Biographical Sketch of Rev. Robert Baker

Rev. Robert Baker, an early Methodist preacher who moved from Tennessee to Missouri, established the first Methodist church in Montgomery County in 1819 at Rev. Drury Clanton’s home. A veteran of the Revolutionary War, he dedicated his pension to church and Sunday-school initiatives. His two sons, Jacob and Esau, were remarkably different in stature, with Jacob towering at six feet two inches and Esau standing at four feet five. Jacob settled in Callaway County, where he famously secured his beloved dog with a honey locust stake that ultimately grew into a tree.

Biographical Sketch of Mrs. Wm. A. Worsham

Mabel Maud Hogan, born on April 15, 1890, received her education from Pryor and William Woods College in Fulton, Missouri. On October 9, 1909, she married William A. Worsham. The couple welcomed two daughters: Mary Margaret, born on April 1, 1911, and Gay Nell, born on July 20, 1913.

Biography of Herbert G. Tureman, M. D.

Dr. Herbert G. Tureman, born on January 17, 1875, in Callaway County, Missouri, is a distinguished physician in Kansas City specializing in ear, nose, and throat ailments. He graduated from the University Medical College in 1897, later enhancing his expertise in Germany and Austria. Returning to the U.S., he established a successful practice, served as Chief of Staff at local hospitals, and actively participated in various medical associations. He is also involved in community and banking activities, highlighting his multifaceted contributions to society.

Biography of Benjamin H. Charles

Benjamin H. Charles, born on April 26, 1866, in Chester, Illinois, is a distinguished municipal bond lawyer based in St. Louis. He graduated from Westminster College and Yale Law School, and established his legal career amid the challenges of competition in 1892. His work as second and first associate city counselor saw him handle significant municipal cases. In 1917, he partnered with W. T. Rutherford, further cementing his reputation in municipal law. Charles is also active in various educational and social organizations. He is married with three sons.

Biography of William Leslie Porter

William Leslie Porter, elected commissioner of parks and public properties in Topeka, utilized his office to enhance community welfare despite lacking prior political experience. His tenure saw the establishment of nine playgrounds, substantially improving children’s recreation, and the implementation of a successful milk inspection program that elevated the city’s milk quality. Under his guidance, the health department saw improvements that resulted in reduced contagious diseases and lower infant mortality rates. Porter’s ambition for public service and determined leadership shaped significant advancements in Topeka’s municipal history.

Biography of William N. Collier

William N. Collier, born on February 13, 1876, in Kentucky, is a leading breeder of thoroughbred Hereford cattle in the U.S., based in Fulton, Missouri. After relocating to Texas as a child, he developed his cattle breeding career, acquiring his first thoroughbred cattle in 1902. In 1912, he traded his Texas ranch for a 550-acre farm in Missouri, where he expanded his impressive herd. Collier’s reputation attracted buyers from across the nation, and his efforts significantly advanced the quality of livestock breeding in Callaway county. He also contributed to local business as vice president of the Fulton Motor Company.

Biography of Ignatius Walthall Powell, M. D.

Dr. Ignatius Walthall Powell was born on August 12, 1880, in New Bloomfield, Missouri. A descendant of a family with Revolutionary War ties, he graduated from Barnes Medical College in 1907. Powell served in hospital roles during the Spanish-American War and later became a professor of obstetrics. He maintained a successful practice in St. Louis and has held several leadership roles, including president of the board of pension examiners. Active in community service and professional organizations, he upholds a strong commitment to ethical medical practice.

Biography of Hon. John G. Slate

Hon. John G. Slate, born on January 26, 1860, in Cole County, Missouri, has served as a circuit court judge since 1912, contributing significantly to Missouri’s judicial history. Raised in a prominent Southern family, Slate pursued education in law, becoming an attorney in 1887. His public service includes roles as a prosecuting attorney and state legislator. A respected judge known for his fairness, he covers six counties and handles public service commission appeals. Slate’s personal life includes marriage to Mattie R. Beard and active involvement in community organizations and the Democratic Party.

Biography of Irving H. Boemer, M.D.

Dr. Irving H. Boemer, born on September 13, 1889, in St. Clair County, Illinois, is a prominent St. Louis physician specializing in surgery. Educated at local schools and graduated from St. Louis University in 1915, he has served in various surgical capacities, including assistant surgeon roles at St. Johns Hospital and the St. Louis University School of Medicine. Married in 1918 to Evylln Kinney, he is affiliated with several fraternities and clubs and maintains an independent Republican stance in politics.

Biography of Richard M. Duncan

Richard M. Duncan, born on August 25, 1859, in Callaway County, Missouri, is a notable figure in Union County, where he has significantly contributed to local advancement since moving there as a pioneer. His family journeyed across the plains to the Grande Ronde Valley in 1864, establishing a homestead. Duncan married Julia Goble in 1879 and later settled on a well-cultivated quarter section north of Medical Springs. Engaged in farming and stock raising, he is the father of eight children and has achieved considerable success in his endeavors.

Biography of William I. Dishman

William I. Dishman, born on August 3, 1859, in Callaway County, Missouri, is a prominent businessman and vice-president of the G.M.S. Company in Elgin, known for its general merchandise. Dishman began his career in the cattle business with his family in Oregon before shifting to retail. He successfully managed the G.M.S. Company, which became a respected firm in the region. Married to Sallie Day in 1894, they have two children and are active members of their community and church, earning a reputation for integrity and success.

Biographical Sketch of Benjamin Young

Aaron Young, married to Theodosia Winn in 1804, settled near Marthasville, Missouri, in 1819. He had five children and served as County Judge before relocating to St. Louis County, where he passed away. His brother, Benjamin Young, born in 1791 in Fayette County, Kentucky, also settled in Marthasville in 1819. A skilled merchant and politician, he became the first County Judge of Callaway County and served in the State Legislature and the 1845 Constitutional Convention, despite a speech impediment. He had two wives and seven children.

Biography of Owen M. Thomas

Owen M. Thomas, born on February 4, 1883, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, rose to prominence as the vice president of the Citizens State Bank of Bronson, Kansas, an institution that has prospered since its founding in 1907. With a decade of banking experience in Oklahoma and Kansas, Thomas’s swift accomplishments reflect his dedication and skill. He also engaged in various business ventures, including oil interests and farming. A family man, he married Florence Ford in 1909 and has one son, Owen Ford. Active in local politics and Masonic organizations, he is well-regarded in his community.

Biography of A. O. Harrison

A. O. Harrison, born on September 25, 1871, in Callaway County, Missouri, is a prominent attorney and current city attorney of Bartlesville. Hailing from a distinguished family with deep roots in American history, his lineage includes notable figures like General William Henry Harrison. Educated at Westminster College, he practiced law in Kansas City before moving to Bartlesville in 1913. An active public servant, he has held various legal positions, garnering respect for his knowledge and dedication. Harrison is married to Anne Sue Batterton, with whom he has four daughters.

Biography of Nathan K. Farmer

Nathan K. Farmer, born in Callaway County, Missouri, on July 22, 1848, has lived in Muskogee since 1883, focusing on agriculture and stock raising. After moving to Oklahoma, he ventured into merchandising before returning to farming. He owns 500 acres, specializing in alfalfa, corn, Hampshire hogs, and high-grade cattle, and has established a successful stock farm. Married to Liza Anderson, they have two daughters. A Democrat by affiliation, Farmer prefers to concentrate on his business rather than politics.

Biography of Hon. William M. Duffy

Hon. William M. Duffy, born on August 21, 1866, in Callaway County, Missouri, is a prominent attorney and current justice of the peace in Checotah. The son of Irish immigrant Mathew Duffy, he was educated locally and attended Westminster College. Duffy taught school in Kansas and served as County Clerk before studying law, being admitted to the bar in 1896. He has since built a successful practice and engaged actively in public service, including roles on the town council and in the state legislature. He is married to Emma F. Fisher and has two children.

Cowles, Maudetta – Obituary

Maudetta Cowles passed away on June 7, 1899, in Centerville, Washington, at the age of 22. Born on March 21, 1877, in Auxvasse, Missouri, she moved to Oregon after her mother’s death. Despite hopes for recovery during a visit to her relatives, her health deteriorated due to quick consumption. Her funeral was held at the home of E.P. McDaniel, with services conducted by Rev. H. Harris before her burial at Roseridge Cemetery. She is mourned by her father, brothers, relatives, and friends.

Steers, Sadie – Obituary

Sadie Steers, born August 8, 1869, in Illinois, passed away at 89 years old at a La Grande hospital. Funeral services are scheduled for July 5 at the Elgin Church of the Nazarene, with interment in Summerville Cemetery. She married W.A. Schaffer in 1888 and had four children before moving west in 1906 to marry L.N. Steers. Three children, nine grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren survive her. Sadie was known as Ellen earlier in life, later adopting the name Sadie.

Biography of Fenton M. Slaughter

Fenton M. Slaughter, born on January 10, 1826, in Virginia, emerged as a notable figure in San Bernardino County. After training as a mechanical engineer, he served in the Mexican War, where he faced challenges including capture by Navajo forces. A seasoned entrepreneur, he pioneered the thoroughbred sheep industry in Southern California, established the first blacksmith shop in San Gabriel, and built a successful winery. Slaughter was active in local politics, serving as a state assembly member and a county supervisor, and contributed significantly to community development. He married Dolores Alvarado and had nine children.