W. H. Deskin is a native of Pike county, Kentucky, born June 5, 1854. His parents, W. H. and Louisa Deskin, nee Atkins, were natives of Kentucky and are now both dead. January 26, 1863, his father was commissioned lieutenant of cavalry to rank from October 4, 1862, by Governor John Letcher of Virginia; served till the close of the war, and participated in many memorable battles; was taken prisoner at Alexandria and while in prison contracted a disease that ended in his death, August 8, 1866. His wife, the mother of the subject of our sketch, only survived him ten years.
Young Deskin, when but thirteen years of age, began supporting himself, working on the farm in summer and attending school in the winter; from that age he clothed and boarded himself and bought his own books. February 13, 1861, he came to Daviess county, Missouri, and worked at farming and attended school till he received a good business education. He then learned the barber’s trade, which occupation he followed for five years. He has so conducted himself and won the confidence of the people that in the spring of 1881 he was appointed city marshal, which position he is at present filling with credit.