HERMAN BORTH. Herman Borth, senior member of the firm of Borth, Barrett & Co., at Doniphan, is a man popular with all classes, and has a host of business and social friends. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, October 17, 1851, and no doubt inherits much of his perseverance and industry from his German ancestors.
His father, John Frederick Borth, was born in Hamburg, Germany, and when a young man crossed the ocean and settled in St. Louis. In 1858 he moved to Doniphan, Ripley County, Missouri, and there died in 1861. While a resident of St. Louis he married Miss Henrietta Vittinghoff, also a native of Germany. After his death she married Christopher Gesell, a native of Germany, who is now deceased. At the present time Mrs. Borth resides in Doniphan. John Frederick Borth was a shoemaker by trade and an honest, persevering citizen. His marriage with Miss Vittinghoff resulted in the birth of six children, four of whom are now living.
Herman Borth, the eldest, was educated in the schools of St. Louis, and afterward assisted in any work he could turn his hand to, though for the most part he was on farms in Ripley County, Missouri Later he went to Rochester, New York, and for two years was in the employ of the New York Central & Hudson River Railroad, first as truckster and then in the weighbill office. Later he returned to his home in Ripley County and for two years followed agricultural pursuits. He then spent a year traveling over Kansas, and in 1878 he went into business with T. M. Thannisch, the firm name being Thannisch & Borth. They started with small capital and continued the business three years, when our subject formed a partnership with R. C. Barrett, one of his present partners, and with Mr. A. J. McCullum, who remained in the business only a short time. Soon after John S. Gesell became a member of the firm and it is now known as Borth, Barrett & Co. They carry a very large stock of goods and do an immense business. They are honorable and enterprising business men, who have been unusually successful, and they deserve credit for their push and perseverance. The firm has done a large real estate business too, and Mr. Borth is the individual owner of extensive landed interests. The firm also owns a saw and grist mill, and a great deal of land on Little Black River. In 1880 Mr. Borth was elected treasurer of Ripley County and held the position two terms, or four years. The same year he married Miss Martha Witson, who died a short time after her marriage. In 1884 Mr. Borth married Miss Mary Gesell, who soon died, and his third union was with Miss Alice McFadden in 1886. Three children have been born to the last union. Mr. Borth is a Mason and a K. of P.