|
SMITH, Benjamin Franklin
Windsor Township
1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg 594
Benjamin Franklin Smith, M.D., druggist and physician, was born in Saline County, Missouri, May 12, 1827, and was the son of Abraham Smith, a Virginian by birth, who lived for many years in Tennessee where he married Miss Sarah Pierce. In 1822 he moved to Missouri, and in 1838 he died when forty-eight years of age. His wife was born in Tennessee in 1801 and died in 1881. B. F. Smith received a common school education and was very studious in youth. He studied medicine with Dr. Hobbs, of Independence, in 1848, and graduated from the University of Louisville, Kentucky, in 1852, and has been an active practitioner since that time. Locating in Warrensburg, he practiced for five years, going thence to Eldorado, Missouri, where he lived until 1865, Then he moved to Carson City, Colorado, and started a drug store, and entered into a large practice which was continued until 1872, when he returned to Windsor, Missouri. He bought out the drug store of M. L. Stafford, and has since been doing a large business and attending to a remunerative practice. In 1846 he enlisted in the Mexican war under Colonel A. W. Doniphan in Captain J. W. Reed's Company, of Saline County. He remained with Colonel Doniphan through all his memorable marches, until the expiration of his time, receiving much credit from his commander for gallant conduct on the field of battle. Since returning home the doctor has crossed the plains to Colorado and New Mexico several times, and has traveled up and down in the mountains for a 1,000 miles, spending some ten years in that country. He was elected county treasurer of Fremont County, Colorado, in 1864 and re-elected in 1868, serving for four years. In 1873 he received Robert M. Funk as a partner in the drug business, and this firm are still doing the business. He married Miss Adeline Depp in 1853, in Warrensburg, Missouri. She was the daughter of John Depp, of Kentucky, and was born in 1832. They have five children: Oscar L. (now prosecuting attorney of Carter County, Missouri), Benjamin O. (telegraph operator on the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad), Virginia Wallace (Mrs. B. D. Patrick, of Appleton City, Missouri), Jesse Fremont and Lelia (Mrs. W. H. Walker, whose husband is editor and publisher of the Windsor Review). Politically the doctor is a Democrat. He has been an Odd Fellow for thirty-four years and a Mason for thirty-two years, and he is a member of both lodges in this city. He has indeed been the architect of his own fortune, and his reputation as a practitioner is wide spread.
SMITH, George F.
Leesville Township
1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg 712
Photos: George & Susanna Smith Smith Log Cabin
George F. Smith - The first home of George F. Smith, widely known "old settler" of Leesville township, living south of the village of Coal, was a log cabin. Forty-seven years ago he settled upon his first forty acres in Leesville township, cleared the land of timber, suffered from chills and fever, worked hard and planned ahead for a beautiful home. He has realized his ambitions and now owns one of the most attractive farm residences in Henry County, combining the old time ideas of a Virginia home with modernity and occupying a beautiful setting in the timbered country from which Mr. Smith has created his fine farm. The first "forty" has grown to four "forties," or a total of 160 acres of well tilled land. The Smith farm is well improved with a fine farm residence of seven rooms, erected in 1880 and remodeled in 1890. George F. Smith was born in Patrick County, Virginia, September 17, 1847, and is the son of Foulks and Mary Ann (Handy) Smith, both members of old Virginia families. For further particulars the reader is referred to the sketch of Joseph H. Smith, brother of the subject of this review. George F. Smith was reared and educated in Virginia and came to Missouri in 1868. He was first employed as a hired hand at monthly wages for one year. He made rails at a wage of $1.25 to $1.50 per hundred and became an expert rail splitter, able to cut and split from 100 to 130 fence rails per day. Mr. Smith in his younger days was an expert at both axe wielding and at "the table." Strong in body and very active he was an expert with the old fashioned cradle and his services were in demand during the wheat harvest season. He received $18 to $20 per month and his board for this work. In the meantime he enjoyed life while working hard and after a hard days work in the field he would follow the hounds in an exciting fox hunt all night long. For years he kept a pack of fox hounds and also treed and caught many "coons." He made his first purchase of land in 1871, when he bought forty acres, which was only partly cleared of timber. He has cleared and improved this tract as well as three others of the same size, and went in debt for land each time when he made a purchase, believing that the best plan is to let the land help pay for itself. January 7, 1869, George F. Smith and Susanna C. Nichols were united in marriage. This marriage was blessed with children as follow: William F., the successful merchant at Coal, Missouri; George Henderson, accidentally killed, was born December 14, 1873, and died January 27, 1896; Mrs. Kate Trollinger, Oklahoma; Lenney, a farmer of the neighborhood; Finis Frances, died at the age of one year; Mrs. Adella McCowan, a former teacher now living at Malvern, Iowa; Mrs. Lillie D. Randalls, living near Tightwad, Henry County; Cora Edith, a successful teacher for the past four years, and a student of the Warrensburg State Normal School; Jennie, died in 1905 at the age of thirteen years. Mr. Smith is a Democrat and loyal to his party and its principles. He is a deacon in the Presbyterian Church at Coal and is one of the best known of the substantial and well to do old settlers of Henry County.
SMITH, Harry P.
Urich, Bogard Township
1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg 653
Harry P. Smith, of the firm of Smith & Graham, leading furniture dealers and undertakers of Urich, Missouri, and mayor of Urich, is a native son of Henry County. He was born in Bogard township, this county, December 21, 1871, and is a son of William L. and Selina (Dewberry) Smith. The father was a native of western New York, born in 1823, and his wife was a native of England, who came to America with her uncle and Rasho Black when she was fifteen years of age. The father died in March, 1881, and the mother died in January, 1911, and the father is buried in Grant Cemetery in Cass County, Missouri. Mrs. Smith's remains were interred in Urich Cemetery. The Smith family settled in Henry County shortly after the Civil War, locating in Bogard township. The father was a plasterer by trade and after coming to this county he worked at his trade at intervals. He served for six years in the United States Navy and during the Civil War he served in the Union Army, being a member of Company F, 78th Regiment Illinois Infantry. During the course of his military service he participated in many important battles and campaigns, among which might be mentioned Sherman's march to the sea. After the close of the war he was mustered out of service by general order of the war department, June 7, 1865. To William L. and Salina (Dewberry) Smith were born the following children: Mrs. Maria Helms, Creighton, Missouri; G. R., Greencastle, Indiana; Edward C., deceased; C. F., farmer in Bogard township; Mrs. Susie DePew, Urich, Missouri; Harry P., the subject of this sketch; Albert E., died in 1896, and Mark D., farmer in Bogard township. Harry P. Smith was reared to manhood on the home farm in Henry County and received his education in the public schools. He began his mercantile career in Urich in the confectionery business, which he followed for three years. He was then clerk in a dry goods store about three years in Urich, and then in partnership with Charles L. Graham, he bought out the furniture and undertaking business of Ray & Clarey. This was in 1911, and he has successfully been engaged in that business since that time. Mr. Smith was united in marriage March 8, 1896, with Miss Amanda E. Graham, a daughter of James L. and Irene (Brooks) Graham. A sketch of Mr. Graham appears in this volume. Mr. Smith is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights and Ladies of Security. He is one of the substantial and progressive business men of Henry County and stands high in the community. Mr. Smith has served as alderman of Urich for two terms and is now filling the post of mayor of the city, serving his second term in this office.
SMITH, John
Bear Creek Township
1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg 771
John Smith, farmer and stock raiser, section 4, came originally from Adams County, Ohio, where he was born April 17, 1845. James P. Smith, his father, was a Kentuckian by birth, but early moved to Ohio with his parents, and settled in Adams County, where he grew to manhood and married Susan Thomas, also of Kentucky. The subject of this sketch went to Iowa with his parents in 1858, and located in Lee County, near Keokuk. His youth was spent on a farm, and he was educated at the public schools, supplemented with six months attendance at the Keokuk select school. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the Twenty-first Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and served till discharged in December, 1864, participating in a number of important engagements, among which were the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, and Red River, Arkansas, and after his discharge he moved to Clark County, Missouri, where he was engaged in farming until 1872. He came to Henry County in 1878. His farm contains 160 acres. A large portion of the place is underlaid with coal. The soil is a black loam and very productive. Mr. Smith was married in Scotland County, Missouri, March 22, 1870, to Miss Mary E. Bryan, of Iowa, and a daughter of Nicholas Bryan. They have three children: Walter F., born May 8, 1873; Luther H., born April 1, 1876, and Mary I., born February 14, 1881. Mrs. Smith is a member of the M. E. Church South.
SMITH, Joseph Harrison
Leesville Township
1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg 584
Photos: Joseph Smith
Joseph H. Smith - Forty-eight years ago Joseph H. Smith came from his old Virginia home and settled upon a tract of timber land in the south-western part of Leesville township, cleared the land, placed it in cultivation and in the course of time built a good home and beautified his surroundings. During all these years he has been well content to live upon his eighty acre farm engrossed with the duty of rearing and educating his large family of children. He has become well to do, gained wisdom with age, kept himself well informed on the events of the day and takes a keen interest in living and all that is going on in the world. Joseph H. Smith was born April 21, 1845, in Patrick County, Virginia. He is the son of Foulks and Mary Ann (Handy) Smith, both of whom were members of old Virginia families, the former of English extraction and the latter of German descent. Foulks and Mary Ann Smith were parents of children as follow: Mrs. Lucinda Deatheridge, San Antonio, Texas; Samuel F., a soldier in the Confederate Army, killed in the fighting around Fort Donelson; Mary E., deceased; Ruth, died in early childhood; Joseph H., of this review; George F., a farmer in Leesville township; Mrs. Elitha Warner, living in Nebraska; Mrs. Sarah Alice Smith, deceased; John L. Smith, a bachelor, lives just south of his brother's place; Mrs. Ida Deatheridge, living on a farm one mile north. Foulks Smith came to Henry County, Missouri, in 1871 and spent his last days among his children, dying in October, 1878, at the age of sixty-eight years. Joseph H. Smith enlisted in 1861 in Company A, 50th Regiment Virginia Infantry of the Confederate Army and served until the surrender of General Lee. He fought in the following battles: Fort Donelson, Fredericksburg, Sharpsburg, Winchester, Gettysburg, the Seven Days Battle of the Wilderness, besides many skirmishes and minor engagements. He was twice slightly wounded in battle. During a skirmish in Blackwater, Virginia, General Pryor was in command of the division. The Confederates were encamped near the enemy in a grove in the fall of the year. The night was rather chilly. Some of the soldiers woke up, stirred the smoldering fires, and before daylight the enemy captured the picket posts. An attack followed. The camp woke up and began to defend themselves. Shells began to come thick and fast. The Confederates were all surprised and excited but finally got in line for battle. Colonel Poague, commander of the regiment, was killed during the first part of the attack by the Unionists. As the men were lined up ready to begin the fight and repulse the Unionists and the firing was becoming faster and faster, all along the line, just at sunrise, General Pryor came riding down the line. Joseph H. Smith was standing munching away at a roasted sweet potato. He was still somewhat excited especially over the death of Colonel Poague, yet could find time to eat. As the general came near the young soldier he called out: "General, did you know that Colonel Poague was killed?" The general stopped his horse, eyed the soldier boy and his big sweet potato, and said: "Did you ever hear of a war but what somebody was killed? Please give me part of that potato." The general took half of the sweet potato and the fighting went on. Returning to his home after the close of the war Mr. Smith found the whole country devastated, farms ruined, people penniless, business stagnant, and the outlook for the future so discouraging that he deemed it useless to try to make a new start. Added to these drawbacks was the restless feeling which possessed the returned soldier, who had been use to stirring outdoor life for four years. He decided to come West. Accordingly, in the fall of 1866, he came to Henry County, Missouri, with little capital and began the improvement of his fine farm, which he purchased in 1870, in Leesville township. During over half a century he has been one of the respected and influential figures in the citizenship of Henry County and is widely known for his progressiveness. Mr. Smith was married in 1869 to Mrs. Frances Helen (Parks) Nichols, a widow. The children born to this marriage are: Ida Lee, a teacher in Colorado; Hugh A., holding a professorship as head of the department of romance and languages at Wisconsin University, Madison, Wisconsin, holds a master's and doctor's degree and has studied at Harvard University; Elmer, living in Iowa; Pinckney, who studied at the Missouri University; John M., a farmer in Leesville township; Audrey, wife of Professor Lionberger, Norris, Henry County; Mrs. Mary Jewett Poague, Benton County, Missouri; Norma, a teacher in the public schools of Colorado; Winifred and Helen, at home with their parents, and are teachers. Every member of this family has taught school, excepting Elmer. Each of the children has attended high school, either at Windsor, Clinton or Appleton City. Mrs. Frances Helen Smith, mother of this fine family, was born in Henry County in 1854, and is the daughter of Mrs. Catherine Nichols, a widow who came to Henry County during the early thirties. The Democratic party has always had the firm support of Mr. Smith, and he has always taken a keen interest in political matters, although he has never been a seeker after political preferment. The cause of education has generally been uppermost in his desires and he has lent his energies and influence toward the building of good schools in his neighborhood and has always been emphatically in favor of better educational advantages for the young. He was one of the leaders in the movement which culminated in the erection of a more modern building in his school district and is a firm friend of good schools. He is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. Keen, intelligent, well posted on everyday events, he is a fine conversationalist who impresses one with his progressive ideas and broad outlook upon life.
SMITH, Thomas J.
Leesville Township
1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg 780
Thomas J. Smith, farmer and stock feeder, section 19, was born in Preston County, Virginia. July 12, 1828, his parents being Riley and Eleanor Smith, both natives of Virginia. The family early moved to Ohio, where they lived a few years, going thence to Indiana, locating in Hancock County near Greenfield, where Riley Smith died about 1838 or 1840. After his father's death, Thomas J. bound himself out until he arrived at his majority. His youth was spent on a farm mostly in Tipton County, and he had but limited opportunities for schooling, though having applied himself closely to study in later years. He was married in Tipton County, August 9, 1849, to Miss Ann Dickson, originally from Fayette County, Indiana, and a daughter of William and Sarah Dickson. Mr. Smith located and improved a farm in the green woods of Tipton County, and lived on it six years. He then sold out and removed to the county seat, and embarked in the mercantile business and stock dealing, continuing in this trade for six years. Purchasing 365 acres adjoining the town, he giving his attention to farming and stock trading until 1880. He came to Henry County, Missouri, in 1880, and purchased a farm containing 162 acres, where he now resides. He makes a specialty of handling and feeding stock. Mr. S. is identified with the Democratic party and takes an active interest in political matters. He was elected and subsequently re-elected and served six years as county judge of Tipton County, his former home. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have a family of three children. William R., Charles Watson and Ora Dell. He is one of the leading auctioneers of Henry County, and has acted in this capacity for a number of years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
SMITH, William Freeman
Coal, Leesville Township
1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg 505
William F. Smith - The store of William F. Smith, located at Coal, Henry County, Missouri, is, without doubt, the finest country merchandise store in western Missouri. Taking charge of this establishment in 1906, with very little previous training or experience in merchandising, the proprietor built up the business and placed this store upon a plane far ahead and above the average of general country stores. The spick and span appearance of the store interior, the modern fixtures bright with paint and varnish, attract the eye and please the patrons and visitors who stop to admire the extraordinary appearance, as contrasted with the usual cluttered up and untidy appearance of the average country store. When Mr. Smith took charge of the business the stock of goods would not exceed over $475 in value by the actual invoice. Mr. Smith moved the old building, cut an arch and built over the main store room. The main floor is 22x58 feet with two store rooms in addition. The stock of goods carried is valued at $10,000, and only the best of merchandise is carried. The Smith store is also an exchange depot, and large quantities of produce are taken in exchange for goods which are hauled to Clinton for shipment. The goods are all arranged on the departmental plan and the Smith store will compare favorably with the best in the cities. The Smith store at Coal, Missouri, was first established in 1890 and known for a time as the Wheeler store. The location is an excellent one but for some reason or other the venture did not prosper and was losing money for the owners when Mr. Smith took charge in March, 1894. For four years he operated the business as manager and then, in partnership with his father, George F. Smith, purchased the business. Father and son owned the store together until 1906, when the present proprietor took charge as sole owner of the business. No greater success is recorded in mercantile circles in the rural districts of Henry County or western Missouri than that of W. F. Smith, the merchant at Coal. The fame of this store has spread far and near. William F. Smith was born four and a half miles south of Coal, on his father's farm in Leesville township, January 3, 1870. He is the son of George F. Smith, a pioneer settler of Henry County, concerning whom an extended review is given in this volume. Mr. Smith received his education in the district schools and when twenty-four years of age he engaged in the mercantile business with hardly any intention of remaining in the business indefinitely. His practical intention was to close out the business later, but as the years passed he found that he was adapted to the business and has achieved a marked success. At first he and his brother bought the store in partnership and planned to close out the stock. The following February his brother George was accidentally shot, and William F. took hold as related in a preceding paragraph. November 27, 1894, William F. Smith and Mary E. Parks were united in marriage. Mrs. Mary E. Smith is the daughter of J. T. Parks, a resident of the village of Coal. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have three children: Flossie May, wife of Clyde H. Tope, and has one child, Pauline; Ura V., a pupil in the eighth grade of the public schools; and Erie H. Smith. Mr. Smith has always been a Democrat and served as trustee of Leesville township when the present system of township government was instituted. He served two terms in this office. He and Mrs. Smith are members of the Presbyterian Church.
SMITH, William H.
Windsor Township
1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg 594
Prof. William H. Smith, county superintendent of schools and principal of the Windsor schools, was born in Abingdon, Illinois, in 1855. His father J. B. Smith was of Kentucky birth, as was also his mother, formerly Harriet Amos. They moved to Illinois in an early day, and came to Missouri in 1858, but during the war returned to Illinois. In 1867, they settled in Calhoun, Henry County, Missouri, where they lived for several years. William H. was the second of four children. From his boyhood he was determined to obtain an education, and accordingly his spare time was spent in study and preparing for college. He entered Abingdon College, Illinois, and in 1880 graduated with great credit. In 1875 he commenced teaching and paid his own expenses through college. In the spring of 1881, he was elected school superintendent of Henry County. The same year he was principal of the Union School. Professor Smith has done much to improve the schools of the county, and has so systematized and arranged the whole system that every one is justly proud of the school, and its elevating influence upon society.
SNAPP, Woodford Alpheus
Bear Creek Township
1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg 399
Woodford A. Snapp. There is nothing more pleasant than to meet an Missouri old settler who has lived a useful life, reared his family, at peace with the world and friends with his neighbors, and glad to be alive; having accomplished his destined mission on earth-that of rearing an excellent family, creating a home for himself and having provided for his declining years, is the estimable record of Woodford A. Snapp, one of the old timers of Henry County who is still hale and hearty despite his more than three score years and ten as allotted him by divine interpretation of the Scriptures. Mr. Snapp was born June 2, 1847, in old Tennessee, and is the son of A. A. and Lavine (Bird) Snapp, natives, respectively, of Virginia and Tennessee. Both parents come from old Southern families of the true pioneer type. As early as 1848 the Snapp family came to Cooper County, Missouri, and there established their home amid many of their former friends and acquaintances from Tennessee who had preceded them. In this county the elder Snapp created a fine farm, reared a useful family and departed this life after his work was done. W. A. Snapp was reared to young manhood in Cooper County and when he had attained the age of twenty-five years (1872) he started out for himself and made a location in Pettis County, Missouri. Here he followed farming pursuits and was married in September of 1874 to Miss Sarah J. Lacey, a native of Pettis County, and daughter of George W. Lacey one of the well-known citizens of that county. To this marriage were born a large family of children, eight of whom were reared: Alpheus A. Snapp, is a clerk in the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railway offices at Sedalia, Missouri; Mrs. Mary Sargent lives in Bear Creek township; Jacob A. resides in Springfield township, Henry County; Walter M., at home with his parents; Robert L., Tulsa, Oklahoma; Rev. George B. Snapp, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, now stationed at Chilhowee, Missouri; Mrs. Lillie Myrtle Crouch, Bear Creek township; Fred, a farmer in Bear Creek township. Mr. Snapp has resided in Henry County since the year 1876, made his start in this county, and has owned various farms throughout the county. His fine farm of forty acres located in Bear Creek township is well improved and affords him a comfortable living. It is probable that there is not a more contented nor a happier and jollier citizen in Henry County than Mr. Snapp. He is a Democrat and has always espoused Democratic principles and supported the policies of his party and firmly believes that President Wilson is the greatest living figure in the world today. He and the members of his family are Baptists.
SNODGRASS, Thomas L.
Clinton, Clinton Township
1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg 669
T. L. Snodgrass, the well known florist of Clinton and proprietor of the Snodgrass greenhouses, is at the head of one of the interesting enterprises of Henry County. The Snodgrass greenhouses, which are located at 905 East Ohio street, is an extensive institution and a model of its kind. Here one finds the most modern equipment and the application of the best methods for the production of all kinds of flowers, bulbs and plants generally found in an up-to-date greenhouse. There are over 12,000 feet under glass. The product of this institution is not confined to Clinton and Henry County, but flowers are shipped from here over a large radius of country. Much credit is due Mr. Snodgrass for the development of this business. While he is thoroughly experienced in this line of work, having devoted about twenty-one years of his life to it, the Snodgrass greenhouses of Clinton dates its beginning only about seven years ago. T. L. Snodgrass is a native Missourian. He was born in Cooper County in 1875 and is a son of S. F. and W. E. (Timms) Snodgrass, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Georgia. The father was a soldier in the Confederate army and served throughout the war. He died in 1915 and his remains were buried in Englewood Cemetery. His widow now resides at Clinton. They were the parents of the following children: T. L., the subject of this sketch; Etta, resides in Clinton; Lillie, married Walter Landaker; S. O., an engineer, Clinton, Missouri; Minerva, married Jack Cound, Toledo, Ohio; Fannie and Carl, deceased. Mr. Snodgrass received his education in the public schools at Clinton, Missouri, and attended Clinton Academy, when Professor Lamkin was principal. Since leaving school Mr. Snodgrass has practically devoted his life to the florist's business, and in his broad range of experience in this line of work, has covered every detail of the practical side of flower and plant culture of which he is making such a well merited success. Mr. Snodgrass was married in 1913 to Mrs. Nona Cherry of Nevada, Missouri, and a daughter of Dudley and Lula (Thomas) Thomas. The father and the mother reside in Clinton. Mrs. Snodgrass has one sister, Daisy, now the wife of James Grant, and a brother, Taylor Thomas, who resides in Nevada, Missouri. Mr. Snodgrass is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and he and his wife have an extensive acquaintance in Clinton and are popular.
SNYDER, Andrew W.
Bear Creek Township
1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg 772
Andrew W. Snyder, farmer and stock raiser, section 33, is a native of Onondaga County, New York, and was born January 30, 1837. His parents, Christopher and Elizabeth (Liphite) Snyder were also natives of New York. The former served in the war of 1812 and received a land warrant for his services. The family on moving to Wisconsin in the spring of 1846, were among the pioneer settlers of Dodge County, where they improved a farm. Andrew W. grew to manhood in that county, and in youth attended the public schools. In 1879, after traveling through a number of the western states and territories, he bought land and located in Henry County, Missouri, and owns 120 acres. Mr. Snyder was married in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, October 20, 1880, to Miss Ida May Miller, of Germany. Her mother died when she was a child, and she was reared and educated in Milwaukee. She is a daughter of Stephen Miller. Mr. and Mrs. S. have one child, Matilda Augusta, born August 1, 1881. He is an Ancient Odd Fellow, and is one of the neatest and most successful farmers in the township.
SNYDER, Charles H.
Clinton Township
1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg 543
Charles H. Snyder, of the firm of Snyder & Boyes, dealers in groceries, owes his nativity to Dresden, Germany where he was born October 31, 1839. At the age of ten years, he with his parents, immigrated to America and settled in Nicholas County, West Virginia, where they resided for four years, then going to Scranton, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. He attended for three years the Wyoming Seminary, from which he graduated. He later attended H. G. Eastman's Business College, then at Oswego, New York, and also graduated there in February, 1858, after a two years course. Entering the employ of the Lackawanna Iron Company, of Scranton, as clerk, he remained for six months, and then went to Cumberland County, Tennessee, where he was engaged in the mercantile trade till the spring of 1861, At that time he enlisted in the state militia, and was elected captain of Company D, Thirty-sixth Tennessee Volunteer Regiment, and after their disbandment in the fall of 1861, he went to Somerset, Kentucky, and enlisted in Company, D, Second Tennessee Volunteer Regiment, serving till 1864, when he was discharged. He then became employed by the Louisville & Nashville Railroad Company, as bookkeeper at Louisville, Kentucky, continuing to fill the position till 1868. In this year he came to Clinton, Missouri, and established the first lumber yard after the war, which he conducted till 1870. That year he was elected county clerk, and held the office till January, 1875. After this he was interested in different lines of business till August, 1880, when with Mr. Boyes he started in the grocery business. Mr. Snyder was united in marriage March 26, 1861, with Miss Mattie Boyes, a native of New York. They have three children: Amelia J., Charles W. and Mattie C. Mr. S. is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Encampment of that order, and belongs also to the Knights of Pythias and the A.O.U.W.
SNYDER, Charles H.
Clinton Township
1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg 361
Charles H. Snyder, a Union veteran of the Civil War, is one of the substantial pioneer residents of Henry Country. Mr. Snyder was born in Dresden, Saxony, October 31, 1839, a son of Ernest and Emelia A. (Laonhardt) Snyder. The Snyder family came to America in 1849, landing in New York November 3. Ernest Snyder, the father, was a prominent civil engineer and held a high station in that profession in his native land. He took a prominent part in politics and was a political associate of Carl Shurtz, of whom it will be recalled was prominent in a political revolution that took place in Germany about the middle of the last century. On account of his political activity in opposition to the government, Ernest Snyder left his native land with his family and came to America, and thus escaped prosecution for opposing the same Prussianism with which the world is contending today. After coming to America Ernest Snyder with his family located in Nicholas County, West Virginia. Here he remained until 1853, when he removed to New York City, where he was connected with a large locomotive works in his professional capacity as a civil engineer. He remained there until 1855, when he went to Scranton, Pennsylvania, with the Union Iron and Coal Company as civil engineer. In 1858 he went to Tennessee and bought a large tract of land, upon which he remained until 1863. He then returned to his profession, entering the employ of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad Company with headquarters at Louisville, and during his connection with that railroad he drew the plans and superintended the construction of the Louisville & Nashville bridge across the Ohio River at Louisville. About this time his health failed and he retired and lived at New Albany, Indiana, until the time of his death in 1868. His wife died in Clinton, Missouri, in 1871. They were the parents of two children, E. W., who died in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1898, and Charles H., the subject of this sketch. Charles H. Snyder had the advantages of a good education, much better than the average youth of a half century ago. He attended Beverly Institute at Beverly, New Jersey, and then took a course in the Wyoming Seminary at Wyoming, Pennsylvania, and was graduated in the class of 1858. He then entered the Eastman Commercial College at Poughkeepsie, New York, where he was graduated, January 25, 1858. He then entered the employ of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad Company at Scranton, Pennsylvania, for George Scranton, from whom that Pennsylvania city takes its name. Shortly after this, Mr. Snyder's health failed and he was advised by specialists to seek a mountain climate. Accordingly he went to Tennessee and after remaining about a year in the Cumberland Mountains he accepted a position as manager of a mercantile establishment at Pikeville, Bledsoe County, Tennessee. This was just prior to the Civil War and Mr. Snyder was elected captain of the home guards there. After the Civil War broke out most of his acquaintances and associates at Pikeville joined the cause of the Confederacy, but Mr. Snyder remained a strong Union man. The growing hostile attitude of his neighbors, with a number of warnings issued to him for his loyalty to the Union, led Mr. Snyder to the sudden conclusion that Pikeville was not a good place for a Union man to remain and accordingly he took his sudden departure, December 13, 1861. He left on foot in the night and for two weeks kept up his journey through the mountains. On December 25, 1861, he reached Somerset and enlisted in Company F, Second Regiment, East Tennessee Volunteers. He participated in the battle of Mill Springs, which was fought January 19, 1862, and after that he served on detached duty until 1863. Mr. Snyder then entered the employ of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad Company as assistant auditor with headquarters at Louisville, Kentucky. He remained in that capacity until 1865, when he came to Henry County, Missouri. Upon coming to Henry County Mr. Snyder engaged in the lumber business. He opened the first lumber yard in Clinton. This was before there were any railroads here and all his lumber was hauled from Warrensburg, which was the nearest railroad point. After being in the lumber business for about one and one-half years, Mr. Snyder was appointed deputy county clerk. In 1870 he was elected county clerk and served two terms. Mr. Snyder, perhaps, has held a commission as notary public longer than any other man in Henry County, receiving his first commission in 1875, and has served as notary public ever since that time, and so far as known he bears the distinction of being the oldest ex-county official of Henry County. Mr. Snyder has been in the real estate loan and fire insurance business for nearly forty years, and during that time he has loaned a great deal of eastern money to the farmers of Henry County. Mr. Snyder was united in marriage March 26, 1861, to Miss Mattie Boyes, a native of Jersey City, New Jersey, but at the time of her marriage a resident of Tennessee. To Mr. and Mrs. Snyder were born three children: Meta, married H. H. Williams, Clinton, Missouri; Charles W., who served in the Eleventh United States Infantry during the Spanish American War. He made a good military record but his health failed while he was in the service and he died May 27, 1900; Margaret C., is unmarried and resides with her father in Clinton. Mrs. Mattie Snyder died May 25, 1912, at the age of seventy-one years. Mr. Snyder has always been identified with the Republican party although in a political sense he is inclined to be independent. As he expresses it, he proposes to do his own thinking. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
SNYDER, Ernest W.
Clinton Township
1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg 543
Ernest W. Snyder, real estate, loan and insurance agent, was born in Saxony, Germany, March 28, 1838. When twelve years of age, he with his parents emigrated to America, and settled in Nicholas County, West Virginia, where they resided three years, removing thence to Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. There our subject was brought up and educated, and there he resided until 1857. Coming to Missouri, he located in Franklin County where he was engaged in blacksmithing. In the spring of 1858 he returned to Pennsylvania, and after a short visit went to Will County, Illinois, and became occupied in farming. In the spring of 1859. he removed to Cumberland County, Tennessee, and continued agricultural pursuits till November, 1863. Then he settled in Louisville, Kentucky, remained one year, subsequently went to Goodlettsville, Tennessee, and farmed near that town till the spring of 1866, when he took up his location in Nelson County, Kentucky. After one year's residence there, he came to Henry County, Missouri, and followed farming about a year. In 1868 he engaged in his present business. Mr. Snyder was married March 28, 1861, to Miss Gertrude DeLaVergle, a native of New York. They have seven children: Anna A., Charles L., George R., Ernest F., Louie B., Walter, and Gertrude H. Mr. S. is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the A. O. U. W. fraternities, and also belongs to the Presbyterian Church. In 1870, he was elected justice of the peace of this township and served in that office for five years. He has been a member of the city council one term.
SNYDER, Jacob F.
Osage Township
1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg 818
Jacob F. Snyder, a prominent farmer and stockman of Osage township, is a native son of Henry County. He was born in this township September 10, 1869, and is a son of Rudolph and Mary Snyder. The Snyder family came to Henry County from Ohio in the early fifties. They came by steamboat as far as Warsaw and from there walked to their future home in Osage township. The father died about 1889, and the mother departed this life in 1903. Their remains rest side by side in Mount Zion Cemetery. They were the parents of the following children: Elizabeth, deceased; Mary, married Lawrence Acker and resides in Hickory County, Missouri; Philip, deceased; J. D. lives at Lowery City, Missouri; M. R., Johnson County, Missouri, and Jacob F., the subject of this sketch. Jacob F. Snyder was reared to manhood in Henry County and received his education in the public schools. He has followed farming and stock raising since early life and is one of the successful farmers and stockmen of southern Henry County. His farm is known as "Grand View Stock Farm," and is one of the ideal places of Osage township. It is located about eight miles south and east of Brownington. on the Warsaw and Brownington road. Mr. Snyder owns 1,040 acres of some of the most valuable land in the county. The place is well improved and all modern farming methods are in vogue here. Mr. Snyder is one of the extensive stockmen of this section and ships from three to five carloads of cattle and hogs annually. He also raises horses and mules on an extensive scale. July 23, 1890, Jacob F. Snyder was united in marriage with Miss Emma E. Knisely, a daughter of Joseph and Affia (Hopple) Knisely, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania. They were early settlers in Henry County, coming here about 1868. They are both now deceased and their remains are buried in the Mount Zion Cemetery. They were the parents of the following children: Alta Ann, deceased; Emma E. married Jacob F. Snyder, the subject of this sketch; M. R. resides in Osage township, and Mrs. Bertha Stewart, Osage township. To Jacob F. Snyder and wife have been born the following children: Ruby married Claud Greenwell, Osage township; Don R. married Lena Stewart and lives in Osage township; Lena, at home with her parents; Florence married Perry Barker, Osage township; Jacob F. Jr.; Audra Earl and Violet B. The three last mentioned reside at home with their parents. Mr. Snyder is one of the substantial men of Henry County and the Snyder family are well known and highly respected.
SOBEY, Isaac E.
Windsor Township
1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg 595
Isaac E. Sobey, lumber merchant, was born on the ocean, on the passage from England to France, in 1831. His parents, Thomas Sobey and Elizabeth nee Perry, were born in England, but both were of Scotch ancestry. The subject of this sketch is the seventh of a family of thirteen children. He came to this country with his parents in 1852 and settled in Dubuque, Iowa, on a farm, and in 1860 he went to Colorado and engaged in mining, remaining there until September, 1861. Then he enlisted in the Rocky Mountain Rangers Regiment, raised by Gov. John Gilpin, and was there until the spring of 1862, when the command was ordered to New Mexico, under Capt. John B. Sexton. They were all through Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Nebraska. Mr. S. re-enlisted and remained in the army from 1861 to 1865, serving as quartermaster and clerk much of the time. Returning to Denver, Colorado, he received an honorable discharge. After visiting home he again went to the plains in 1866, in the interests of the Union Pacific Railroad Company, and remained with them until 1869. In the spring of 1869 he went to Fort Scott, in the interest of the Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad, being interested in contracts, etc. In 1870, after completing these contracts, he kept books for a large wholesale house in, Fort Scott. In the fall of 1870 he became connected with the Fort Scott Planing Mill Company until it was destroyed by fire in 1875. He worked at the carpenter's trade for three years, and in 1879 was appointed street commissioner for the city. In March, 1880, he came to Windsor in the interest of G. W. Dulany & Co., as manager of their lumber yard, which was started in 1877. Mr. Sobey married Miss Eliza E. Hatch, in 1868. She was the daughter of William Hatch, of Dubuque County, Iowa. They have two children, Florence E. and Jesse C. Mr. S. politically is a Democrat. He is an active and well informed Mason, and belongs to the A. O. U. W., and to the American League of Honor. He is an excellent bookkeeper and accountant, having learned this profession in England. Mr. Sobey will be remembered by the old settlers of Cheyenne as having built the first house of that city.
SPANGLER, David C.
Shawnee Township
1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg 823
David C. Spangler. The Middle West, known as the corn and wheat growing district, is noted for its corn-fed cattle. The people of Missouri contribute their share of the provision of the vast herds of cattle needed to supply the world with beef for the table, Among the Henry County stockmen who are doing this work on a large scale David C. Spangler is one of the real leaders. Mr. Spangler raises from 800 to 17000 head of hogs and about 200 head of cattle each year. This production is brought about on a large scale on a farm embracing 1,000 acres in Shawnee township. The Spangler Stock farm is ideally adapted for the production of live stock in large numbers and is sufficiently watered by a well drilled to a depth of six hundred feet and which has been yielding a good flow of water for the past thirty years. This well is filled with water to within forty feet of the top and is forced to all parts of the feeding lots by a power pump. David C. Spangler was born in Shawnee township, Henry County, December 3, 1888, and is the son of James W. and Alice (Houston) Spangler. James W. Spangler was born in Illinois and came to Missouri from that State in 1860, making a permanent location in Shawnee township. His farm was located within two and a half miles of Huntingdale. Mr. Spangler is now the owner of 2,235 acres of land, 1,000 acres of which is under the management of his son, David C. Spangler. James Spangler was engaged in farming and stock raising for many years Mrs. Alice Houston Spangler, his wife, was born in Deer Creek township. David C. Spangler was reared in Henry County and has followed in his father's footsteps as a farmer and stockman. Mr. Spangler was married on January 11, 1917, to Miss Nora Shackleford, the daughter of W. H. and Dora (Linley) Shackleford, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. W. H. Shackleford now resides in Kansas City, Missouri, and his wife is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. David Spangler reside in Clinton, from which point Mr. Spangler travels to his farm and oversees the operation of his ranch. Mr. Spangler is fraternally affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Workmen of the World.
SPANGLER, Grady
Fields Creek Township
1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg 755
Grady Spangler, a progressive young farmer of Fields Creek township, is manager of 900 acres of land, six miles north of Clinton. Mr. Spangler is an extensive breeder of hogs and cattle for the market. He was born October 15, 1894, in Clinton, Missouri, and is the son of James M., and Alice Houston Spangler. James Spangler is a native of Illinois who came to Henry County in 1866, purchasing land here. From time to time, James Spangler has increased his land holdings until he is now one of the large land owners of the county. He is also the president of the Peoples National Bank at Clinton, holding a controlling interest in same. Mr. Spangler's beginning of his successful farming and business relations was in the employ of Captain Curtis of the Curtis Ranch, where for a number of years, Mr. Spangler was its manager. He is now making his home in Clinton, still ably looking after his business affairs. His wife, Mrs. Alice (Houston) Spangler was born near Lewis Station, Missouri, the daughter of Bayard and Catherine (Adamson) Houston, the former deceased and the latter living on a farm near Lewis Station, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. James Spangler are the parents of the following children: Georgia, deceased; Catherine E., a teacher in the high school of Clinton, Missouri; Lewis Young, operator of coal mines at Lewis Station, Missouri; David Crockett, near Huntingdale, Missouri, whose sketch appears in this volume; and Grady, the subject of this sketch. Grady Spangler was educated in the Clinton public schools and Missouri University, at Columbia, Missouri. After his return from the University, Mr. Spangler assumed the management of the present farm and is successfully conducting the same. May 31, 1917, Mr. Spangler was married to Frances Willard Marseilles a daughter of Drs. W. M. and Myrtle (Pickett) Marseilles of Clinton, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Mrs. Spangler was born February 10, 1898, Brookfield, Missouri, and educated in Clinton High School. Grady Spangler is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Clinton and his wife are members of the Eastern Star.
SPANGLER, Levi Augustus "Gus"
Fields Creek Township
1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg 688
L. A. Spangler. The subject of this sketch was born in McDonough County, Illinois, March 20, 1850. His father, Lewis Spangler, a native of Kentucky, came to Henry County, Missouri, in 1858. He married Miss Harriet Sarles, originally from New York. L. A. was the eighth of a family of ten children. In 1863 his father returned to Illinois, where they remained a short time, then going to Idaho, where he followed farming four years. In 1863 he moved to Cass County, Missouri, and farmed until 1876, when he came to Henry County. There he has since resided, giving his attention to farming and the handling of stock. His education was obtained in the common schools of Missouri. Mr. S. is a member of Tebo Lodge, No. 68, A. F. & A. M., Signet Royal Arch Chapter and commandery. October 26, 1882, he married Miss Fannie Houston. She was born in Henry County, Missouri, October 19, 1863.
SPANGLER, Levi A.
Fields Creek Township
1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg 768
Photos: Levi Spangler Family
Levi A. Spangler, owner and proprietor of "The Willowbrook Farm," Fields Creek township, is one of Henry County's successful farmers and stockmen. Mr. Spangler was born in McDonough County, Illinois, March 20, 1850, a son of Lewis and Harriet (Sarles) Spangler, both natives of Kentucky, the former born on March 11, 1815, near Louisville, Ky., and the latter on July 29, 1816, at Albany, New York. The family came to Henry County, Missouri, in 1858, and in 1864 left this section of the country and drove across the plains with an ox-team and settled in Idaho. A few years later they returned to Missouri, and settled in Cass County, near Freeman, where the father died in 1882, and the mother departed this life eleven years later, and their remains are buried in the cemetery at Freeman, Missouri. Lewis and Harriet (Sarles) Spangler were the parents of the following children: Norvall, who was a captain in the Confederate Army and was killed while in the service; Mrs. Susan White, deceased; Davis, who served in the Confederate Army, and after the war settled in Cass County and is now deceased; Mrs. Lucinda Calloway, died at Brunswick, Missouri; Mrs. Ruth Naylor died at Brunswick, Missouri; Isabelle died in Idaho in 1884; James M. resides at Clinton, Missouri; Levi A., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Mary R. Luster, Springfield, Missouri; and George L., Appleton City, Missouri. Levi A. Spangler was educated in the public schools of Illinois, Idaho and Cass County, Missouri. He then attended school at the Brunswick, Missouri, Academy. In 1876, he came to Henry County. He was a poor boy without capital and worked as a farm laborer for twenty-five dollars per month. He was frugal and industrious and after a few years had saved fifteen hundred dollars out of his earnings, which he invested in a farm, making the first payment on two hundred forty acres in 1883. He added to this place from time to time until he now owns six hundred seventy-nine acres of well improved land and located about five and one-half miles northeast of Clinton. It is one of the well improved and valuable farms of Henry County and is probably worth considerably more than seventy-five thousand dollars, if placed on the market today. The Spangler residence is one of the fine homes of Henry County and is equipped with all modern conveniences, including heat, light and water, and the other farm buildings about the place are thoroughly in keeping with the residence. Mr. Spangler was married October 26, 1882, with Miss Frances Houston, who was born in Deer Creek township, October 16, 1863, the daughter of Bayard and Kate (Adamson) Houston of Deer Creek township. The father is now deceased and his remains are interred in Englewood Cemetery and the mother now resides in Clinton. They were the parents of the following children: William, who is engaged in mining in Idaho; Mrs. Alice Spangler, Clinton, Missouri; Thomas J. lives in Nebraska; Berry died at Cheyenne, Wyoming; Frances, wife of Levi A. Spangler, subject of this sketch; Eliza, died in Clinton at the age of nineteen years; Samuel B., whose present address is unknown, and Mrs. Hattie Cameron, Deer Creek, township. To Mr. and Mrs. Spangler have been born five children as follow: Mabel, Dr. Harvey B., James S., Frank A., and Louise, who died at the age of two years. Mabel Spangler was born on October 16, 1904, married Fred W. Olson, a banker of Windsor, Missouri, and is mother of two children, Frederick A., and Frances. Dr. Harry V. Spangler, who is now a member of the Hospital Corps No.40, National Army, and is in the service at the western front in France, was born October 18, 1886. He was educated in the Clinton High School and graduated from this school, also completed a business course in the Gem City Business College, at Quincy, Illinois, graduated from the medical department of Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri. He practiced medicine in Salt Lake City, Utah, for four years prior to his enlistment as first lieutenant in the Medical Corps on June 25, 1917. Doctor Spangler is a Scottish Rite Mason. James S., a farmer in Fields Creek township, was born February 13, 1890, and was educated in the Clinton High School, the Sedalia Business College, and studied the Science of Agriculture at the State University, Columbia, Missouri. He married, Ruby, daughter of R. T. Lindsay, and has two children, Sarah Frances, and R. T. Lindsay Spangler. Frank A. Spangler was born November 18, 1893, graduated from the Clinton High School, and the banking department of the Gem City Business College, Quincy, Illinois, enlisted in the United States Navy in December, 1917, and received his training for the sea service at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station and is now serving his country aboard a United States Naval Vessel in European waters. Mr. and Mrs. Spangler are justly proud of their fine family and are especially proud of the two sons whom they have contributed to the nation's service as soldiers in defense of their country. It is probable that they take more pride in their family than in their own accomplishments which have placed them in the front rank of Henry County citizenship. The Spangler home is a beautiful and spacious one and is noted for the warm hospitality and kindliness of its occupants. Nothing is too good for the Spangler children, and at Christmas time in 1917, Mrs. Spangler made her sons and son-in-law each a present of a valuable Masonic ring. Mr. Spangler is a Knights Templar Mason, and both he and Mrs. Spangler are members of the Eastern Star. Since the organization of the Clinton National Bank in 1907, Mr. Spangler has served on the directorate of this thriving financial institution.
SPAULDING, Milo
Big Creek Township
1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg 707
Milo Spaulding, farmer and stock feeder, section 27, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, February 3, 1846, and was the son of Daniel D. Spaulding, a native of New York, who grew to manhood there, removing to Ohio when a young man, and locating in Seneca County, where he married Mary Ann Trail, of Pennsylvania. Milo Spaulding spent his youth in Seneca County on a farm, enjoying the advantages of attending the public schools. In the fall of 1861, when in his sixteenth year, he enlisted in the Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served thirteen months. He participated in the battle of Pittsburg Landing and minor engagements and skirmishes. After his term of service expired he passed some four years in Indiana, Illinois and Kansas. He was married in Weston, Missouri, February, 7, 1866, to Mrs. Sarah Jane Millen, widow of John W. Millen. Mrs. Spaulding was a daughter of James Lime, and is a native of Kentucky. Mr. S. subsequently removed to St. Louis, where he resided about three years, going thence to Henry County, Illinois, where he farmed one year. In the spring of 1870 he located in Henry County, Missouri, purchased land and improved a farm where he now resides. He has 120 acres in his home place, in cultivation with a good house, barn and out buildings and a young orchard. He also owns a farm of eighty acres in another tract, and sixty acres of timber land. Mr. Spaulding is one of the most successful farmers of Big Creek Township. he makes a specialty of feeding about one car load of steers and about thirty hogs annually. Mrs. Spaulding has three children by her first husband: John W., Mary E. and Charles Henry Millen. She is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. He belongs to the I. O. O. F. fraternity.
SPORE, James Simpson
Clinton, Henry Co, MO
1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg 318
James S. Spore, proprietor of the Spore & Son, furniture and undertaking business, Clinton, Missouri, is the most extensive furniture dealer in Henry County. Mr. Spore was born at Odessa, Missouri, November 12, 1886, and is a son of Elmer E. Spore and Emma (Summer) Spore. Elmer E. Spore was born near Edenburg, Illinois, June 1, 1860, and came to Missouri with his parents when a child. His father was a physician, and later in life was engaged in contracting and building at Odessa, Missouri. Elmer E. Spore was a graduate pharmacist. He came to Henry County and located at Blairstown, where he organized the firm of Spore & Sweatman, hardware and implement dealers. He disposed of his interests in this business in 1896 and bought a farm east of Clinton. In 1904 he sold his farm and engaged in the furniture business in Clinton. He died February 12, 1917, and his son James S., who was a partner in the business at the time of his father's death, has continued the business under the same firm name of Spore & Son. Emma (Summer) Spore was born in Quincy, Illinois, and is a daughter of James Summer, a native of Kentucky, who was one of the first pioneer settlers in the vicinity of Quincy, Illinois. He pre-empted Government land near Quincy, where Mrs. Spore, the mother of James S., now resides. Elmer E. Spore was strictly a business man. He did not aspire to hold political office, although he took a deep interest in public affairs and for civic betterment from the standpoint of the citizen rather than from the desire to hold public office. He was active in the betterment and upbuilding of Blairstown, building his residence there and took the same deep interest and civic pride in the advancement of the city of Clinton, after that city became the scene of his business activity. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Woodsmen of the World and the Christian Church. James S. Spore was educated in the public schools and the Gem City Business College, Quincy, Illinois, graduating from that institution in 1905. He was then employed in Hannibal, Missouri, for about a year, when he returned to Clinton and engaged in the furniture business with his father, and has been continually associated with this business ever since that time. He and his father conducted the business from 1908 until the time of the father's death and since then James. S. has continued the business under the same firm name. Before the senior Mr. Spore bought this business, it was known as the Clinton Furniture Company, and had been so conducted for a number of years. The Spore & Son furniture house is located on the south side of the public square and has a frontage of fifty-five feet, and is two hundred feet deep, with two large balconies which practically amount to a second floor. The most complete line of furniture, including rugs, linoleum and wall paper, in the county, are to be found here. They also carry talking machines and have the best equipped undertaking establishment in the city. Mr. Spore is a licensed embalmer. June 25, 1914, James S. Spore was united in marriage with Miss Lula Ann Griffith, a native of St. Clair County, Missouri, and a daughter of Wesley and Sarah E. Griffith. To this union has been born one child, James D. Mr. Spore is a Mason and past master of the Clinton Lodge, and belongs to the Christian church. He is one of the progressive young business men of Henry County.
SPRY, Benjamin F.
Bogard Township
1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg 761
Benjamin F. Spry, a representative citizen of Bogard township, is a native of Missouri, and a descendant of pioneer parents of this State. Mr. Spry was born in Howard County, September 19, 1881, son of George W. and Elzerene (Shipp) Spry, both natives of Howard County. The father was born in 1851 and died October 7, 1915, and the mother was born in 1856 and died February 29, 1916, and their remains rest side by side in the Hickory Grove Cemetery. They were both descendants of pioneer families of Howard County, Missouri. To George W., and Elzerene (Shipp) Spry were born the following children: Cowin lives at Macksville, Kansas; Corbin died at age of thirteen years; Ludie May married William Mendenhall, Urich, Missouri; Benjamin F., the subject of this sketch; Fern W., Rolla C., Bogard township; and Bessie L., married J. Kellison, Blairstown, Missouri. Fern W. Spry resides with his brother, Benjamin F., his wife having died June 27, 1915. She bore the maiden name of Olive B. Stewart. They were married October 2, 1917, and two children were born to this union: Mary Louise, who died in infancy, and Harold F., who is a bright and intelligent little boy of three, and makes. his home with his uncle and aunt, Ben and Maude Spry. Benjamin F. Spry was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools. He remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-two years of age, when he engaged in farming and stock raising for himself. He now owns a farm of two hundred acres in Bogard township, which is one of the well-improved and productive farms of Henry County. In addition to being a successful general farmer he is also engaged in stock raising extensively, and is one of the successful stock feeders of the county. Mr. Spry was married September 28, 1904, to Miss Maude E. Simpson, a daughter of George and Annie (Kepner) Simpson of Bogard township. To Mr. and Mrs. Spry has been born one daughter, Clara Lee. Mr. Spry is one of the progressive and public spirited citizens of Bogard township.
----------
|
|
