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WIRTH, Christian H.
Osage Township
1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg 755
Christian Wirth, an enterprising mechanic of Brownington, owes his nativity to Prussia, where he was born July 2, 1845, being the son of Philip and Lizzie (Liasor) Wirth, also natives of that country. Christian was brought by his parents to the United States when an infant (in the winter of 1845), and settled in St. Clair County, Illinois, where he grew to manhood, his youth being spent on a farm and at the public schools, where he received a fair common education. When seventeen years old he commenced learning the wagon makers trade, and worked under instructions three years. Going to Waterloo, Monroe County, he worked a short time there, and also at different towns in the county and state about three years; In the spring of 1869 he came to Missouri and located in Clinton, Henry County, following his trade one year. He removed to Brownington in 1870 and has since carried on a shop at this place. Mr. Wirth has built up a good business and has established a reputation for industrious and fair dealing, exceeded by few. He was married in Illinois to Miss Mary Dietz, of that state, and a daughter or Adam Dietz, who came originally from Germany, Mr. and Mrs. W. have six children: George, Edward, Louisa, Ellen, Charles and Julia.
WISELY, L. A.
Big Creek Township
1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg 711
L. A. Wisely, M.D., merchant at Norris, is a highly respected citizen of this locality, and was born in Wythe County, Virginia, May 25, 1829. His parents were Daniel and Mary A. (Straw) Wisely, also Virginians by birth. In 1837 the family came to Missouri and located in Callaway County, where Mr. Wisely entered land and improved a farm. In 1841 they removed to Howard County, where Daniel Wisely was engaged in farming until his death, in 1868. L. A. served an apprenticeship in the office of the Missouri Democrat, at Fayette, Missouri, and worked at the printing business for eight years, three years of the time in St. Louis. While in St. Louis he took advantage of the night schools and supplemented this knowledge by two years attendance at Howard College. After completing his studies he bought out the Platte Argus, at Weston, publishing that paper, in connection with his brother, for three years. He studied medicine under the instruction of Dr. Bowers, of Weston, and took lectures at the University of Virginia, in 1857, graduating in Philadelphia from the Jefferson Medical College, in 1859. Upon the completion of his medical course Dr. W. commenced the practice of his profession in Howard County, in 1860, continuing there for six years. In 1866 he came to Henry County, locating at Windsor, where he practiced for two years. In 1866 he purchased a farm, removed to Big Creek Township and carried on agricultural pursuits in connection with his professional duties. He removed to Norris in 1879 and engaged in the drug business, and now has an excellent stock of everything in his line of trade. The doctor is Democratic in politics, and takes a leading part in all the political issues of the day. He received the appointment and held the office of postmaster at Norris for four years, and was appointed notary in May, 1882. He was married in Howard County June 23, 1863, to Miss Mary F. Bass, a daughter of George P. Bass. She is a native of that county, and received her education at the Howard College. Dr. and Mrs. Wisely have three children, Edna M., George D. and Sally Tuttle. The former is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders.
WITHERSPOON, M. B.
Fairview Township
1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg 443
M. B. Witherspoon, cashier of the Bank of Deepwater, Henry County, Missouri, is a son of one of the oldest pioneer families in this section of Missouri. He was born near Gaines, Missouri, July 13, 1868, and is the son of H. B. and Amanda (Levy) Witherspoon, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Illinois. H. B. Witherspoon was a son of one of the first pioneers of this county who settled east of Deepwater as early as 1840. H. B. Witherspoon was born in Kentucky in 1835 and died in 1914. He was a son of Isaac Witherspoon. Mr. Witherspoon followed farming during his entire life and died at Brownington, Missouri. His wife and mother of M. B. Witherspoon died in March, 1917. H. B. Witherspoon was twice married, there being two children by his first marriage: Mrs. J. N. Dunnin, a widow living in Deepwater, and Mrs. M. T. Beelor, Clinton, Missouri. There were four children born to the second marriage: M. B., subject of this review; B. H., Troy Mills, Iowa; R. L., died at Brownington in 1915, and Mrs. E. M. Beelor, living in Oregon. M. B. Witherspoon was educated in the district school and attended Lamkin's Academy at Clinton. For a number of years he was engaged in the mercantile business at Brownington, Missouri, and came to Deepwater in 1905 and one year later (1906) he became cashier of the Bank of Deepwater. Mr. Witherspoon was married in 1893 to Miss Lena L. Taylor, a daughter of Dr. M. B. Taylor of Brownington, Missouri. He is a Democrat and he and Mrs. Witherspoon are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Witherspoon is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and other fraternal societies. The Bank of Deepwater was organized as a State banking institution on February 13, 1889. The principal organizers were W. F. White, C. N. White, J. H. Yentzer, Matthias Hageman and Isaac Shaffner. J. H. Yentzer was chosen president and served for a number of years, until his death in February, 1905. M. B. Witherspoon succeeded J. C. Smith as cashier in 1905. Mr. Smith is now in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. J. C. Yentzer was succeeded by Robert Terrill as president. Mr. Terrill was succeeded by Wesley Griffin, who was followed by J. M. Marmaduke, who in turn was succeeded by Jacob Rhoads, the present incumbent of the office, who is a substantial man of affairs. The Bank of Deepwater is in a very prosperous condition. This bank has a capitalization of $10,000; a surplus of $10,000; undivided profits of $9,000, and deposits exceeding $145,000. The present officers are Jacob Rhoads, president; Fred C. Hill, vice-president; M. B. Witherspoon, cashier; F. A. Houston, assistant cashier. The directors are: Jacob Rhoads, Fred C. Hill, George S. Hovey, F. A. Huston, M. B. Witherspoon and L. L. Shaffer.
WITMER, Joseph
Deepwater Township
1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg 625
Joseph Witmer, farmer and carpenter, is a native of Switzerland, and was born December 25, 1836, being the son of Joseph and Mary (Hefner) Witmer, also of that country. The subject of this sketch spent his youth in the country of his birth, and was educated in the public schools, working on a farm and in a dairy until 1853, when he emigrated to the United States and located in Toledo, Ohio. There he lived about three years, and while in that city learned the carpenter's trade. From Toledo he went to Indiana and worked one year at his trade in Hundingdon county. In 1857 he went with some government troops to Salt Lake, where he passed about nine months, when he returned to St. Joseph, Missouri, and worked in that city until 1861. In July, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company A, Thirteenth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, serving until mustered out March 19, 1865. After the battle of Lexington he was promoted to second lieutenant for meritorious conduct, and afterward, in November, 1863, to first lieutenant. He was made prisoner at the battle of Lexington, but was paroled in three days. His regiment, after this engagement, was reorganized, and was known as the twenty-fifth. He participated in the battles of Shilo and New Madrid, and a number of other important engagements. In 1862 his regiment went on the plains and served on the frontier until 1864. After his discharge Mr. Witmer engaged as wagon master and went across the plains to Denver and Salt Lake. In the fall of 1866 he returned to Missouri and located in Clinton, where he followed his trade for three years. In the winter of 1870 he went to Indiana and was married January 11th of that year in Huntingdon County, to Miss Mary Lennartz, of that county, and a daughter of Peter Lennartz. Returning to Henry County he worked at his trade during that year, and in the spring of 1871 he came to Montrose and bought the farm where he now resides. Mr. Witmer has a fine farm of 106 acres in section 24, just in the suburbs of the town, which is well improved. Since moving to this place, besides overseeing and attending to it, he has also been engaged in working at his trade, and is one of the best workmen in his line in Montrose. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church. They have a family of two children, Mollie and Willie G.
WITTIG, Karl
Fairview Township
1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg 602
Karl Wittig, a successful farmer of Fairview township, is a native of Wittenburg, Germany, born April 20, 1858. He is a son of Frederick Wittig, who was a native of the home land and spent his life in her environs. Karl Wittig received his education under the parental room and in the schools of his native land. In his early manhood he learned the blacksmith trade and upon his arrival in Seneca County, Ohio, in 1880, he was employed in this trade. He also worked as a farm hand, and thus prepared himself for his work as an owner of his own land. In 1883 he homesteaded 160 acres in Morton County, North Dakota, proving up on the same and made the necessary improvements. In 1889 he sold his homestead and moved to Cowley County, Kansas, where he rented land until he came to Henry County, Missouri. He purchased 120 acres of land in 1894 and has added to his land holdings as he was able, and now owns 239 acres of valuable land. The marriage of Karl Wittig and Katherine Staib was solemnized in Seneca County, Ohio, September 9, 1883. Mrs. Wittig was born in Seneca County, Ohio, March 24, 1852, the daughter of Jacob and Katherine (Hauck) Staib, who were natives of Germany and came to America in 1836. Mr. Staib was employed in the clearing of the timber and brush in the natural timber of Seneca County. He spent his life in that county and he and his wife both died and are buried there. Mr. and Mrs. Wittig are the parents of seven children, as follows: Theodore, lives in California; Fred, of Mansfield, Washington; Nettie, at home; Robert, a soldier in the National Army in France; Alma, wife of Lloyd Sanders of Fairfield township; Anna, deceased (Alma and Anna were twins); Albert, at home. Mr. Wittig is a breeder of the Aberdeen Angus cattle and the Poland China hogs. His herd of pure bred hogs is favorably known in his locality and he raises them in great numbers. He is a stockholder of the Farmers Bank of Deepwater, Missouri. Mr. Wittig votes the Democratic ticket and has served on the township board two terms. He has also been school director for fifteen years of district No. 89. He and his family are members of the Reformed Lutheran Church.
WITZEL, John
Deepwater Township
1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg 442
John Witzel. The two greatest fishermen in the southern part of Henry County are John Witzel and his long time friend, Joseph H. Wilson. These two old settlers have spent many happy days in fishing for the finny denizens which are plentiful in the Deepwater River and even now, when age has come upon them, they love to take hook and line and spend a long summer day in angling for the watery denizens. In the early days Mr. Witzel also liked to hunt and remembers shooting a deer while working in a field. Despite the fact that the deer got away he is practically certain that he shot the animal, which was afterwards chased by dogs and fell dead in a neighbor's yard. John Witzel of Germantown was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1835, and is the son of Martin and Mary Elizabeth Witzel, both of whom died in Germany. John Witzel emigrated from his native country to America in June, 1866, and arrived at St. Louis when the cholera epidemic was raging in that city. He labored in that city for day wages until 1869 and then came to Henry County, where he rented a farm situated three miles southwest of Germantown. He purchased his home farm in 1881 and the place has been beautified until it is one of the pretty farmsteads in the county. For some years he and his son-in-law, Mr. Cook, farmed the place together and during that time many improvements were made of a substantial nature. Mr. Witzel is owner of seventy-seven acres of land. On June 2, 1868, John Witzel and Elizabeth Kloer were united in marriage. Mrs. Elizabeth Witzel was born March 7, 1848, in Germany, the daughter of Theodore Kloer, who immigrated to America in 1852. Both of Mrs. Witzel's parents died when she was but a child at their home near Cape Girardeau, Missouri. To John and Elizabeth Witzel were born children as follow: Frances, wife of J. H. Puthoff, Deepwater township; Mary, wife of August Schepers, a farmer near Montrose, who has three children: Joseph, Lizzie and Anton; Josephine, wife of Henry Cook, who died at the Witzel home February 14, 1915. Mrs. Frances Puthoff has five children: Norbit, Clements, Lizzie, Agnes and Josephine. On June 2, 1918, Mr. and Mrs. Cook celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at their home near Germantown. Over forty people were in attendance. Mr. Witzel is an independent Democrat and he and his wife are members of the Germantown Catholic Church. He is one of the best respected and highly esteemed old settlers of this section of Henry County.
WOODARD, John
Windsor Township
1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg 603
John Woodard, the owner of a fine farm of 415 acres, located about two miles north of Windsor, was born September 5, 1816, in Randolph County, North Carolina, acquiring his education in the common schools of that locality. His father was born in May of 1792, in Virginia, and his mother in 1780, in Randolph County, North Carolina. They were married in 1812, and to them were born five children, three daughters and two sons, of whom there are living two sons and two daughters. They emigrated from North Carolina in 1819, locating in Howard County, Missouri, where he purchased 160 acres of land remaining there until 1840, and then coming to Henry County. They settled near Windsor and resided there until death. Mr. Woodard died in 1859 and his widow in 1877. He left a large estate to be divided among his children. John Woodard had visited Henry County, then Rives, in 1836, pre-empting 160 acres in his own name, which is still a part of his possessions. About this time he was married. In 1859 he bought 140 acres in this county, and in 1866 he added 115 acres, lying in Johnson County, near or adjoining. Mrs. W. departed this life April 13, 1881. Some time ago Mr. Woodard's generous nature prompted him to aid a supposed friend, in consequence of which he became a heavy loser, yet he still has an excellent farm, and is now known as one of the honest and substantial men of this locality. He handles stock to quite an extent. His political views are Democratic.
WOODS, James
Clinton Township
1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg 552
James Woods, harness maker, came originally from Greene County, Pennsylvania, where he was born March 9, 1841. He lived there till four years old, at which time his parents removed to Ritchie County, West Virginia, where he was reared and educated. He was engaged in farming till July, 1861; then enlisted in Company K, Third Virginia Infantry, United States Army, with which he served till November, 1863. He was wounded above the knee at the battle of Droupe Mountain, and a short time afterward was taken prisoner by the Confederate forces and held as such till liberated by the Federals in December, 1863. He was then taken to Beverly Hospital and remained therein till September, 1865, when he returned home. In 1866 he was elected treasurer of Ritchie County, discharging the duties of that office till June, 1868, when he resigned and came to Henry County, Missouri. After farming for one year he learned the harness trade with William Hoppe, remaining with that gentleman till September, 1872. He followed the same trade with different firms in the city till October, 1877. In the spring of 1878 he went to Waterloo, Iowa; resided there till October of that year; then returned here and in December, 1878, embarked in his present business. Mr. Woods was married October 17, 1870, to Miss Maggie Flanaghan, a native of Virginia. They have one child, Kate. In 1877 he held the office of clerk of Clinton Township. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church.
WOODSON, Chesley G.
Walker Township
1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg 328
Photos: Chesley Woodson Mary Ann Harness Woodson
Chesley G. Woodson. Nearly four score years have elapsed since Chesley G. Woodson of Walker township was brought to Henry County by his parents. Far back in 1839 this county was largely an unpeopled waste with here and there a lone settler's cabin in the timber tracts along the streams. The nearest trading point was Boonville, on the Missouri River, or Jefferson City. The pioneers of those faraway days would drive to either of these cities with ox teams and the trip required a week's time in the making. For a long time the pioneers would of necessity have their milling done at Boonville or Jefferson City until Cook's mill was erected on Grand River. During the days of his young manhood, Chesley Woodson shot many deer and wild turkeys and he recalls that his father killed a bear on Bear Creek. Various settlers operated grist mills by horse power and some of them ground their corn meal by hand. The main commodity which the settlers had to sell were hides and furs. These they would take to Boonville and exchange for salt and groceries sufficient to last for several months. Mr. Woodson has a distinction which few men possess. He served in both armies during the Civil War, having first enlisted in the Confederate Army and later through force of circumstances over which he had no control he was compelled to serve in the Union Army. Mr. Woodson was born on February 25, 1837, in Hancock County, Kentucky, and is the son of Shadrich and Agnes (Gates) Woodson, the former of whom was born in Virginia and the latter in Kentucky. Shadrich Woodson came to Missouri in 1838 and after a year's residence in Johnson County he came to Henry County and entered a tract of Government land in Walker township. He cut and hewed the logs for his two room cabin and spent the remainder of his days on the farm which he broke up and placed in cultivation. He was a hunter and killed a great deal of game which was very plentiful in those early days. He died December 4, 1852, at his home in Walker township. Of the children born to Shadrich Woodson and wife three are living: Jonathan, residing with Adam H. Woodson, his nephew; Mrs. Elizabeth Steele, who makes her home with William Steele in Walker township, and Chesley G., subject of this review. Chesley G. Woodson was reared to young manhood under primitive conditions and enjoyed the frontier life to the utmost. He grew up a strong and sturdy lad who was skillful with axe or gun and knew how to till the soil. He served for two years in the Southern Army during the war between the States and after his term of service expired he went to St. Louis. While in that city he became a member of the 87th Missouri Regiment of the Federal Army under Capt. A. J. Smith and served for one year with the Union forces. After the expiration of his term of service he returned home. After his marriage he settled down to active farm life and accumulated a total of one hundred sixty-six acres. Of late years Mr. Woodson has retired from active farm life and is now making his home with his son, Adam H. Woodson. The marriage of Chesley G. Woodson and Mary Ann Harness took place on March 1, 1866. Mrs. Mary Ann (Harness) Woodson was born in Franklin County, Missouri, February 10, 1839, and was a daughter of Adam Harness, a pioneer of Henry County, concerning whom an account is given elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Woodson died on March 31, 1898. The following children were born to Chesley G. and Mary Ann Woodson: Chesley A., deceased; Nancy Agnes, deceased; Adam H., and Mary Elizabeth, wife of J. M. Hull, a biography of whom is given in this volume. Adam H. Woodson was born February 7, 1869, and has achieved a splendid success as an agriculturist in Walker township. He is owner of three hundred twenty-four acres of well improved farm land upon which he has placed all of the buildings and fencing. Mr. Woodson has resided upon his farm for the past thirty years. He is a Democrat in his political faith as is his father, and has served as school director of his district. The other members of the Woodson household are Chester D. Hull and wife, nee Olga Robinson, who are keeping house for Adam H. Woodson. Mr. Hull was born August 29, 1894, the son of J. M. Hull of Davis township. He was married September 26, 1917, to Olga Robinson, the daughter of Thomas and Mary (Moreland) Robinson.
WRIGHT, Benjamin Franklin
Clinton, Clinton Township
1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg 628
B. F. Wright, a successful grocer located on West Allen street in Clinton, is a native son of Missouri. He was born in Pettis County in 1864 and is a son of Jefferson and Martha J. (Emery) Wright, both also natives of Pettis County and descendants of Pioneer families of Missouri. The father died in Pettis County in the prime of life and his widow married Samuel Wilson, who is now deceased, and she resides in Duarte, California. B. F. Wright was reared and educated in Pettis County and was engaged in farming and stock raising until 1900. In 1901 he came to Clinton and entered the employ of George Wert, and after remaining with him two years, he was employed by Charley Markle in his grocery and feed store for four years, William Leonard buying Markle's grocery. He still remained with the firm for four more years. In 1915 he engaged in the grocery business for himself at his present place of business on West Allen street. He began with limited capital and borrowed some, and gradually increased his stock. Although his aim has never been to carry an unusually large line, but by close attention to business and square dealing he has built up a large trade and prospered. Since engaging in business he has built a comfortable residence, where he now resides, and also five other residences which he rents. Mr. Wright was married in 1891 to Miss Millie May Roberts of Pettis County, Missouri. She is a daughter of Zachariah and Ella (Ramey) Roberts of Lamonte, Pettis County, Missouri. Mrs. Wright's parents are both deceased. The father died when Mrs. Wright was four years of age and her mother died eight years later. Thus Mrs. Wright was left an orphan at on early age. She was reared by an aunt, Mrs. E. K. Canaday. She received her education in the public school at Lamonte, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Wright have one little daughter, Laura Etta Wright, who is nine years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Wright are deserving of the success which they have made of their mercantile venture. They strive to please their vast number of customers and from the continual growth of their business, the only conclusion is that their methods meet with public approval.
YOUNG, Lawrence Perry
Honey Creek Township
1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg 637
Lawrence P. Young of Honey Creek township, is a Union veteran of the Civil War and an interesting pioneer of Henry County. He was born in Athens County, Ohio, August 16, 1843, and is a son of Dr. William Young, and Judith (Boyles) Young. Doctor Young was also a native of Athens County, Ohio, and removed to Illinois in 1845, when Lawrence, the subject of this sketch, was two years old. In 1867 he came to Henry County, and located at Calhoun, and practiced medicine there and in that vicinity for a number of years. He was one of the pioneer doctors of Henry County; he died in 1882 and his remains are buried at Cardville, Missouri. His wife, was also a native of Ohio and she departed this life in 1872, and her remains are buried at Brownington, Missouri. They were the parents of the following children: Lawrence P., the subject of this sketch; William, deceased; Walter, lives at Blue Jacket, Oklahoma; Charles, deceased. Lawrence P. Young was educated in the public schools of Illinois and spent his boyhood days not unlike the average boy of that time. After the Civil War broke out, he enlisted in the spring of 1862 at Clinton, Illinois, in Company E, 117th Illinois Infantry, and served in the Union Army for three years, lacking nine days. His regiment was with Sherman's army when they started on the memorable campaign to the sea, but the 117th Regiment was ordered back to St. Louis for the defense of that city. Mr. Young saw much hard service during the course of his military career and participated in a number of important engagements and skirmishes. At the close of the war he was mustered out by general order of the War Department at Springfield, Illinois. In 1867, Mr. Young came to Henry County, Missouri, and first settled at Brownington, his mother having bought land prior to this time, adjoining the townsite of Brownington. Here he resided until 1874, when he removed to Big Creek township and in 1883 purchased a farm in Honey Creek township, upon which he now resides. He has a valuable farm of one hundred thirty acres, located a short distance southwest of Garland. Mr. Young was united in marriage in 1885 to Miss Anna Eli, daughter of William and Margaret Eli, pioneer settlers of Big Creek township, who settled in Henry County in the forties. The father was a native of Indiana and the mother of Kentucky. He died in 1874 and his wife died in, 1872, and their remains rest in the family cemetery in Big Creek township. They were the parents of the following children: Anna, the wife of Lawrence P. Young, the subject of this sketch; Aaron, lived in Kansas: Mrs. Nancy DePew, Bogard township; Mrs. Mary Shideler, lives in California; and Mrs. Sarah Trent, Moberly, Missouri; Edwin, Banning, Colorado; and Reuben, Dalton, Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Young have been born the following children: Edna, deceased; Ethel, resides at home with her parents; Henry, married Lena Howard, resides at Clinton, Missouri; Monti, married Bessie Middaugh, Honey Creek township. Lawrence P. Young is well entitled to be classed among the pioneers of Henry County. When he first came to Honey Creek township, which was long after he settled in the county, there was not a railroad in that township, nor a bridge. He has frequently hauled goods from Warrensburg, the nearest railroad point, to Clinton, for fifty cents per hundred, and when he hauled goods from Sedalia to Brownington he received $1.25 per hundred. During the early days he did a great deal of freighting. He recalls when Cook's Old Mill and Jackson's Mill were the only places in this section where the settlers could get their flour and meal ground. He says that the early settlers came from great distances to get their grinding done at Jackson's Mill and frequently the mill was so crowded with work that settlers would have to camp and wait two or three days to get their grinding done. Mr. Young is now in his seventy-fifth year and he says he does not remember of ever taking a dose of medicine in his life. He is one of the few Union veterans of the Civil War now living in Henry County, and the only one left in Honey Creek township, and he says he can recall only one Confederate veteran now living in that township, Thomas Cowden. Mr. Young and Mr. Cowden have been what he terms "old cronies" for many years.
YOUNG, Oglesby Love
Windsor, Windsor Township
1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg 604
Oglesby L. Young, farmer and stock raiser, was born September 17, 1835, in St. Charles County, Missouri, where he received a good education. His parents were Oglesby Young, born in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, and a farmer by occupation, and Jane (Love) Young. who was born in 1809 in the same state. They were married in 1824 and had twelve children, of whom there are eight living. In 1831 they emigrated from Virginia to St. Charles County, Missouri. Mrs. Young died in 1860, since which time Mr. Y. has resided in that county, and though seventy-nine years of age, is still strong and robust. Oglesby L. Young married Miss Charlotte Virginia Bird, of St. Charles County, March 4, 1862. By their marriage there have been eleven children, six sons and five daughters, ten of whom survive. He remained in his native county until October 3, 1882, when he came to Henry County, settling in Windsor Township, where he has bought 356 acres of farming land under fine improvement on section 23, two and a half miles south of Windsor. He is one of the enterprising farmers of his locality, and is intending to raising stock to a large extent. He served as one of the State Guards under General Sterling Price for six months during the war; then returned home and bought a farm of 120 acres in St. Charles County, which he commenced to cultivate. After living upon it for about twelve years he sold it and purchased one consisting of 156 acres in the same county, where he remained until coming to Henry County. Religiously, he and his wife are Methodists. In his political preferences he is Independent, upholding the best men for office.
YOUNG, Oglesby Love
Windsor, Windsor Township
1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co pg 550
Oglesby Love Young - Longevity and large families are the most striking attributes of the Young family of Missouri. Besides being a son of parents to whom were born a large family of thirteen children, Oglesby Love Young, retired farmer of Windsor, Missouri, has also reared a large family of eleven children. In addition to this he has accumulated a splendid farm and sufficient of this world's goods to maintain him in peace and comfort for the remainder of his days. Oglesby Love Young was born in St. Charles County, Missouri, September 17, 1835, the son of Oglesby and Jane (Love) Young, to whom were born thirteen children, only three of whom survive. Oglesby Young was a native of Virginia and settled in St. Charles County, Missouri, as early as 1833. His farm was located fifty-two miles west of St. Louis and he spent the remainder of his days on the place which he developed from a wilderness, dying at the ripe old age of eighty-eight years. Mrs. Jane Young was born in Kentucky and died in 1861 at the age of forty-eight years. O. L. Young, subject of this sketch, began his active career as an ox driver on the construction of the Wabash railway through St. Charles County. For several months he was employed in railroad construction work. He enlisted in 1862 as a member of the Missouri State Militia and saw six months' active service within the borders of the State. He then followed farming in St. Charles County until 1881, when he came to Henry County and settled on bottom land three and a half miles southwest of Windsor in Windsor township. Mr. Young purchased a total of 360 acres upon which he placed splendid improvements. In 1914 he purchased another farm and now owns 273 acres of well improved land. During his active years, Mr. Young was an extensive corn and tobacco grower and raised considerable live stock. December 20, 1917, Mr. Young purchased a home in Windsor where he is now residing. March 4, 1862, O. L. Young and Charlotte V. Bird were united in marriage. Mrs. Charlotte Young was born in St. Charles County, Missouri June 2, 1840. She and Mr. Young were sweethearts from their boyhood and girlhood days. She was reared along the right of way of the Wabash railroad and could hear her future husband yelling at the oxen he was driving when he was doing his first gainful labor on his own account. Twelve children have blessed this marriage: Fannie, widow of Robert Finley, Sedalia, Missouri; Mary Nettie, wife of George Huston, Colorado; Arthur E., Prior, Oklahoma; Marshall, Globe, Arizona; William, Salt Lake, Utah; John L., living on the Young home place in Windsor township; Sallie, wife of Clint Nicholas, Stevens, Missouri; Mattie, wife of Doctor Butler, a veterinarian at Montrose, Missouri; Anna, wife of Joseph G. Burchman, Windsor township; Stella, wife of Joseph Martin, Stevens, Missouri; Charlie, Globe, Arizona; one child died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Young have a total of thirty-five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Mr. Young has long been allied with the Democratic party, but during his life time he has taken no more than a good citizen's interest in political matters. He and Mrs. Young are members of the Methodist Church and are looked upon as two of the most highly respected citizens of Windsor and Henry County.
ZENER, Melvin L.
Clinton Township
1883 History of Henry County Missouri, National Historical Co pg 553
Melvin L. Zener, of the firm of Zener & Montgomery, druggists, was born in Vermillion County, Indiana, December 29, 1843. He was educated in his native county, and spent his boyhood days on a farm, remaining engaged in farming and saw milling till 1865. He then began learning the drug business at Terre Haute, Indiana, continued it for two years and subsequently occupied his time in different ways till 1871, when he came to Missouri, embarking in the drug trade at Brownsville. In this city he did business till 1874, then established a drug store in Humansville, Polk County, which he conducted till 1877. Coming to Clinton he started in his present business, and was alone till 1880. when H. Montgomery became a member of the firm. Mr. Zener was united in marriage October 8, 1872, to Miss Ann E. Cormack, a native of Indiana. They have three children, Mary E., Myrtle E. and Herbert. Mr. Z. is a member of Clinton Lodge No. 481, A. F. & A. M., Delphian Lodge No. 34, I. O. O. F., and also of the Knights of Pythias. He and his wife belong to the M. E. Church.
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