Henry County Missouri Biographies
WHI-WIL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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