a farmer, and spent several terms in the State Legislature.

Rev. David Q. Travis, pastor of the Congregational Church of De Soto, is a native of Trigg County, Ky., and was born October 16, 1857. His father was John W. Travis (deceased), who was born in Marshall County, Ky. David Q. Travis was reared on a farm and received his literary education at Eddyville Academy. He began preaching at Hopkinsville, Ky., in 1881, and the same fall was transferred to Marvin Chapel, St. Louis, thence in 1882 to Texarkana, on the line of the Texas & Arkansas Railroad. He subsequently took a course of two years at the Vanderbilt University, of Nashville, Tenn. In 1885 he was located at Foristell, St. Charles Co., Mo., and in 1886 assumed charge of the Union
Page 952
Congregational Church, of St. Louis. In July, 1887, he removed to his present pastorate in De Soto, where he has the welfare of his charge thoroughly at heart. Mr. Travis is a member of the I. O. G. T., and Literary Society of Kai Fai a college fraternity.

John W. Tully, engineer on the Iron Mountain Railroad, with headquarters at De Soto, is a native of Rome, N. Y., and was born January 15, 1851. His father was Henry Tully, also a native of Rome, N. Y. John W. Tully was reared and educated in his native place and before grown began work on the railroad as brakeman on the Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg Railroad. In 1874 he went to Keokuk, Iowa, and for nine months was employed as fireman on the Keokuk & Des Moines Railroad, and then went to Toledo, Ohio, and was engaged as a brakeman in the yards of the Pittsburgh & Fort Wayne Railroad two years, when he was promoted to yardmaster; he served in the latter capacity two years, and in April, 1877, located in De Soto. He was first employed as a brakeman on the Iron Mountain Railroad,and in 1878 was given a position as conductor of a freight train. In 1880 he went to Fort Worth, Texas, and for one year fired on the Texas & Pacific Railroad. Returning to De Soto, he again worked as a fireman on the Iron Mountain Railroad, until November 23, 1886, when he was promoted to the position of an engineer. January 7, 1882, Mr. Tully was united in marriage with Minnie E. Downing, who died March 26, 1885, leaving two children Flora and Maude. Mrs. Tully was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Tully is a member of the A. O. U. W., and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.

Charles Frank Vaughn, a farmer of Central Township, Jefferson County, was born near his present home, October 25, 1854, and is the only child of William and Caroline (Lee) Vaughn, the former a native of Southampton County, Va., who died in 1855. Mrs. Vaughn afterward married E. J. Parker, by whom she had one child, Caroline (deceased). Mrs. Parker died in February. 1874. C. F. Vaughn was reared on a farm, which occupation he has always followed with the exception of three years spent in the lead mines near Vineland. December 25, 1879, he married Annie E. Davis, a native of St. Louis, and a daughter of J. J. Davis, a steamboat captain. Mrs. Vaughn is a member of the Catholic Church. Mr. Vaughn owns 187 acres of land in Jefferson County, which he devotes to farming and stockraising.

Daniel B. Veazey, clerk of the circuit court of Jefferson County, was born in Rockingham County, N. H., January 4. 1842, and is the eldest in a family of four children born to Jonathan and Sarah J. (Barber) Veazey, natives of the same county, and born, respectively,about the years 1818 and 1819. The parents removed to Jefferson County about 1867, and settled in Plattin Township, where they still live; the father is of English descent, and has been a lifelong farmer. Daniel B. received a good education, attending Philip's Exeter Academy one year, and spending nearly two years at the New London Academy, a part of the time being engaged in teaching. In 1861 he enlisted in Company A, Third Regiment Vermont Volunteer Infantry, and served on detached service one year, on the engineer corps, in the Army of the Potomac; he then served one year as ordnance sergeant, when he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, in which capacity he served until after the battle of the Wilderness, when he was made assistant provost marshal, in the Second Division, Sixth Corps; he held the latter position until July, 1864, and upon his term of enlistment expiring he was discharged, having participated in every battle fought by that army. Upon his return home he spent another year at the Exeter Academy, and then took
Page 953
a course at the Commercial College, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He then spent a few months as traveling salesman for Samuel Page & Son, of Boston, and in 1866 went to St. Louis, where he engaged as a traveling salesman for the wholesale dry goods firm of W. H. Benton & Co., for one year. He then located in Jefferson County, where he farmed and taught school until 1874, and the following four years traveled for D. Appleton & Co. From 1878 to 1888 he was employed by Van Antwerp, Bragg & Co., and from 1884 to 1886 was principal of Crystal City public schools. He was elected clerk of the circuit court of Jefferson County, in 1886, which office he has since filled with credit to himself, and to the honor of his county. December 26, 1866, occurred his marriage to Miss Louise H., daughter of John Mackay, of Orange County, N. Y. To this union have been born five children. Mr. Veazey's ancestors were Whigs. He cast his first presidential vote, in 1864, for Lincoln, and has since been identified with the Republican party; he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the A. O. U. W., and belongs to the Baptist Church. Mrs. Veazey is an Episcopalian.

Alfred Vinyard, farmer, of Valle Township, was born in Bellevue Township, Washington Co., Mo., in 1828, and is the tenth of twelve children born to Peter and Lucy (Richardson) Vinyard, natives of Botetourt County, Va., where they were reared and married. In the winter of 1827 and 1828 they crossed the country with wagon and horses and came to Missouri. During their journey Mr. Vinyard was taken sick with the measles, and was compelled to remain for six weeks in Tennessee. He settled in the western part of Washington County, in the wilderness, but about a year later moved to Jefferson County and settled in Valle Township, where he died about 1844, at the age of sixty-three. He enlisted as a soldier in the War of 1812, but was not called into service. He was of German descent, a farmer, blacksmith and wagon-maker by occupation. He was also for some time justice of the peace of Valle Township, and his father was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. His people were formerly from Pennsylvania. The mother of Alfred died about 1854, at the age of sixty-eight. Alfred Vinyard was reared to manhood without any educational advantages, and worked for several years getting out railroad timber. In 1867 he married Mrs. Adelia Beron, daughter of John and Sarah Aubuchon, early settlers of Jefferson and Washington Counties, respectively. Mrs. Vinyard was born in the latter county, and became the mother of two children: Rosetta and David. Mr. Vinyard, since the war, has lived on his present farm, which consists of 790 acres, and is situated three miles southwest of Vineland, and is one of the leading farmers of the county. During the war he was in the employ of the Iron Mountain Railroad Company to furnish supplies, etc., and since then has devoted his attention to farming and wooding. He is, politically, a Democrat, and his first presidential vote was for Gen. Cass, in 1848. Mrs. Vinyard is a member of the Catholic Church. Our subject has just engaged in stock-raising, in partnership with Alexander W. Siegrist, the firm being Vinyard & Siegrist, stockraisers and farmers. Mr. Siegrist was born in St. Louis in 1864, and was educated at Smith's Academy. He then worked for his father, and was then in the butcher business for two years. In 1884 he came to Jefferson County, where he has since remained, and where he is, in partnership with Mr. Vinyard, engaged in the breeding of Holstein cattle and Berkshire hogs, having some of the finest of each breed in Jefferson County. Mr. Siegrist is the son of John H. and Mollie (Farrow) Siegrist, now of St. Louis, where they were married, and where they have lived for thirty years. The father is a wholesale and retail dealer in
Page 954
coal, but was formerly engaged in the clothing business in St. Louis. He was born in Lebanon, Penn., in 1829, and at the age of seventeen began teaching school. He came to St. Louis in about 1857. The mother was born in New Orleans in 1839, and came with her father, John Farrow, to St. Louis. Of their four children Alexander W. is the third.

J. E. Waggener, merchant at Rush Tower, and farmer, was born in Plattin Township, December 23, 1847, and was educated in the common country school by his own efforts. At the age of eighteen he assumed charge of the Oakland school, near where he was reared, and taught two terms with excellent success. In 1868 he began clerking in the store of B. F. & J. M. England. In a few years the firm had undergone several changes, but he was retained as clerk, and in 1871 became a partner, the firm title being J. E. Waggener & Co. In 1876 he married Miss Florence, daughter of Thomas L. and Mary Donnell, who are among the esteemed pioneers of Jefferson County, where Mrs. Waggener was born in 1855. She is an accomplished lady, and by her union to Mr. Waggener became the mother of four children, three now living: Oliver M., Thomas D. and Lillie Lee. In 1879 Mr. Waggener abandoned mercantile life, and removed to his farm of 170 acres, situated four miles southwest of Rush Tower, and known as the "Parker Farm." After living there three years his health became impaired, and he removed to Hematite, and again engaged in merchandising in partnership with B. C. Berry. In the spring of 1886 he returned to his farm, and soon after formed a partnership with J. S. Shannon, and has since been engaged in merchandising at Rush Tower, but lives on the farm, four miles away. He also has 120 acres two miles west of Rush Tower, which he holds for sale. All his property is the fruit of his own exertions. Mr. Waggener is a Democrat, and his first presidential vote was for Horatio Seymour in 1868. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He is the son of R. G. Waggener, a native of Culpeper County, Va., born July, 1797, and of Scotch descent. He was in the War of 1812, serving six months in the United States army. In 1816 or 1817 he went to Kentucky, and for twenty-five years was a pilot on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. He was pilot on the first line of steamers that ran from Louisville to New Orleans. In 135 he married Mary Moore, in Louisville, Ky., and in 1839 came to Jefferson County, where he settled near Rush Tower, and where he passed the remainder of his days as an enterprising citizen. He died January, 1885. The mother is still living on the old farm, and of the twelve children born to her marriage, nine are now living, and our subject is the sixth.

Charles Waldron, a farmer of Big River Township, was born in Suffolk County, Mass., in 1835, and is a son of Daniel B., and Drusilla (Parshlay) Waldron, natives of New Hampshire, the former a carpenter by trade; the latter died in 1855. Charles Roxbury was educated at Roxbury, now Boston, Mass., and, at the age of eighteen years, went to Davenport, Iowa, where he worked three years as an apprentice to the carpenter's trade and afterward as a journeyman until 1861, the last three years at Potosi, Washington Co., Mo. In 1861 he settled on Big River, close to the county line between Washington and Jefferson Counties, and began his career as a farmer. He rented land for eight or ten years, afterward purchased, and is now the owner of 985 acres, 665 in Jefferson County and 320 in Washington County, the greater portion of which lies in Big River bottom. He is one of the substantial farmers of the community, and in connection with farming is engaged in stock-raising. He also owns four houses and lots in De Soto. In 1866 he married Mrs. Mary Byron, nee Johnson,
Page 944
who is a native of Jefferson County, Mo., and was born in 1835. They have three children, William Daniel, Celia Jane and Margaret. Mrs. Waldron has two children by her first husband, Addie Melissa and George W. In politics, Mr. Waldron is a stanch and lifelong Democrat; he is a member of the A. O. U. W.

William H. Walker, dairyman and merchant, of De Soto, was born in Jefferson County, Mo., in 1839, and is a son of William G. and Elizabeth (Null) Walker. William G. Walker, a native of Tennessee, and of Scotch descent, came to Jefferson County, Mo., on horseback when twenty-one years of age; he entered 640 acres of land in Valle Township, three and one-half miles southeast of De Soto, and in connection with farming was engaged in merchandising on his farm; he sold goods four years, and in 1857 sold out to Hamilton Reppy, who moved the store to De Soto, in which place he was the first merchant. Mrs. Elizabeth Walker was a daughter of William Null, and died in 1860. In a family of nine children, William H. was the first child. He was reared on a farm, which occupation he followed until 1883; he owned 120 acres south of the old homestead, which he sold, and established a dairy in De Soto. The latter he has since successfully conducted, and keeps on an average twenty cows. In November, 1887 he engaged in merchandising in connection with his dairy business. In October, 1858, he married Miss Adeline, daughter of Robert McMullen, who was one of the pioneers of Jefferson County. Mrs.Walker was born in Jefferson County in 1839. To Mr. and Mrs. Walker nine children have been born, viz.: Cora, wife of George Cape; Ella, wife of John Hultz; Haddie, Mary, Katie, Georgia, Willie, Nellie and John. Mr. Walker served as alderman of De Soto three and one-half years, and as mayor six months. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, he is a Democrat.

Leonidas R. Walker, engineer on the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad, with headquarters at De Soto, was born in Valle Township, Jefferson County, December 6, 1844. His father was William Walker, a native of Tennessee, and one of the pioneers of Jefferson County, Mo.; he married Elizabeth Null, and of the nine children born to them, six are living: Ellen, now Mrs. Goff; Zoe, William H., James N., Caroline, now Mrs. Stewart, and Leonidas R. One son, Franklin, went to California when a youth, where he died. When Leonidas R. Walker was small he was taken by his parents to Arcadia, Mo. He received a common-school education, and in 1866 was employed as a brakeman on the railroad, being promoted to the position of engineer in 1870; he has had charge of his present engine, No. 426, for the past two years. May 9, 1871, he married Carrie Hamilton, daughter of George Hamilton (deceased). Mrs. Walker was born in St. Francois County, Mo. One child has been born to Mr. Walker and wife, named William L. Mr. Walker is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, a Select Knight of the A. O. U. W., and a member of the Masonic Fraternity,

H. Frederick Wappler, of De Soto, is a native of Bavaria, Germany, and was born March 8, 1841. His father was Henry Wappler, a native of the same place, now deceased. Mr. Wappler was educated in his native country and immigrated to the United States in the fall of 1866; he first located in Carondelet, where he remained until the fall of 1868, when he removed to Jefferson County, Mo., and was engaged in farming near Vineland for the following three years, paying particular attention to gardening and raising small fruits. In 1871 he settled in De Soto, where he has since resided. January 16, 1868, in St. Louis, he was united in marriage with Frederica Liehn, a native of the same locality in Germany as himself, and a daughter of Nicholas Liehn. Seven children
Page 956
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wappler, six of whom are living: Frederick, Katie, Louis, Augusta, Amelie and Eda. The deceased was Mary, who died in the fifth year of her age. Mr. Wappler is a member of the Knights of Honor and Druids, also the T. O. H. He was one of the prime movers in establishing the Lutheran Church of De Soto, of which he is a consistent member.

Capt. William H. Washburn, a retired farmer of De Soto, was born in what is now Jefferson County, Mo., before the State was admitted to the Union, October 20, 1820. His father was James Washburn, a native of Georgia, who settled in Missouri in 1810. William H. Washburn received his education in the old log schoolhouse, where the seats were made of split logs, and the desk consisted of a board upheld by pins in the wall, puncheon floor and a huge fireplace in one end of the room, with stick and clay chimney, and, under the eyes of the most exacting teachers, the pupils studied reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic. Mr. Washburn was reared on a farm, which occupation he has followed nearly all his life. During the late war he served as captain of Company B, Eightieth Missouri Militia, until the close of the struggle, participating in the battle of Locust Grove, on Black River, where six prisoners, forty-two horses and equipments, arms, ammunition, etc., were captured by Capt. Washburn and Lieut. Snell. Mr. Washburn had been engaged in railroad work some time prior to the war, and followed the same when off military duty. He subsequently engaged in farming, and still owns a farm of 120 acres in Central Township, Jefferson County. October 19, 1843, he married Malinda C., daughter of James Downing (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Washburn are the parents of the following children: Catherine (Mrs. S. A. Bage), Adaline (Mrs. J. W. Staples), Alice (wife of Perry Anderson), Emma (married Samuel A. Seat), George, W. L. and Levi P.; Samuel and Sarah J. (Beard) are deceased, and also two infants. Capt. Washburn served as road commissioner for several years, but has never sought official position. Mrs. Washburn has been a member of the Baptist Church for the past thirty years.

Freeman D. Waters, postmaster and general grocer and provision merchant, at Kimmswick, was born near the same in 1840, and is the son of Capt. George W. and Letitia (Israel) Waters, natives of Massachusetts and Philadelphia, Penn., respectively. The father was reared principally in New York, from which State he was admitted as a cadet to West Point Military Academy, and after finishing at that institution was assigned to the Sixth Regiment, commanded by Col. (afterward Gen.) Albert Sidney Johnston, and was assigned to the Western plains, where he was married in 1830. He remained in the service as captain until about 1837, when he located near Kimmswick, in Jefferson County, and here spent the remainder of his life engaged in agricultural pursuits. About 1838 he was appointed county surveyor, and served several years. In 1846 he was elected to the Legislature, which office he held at the time of his death, which occurred in 1847. He was of the Puritan New England stock, and a son of Amos Waters, who was also a native of Massachusetts, but moved to New York when the Captain was but a boy. The mother of Freeman D. was born in 1801, and died in 1885, in Jefferson County. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Freeman received his education at Kimmswick and at private schools in St. Louis County, and finished at the city schools at Buffalo, N. Y., in 1856 or 1857. From 1861 to 1863 he was a merchant at Bailey Station, and then for several years, until 1867, was clerking at Sulphur Springs, and in the meantime operated a store at Meramec Point, in Illinois, for some time. In 1867 he engaged in mercantile pursuits at Kimmswick, but was soon
Page 957
after made railroad agent and postmaster at that place, holding the former for seventeen years, and the latter office, at different periods, for thirteen years, the last since 1886. From 1878 to 1882 he was justice of the peace, and for twelve years has been notary public. Since about 1880 he has been in the grocery and provision trade. Although he has no children of his own, he takes a deep interest in the cause of education, and has for some years been a member of the school board. He is an earnest worker for the Democratic party, and his first presidential vote was cast for McClellan, in 1864. During the war he was a member of Company B, of the Enrolled Missouri Militia. In 1880 he was a delegate to the State Convention, and is a man much esteemed and respected by all who know him. Mrs. Waters is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and one of the leading teachers of the Sunday-school of that church.

John L. Weaver, farmer and ex-sheriff of Jefferson County, Plattin Township, was born in the same in 1844, and is the youngest of four children born to John W. and Isabella (Morris) Weaver. The father was born in Cape Girardeau County in 1811, and when about twenty-one years of age came to Jefferson County. He was married about 1834, and spent the remainder of his life near the line of Ste. Genevieve County, where he died in 1880. He was a man of considerable prominence, very generous, and a man of many friends and no enemies. He was for many years justice of the peace, giving good satisfaction. He served on several important commissions, and assisted in assessing the damages for the Iron Mountain Railroad. He was a prominent Mason, charter member of Joachim Lodge, which he was instrumental in organizing, it being the first lodge in Jefferson County. Both he and wife were members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Weaver was an exhorter and an active church worker. His father, John Weaver, was a German, and an early settler of Cape Girardeau when the country was a part of the Louisiana Territory. He followed keel-boating to New Orleans, settled at Charleston, Mississippi County, before the town was laid out, and owned the land upon which the town is now situated. The mother of John L. was born in Missouri, and died in 1857; she was her husband's senior by a few years. Mrs. Weaver came to Missouri with her mother, her father having died in Maryland. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. The subject of this sketch was educated in the pioneer style --log schoolhouses, dirt floors, slab seats, etc. In 1861 he served six months under Col. J. Thompson, in the Confederate army. In 1870 he married Miss Eddy A., daughter of Felix G. and Martha Poston, of Ste. Genevieve County, where the father is still living and where Mrs. Weaver was born. Four children, three of whom are living, were born to Mr. Weaver's marriage: Della K., Mattie I. and Olive P. Mr. Weaver lived on his farm, on the Mississippi River, one mile below Rush Tower, until 1876, when he was made deputy sheriff under John Williams, and served in that capacity for two years. He also occupied that position under T. J. Jones nearly four years, and during that time was public administrator, and was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Sheriff Jones. In 1882 he was elected to the office, which he held for two years. He remained in Hillsboro until 1886, when he returned to Rush Tower and in 1887 to his present farm (two miles below Rush Tower) of 250 acres, 150 bottom land, all the result of his own labor, working for $6 per month when a young man. and working from sun to sun. He is a Democrat in politics, and his first presidential vote was for Horatio Seymour, in 1868. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Thomas Welch, a general merchant of Vineland, Mo., was born in the
Page 958
State of New York, March 27, 1845. His father, James Welch, was a black smith by trade, and a native of Ireland. His parents both died when he was small, and he was brought up in St. Francois County, Mo., receiving his education in the subscription schools. His teacher was Eliza Carrollton, now of the Carrollton Institute, of Farmington, Mo. Mr. Welch was reared on a farm, and for six years was engaged in mining in the Valle Lead Mines, Missouri. In 1871 he settled on a farm in Valle Township, two miles west of Vineland, which he still conducts in connection with his store. He engaged in mercantile business at Vineland in October, 1881, and carries a full line of everything generally kept in a first-class general store. January 25, 1871, he married Elizabeth Blackwell, daughter of William Blackwell (deceased), a pioneer of St. Francois County. Mr. and Mrs. Welch have six children, viz.: Frances A., William C., Albert H., Barthlow T. George V. and Leslie L. Mr. Welch served as justice of the peace ten or twelve years, and in 1882 was appointed postmaster of Vineland, which office he still holds. He has taken an active part in politics, and in 1884 represented the Democratic party of Jefferson County in the State Convention. He is a Chapter Mason, a member of the De Soto Lodge, of which lodge he has served two terms as Master, having also filled various other positions of trust.

John Wenom, a grain dealer and insurance agent at Kimmswick, was born in Alsace, France, in 1837, and is the son of L. and F. Wenom, also natives of Alsace, France. They came to the United States in 1852, and after about two months in the State of New York, came to Jefferson County, settled near Kimmswick, where the father died, in 1856 at the age of seventyfive. He was a carpenter by trade. The mother died about 1871 or 1872, and both she and her husband were members of the Catholic Church. John received a fair education, and came with his father to Jefferson County, where he was married, in 1859, to Miss Catherine, daughter of Matthias and Lizzie Miller, natives of Prussia, where Mr. Miller died. The rest of the Miller family came to the United States. and settled in Jefferson County, where the mother died soon after. The following seven children were born to Mr. Wenom's marriage: William (blacksmith of Fenton), Ida (wife of John G. Koch), Katie, Oscar, Otto, Gustav and John. Mr. Wenom continued farming in the vicinity of Kimmswick until 1866, when he removed to that city, and there followed the butcher's trade until 1881. He then engaged in the grain trade, which he has since continued, and for three years has been agent for the Home Insurance Company at New York. He was for sixteen years road superintendent, and was in Company A of Col. Rankin's regiment of the Enrolled Missouri Militia during the war. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., is a Republican in his political views, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln, in 1860. Although Mr. Wenom had a hard struggle with poverty the first part of his life, he now owns considerable property in and about Kimmswick, after giving his married children each a good home.

S. S. Wiley, farmer of Big River Township, Jefferson County, and a native of the same, was born in 1840. He is the eighth of nine sons and four daughters born to Eli and Lucina (Mars) Wiley. The father was born near Raleigh, N. C. in 1799, and at the age of five removed with his father, John Wiley, to Maury County, Tenn., where he lived until 1822. At that date he and a family by the name of Griffith hired a flatboat, and pulled from the mouth of the Tennessee River to the mouth of Isle Au Bois, in Ste. Genevieve County, Mo. From there he went to Jefferson County, and located on Dry Creek at what is known as the "Stone House Place," but later removed to a place situated five miles north of
Page 959
this, and here passed the remainder of his days. He died in December, 1878. He was one of the county's well-to-do farmers and influential citizens, and an active member of the Presbyterian Church. He was for some years justice of the peace, and was also a short time associate judge of the county court. He was married when young, and his wife, who is about eighty-three years of age and who was born in Monroe County, Ill., is now living, and is a member of the Baptist Church. S. S. Wiley was reared at home, and received a common country school education. In 1862 he enlisted in Company I, Fifty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, was in the battle of Vicksburg, and after that was on post duty most of the time until 1865, when he was discharged at Montgomery, Ala., after over three years of active service. He then returned home and in 1867 was united in marriage to Miss Alwilda, daughter of William and Elizabeth Shelton early settlers of Jefferson County, where Mrs. Wiley was born. To this union two children, Eli and William, were born. Mrs. Wiley departed this life in March, 1872. Mr. Wiley is a successful farmer, is a Democrat in politics and a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Judge William F. Williams was born in Madison County, Mo., May 5, 1825. and is a son of James and Lydia (Waller) Williams, the former of whom, a native of Kentucky, came to Missouri when a young man. The parents first located in Perry County, Mo., thence moved to Madison. from there to Washington County, and in 1840 settled in Big River Township, Jefferson County. William F. was brought up on a farm, and his education was such as the subscription schools of the time in the old log schoolhouse afforded. He has devoted the greater portion of his life to the pursuit of agriculture, and has been engaged in mining to some extent. He was elected county judge of Jefferson County in 1872, and served six years. The gravel road from De Soto to Victoria, and also a part of the road from Morse's Mill to St. Louis, were built under his administration. December 17, 1851, he married Margaret, daughter of John Manion (deceased). Of the nine children born to this union six are living, viz.: L. Clementine (who married William Power, of Big River Township, and has two children: Estus and Mary), Laura J. (wife of Price Carrow, of De Soto, and the mother of one child--Clyde), Mary F., James A., Clyde and Ida B. Mr. Williams owns about 900 acres of land, which he devotes to farming and stock-raising. He also owns a store in De Soto. He is a member of the Hillsboro Lodge, No. 164, F. & A. M. Mrs. Williams died March 17, 1878, a member of the Baptist Church, of which church Mr. Williams is also a member.

Thomas A. Williams, justice of the peace, was born in Joachim Township, Jefferson County, November 25, 1831. His parents were Silas and Nancy (Adams) Williams, pioneers of Jefferson County, the former of whom died July 17, 1853, and the latter in March, 1886. Thomas A. Williams was brought up on the farm, and his education was obtained in the log schoolhouse. When a young man he learned the carpenter's trade, and was engaged in building bridges and houses for eight or ten years. He also worked several years at the stonemason's trade with his father. During the late war he enlisted for service in Company A, Thirty-first Missouri Volunteer Infantry, but after a few months was discharged for disability. He served as deputy sheriff of Jefferson three years, and has filled the office of justice of the peace for the past six years, of which office he is the present incumbent. He also served as constable two years. May 27, 1852, he married Permelia Beckett, daughter of Ephraim Beckett. They have had six children, viz.: Amanda (deceased) was married to Charles E. Turner, of St. Louis, and left two children: Joseph and Edward;
Page 960
Ephraim married Sarah Fultz, is a resident of Monroe County, Ill., and has one child, Thomas; Esther became the wife of William Haven, of St. Louis, and is the mother of two children: Walter and Bertie; Robert, married, resides in Montrose, Iowa, and has one child, Nellie; and Kate and Sallie are single. Mrs. Williams died August 11, 1873, and September 2, 1874, Mr. Williams married Mary A. Lee, daughter of Archilles Lee. One child, deceased, was born to this union. In addition to his farm and office work Mr. Williams carries the mail from Victoria to Plattin.

Ephraim Williams, farmer and gardener, was born in Fiddington, Somersetshire, England, June 16, 1835. He is one of the thirteen children born to Robert and Elizabeth Williams, and his education was acquired mainly in the night schools, the advantages of the school system being limited there at that time. At the age of sixteen or seventeen he was apprenticed to a Mr. Norman to learn the carpenter's trade, with whom he served five years. He afterward visited various towns and cities of England, and in 1862 located in London, where he followed his trade ten years. December 23, 1862, in Bath, England, he married Miss Elizabeth Bond, a native of Pitney, Somersetshire, England, who was born May 10, 1835. They have had five children, viz.: Robert (deceased), Thomas, Annie Elizabeth, Mary Jessie and Ellen, the latter two being born in Jefferson County, Mo. In June, 1870, Mr. Williams and family embarked from Liverpool for America, landing in Quebec, Canada. They spent one winter in Oswego, N. Y., but the weather was so severe they concluded to look for more congenial climes, and moved to St. Louis, where Mr. Williams engaged in carpentering. He was subsequently employed to erect the residence of W. S. Jewett, in Plattin Rock, Jefferson County, to which place he moved his family, and he it was who drove the first nail in the interest of the American Plate Glass Company, toward the completion of what is now Crystal City. He owns sixty-eight and one-half acres of land in Joachim Township and is engaged in farming and market gardening, in which he has been quite successful. The family are Presbyterians in religion and, politically, Mr. Williams is a Democrat.

Judge Joseph J. Williams, attorney, at Hillsboro, and a native of Washington County, Mo., was born in 1838, and is the eldest of three children. His parents, Elder James and Nancy (Jeffries) Williams, were natives of Kentucky,born in 1789 and 1799, respectively. The father was married three times, his second wife being the mother of the subject of this sketch. After his first marriage the father removed to Washington County, Mo., where he remained until 1840, when he removed to Jefferson County, locating on Big River, and here passed the remainder of his life, dying in 1861. He was for over forty years a Baptist minister, and followed this in connection with his farming. He figured prominently in organizing and building up the church of Southeast Missouri, where he left a lasting remembrance. The mother died in 1856, and was also a member of the Baptist Church. Joseph J. remained at home and attended the common schools until about the age of seventeen, after which time he spent two years at McKendree College, at Lebanon, Ill. He then took up the study of law and was admitted to the Jefferson County bar at the age of twenty-one, which profession he has since successfully followed. He was married, in 1862, to Miss Mary M., daughter of Henry and Caroline Miller, formerly of Mississippi, but early settlers of Jefferson County, Mo., where Mrs. Williams was born. To Mr. Williams and wife three children were born, only one of whom, a daughter named Frances L., is now living. Mr. Williams has been quite successful financially, and is now pleasantly located in the northeast part of the town. He is
Page 961
a member of the A. O. U. W. and is an active Democrat in politics. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. From 1872 to 1876 he was probate judge, and was then elected prosecuting attorney, which office he held for two years. In 1880 he was elected to the thirty-first general assembly of Missouri and served one term. He was for four years associated in his practice with James F. Green.

Falkland H. Williams, a successful farmer and stock-raiser of Central Township, was born near Pevely in 1840, and is the seventh of twelve children, six of whom are living. He is the son of Silas and Nancy (Adams) Williams. The father was born at Charleston, S. C., in 1801, but came with the rest of the family, except the father who died in South Carolina, to Cape Girardeau, Mo., in a very early day, where Silas and a brother run a shoe shop for some years. Silas then came to Jefferson County and invested in the Sandy Lead Mines, which he operated for some time. He was married about 1825, and soon after settled near Pevely on a farm, and after-wards settled at Sandy Ridge, six miles north of Hillsboro, where he died in 1852. He was a natural mechanic and could manufacture almost anything in the cabinet line, etc., but the latter part of his days was passed on the farm. He served in the Black Hawk War and his father was a soldier in the War of 1812. The mother of Falkland H. was born in Nashville, Tenn., in 1811, and died January 13, 1886. Her father was a descendant of ex-president John Adams, and was a soldier in the War of 1812. Both father and mother of our subject were members of the Baptist Church. Falkland H. Williams remained with his mother until he attained his majority; attended the common schools during the winter season. He then spent two years working in the Sandy Mines the most of the time during the night, and worked on a farm or attended the schools during the day. During the winter of 1861 and 1862 he attended school at Benton, Ill., and in 1862 enlisted in Company A, Thirty-first Missouri Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel, afterward Gov. Fletcher, and participated in the battles of Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Siege of Vicksburg, and was then taken sick, and in September of 1863 was discharged. He acted as orderly sergeant and commissary sergeant a part of the time. In 1864 he joined the Eightieth Regiment of Enrolled Missouri Militia. In 1865 he married Miss Fannie C., daughter of Elder Sullivan and Martha Frazier, and a native of Jefferson County. Mr.Frazier was a well-known Baptist preacher, and an early settler of Jefferson County. Nine children were the result of Mr. Williams' marriage, six of whom are now living: Lizzie May, Josie G., Dollie C., Falkland H., Walter E. and Charles Carl. Mr. Williams first located on the old home farm, but in 1868 he removed to an adjoining farm, seven miles north of Hillsboro, where he has 108 acres of fine productive land. He has been a lifelong farmer has served two years as constable and several years as deputy sheriff. Under township organization he was township clerk, is a firm believer in the Democratic principles, and voted for Seymour, in 1868. He is a member of the Farmers' and Mechanics' Aid Association, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church.

Thomas L. Williams, farmer and dairyman of Valle Township, is the son of James L. and Jane (Mitchell) Williams, and was born in Washington County, Mo., in 1841. The father was born in Spartenburg District, S. C., was left an orphan when a child, and when a young man went to Kentucky, where he was married. In 1830 they removed to Washington County, Mo., where they remained until 1841, at which date they came to Jefferson County and located one and a half miles south of where De Soto now stands, and which was then a
Page 962
wilderness. He improved a good farm and lived there until 1866. He was a farmer and miner, and brought some slaves from Kentucky to Missouri. His father, Thomas Williams, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. The mother of Thomas L. was born in Allen County, Ky., in 1804, where she was reared and married. She died in 1876. Both parents were members of the Baptist Church. Thomas L. received his primary education in the much talked of log schoolhouse of early days, with slab seats and dirt floors, and finished at the academy in De Soto. In 1864 he went to California via New York and the Isthmus, was there two years engaged in black-smithing for mining companies, and also did six months' work of the same kind for the Pacific Railroad Company. After spending another six months black-smithing he returned to his home, and in 1872 was united in marriage to Miss Fannie, daughter of Samuel Greer, and a native of Jefferson County. Her father was born in Kentucky, but was an early settler of Missouri, and her mother's maiden name was Vaughn, a sister of Gen. Claiborne Jackson's wife. The following four children were born to Mr. Williams' marriage: Virdie Ella, John L. and Henry L. (twins), and Willie L. Mrs. Williams died February 15, 1885, and June 9, 1866, he married Mrs. Rebecca McIlhatton, a native of Virginia, widow of Oliver McIlhatton, and the daughter of William L. and Jerusha Lemaster, early settlers of Jefferson County. Mr. Williams has made farming his chief occupation during life, but has worked about two years in the machine shops of De Soto, and in 1888 engaged extensively in the dairy business, having about forty cows. He is one-half owner of the old home farm, situated one mile south of De Soto, and forty acres near Vineland. He is a Republican in his political views, and his first presidential vote was for McClellan, in 1864. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Baptist Church. His eldest brother, Judge Willis Williams, was born in Allen County, Ky., and was a well-known farmer of Valle Township. He served as county judge from 1880 to 1881, and his brother John (deceased) was the first Democrat of Jefferson County, and elected to the office of county collector after the war. He was twice elected and died during the last term of office. He was a faithful and honest official.

Dr. Charles Williams, physician and surgeon at House's Springs, and the son of Hon. Stephen C. and Eleanor (Evans) Williams, was born in Licking County, Ohio, in 1846. Stephen C. was born in Newark, N. J., about 1818, and when but a child came with his father, Elias Williams, to Licking County where he was reared and where he has since made his home, as a well-to-do and substantial farmer. In early life he represented Licking County in the State Legislature one term of two years, and was also for many years a director of the county infirmary. His father was a native of New Jersey, as was also his wife, and a soldier in the War of 1812. The mother of Charles was born in Licking County, Ohio, in 1820, and died in 1872. The Doctor was reared at home and educated in the common schools and at Denison University, at Granville, Ohio. He was in the 100 days' service under Capt. H. Beard, of the One Hundred and Sixtieth Ohio United States National Guards, and operated in Virginia. He came to St. Louis in 1866, and served as shipping clerk in the Missouri Pacific Railroad freight depot. He came to Jefferson County in 1868, and here taught school for two or three years. In 1870 he began the study of medicine with Dr. E. J. Thurman, of Fenton, and graduated from the St. Louis Medical College two years later. He then practiced his profession at Fenton for two years, after which he went to Lemay Ferry, and six years later removed to House's Springs, where he has since remained engaged in a success-
Page 963
ful practice. March, 1872, he married Miss Missouri E. Harbison, of Fenton, who died in 1881, leaving two children, Eleanor and Edwina. In 1886 the Doctor married Miss Emma Sue Stephens, a native of Jefferson County, daughter of Washington and Elizabeth Stephens, natives of Kentucky and Missouri, respectively. Mrs. Williams was born August 18, 1858. Her father, Rev. Washington Stephens, was born in 1808, in Lexington, Ky., where he was educated, living there until fourteen years of age. Then he removed to Missouri, locating near Hillsboro, the present county seat of Jefferson County, where he taught school in winter and worked at farming in summer, until he attained the age of twenty-four years. Becoming converted, he professed religion and joined the Baptist Church, and almost immediately afterward commenced preaching, and has since (covering a period of over fifty years) been engaged in the ministry. He is the oldest minister of any denomination living in the county, and perhaps in this part of the State, and has probably baptized more converts than any minister in this portion of Missouri. Although upward of eighty years of age he is still zealous in his calling, and while his physical vigor will not permit him to go through what he once could and did, yet he is ever found ready to obey his master's call. Dr. Williams is a Democrat in politics, his first presidential vote being for Greeley in 1872. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the A. O. U. W.

John M. Wilson, farmer and stock-raiser of Jefferson County, is a native of Abbeville County, S. C., born in 1818, and is the eldest of eight children born to Ephraim and Fannie (Link) Wilson, natives of South Carolina, where they were reared, and married about 1816. About 1820 they came to Jefferson County and were the first to settle on James Creek. After living there for about ten or twelve years they removed to McNairy County, Tenn., where they remained for about four years, and then returned to Jefferson County, Mo., where, with the exception of a few years spent in Arkansas, they made their home. The father was a farmer and mechanic, and was in good circumstances at the time of his death. which occurred in 1862. His father, John Wilson, was of Irish descent, and came to Jefferson County about 1820, where he died, after making several trips between Missouri and South Carolina. Both parents of John M. were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The subject of this sketch was reared at home and educated in the primitive log schoolhouses of early times. In February, 1889, he was united in marriage to Miss Adaline Graham, daughter of William and Margaret Graham, who were formerly of Tennessee, but pioneers of Jefferson County. Immediately after marriage Mr. Wilson located twelve miles west of Hillsboro, where he has lived for nearly fifty years. He has about 1,800 acres of choice land, and is one of the largest landholders of Jefferson County. He has no children of his own, but has reared four and partly reared others. He is taking considerable pains in improving the stock of the community, especially cattle and horses of the Durham and Norman breeds, respectively. In politics Mr.Wilson is a lifelong and stanch Democrat, and has voted for every Democratic president since attaining his majority. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.

John William Wilson was born in Valle Township, Jefferson County, July 8. 1835. His father, David Wilson, a native of Virginia, removed to Jefferson County, Mo., in 1884, and settled where our subject now resides; he married Annie Vineyard, and of the nine children born to them seven are living, viz.: Martha (Politte), Mary (Stoops), Sarah (Buchanan), John William, Susan (Perry), Adell (Lepp) and James H. David Wilson died in 1855. John William Wilson
Page 964
went overland to California in 1852, driving an ox team most of the way. He herded stock nine months, and then drove a stage from Sacramento to Mormon Island for William McCombs five months; he next engaged in mining gold at "Nigger Hill" for some time, and also at various other places in the State. Returning home in the fall of 1856, he settled on the old homestead and engaged in farming and stock-raising, owning a three-sevenths interest in 395 acres. He was engaged in the butchering business in De Soto from 1865 to 1867. August 1, 1866, Mr. Wilson married Aurelia Soufflot, daughter of Augustin Soufflot (deceased). Mrs. Wilson was born in Etampes, France, near Paris. Six children were born to this union, five of whom are living, viz.: Charles, Annie, Blanche, Frank and Eugene M.

James H. Wilson was born in Valle Township, Jefferson County, near where he now lives, October 10. 1841. His father was David Wilson, a native of Botetourt County, Va., who came to Jefferson County in 1834, and settled on the farm James H. now owns; he was a saddler by trade, which trade he followed to some extent after settling in Missouri, and in the pioneer days served several years as justice of the peace. James H. Wilson was reared on the farm which has always been his home; his education was acquired by three months' attendance in the subscription schools of his county, and was supplemented by study in the schools of St. Louis. When Gov. Fletcher was clerk of Jefferson County James H. Wilson was his office boy, and under his preceptorship received advancement in his studies. In 1863 he attended the Academy of De Soto three months. Mr. Wilson has kept a record of the weather since 1864, noting the height of the thermometer every morning and noon the year around, and can settle any dispute as to the temperature of the weather any day of any year as far back as January 1. 1867. In 1875 he went to Texas, and while there did not neglect his record, which shows that the coldest day in that State during his stay was March 26, 1876, the thermometer registering 26 degrees above zero. The coldest day recorded in his diary was Wednesday, January 29, 1873, when the thermometer registered 26 degrees below zero. His sister, Martha E., keeps house for him. She was born in Botetourt County, Va., July 26, 1826, and married Peter Politte, a native of Ste. Genevieve, Mo. They have one child, Thomas M., born July 23, 1851. Mr. Politte went to California in 1852, where he died in 1864. Mr. Wilson owns 448 acres of land beside his interest in the homestead, and is a farmer and stockraiser.

James J. Wilson, Jr., editor and proprietor of the Jefferson County Crystal Mirror, of Hillsboro, was born in Carroll County, Tenn., in 1853, and is the eldest of the thirteen children of James J. and Ann (Hatlock) Wilson. The father was born in Waynesborough, Wayne Co., Tenn., in 1828, and received his education at the Paris Academy, Paris, Tenn., where he graduated in March, 1852. He engaged in merchandising for a few years, but has since turned his attention to farming and teaching. July 6, 1862, at Ironton, Mo., he enlisted in Company D, Thirty-first Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and took part in the siege of Vicksburg and the battle of Arkansas Post. On account of disability he was transferred to Company I, Twenty-third Veteran Reserve Corps, in April, 1864, in which he served until the close of the Rebellion, being honorably discharged at St. Louis, July 1, 1865. He remained in St. Louis County until 1867, and then located in Jefferson County, where he has been occupied as a farmer and trader. He served as assessor of Jefferson County in 1879 and 1880. He was reared a Whig, politically, and is now a member of the G. A. R. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church. His parents were Zaccheus and Naomi T. (Gillespie)
Page 965
Wilson, natives, respectively, of Mecklenburg and Rowan Counties, N. C., who were early settlers of Williamson County, Tenn., later removing to Western Tennessee, where the father died in 1857; the mother died in Jefferson County, Mo., in 1879. James J. Wilson, Jr., was reared on a farm, receiving a limited common-school education. He taught school eight years, and in 1884 was employed as bookkeeper for the Crystal Plate Glass Company, being afterward promoted to chief shed clerk. In August, 1885, in partnership with Dr. T. B. Taylor, he founded the Crystal Mirror, which was continued under their management at Crystal City until March, 1886, when Mr. Taylor retired, and Mr. Wilson conducted the paper alone at Crystal City, until January, 1887; he then removed to Hillsboro, enlarging the paper from a five to a seven-column quarto, making other improvements, and changing the name to the Jefferson County Crystal Mirror. In two years' time the subscription reached 1,100. Mr. Wilson was formerly a Democrat in politics, having cast his first presidential vote for Tilden, but more recently the Republican principles have been more congenial to him, and he has identified himself with that party. In March, 1880, he married Miss Mary E., daughter of Joseph and Mary E. Wilkinson, of Washington County. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have three children: Horace Bates, Arthur Jasper and Henrietta Ann. The parents are members of the Presbyterian Church.

Capt. Alexander Ziegler, a farmer of Joachim Township, is a native of St. Louis County, Mo., and was born January 23, 1824. His father was Matthew and his mother was Barbara (Halffner) Ziegler, natives of Germany, who were married in America, and were among the early pioneers of the State of Missouri. The father died in 1835, leaving a family of six small children and their mother in limited circumstances. Alexander, being the second eldest son, was called upon to assist in keeping the wolf from the door, and remained at home until he was about twenty years of age. April 10, 1844, he married Miss Amanda Dover, a daughter of John and Jemima (Stephens) Dover, who was born in Louisville, Ky., November 19, 1823; her parents were natives, respectively, of Virginia and London, England. To Mr. and Mrs. Ziegler have been born two sons, viz.: Charles B., born July 18, 1845, and Theodore C., born February 21, 1849. As his father was a tobacconist it was quite natural that Alexander should follow the same calling, and he engaged in the manufacturing business in St. Louis until 1845, when he came to Jefferson County and was engaged in farming for about three years. He was afterward employed as a captain of steamboats on the Mississippi River, having charge of the "Belle of St. Louis" from the time it was launched until it was abandoned. His command was then transferred to "The City of Chester," which was burned in Memphis, Tenn. In all he spent about thirty years on the river. Since 1868 the family have resided in Joachim Township, on a farm of 450 acres of well cultivated land. Mr. and Mrs. Ziegler are consistent members of the Roman Catholic Church. In political matters he is a stanch Democrat. During the war he was in command of a vessel transporting troops up and down the river, and was intimately acquainted with Gen. Grant; he was present with that general at the surrender of the city of Vicksburg.

Martin Zimpfer, dealer in general merchandise, machinery, etc., hotel proprietor, saloonist, and postmaster at Antonia, was born in Baden, Germany, in 1849, and when but five years of age, in company with the family, except the mother, who died just before reaching the sea coast, came to the United States, settled in Jefferson County, and here the father died about four years later, leaving four children, Martin being the second. The parents names were
Page 966
Martin and Christiana Zimpfer, and the father was a farmer and general trader. Martin was thrown upon his own resources at the age of nine, and grew to manhood without any education except what he picked up by his own efforts. He was a close observer, quick to learn, energetic and persevering, and in a few years had a fair knowledge of general business, which, together with a few years of practical experience, has made him one of the most successful and enterprising business men of Jefferson County. His immense business is all the result of his own efforts. He began for himself by working for farmers, chopping wood, hauling charcoal, etc., and worked four years for Capt. Anton Yerger, and two years as a teamster for Joseph Yerger. He was also coachman for two years in St. Louis, and after that was teamster for some time. In 1880 he returned to Jefferson County and engaged in merchandising with Joseph Yerger, he having charge of a store at Sandy Creek, and Mr. Yerger of a store at Antonia. This continued until March, 1881, when the property at Antonia was destroyed by fire, and Mr. Yerger killed by an unknown party. Mr. Zimpfer then removed his stock from Sandy Creek to Antonia, where he rented a room, but in 1884 he erected a large two-story store and hotel building, where he has since been carrying on an extensive and thriving business. He was postmaster at Sandy Creek, and has been postmaster at Antonia ever since he first came there. October 29, 1884, Mrs. Louisa Yerger, widow of Joseph Yerger, became his wife. The result of this union was the birth of two children one now living, named Ida. Mrs. Zimpfer died January 6, 1887, and August 21 of the same year he married Miss Josephine Kassel, a native of Jefferson County, and the daughter of Adolph Kassel. Mr. Zimpfer is strictly Independent in his political views, and cast his first presidential vote for Gen. Garfield. He is a member of the Sons of Hermann and of the Masonic fraternity.

A - B | C - G | H - L | M - R | S - Z

Goodspeed's Jefferson County History