WILLIAM W. COLEMAN. Some men are possessed of such remarkable energy and activity that they are not content to do business in as extensive a manner as their competitors, but strive onward with restless zeal to excel them all and place their own establishment foremost in the ranks of industry. Men of this kind are valuable citizens, and are always foremost in advancing the public welfare. William W. Coleman is a representative man of this class. He conducts a first-class mercantile business in Van Buren, Carter County, Missouri, and this establishment is a worthy example of what energy and ambition can perform. Mr. Coleman is a native of North Carolina, born January 4, 1848, and the son of Anderson and Martha (Allen) Coleman (see sketch of father).
Our subject was one of a family of children, as follows: Ambrose B., who died during the Civil War; Cynthia, deceased, was the wife of Shadrach Chilton; W. W., subject; Jas. Spencer, who died in 1882, left a family; Isaac, died during the war; Emilla J., died about the time of the breaking out of the war; Amanda, died young; Absalom, is a farmer of Carter County; and John, who died in 1887.
Our subject passed his early life on a farm, and received limited educational advantages on account of the breaking out of the Civil War. When he became a man he took up farming, and first located in Reynolds County, where he tilled the soil for eight years. From there he moved to Henpeck Creek and there made his home until 1892, when he embarked in merchandising, which occupation he has continued since. Both as a farmer and merchant Mr. Coleman has been successful, for he possesses the energy and perseverance necessary in any calling. In the year 1884 he was elected to the office of county collector, and held the same one term.
In 1887 he filled a term as county assessor, and in 1892 was elected to the office of county treasurer. He is now a candidate for reelection with every prospect for success. He has always been an ardent supporter of Democratic principles, and for the past ten or twelve years has been an active worker for his party. He has been a member of the Central Committee, and is active in all good work. In a business way he has met with success, and he owns a farm near Van Buren. Socially he is a member of the Van Buren Masonic Lodge. Mr. Coleman was married in Reynolds County, Missouri, to Miss Lydia Carter, a native of Reynolds county, Missouri, born August 18, 1852, and the daughter of James Carter of that county.
Mr. and Mrs. Coleman have eight children living and three deceased, as follows: Mary C., wife of Chas. Coleman; John A., married and lives on Henpeck Creek; Walter, at home; Edward, Lucy J., Henry E., William E. and Bessie C., Anna B., died when two years of age, and two died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Coleman are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and are highly esteemed citizens of the county. Our subject’s brother, James S., was formerly a resident of Van Buren, and a prominent man in the county. In 1876 he was elected sheriff and collector, and reelected two years later. In 1880 he was elected to the offices of county and circuit clerk and recorder. He was a Democrat. His death occurred December 13, 1882. Our subject was prominent in the Farmers and Laborers’ Union, was elected president of the county order two terms, and was a delegate to the State Farmers and Laborers’ Union two terms, the first held in Springfield, Missouri, and the last one at Sedalia, Missouri