St. Louis Missouri

Biographical Sketch of Simon Diggs

Simon Diggs from Lancaster County, Virginia, had a son named William who married Miss Goe, resulting in a son, Christopher. After the death of his first wife, William wed Mary Seeton, and together they had numerous children. One son, John H., married Sarah Hathaway, who lived to 103. Their sons, Lawson and John H. Jr., became ship carpenters and later moved west. John H. Jr. worked on St. Louis’ first steamboat and settled in Montgomery County, marrying Jane Jeter, from Richmond.

Biographical Sketch of George Godfrey

George Godfrey resided in Ritford, England, and with his wife Mary Ostick, settled in several locations in Pennsylvania and Missouri during the early 19th century. His lineage includes several sons, notably Thomas, who moved to Canada, and John, who ventured to California. Godfrey’s contributions extended to his active role within the Methodist Church, reflecting a strong commitment to his faith. His family also spread across the United States, with branches in Kentucky and Missouri, showcasing a diverse and widespread legacy.

Biography of Adam Hance

Adam Hance, originally from Coblin, Alsace, migrated to America in 1722, settling near Germantown, Pennsylvania, where he married and raised a family. His son, also named Adam, served in the American Revolutionary War and had six children, many of whom settled in Montgomery County, Virginia, and Missouri. They established various professions, including sheriff and merchant, while intertwining their lives with notable figures of the era, such as Andrew Johnson. The Hance family legacy continued through numerous descendants across several states.

Biographical Sketch of Mrs. Allen D. Holloway

Eva, born on June 20, 1886, to Artemus Andrews and Mary A. Barker, was educated at St. Teresa Academy and Forest Park University. She married Allen D. Holloway on May 10, 1906, in Vinita, Oklahoma. The couple had two children, Mary Dee and William Andrew. Active in her community, Mrs. Holloway is a member of the Methodist Church and the Eastern Star Chapter, while her husband serves as the cashier of the Oklahoma State Bank in Welch, Oklahoma.

Biographical Sketch of Dr. Joseph F. Mayes

Dr. Joseph F. Mayes, born on December 21, 1877, was educated in Missouri and established a successful medical practice in St. Louis. He married Esmeralda Berry in 1909, and they had two children, Esmeralda Mary and Samuel Houston. Dr. Mayes was an active member of the Masonic fraternity, holding the rank of thirty-second degree Mason and Shriner. His family lineage includes notable figures in Cherokee history, including his grandfather, who served as a principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.

Biographical Sketch of Albert F. McFarland

Albert F. McFarland, born on August 5, 1838, in Platte County, Missouri, pursued education at local schools and Pleasant Ridge College before studying medicine in St. Louis. He began practicing at a general army hospital during the Civil War. After a journey across the plains to Utah and Montana in 1866, he settled in Daviess County in 1867 and started his medical practice. McFarland was elected clerk of the Circuit Court in 1874, a position he was re-elected to in 1878, fulfilling his duties effectively.

Biography of Col. Lewis R. Jewell

Col. Lewis R. Jewell and his family were notable figures in Fort Scott, particularly during the Civil War era. Originally from Massachusetts and later a resident of Ohio, Jewell became a river transportation captain before moving to Kansas to farm. He initially resisted the Cherokee but joined the Union forces as a lieutenant colonel when the war began, demonstrating bravery at the battle of Cane Hill, where he was mortally wounded. Jewell’s legacy endures, with Jewell County named in his honor, as well as his son’s contributions post-war.

Biographical Sketch of Samuel E. Hoffman

Samuel E. Hoffman, born around 1835 in Pennsylvania, migrated to Kansas in 1858, becoming the first lawyer in Neosho Falls, Woodson County. He played a significant role in Kansas’s early statehood, participating in the Wyandotte constitutional convention of 1859 and serving in the inaugural State Senate in 1861. Additionally, he was appointed to select lands from the federal government during 1861-62. In his later years, Hoffman relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, where he pursued a career in banking.

Biography of David Ives Bushnell, Jr.

David Ives Bushnell, Jr. was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1875 and developed a keen interest in anthropology and archaeology influenced by his father’s involvement with the Missouri Historical Society. Although not formally trained, he became a notable figure in the field, undertaking expeditions across the U.S. and Europe, and working with institutions like the Smithsonian. His work included excavations at significant sites such as Cahokia Mounds and extensive documentation of Native American cultures and artifacts, establishing a lasting scholarly presence.

Biography of John Baptist Miege

John Baptist Miege, born in 1815 in France, became the first Catholic bishop of Kansas. After joining the Society of Jesus in 1836, he spent years studying, eventually becoming a priest in 1847. He arrived in St. Marys, Kansas, in 1851, where he established the first Catholic church in the region. Miege later constructed a cathedral in Leavenworth and worked to alleviate its debt through a trip to South America. He retired in 1874, later founding a Jesuit college in Detroit, before passing away in 1884.

Biographical Sketch of Gen. Carmi W. Babcock

Gen. Carmi W. Babcock, born April 21, 1830, in Vermont, became a notable figure in early Kansas history. He moved to Lawrence in 1854, engaging in real estate after law practice proved unstable. Babcock served as the city’s first postmaster and second mayor, and played key roles in the Free State movement. He was appointed surveyor general of Kansas and was involved in significant construction projects, including the Kaw River bridge and the statehouse. He died on October 22, 1889, in St. Louis.

Slave Narrative of Isaac Stier

Isaac Stier, born into slavery in Jefferson County, Mississippi, recounts his life under Marse Jeems Stowers’ plantation. He shares experiences of being cared for during illness, enjoying festive occasions, and the hardships faced during the Civil War, particularly at Vicksburg. Although he fought alongside his master, post-war life proved challenging, as freedom did not bring the expected improvements. Stier reflects on the kindness of his former masters, the unpredictability of the Klan, and the struggles of his later years, expressing a longing for simpler times.

Slave Narrative of Berry Smith

Berry Smith, a centenarian born into slavery in Alabama, recounts his life as a house servant and laborer across several plantations in Mississippi. He shares memories of both hardships and small joys, detailing his experiences with overseers, family, and community, alongside moments of play and resistance against oppression. After the Civil War, Smith navigated freedom while working various jobs, including cooking for soldiers. Now living independently, he reflects on a lifetime of labor, the changing dynamics of youth today, and his hope for a peaceful afterlife.

Slave Narrative of Reverend Williams

Reverend Williams, a 76-year-old Methodist minister from Greenbriar County, West Virginia, shares his life story during an interview in Lebanon, Ohio. Born to a free mother and enslaved father, he emphasizes the significance of education provided by Miss Frances Cree, his grandmother’s owner. Throughout his ministry, he has advocated for traditional hymns over spirituals, believing in a practical expression of faith. Williams reflects on the cultural differences within the church and his commitment to maintaining a consecrated life, underscoring resilience and community values.

Slave Narrative of William Curtis

William Curtis, at 93 years old, recalls his life as a slave on a plantation in Georgia. He reflects on the songs and stories shared among children, and his mother’s skill as a housewoman. Curtis describes the kindness of his Master, who provided well for the enslaved, although overseers could be harsh. He details responsibilities he had as a youth, including caring for horses and errands, and his experiences during the Civil War. After emancipation, Curtis and his family remained on the plantation, navigating the challenges of newfound freedom.

Biographical Sketch of Emma G. Poole

Emma Gazelle Musick Poole, born March 20, 1864, in St. Louis, Missouri, was educated there and became a kindergarten teacher. She married Charles Walton Poole, a prominent merchant and postmaster in Chelsea, on January 11, 1888. Their family included four children. Emma was active in community organizations such as the Eastern Star and the Dephian Club. Her parents were originally from Virginia, grounding her in a rich familial history while she contributed to her community through education and service.

Biography of Quitman U. Newell, M. D.

Dr. Quitman U. Newell, born on June 14, 1886, in Alabama, is a distinguished gynecologist and obstetrician in St. Louis. Graduating from the University of Alabama in 1911, he has held various prominent positions, including obstetrician at the St. Louis Maternity Hospital, while contributing extensively to medical literature. His military service during World War I included significant surgical roles. Married in 1920, Dr. Newell is also active in numerous professional and fraternal organizations, exemplifying dedication and resilience throughout his successful medical career.

Biography of Edward C. Simmons

Edward C. Simmons, born in 1839 in Maryland and raised in St. Louis, became a pivotal figure in the city’s commercial development. Starting his career at sixteen in the hardware trade, he advanced through various roles to lead Simmons Hardware Company, recognized as the largest of its kind globally. A pioneer in utilizing corporate laws for employee investment, Simmons emphasized quality and integrity in business. He was also involved in banking and community initiatives. Simmons passed away in 1920, leaving a lasting legacy in St. Louis.

Biography of Murray Carleton

Murray Carleton entered the wholesale dry goods trade in St. Louis in 1873, founding the Carleton Dry Goods Company after progressing through various roles. A native of Cumberland, Maryland, he gained business experience early in his life. Carleton contributed to many community initiatives, including leadership roles in the St. Louis Transit Company and the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. Married to Annie Laurie Hays, he fathered eight children. Recognized for his philanthropic efforts, he significantly supported local organizations and charitable causes, embodying a commitment to social betterment.

Biography of Harvey S. McKay, M. D.

Dr. Harvey S. McKay, born in Troy, Missouri, on October 1, 1878, is a prominent surgeon with significant affiliations in St. Louis. After obtaining his medical degree from St. Louis University in 1901, he furthered his studies in Europe before returning to practice in St. Louis in 1903, specializing in surgery. He has held esteemed positions, including surgeon in chief at St. Anthony’s Hospital and associate professor at St. Louis University. Active in professional organizations, he is also a family man, married to Florence M. Newell with two children.