St. Louis Missouri

Biography of George Ashton

George Ashton, born on September 11, 1860, in Manchester, England, was a successful businessman who served as president of the Ashton-Hancock Brokerage Company in St. Louis for twenty years. Initially training in law, he shifted to the wholesale grocery sector after moving to the U.S. in 1882. During World War I, he aided in secret service and earned a government medal. A member of various clubs and an outdoor sports enthusiast, Ashton is respected in both business and social circles, reflecting a life committed to community and healthy living.

Biography of Edward J. Burkley

Edward J. Burkley, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 5, 1884, is a prominent manager for the Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Company in St. Louis. After a diverse career in butchering and flour brokerage, he transitioned to insurance, gaining notable success since becoming manager in 1918. He has expanded the agency’s influence across Missouri and southern Illinois. Active in civic affairs, he supported various wartime initiatives and remains committed to community service. Burkley is married to Harriet Wittmus and has one son, David.

Biography of Robert A. Holekamp

Robert A. Holekamp, born on May 4, 1848, in Hanover, Germany, played a significant role in St. Louis’s industrial growth. After acquiring an education and gaining experience in various businesses, he founded and managed several companies, notably the Holekamp Lumber Company. Following an early retirement for health reasons, he operated a sawmill and became a respected apiarist. Holekamp was instrumental in establishing the role of bee inspector in Missouri and contributed to the beekeeping community. He married Jennie Henckler and had six children, all involved in the family business.

Biography of Howard G. Cook

Howard G. Cook, born October 20, 1881, in Georgia, is a distinguished patent attorney in St. Louis. The youngest of five, he was educated in Georgia and moved to New York at seventeen to work. After graduating from Benton College of Law in 1905, he specialized in patent law and co-founded Cook McCauley in 1920. Married to Jennie B. Wells in 1913, they had two sons. Cook is active in Masonic organizations, the Bar Associations, and is known for his dedication and professional success in law.

Biographical Sketch of Sanford Martin Withers, M.D.

Dr. Sanford Martin Withers, born on November 25, 1891, in Clearwater, Missouri, was the son of George A. and Avis M. Withers. He earned his medical degree from Washington University in 1919 and specialized in dermatology after working as an assistant city chemist. A World War I veteran, he served in Base Hospital Unit No. 21 from 1917 to 1918. Dr. Withers is a member of the Chi Zeta Chi medical fraternity and the University Club of St. Louis.

Biography of Harry G. Greditzer, M.D.

Dr. Harry G. Greditzer, born in Nevada, Missouri, on December 4, 1889, is a distinguished surgeon in St. Louis, specializing in genito-urinary surgery. He graduated from Washington University in 1912 and has contributed significantly to medical literature. A member of various medical associations, he also served as a urology instructor during World War I. He married Rae Pareira in 1913, and they have two children. Dr. Greditzer is committed to his profession and engaged in civic activities, enjoying golf and automobiling in his leisure.

Biography of Henry Louis Dausman A.M., Ph.D., M.D.

Dr. Henry Louis Dausman, born January 18, 1855, in St. Louis, became a prominent physician and surgeon. He was educated in St. Louis and furthered his studies in Germany, earning both Ph.D. and M.D. degrees. After practicing in San Francisco and Boise, he returned to St. Louis, where he practiced for 25 years. Married in 1900 to Emma Louise Koelling, they had one son, Harry. A Democrat and a Mason, Dausman contributed to various medical associations throughout his career. He passed away in St. Louis.

Biography of William Charles Lochmoeller

William Charles Lochmoeller, born on May 17, 1888, in St. Louis, has established a successful career as an attorney in his hometown. After graduating from St. Louis University with an LL.B. in 1912, he worked his way up at the Title Guarantee Trust Company. He specializes in real estate and probate law and holds membership in the St. Louis Bar Association. A community-oriented individual, Lochmoeller is active in local civic affairs and the Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church, and he served during World War I. He is married to Hannah M. Walz and has one daughter.

Biography of Edmund P. Melson

Edmund P. Melson, born on October 29, 1866, in Rail County, Missouri, was a prominent figure in the insurance industry, notably as the founder and president of the Missouri State Life Insurance Company. His leadership transformed it into a major insurance provider. Melson’s education included graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy, and he began his career in life insurance in 1889. After retiring in 1918, he shifted focus to land dealings. A philanthropist and active community member, he was also a family man with two marriages and three children.

Biography of Louis S. Rephlo

Louis S. Rephlo, born December 20, 1880, in Jefferson City, served as mayor from 1919 to 1920, showcasing strong leadership in local politics. A graduate of St. Louis University, he worked at Merchants Bank, where he became cashier. He had previously held the position of city assessor and was nominated for state senator in 1920. Married to Rose M. Goetz, they had four children. An active community member, Rephlo participated in World War I efforts and was engaged in local fraternal organizations.

Biography of David Langton Grey

David Langton Grey, born on August 22, 1875, in Edinburgh, Scotland, pursued education at George Watsons College and Edinburgh University, graduating in 1893. He began his career in Edinburgh with A. J. Robertson before moving to the U.S. in 1901, working for Patterson, Teele & Dennis in New York and later as St. Louis manager for Price, Waterhouse & Company. Married in 1906, he has two daughters and is active in various clubs while participating in the Episcopal church and community organizations in St. Louis.

Biography of Otto E. Janzow

Otto E. Janzow, born on February 22, 1877, in Lewiston, Minnesota, rose to prominence in St. Louis as a successful real estate professional. Initially a pastor, he served in Minnesota and St. Louis before transitioning to the real estate and loan business in 1910. A devoted family man, he married Ellen S. Gerling, with whom he had three children. Janzow actively contributed to his community during World War I and held various civic roles, reflecting his commitment to public welfare and civic engagement.

Biography of Everett Paul Griffin

Everett Paul Griffin, born in St. Louis, Missouri, was the son of Trumbull Dorrance Griffin and Mary Philomena Davis. He graduated from Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1901 and a Bachelor of Laws in 1903. Griffin served as assistant circuit attorney and later as associate city counselor, successfully handling numerous felony cases and damage suits for the city. A member of various bar associations and community clubs, he resigned in 1920 to practice law in corporate and commercial fields.

Biography of Hon. Granville Hogan

Hon. Granville Hogan, born on October 20, 1878, in Merrimac, Kentucky, rose to prominence as a judge in the St. Louis circuit court. The son of a successful farmer, he overcame early challenges after his father’s death at 18, supporting himself through manual labor while pursuing his education. Graduating from Valparaiso University in 1902, Hogan initially taught in the Indian Territory before moving to St. Louis to practice law. His career advanced quickly, leading to his judicial election in 1918. Hogan is also notable for his community involvement and fraternal affiliations.

Biography of Edmond Koeln

Edmond Koeln, born on September 10, 1866, in St. Louis, is the son of Peter Koeln, a German immigrant and Civil War veteran. Educated in St. Louis, Edmond began his career as a sawyer and later worked in steel mills. He entered public service in 1899, serving two years in the St. Louis house of delegates, and was elected revenue collector in 1909, holding the position for four terms. A devoted family man and active Republican, he is involved in various fraternal and social organizations.

Biography of Judge John W. McElhinney

Judge John W. McElhinney, born on February 4, 1851, in Missouri, has served on the thirteenth circuit court since 1901, earning respect as one of Missouri’s foremost jurists. His decisions are characterized by fairness, impartiality, and a deep understanding of jurisprudence. Educated at Amherst College and the St. Louis Law School, he began practicing law in 1874. A dedicated public servant, he has held various positions, including director and president of the St. Louis County Bank. His family includes accomplished children, reflecting his values.

Biography of Louis Ackerman

Louis Ackerman, born in Villmar, Germany, on February 9, 1865, immigrated to St. Louis in 1882. The youngest of six children from a merchant family, he started his career at I. B. Rosenthal Company before establishing his own firm, L. Ackerman Millinery Company, which grew into a leading millinery store. Ackerman’s success is attributed to his determination and business acumen. He is active in social clubs and exemplifies the potential for achievement through hard work and resilience in overcoming challenges.

Biography of Charles Leavitt Holman

Charles Leavitt Holman, born on July 4, 1871, in Lawrence, Kansas, began his career in business at seventeen. He joined the Laclede Gas Light Company in St. Louis in 1903, rapidly rising to president by 1912. His leadership during wartime government control of utilities showcased his expertise in gas production and distribution. Holman was also influential in several industry associations and participated actively in community service during World War I. He is noted for his commitment to public welfare through his management of essential utilities.

Biography of Gray C. Briggs, M.D.

Dr. Gray C. Briggs, born in Burlington, Iowa, on June 30, 1882, was the son of renowned surgeon Dr. Waldo Briggs. After earning his M.D. from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of St. Louis in 1909, he initially practiced medicine before specializing in X-ray work, establishing himself as a prominent Roentgenologist. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War I and held various academic positions, including professor and dean. Married to Edith Ingram in 1919, he remains active in medical societies and has published extensively on his specialty.

Biography of Frank Eugene Williams

Frank Eugene Williams, born on July 6, 1892, in Saginaw County, Michigan, is a prominent St. Louis attorney committed to civic improvement. He graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 1917 and has been an active member of the Missouri and Michigan State Bar Associations. Williams served in various capacities during World War I, including on the legal advisory board. Married to Grace Ellen Edwards, they have one daughter, Shirley Ellen, and are involved in their community through church and social services.