Drury Abernathy, a farmer of Perry County, Mo., is a native of the county, and was born in 1825. His parents were Batee and Willey (Nance) Abernathy. Batee Abernathy was born in Lincoln County, N.C., in 1790. By occupation he was a farmer, and was twice married, Willey Nance being his second wife. To them were born thirteen children, seven of whom are alive, the subject of this sketch being the oldest one living. Batee Abernathy came to Missouri in 1820, and located in Perry County. There he died in 1846 and his widow some twelve years later. Drury Abernathy was reared on his father’s farm, and received such education as the common schools of Missouri afforded. In 1849 he was united in marriage with Columbia Barnes, a native of this county, by whom he became the father of six children: Cora (wife of Lafayette Farrar), James, Sarah (wife of Crittenden Little), Emery, Marvin and Nayde. After the death of his first wife Mr. Abernathy married Levina Adler, a native of Southeast Missouri, who was born on March 6, 1849. To them have been born four sons: Cyrus, Jesse, Arthur and Albert. Mr. Abernathy has a good farm and is in good circumstances, and it is said that he has paid more security debts for good men than any other man in his district. He and family are zealous members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Logan McCarver Anderson, senior member of the firm of Anderson, Hooss & Co., general merchants of Perryville, Mo., was born in Ste. Genevieve County, Mo., in 1855. He is a son of David M. and Margaret Adaline (McCarver) Anderson, both of Scotch-Irish descent and natives of Jackson County, Tenn., born in 1801 and 1809 respectively. In 1839 David M. Anderson removed to Perry County, Mo., and settled in Bois Brule Bottoms, but in 1844 owing to high water, went to Ste. Genevieve County, Mo., where he passed the remainder of his life, dying in 1882. His widow yet survives. They were the parents of seven children who are living, viz.: Lee Ann (wife of John May), Pinkney (a merchant in Brown County, Tex.), Milton P., Jane (wife of William A. Daniels, of Cook County, Tex.), Rebecca (wife of Richard McDowell), James O. (of St. Louis) and Logan McCarver. The last named was educated in the common schools, and remained on the farm until he was sixteen years of age, when he went to Mine La Motte, Madison County, Mo., and hired as salesman in a general store, where he remained fourteen months. He was then employed for nearly two years in the lead works. In 1876 he went to Texas, but returned to his old home the next year and engaged in farming. In 1878 he established a general store at Silver Lake, which he managed one year, after which he was in Ste. Genevieve County for several months, and then went to Heightman’s Mills, Bollinger County, and sold goods for about ten months, In 1884 he removed to Perryville and established a general merchandising business, and in the latter part of that year took in J.M. Hudson as a partner. The next year Mr. Hudson sold one-half of his interest to Henry Hooss, soon after which Joseph Schindler purchased one-third interest in the business, since which time the firm has been known as Anderson, Hooss & Co. They do a large business, and are among the leading merchants of Perryville. In 1878 Mr. Anderson married Nancy M. Hudson, a daughter of Charles Hudson. She was born in Perry County, Mo., in 1854. To them have been born four children: Charles D., Georgia May, William R. and Clara B. Mr. Anderson is a Mason and a Democrat. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Prof. Werner Asche, of the Lutheran School at Altenburgh, Mo., was born in 1846, in Hanover, Germany. He was educated in the Fatherland, graduating from Lueneburg Teachers’ Seminary in 1867. He was first employed as private tutor for one-half year, after which he taught in a village four years. During the Franco-German War in 1870-71 he served eleven months in the German army, and was engaged at the battle of Metz Saarbrueokeu, helping to storm the forts Thionville, Montmedy, Mezieres and Rowy. He also took part in the pursuit to chase Gen. Bourlaki over the French frontier, which after different engagements was successfully done. He was then promoted and taught altogether in Germany ten years. At the close of the year 1877 he landed in America, after which he was engaged in teaching in the State and City of New York for seven years. At the end of this time he was called to his present position as teacher of German and English. Prof. Asche is a fine scholar, and during his four years’ work at Altenburgh has proved himself a successful educator. In 1875 he was united in marriage with Caroline Breuueke, who was born in 1840, and they are the happy parents of four children: Emma, Gustav, Mary and Martha.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 


            Peter V. Beauvais, a member of one of the old and prominent families of Southeast Missouri, was born in Ste. Genevieve County, Mo., in 1815. He is the son of Joseph V. and Cecelia (Obuchon) Beauvais. Joseph V. Beauvais was born of French parents in Ste. Genevieve County. He was a slaveholder and farmer, and also owned two large merchant mills in that county. He married his first wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch, in Ste. Genevieve County. Two children were born to their union, Eleanora and Peter, but she had one child by a previous marriage to Anthony Villar. After the death of his first wife, Joseph V. Beauvais married a Widow De Lussus, who was the mother of four children by a previous marriage. Two children were born to this union, Matilda and Mary. His second wife having died he moved to Perry County, where he married a Widow Struve. He died in Perry County in 1857. Peter V. Beauvais was educated in Southeast Missouri, by whom he is the father of seven children, of whom four are living: Crittenden, a merchant and farmer of Illinois; Elizabeth, a sister of charity in New Orleans, where she is known as Sister Louise; Joseph, now cultivating oranges in Florida, and Mary, a school teacher in Perry County. Mr. Beauvais owns a large farm lying principally in the bottoms, which he has cultivated by tenants. He has always lived in Southeast Missouri, and is highly esteemed by all who know him.
            Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

            John P. Bergmann was born in Perry County, Mo., in 1850, and is a son of John Bergmann, a native of the Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, born in 1827, and who, when eight years of age, came with his father, George Bergmann, to the United States. John Bergmann married Sophia Pohner, who was born in the Kingdom of Bavaria, in 1826, and came to the United States in 1849; and to them were born six children, viz.: John P., George, Gottlieb, Sophia (wife of Ferdinand Winerich), Frederick and Eva (wife of George Gerstmacker). John Bergmann settled in Perry County one and one-half miles northeast of Perryville, and began to accumulate property. He was a blacksmith, at which trade he worked in connection with his farming interests, and by working hard and practicing strict economy he became the owner of 900 acres of land. He died in 1873. His son, John P., grew to manhood on the home farm, remaining with his parents until he was twenty-seven years of age. He was married in 1877 to Mary Muench, by whom he has four children: Minnie, Louis, Hulda and Stella. Mrs. Bergmann is a daughter of John P. Muench and was born in Perry County, Mo., in 1856. The same year of his marriage Mr. Bergmann settled on his present farm of 112 acres one and one-half miles north of Perryville, on which he has since made valuable improvements. He is an enterprising and successful farmer, and is highly esteemed as a good citizen. Politically he is a Republican. He and family are communicants of the Lutheran Church.
            Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

            Joseph Felix Bey was born in Perry County, Mo., two and one-half miles west from Perryville in 1850. He is a son of Casemear J.C. and Constance (Lohm) Bey, both natives of France, born in 1812 and 1814, respectively. They were married in their native country, and immigrated to America in 1838. Casemear J.C. Bey was a house carpenter by trade, and upon coming to America, located on a farm in Perry County, Mo., which he managed in connection with working at his trade. He speculated considerably in land, and was very successful. At one time he owned 2,000 acres of good land. His residence was situated two and one-half miles west from Perryville. He died in 1876, and his wife in 1875. They were the parents of two children who are living. Joseph F. grew to manhood on his father’s farm, and was educated at St. Mary’s Seminary. When twenty years of age he began clerking in a store in Perryville, and continued four years, when he became proprietor of a general store. The same year that he engaged in business his brother Louis became a partner, and they sold goods for two years under the firm name of Bey & Bro. From then until 1878 Joseph F. did business on his own responsibility, after which he formed a partnership with Louis E. French; but the next year Mr. Bey sold his interest to N.E. Farrar. In 1881 he and James T. Greenwell established a general store under the firm name of Bey & Greenwell, but after one year the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Bey continuing the business until 1886, when he sold to John and Louis P. Hooss. Since then Mr. Bey has made two trips to the “Golden Gate” for his health. On January 11, 1876, he married Mary M. Edwards, a native of the county, born in 1853, and a daughter of John Edwards. To them have been born one child, John Emel. Besides Mr. Bey’s property in Perry County he has possessions in Los Angeles, Cal. Politically, he is a Democrat. He and wife are members of the Roman Catholic Church.
            Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

            Prof. George M. Beyer, the teacher in the first class room of the Lutheran School, at Altenburgh, Mo., was born in 1842. He is a son of John P. and Anna M. Beyer. John P. Beyer was born in the Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, in 1805, and was a boot and shoe maker. In 1851 he with his whole family immigrated to America, and located at Fort Wayne, Ind. Later he removed to Kendallville, Ind., where he died in 1879. To him and wife were born thirteen children, of whom Prof. George M. is the seventh. He was educated in the Lutheran Teacher’s Seminary, at Fort Wayne, Ind., graduating in 1859. He began teaching school in the Lutheran School, at Cape Girardeau, Mo., where he remained four years. He then came to Altenburgh, where for twenty-five years he has been employed to instruct the youth. Some of the children of his first pupils here have graduated from his school, and in the natural course of events the third generation will pass before him for instruction. He is teaching both English and German, and his success as an educator is best attested by the length of time he is retained in one community. He was married in 1864 to Sarah E. Kramer, who was born in Altenburgh on February 9, 1844, and to them have been born eight children: John F.G., a minister in the Lutheran Church, Clara, Emma, Sarah, Lina, Paul, Jane and Constantine.
            Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

            Maurus Biehle, a successful merchant of Cinque Homme Township, Perry County, Mo., is a son of Joseph and Francisca (Berhle) Biehle, both natives of Baden, Germany. Joseph Biehle was born in 1795, and was educated according to the German law. At the age of fifteen years he began learning the trade of making spinning wheels, which he finished, and at the age of twenty-one was drafted into the army, in which he served eight years. When twenty-nine years of age he was married, after which he resided in the Fatherland until 1839, when he immigrated to the United States. Landing in New Orleans he came on to Perry County, Mo., and located, but after two years he returned to his native land. He and wife were the parents of four children, of whom Maurus was the eldest. He was born in Germany in 1821, and was educated and served an apprenticeship at the stone mason’s trade before coming to America in 1839. He entered the store of his uncle, Moreitz Berhle, of Perry County, and remained as a clerk five years. He then engaged in the mercantile business for himself on the old homestead, his present location. He has a nice store building, warehouse, a good residence and other buildings, and has been very successful in business. He also owns a farm of 800 acres, with 300 under cultivation. In 1846 he was married to Tereashie Winner, of German origin, who was born and educated in Perry County, Mo. She died in 1857, leaving two children, Tereashie and Mary. Mr. Biehle afterward married Agnes Ernst, by whom he is the father of eight children: Joe, Charles, August, Maurest, Henry and William. The other two died, one in infancy and the other at the age of seventeen years. Mr. Biehle is well respected by all who know him, and is a member of the Catholic Church. His political views accord with the principles of the Republican party.
            Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

            Joseph Blechle, a retail liquor dealer of Perryville, Mo., is a native of Perry County, Mo., born in 1837, and is a son of Gottfried and Cecelia (Meyers) Blechle, natives of the Grand Duchy of Baden, born in 1805 and 1803 respectively. The parents immigrated to the United States in 1832, and made a settlement in Perry County, Mo., ten miles east of Perryville. The father was a farmer and merchant and became the owner of 500 acres of land. Between 1838 and 1861 he made two trips to New Orleans with merchandise. He died in 1872 and his wife in 1868. They were the parents of six children, of whom five – Barbara, Joseph, William, Louis and Gottfried – are living. Joseph grew to manhood on his father’s farm, and in 1863 he married Tresa Underiend, who was born in Perry County, Mo., in 1844. After his marriage Mr. Blechle located on a farm near the home place, and began farming on his own account. In 1865 he sold his farm and removed to Sigel, Ill., and engaged in merchandising, which he continued for three years, after which he and his brother, William, purchased a steam flour mill which they operated until 1872. They sold out the mill, and Joseph returned to his native county and assumed proprietorship of the Hooss Hotel in Perryville, which he managed three and one half years, he and John Hooss being in partnership in the saloon in the building. In the fall of 1876 he purchased a farm of 220 acres near Perryville and resumed farming, but in 1881 sold his land and bought a saloon in Perryville, which he has since managed, since 1886 in partnership with his son-in-law, William Huber, under the firm name of Blechle & Huber. Mr. Blechle has been a member of the town board for the past two years. He and wife have six children: Lizzie, Julia Ann (wife of William Huber), Carrie, Frederick, Rose and Martha. All of the family are members of the Catholic Church.
            Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

            William Blechle, a retail liquor dealer of Perryville, Mo., was born in St. Louis in 1841, and is a son of Gottfried and Cecelia (Meyers) Blechle (see sketch of Joseph Blechle). William Blechle grew to manhood on his parents’ farm in Perry County, Mo., and in 1863 removed to Shelby County, Ill., where he was engaged in farming for ten years. In 1865 he married Miss Ellen Underiend, who was born in Perry County in 1842. She died in 1866, and in November, 1867, Mr. Blechle married again, choosing for his second wife Miss Mary Machler, who was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, on August 5, 1848. She is a daughter of Ignatius and Catherine Machler, both natives of Germany. Mr. Machler is now residing in Perry County, Mo., aged sixty-eight years. His wife died in 1864, aged forty-four years. By this union Mr. Blechle has three children: Anua, William and Teresia, aged eighteen, sixteen and thirteen respectively. The first two were born in Shelby County, Ill., and the last one in Perry County, Mo. In 1873 Mr. Blechle returned with his family to Perry County and located in Perryville, where he was engaged in teaming for six months, after which he established his present business. Politically he is a Democrat. He and family are devoted members of the Catholic Church.
            Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

            Frederick Boehme was born in the Kingdom of Saxony in 1830, and is the eldest of three children born to Frederick and Julia (Miller) Boehme, both natives of Saxony. Frederick Boehme was reared on his father’s farm in Germany, and learned the tanner’s trade. He was the first one of the family to leave the Fatherland and come to America to seek his fortune. He landed in New York in 1853, and spent several months in the United States and Canada, working at his trade, at which he was very successful. He then returned to Germany, and paid his way out of the army, he having not yet served the required time. On being released from the army he and a brother came back to America, the former securing work at his trade in Buffalo, N.Y., and the latter engaging in work on a farm. After leaving Buffalo, Frederick worked at his trade in various cities in Canada, Wisconsin and Illinois. While in Galena, Ill., he applied to U.S. Grant, then proprietor of a tannery, for work. He afterward worked in St. Louis, New Orleans, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Trenton, after which he spent a few months visiting in his native land. Returning to New York, he was successively in Buffalo, Canada, Milwaukee, Chicago, Dubuque and Sioux City. He then went to Dakota and took up two claims of land. From thence he came to Missouri, and located permanently in Perry County. He has 682 acres of land two miles from Bailey’s Landing, on which have been found zinc, galena and lead. In 1861 Mr. Boehme was united in marriage with Caroline Eikeham, also a native of Saxony, born in 1845. To their union have been born eight children, viz.: August, Catharine, Giltie, Adolph, Sophia, Ottilie, Julia and Patti.
            Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

            Gregory Brewer is the son of John and Ann (Hagan) Brewer, early settlers of Southeast Missouri. The Brewer family settled in Perry County in 1818, having come thither from Kentucky. Ann Hagan was a daughter of Aquilla and Mary (Tucker) Hagan, who removed from near Lexington, Ky., to Perry County, Mo., in 1797, and settled upon a Spanish grant of 600 acres, on which they lived and died. Their children were Rebecca Ann, Mary, Elizabeth, Susannah, Theresa, Christina, James, John and Michael. This family were among those instrumental in organizing the Catholic Church in Perry County, and for many years services were held in their cabin. They were married by Rev. Father Theo Baden, the first Catholic priest ordained in the United States. Not one member of this large family is left. The last one, James Hagan, died in 1886, aged eighty-two years. John Brewer and Ann Hagan were married in the first Catholic Church built in Perry County, and to their union were born eight children, three of whom, Elizabeth Layton, Timothy and Gregory, are living. After the death of his first wife John Brewer married Cecelia Layton, in the year 1837. She is still living, aged seventy-four years. To this union were born ten children, of whom Romanus, John O., Mary Ann and Vincent are living. Gregory Brewer was married to Sarah Riney in 1857, and began their domestic life on the old Riney homestead, which was entered by Sarah’s father, Thomas Riney, who first secured 640 acres, to which he added the balance of 1,100 acres. His first wife was a Miss Duvall, and his second, Mrs. Sarah (French) Manning. Seven children were born to the second marriage, of whom Mrs. Brewer was the youngest. She was born on the farm which is her present home, and upon which her parents lived and died, the father when seventy-three years of age, and the mother when sixty-eight. Mr. and Mrs. Brewer are the parents of nine sons and four daughters. Those living are Francis T., Elliott, Clarence, Perry, Alice (Mrs. Kendrick Cissell), Antoinette (Mrs. Vincent Miles) and Emily. Those dead are Louise (Mrs. Ferdinand Cissell), Thomas, John T., James T., Vincent and William. Mr. Brewer has always engaged in agricultural pursuits, and has a nice farm under a good state of cultivation, where he and family have a comfortable and happy home.
            Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

            Judge Robert Milton Brewer was born in Spencer County, Ky., September 27, 1820, and is the son of George W. and Sarah (Fox) Brewer. It is supposed that George W. Brewer was born in Prince William County, Md., and Sarah Fox in Old Virginia. Both came to Kentucky with their parents when children, in which State they grew to maturity and were married. They reared four children: Robert Milton, Mary E., the deceased wife of Stephen Tucker; Martha A., the wife of Timothy Brewer, and Sarah Candace, the deceased wife of Raphael Tucker. George W. Brewer’s wife died in Kentucky in 1833, and in 1841 he removed his family to Perry County, Mo., where he died in November, 1842. George W. Brewer was one of a family of eleven children born to Charles Brewer and wife, who with their nine other children settled in Perry County in the vicinity of the present town of Perryville in 1818. George W. being the only child married he remained in Kentucky until the date before mentioned. The other children married in Missouri, and each one reared a family. The name of Brewer has been associated with every enterprise in Perry County since its early history. The subject of this sketch first married Mary Brewer, a daughter of John Brewer, whose original homestead embraced the site of Brewerville, and his house, in which his son, Romanus I., now resides, stood near where the mill now stands. John Brewer entered a section of land, adjoining which he secured fifty acres of a Spanish grant. Judge Brewer now resides on the latter. His wife died on April 26, 1866, having borne six children, one son of whom is living, John T., who married Angie Willemine. The following October Judge Brewer married Mary E. Higgs, a native of Perry County, Mo. Her mother was reared in Kentucky, but was married to Mr. Higgs in Missouri, by whom she became the mother of four children. The family returned to Kentucky, where Mr. Higgs died, after which his widow married Leo Tucker, both now dead. By his second marriage Judge Brewer became the father of ten children. Those living are James J., Mary O. (the wife of Reuben R. Fenwick), Mary G., Milton E., Annie L. and Sarah E. In 1846 Judge Brewer was elected justice of the peace, and served until 1854, when he was elected judge of the county court, and, being re-elected, served two terms. In 1862 he was elected to represent Perry County in the Legislature, which position he filled honorably. At the beginning of the Civil War he was one of the first to enlist, and was chosen captain of Company B, Fourth Missouri Regiment, with which he served until the expiration of his term of enlistment. In 1862 he raised the Sixty-fourth Regiment of Enrolled Militia, and was commissioned colonel, serving until the regiment was disbanded. He was then appointed to fill a vacancy as representative of his county in the Legislature. In 1879 he was again elected to the Legislature by the Democratic party, and at the expiration of his term of office was appointed by Gov. Thomas T. Crittenden to fill a vacancy on the judicial bench of Perry County, after which he was elected to the same position and is still in office. His official life has been blameless and pure, and he is highly esteemed and honored by all who know him.
            Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

            George Brewer, a son of Thomas and Maria (Tucker) Brewer, was born in Central Township, Perry County, Mo., on September 13, 1832. (For the early history of the Brewer family see sketch of Judge Robert Milton Brewer.) The children of Thomas and Maria Brewer are Richard, who died unmarried; Leo, who wedded Mary A. Tucker, and lived and died in Texas; William, who married Elizabeth A. Hagan; George; James H., who married Virginia Matthens; Mary C., the wife of Patrick O’Mara, and J.T., who married Mary E. McAtee. After the death of the mother of these children, Thomas Brewer married Mrs. Rosana Miles, who bore him two sons, Edward C., who married Louise Stark, and William D., who married Victoria Tucker. Thomas Brewer was born in 1802, and died in July, 1880. George grew to manhood on his father’s farm, receiving his education in the district schools, and in 1857 was married to Teresa A. Layton, a sister of Maj. Layton, a well known gentleman of Southeast Missouri. When the war broke out Mr. Brewer enlisted in Company B, Fourth Missouri Militia, in which he served as third sergeant until the regiment was mustered out of service. He then enlisted in the Sixty-Fourth Regiment, State Militia, and was at first appointed orderly sergeant, but a few days later was promoted to first lieutenant, and served until the close of the war. He has been a resident of Saline Township, Perry County, Mo., since November 12, 1852, and has accumulated considerable property. He now owns 390 acres of land. To him and wife have been born ten children, eight of whom are living: Narius P., who married Louise Holster; Joseph T., who married Mary M. Moore; Mary H., Mary I., Joseph E., Henry F., James M. and Joseph A. Those dead are James M. and George T., both of whom died in childhood. Mrs. Brewer died in October, 1886. She was a devout member of the Catholic Church, as are also her husband and children. Mr. Brewer takes but little interest in local politics, and has never been a candidate for office. He is a member of one of the best known families in Southeast Missouri, and is highly esteemed and honored.
            Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

            Judge Robert Varner Brown, a prominent citizen of Perry County, Mo., was born in Ste. Genevieve County on January 20, 1834, and is a son of James S. and Mary (Varner) Brown. James S. Brown was born near King’s Salt Works in Washington County, Va., and was a son of William Brown. The latter married a Miss Scott, and was a Revolutionary soldier, a member of Gen. Washington’s body guard. James Brown located in Ste. Genevieve County, Mo., in 1818, after which his father made his home at his residence until his death in 1844, at the age of ninety-five years, being one of the last survivors of the Revolutionary heroes in the State. James S. Brown was the owner of many slaves and a section of land on Saline Creek, which now belongs to his two eldest sons, William and John. James S. Brown died on March 11, 1855, but his widow still survives, hale and sprightly at the advanced age of eighty-five years. She is the mother of twelve children, nine of whom are living: They are Matilda (Mrs. John Kenner), William V. (who has been married five times, the last wife being Delilah Cashion), John (who has been twice married, the second time to Eliza Williams), Nancy (who has been twice married, now the wife of Thomas Shumach), Robert Varner, Elizabeth (Mrs. Francis K. Tucker), Rhoda (Mrs. Jasper Erwin), Asenath (Mrs. Clinton Erwin), and Cullen (who married Emma Martin). The united ages of these children and their mother at this date (1888) is 577 years. The children were all born in Ste. Genevieve County, and all have been prominent citizens of Southeast Missouri. On September 23, 1857, Robert Varner was married to Margaret E. Tucker, a member of the family known as “Long Tuckers,” and is a daughter of Josephus and Nancy (Kinner) Tucker, who immigrated to Missouri from Georgia. Nancy Kinner was born in Ste. Genevieve County, Mo., but her parents were natives of Tennessee, who located in Missouri in 1804. Robert Varner Brown and his young wife began domestic life on land in Ste. Genevieve County, which he purchased in 1854, but after several years he erected a handsome residence on some land in Perry County, to which he removed his family, where they have since resided in ease and comfort. To them were born ten children, only four living: Robert V., Jr. (who married Louise Coffman), Nancy J. (Mrs. Victor Brewer), Eunice and Fred. Susie M. Brown, nee Mercer, the widow of Henry R. Brown, a deceased son of Judge Brown, has for several years been a teacher in the county. During the Civil War Judge Brown served in the Federal Army, and, as he was not regularly discharged, still claims to be a soldier. In 1862 he enlisted in Company B, of Col. Leavenworth’s regiment of the Enrolled Missouri Militia, in which he served as orderly sergeant. After the war he was engaged in agricultural pursuits exclusively until 1880, when he was elected judge of the county court from the Western District of Perry County, and, having been re-elected every two years, still holds the position. The judicial board of the county have gained a well deserved reputation, and none of them stand higher in the estimation of the public than Judge Brown. In 1858 he was made a Master Mason in Perryville, and is now a member of Saline Lodge No. 226, at St. Mary’s.
            Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

            Hon. Joah W. Burgee (deceased) was born in Frederick County, Md., on August 25, 1806. He received his education in his native county, and at the age of twenty years resolved to immigrate to the West. Mounting a mule he travelled the entire distance to Missouri upon its back. He located in Perry County, to which his grandfather, Maj. Waters, had preceded him. Here, on May 24, 1832, he was married to Elizabeth Burns, a daughter of James and Nancy (Tucker) Burns, and the next year was elected assessor of Perry County. In 1838 he was elected to represent the county in the Legislature, and at the expiration of his term was re-elected. In the autumn of 1856 he was called to the office of judge of the county court, in which position he served with fidelity and honor for four successive terms. He took an active interest in educational matters, and for fifteen years was director and clerk of his school district. In the same year he was appointed judge he united with the Baptist Church, and remained a constant member until his death. He died on December 12, 1881, and his wife in February, 1876. They were the parents of eleven children, five of whom are living. They are James (who married Emily Brown), Thomas (who married Miss Mary Prost), Emily (Mrs. Basil Moore), America (Mrs. Peter Cissell), and Letitia A. (the widow of Thomas B. Sanders).
            Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

            James Burgee, a resident of Perryville, Mo., was born in Perry County, in 1833, and is a son of Joah W. Burgee, who was born of Scotch-Irish parentage in Frederick County, Md., in 1806. The latter became a farmer, and in 1828 immigrated to Perry County, Mo. In 1832 he married Elizabeth Burns, a native of the county, who was of Irish descent. She was born in 1816 and died in 1865. After his marriage Joah W. Burgee settled in Bois Brule Bottom, where he owned a good farm. He speculated considerably in land. He served as judge of the county court for many years. In 1838 he was elected to represent Perry County in the State Legislature, and rode from his home to Jefferson City on horseback. He died in 1881. To whom and wife were born eight children, six of whom are living. James is the eldest child. He received a liberal education in the common schools and at Arcadia College. In 1856 he became deputy county and circuit clerk, and served until 1862. He also served as public administrator from 1858 to 1862. In 1863 he was elected circuit court clerk, and, with all the other county officers, was turned out of office the next year by an ordinance passed by the State convention. In the fall of 1865 he engaged in merchandising, and continued for six years. In 1874 he was again elected clerk of the circuit court of Perry County, and was re-elected in 1878 and 1882, serving his constituents faithfully and well for twelve years. In 1858 he married Emilie C. Brown, a daughter of William A. Brown, and a native of Perry County, Mo., born in 1841. They have eight children: Mattie (wife of Charles H. Brown), Zoe, Henry, James, Cora, Bessie, Valle and Annie. Mr. Burgee has been a life-long Democrat, and has been one of the leading men of the party in his county.
            Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

            Henry T. Burns, clerk of Perry County, Mo., is a native of the county, born in 1857, and is a son of Henry T. Burns, Sr. The latter was of Scotch extraction, and was born in Kentucky in 1817. In youth he came to Perry County, Mo., and on March 16, 1838, married Nancy E. Evans, a native of Perry County, born in 1822. She died in 1870. Her father, Perry Evans, was a pioneer settler of the county, and was a farmer. After his marriage Henry T. Burns, Sr. resided in Perryville. He was elected sheriff and collector of the county for two terms, but resigned during his second term and became a candidate for county court clerk, to which office he was elected, and afterward twice re-elected. He died while serving his third term on December 16, 1861. In his day he was one of the influential and prominent men of the county. He and wife were the parents of nine children, five of whom are living, viz.: Henrietta (widow of Joseph L. Pratt, of St. Mary’s Mo.), Jennie (wife of Frank Freeman, of Claryville, Mo.), Henry T., Annie ( wife of Oz Richards, of Chester, Ill.), and Emma (wife of Fred Klein, of Wellington, Kas.). Henry T. was educated in the common schools of Perryville, and in 1871 went to St. Louis and hired to J.H. Lewis & Co. as receiver and shipment clerk, and remained until 1874, when he went to Memphis, Tenn., where he was employed by the Southern Oil Works Company as receiver and shipment clerk for three years. Returning to Perryville in 1878, he was engaged as clerk for Litsch & Co. about one year, and the following three years was salesman for William Furth. In 1882 he was elected to the office of clerk of the county court, and was re-elected in 1886, the first time by a majority of 213 and the last time by a majority of 509. He has proved to be an able and efficient officer. In 1884 he was a delegate to the State convention, and in 1886 a delegate to the congressional convention of St. Louis, of which he was made assistant secretary. Mr. Burns is a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the A.O.U.W.
            Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

William Cambron, an enterprising farmer of Perry County, Mo., is a native of the county, born on February 20, 1843. He is a son of Benjamin and Adelia (Hagan) Cambron. Benjamin Cambron came from near Perryville, Ky., in 1824. He was married in Perry County and reared a family of nine children: James, Lewis, Basil, William, Charles, Louisa, Robert, Pius and Joseph, of whom six are living and married. William first married Sarah E. Dean, by whom he is the father of two children, William, a liveryman of St. Mary’s, and Laura, a young lady. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Cambron married Philomene Colliott, of French nativity, and to them have been born ten children; only five, Lina, Elias, Eliza, Firmin and Clarence, are living. Mr. Cambron purchased his present farm in 1877, since which time he has cleared the most of it, and in 1880 erected the finest brick residence between Perryville and St. Mary’s. He has 233 acres which comprises two farms, both of which are well improved. He has been a very successful farmer, and has owned and operated several saw mills. For the last fifteen years he has done much threshing, and now owns a fine steam thresher. He does his farming in a scientific manner, using the latest and best improved machinery. Mr. Cambron has given his son a handsome start in business, and has considerable means, being one of those men whose word is as good as his bond. He and wife are members of the Catholic Church. During the war, he served under Capt. Robert M. Brewer, in Company B, Fourth Missouri Militia, until that regiment was mustered out of service.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Arthur V. Cashion
Perry county, Missouri, figures as one of the most attractive, progressive and prosperous divisions of the state, justly claiming a high order of citizenship and a spirit of enterprise which is certain to conserve consecutive development and marked advancement in the material upbuilding of this section. The county has been and is signally favored in the class of men who have contributed to its development along commercial and editorial lines and in the latter connection the subject of this review demands recognition as he has been actively engaged in the newspaper business during the greater part of his active career thus far. He owns and publishes the Perry County Republican in connection with his cousin Charles E. Cashion and this paper is recognized as one of the most enterprising and progressive publications in southeastern Missouri.
A native of Perryville, Missouri, Arthur V. Cashion was born on the 29th of February, 1868. He is a son of Archibald H. Cashion, whose birth occurred on a farm eligibly located some live miles south of Perryville. The parents of Archibald H. Cashion were William and Sally Cashion, both of whom died when their five boys were very young. These boys grew up on the old homestead farm in Perry county and when the dark cloud of Civil war obscured the national horizon all of them enlisted for service, their sympathies being with the North. Archibald H. Cashion was a member of the Fifth Missouri Cavalry and he participated in a number of important engagements marking the progress of the war. He served under General John McNeal and from the office of corporal was later promoted to the rank of lieutenant. After the close of the war and when peace had again been established throughout the country he returned to Perry county, where he again devoted his time and energies to farming operations. In the election of 1866 he was elected sheriff and collector of Perry county and after serving in those capacities for a period of four years he returned to his farm where he resided for a number of years. Just prior to the outbreak of the war between the states he had married Miss Margaret Brewer and they set up housekeeping on a farm adjoining the old Cashion estate. Mr. and Mrs. Archibald H. Cashion became the parents of eight children and the devoted wife and mother was called to eternal rest in the year 1906. In 1896 Mr. Cashion was honored by his fellow citizens with election to membership in the state legislature, as a representative of Perry county, serving' two terms, and while a member of that august body he served on a number of important committees. After his retirement from the legislature he was appointed postmaster of Perryville, an office he filled with great credit to himself for a period of nine years. He is now living retired at Perryville and while he has attained to the venerable age of seventy-two years he still retains in much of their pristine vigor the splendid physical and mental qualities of his prime. He is a grand old man and one well worthy of the high degree of popular confidence and esteem accorded him by all with whom he has come in contact.
Arthur V. Cashion is indebted to the public schools of Perryville for his early educational training and at the age of sixteen years he entered upon an apprenticeship to learn the printer's trade, working for a period of three years in the office of the Perry County Sun, under John B. Davis. In 1887 he removed to Marquand, in Madison county, Missouri, where he clerked in a store for a short period and where he later managed and edited the Marquand Echo. The Echo was a Republican paper and Mr. Cashion had charge of it during the Harrison campaign. In 1890 he returned to Perryville where he entered the office of the Perry County Republican, which was then owned and conducted by Charles E. Cashion, a cousin of the subject of this review. Later Mr. Cashion bought the plant of the Perry County Republican from his cousin and from 1891 until 1898 he conducted this paper individually. In 1898 Charles E. Cashion again became interested in the publication of the paper and in that year he was admitted to partnership in the conduct of the Perry CountyRepublican.
On the 28th of December, 1889, was recorded the marriage of Mr. Cashion to Miss Ida Finger, the ceremony having been performed at. Marquand, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Cashion have three sons, Elbert T., Medford and Benson, the two latter of whom remain at home. Elbert is assistant cashier in the Bank of Eudora, Arkansas. The Cashion family are devout and consistent members of the Presbyterian church in their religious faith and they contribute liberally of their time and means to all philanthropical movements projected in the community.
Mr. Cashion is a stanch Republican in his political views and it may be noted here that the Cashion cousins, through the medium of their paper, exerted a very strong influence in the building of the beautiful Perry county courthouse, which is located at Perryville and which is a great attraction in the way of beautifying the town. For nine years, from 1899 to 1908, Mr. Cashion was a member of the Perryville school board. In a fraternal way he is a valued and appreciative member of the local lodge of the Modern Brotherhood of America and he is a man whose many excellent attributes make him a valuable adjunct to the citizenship of Perryville.
(Soruce: History of Southeast Missouri, by Robert Sidney Douglass, A.B., LL.B., Vol. 1, Pub. 1912)


Casimir Chappuis was born in France in 1837, and immigrated to the United States with his parents in 1852. His father and mother, Francis and Elizabeth (Bessand) Chappuis, were born in France in 1800 and 1802 respectively. Francis Chappuis settled on a farm of 120 acres three miles south of Perryville, on which he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives, he passing away in 1858 and she two years previous. They had seven children born to them, only two of whom are living, Josie (wife of Alban Prost) and Casimir. The latter grew to manhood on his father’s farm, and in 1860 married Apoline Bessand, also a native of France, born in 1839. She came to Perry County in 1840. After his marriage Mr. Chappuis purchased 120 acres near the old home place, on which he resided four years, when he sold out and purchased 160 acres one mile north of Perryville, a fine farm with good improvements, on which he still resides. Since he was eighteen years of age he has been engaged in threshing grain in connection with his farming interests, and in 1874 purchased a steam engine, the first one in Perry County. Five years later he bought a traction engine, and now has one of the best outfits in his district. To him and wife have been born six children, whose names are Mary, Jule, Louis, Harsan, Leo and Victor. All are members of the Roman Catholic Church. Although Mr. Chappuis commenced business life a poor man he has been successful and has a good home, which is due to industry and good management. In politics he is a Republican.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

James T. Christian, of Lithium, Mo., is a native of the “Old Dominion,” having been born in Amherst County in that State on March 5, 1824. He is the son of Wesley E. and Lucy (Pendleton) Christian, the latter of whom died when James was eight years of age. His father married again, and with his family removed to Washington County, Ill., where, after the death of his second wife, he married Mrs. Mahala Gibson. Later he removed to Massac County, Ill., where his death occurred. James received his education in the public schools, and on April 2, 1846, was united in marriage with Malinda J., daughter of Hartwell Moore, of Washington County, Ill. Soon after he enlisted in Company A, Second Illinois Infantry, E.C. Coffee, captain, and William H. Bissell, colonel, and served with the regiment until it was mustered out. This service in the Mexican War greatly impaired his health, but he returned home and was engaged in milling until the beginning of the Civil War. When the call to arms was made Mr. Christian was again among the first to enlist, and joined Company A, Eighteenth Iowa Infantry, of which he was elected second lieutenant. In 1863, after having participated in several engagements, he was discharged for disability, but after a year’s recuperation, like the true patriot that he is, he enlisted in Company E, Forty-sixth Iowa Infantry, and was commissioned first lieutenant. At the expiration of his term of service he returned home, and, although practically incapacitated by disease contracted during his army life, he has since worked some at his trade. In June, 1882, he came to the neighborhood of where Lithium now is, and by chance discovered the medicinal qualities of this celebrated spring. When the town was laid out he was agent for the sale of lots and erected the first residence, completing it in December, 1882. Mrs. Christian died on September 19, 1879, and he subsequently married Clara C. Gillespie, a daughter of Judge James Gillespie and sister of Col. David Gillespie. She was born at Shiloh, Ill., in 1837. Mr. Christian’s children are all residents of Illinois; John H. and Calvin S. are operators on the Illinois Central Railroad, Josephine, the eldest daughter, is the wife of Harrison H. Pursell, of Pinckneyville, and Araminta J., the younger daughter, is the wife of Charles Sawyer, of the same town.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Vincent Cissell, one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of Perry County, Mo., is a native of the county, born in 1821. His parents, Joseph and Mary Ann (Miles) Cissell, were natives of Kentucky. Joseph Cissell was born of English parentage, and in 1803 immigrated to Perry County, Mo., settling on the farm now owned by Simon Tucker. Here he passed the remainder of his life. To him and wife were born five children, two of whom, Louis and Vincent, are living. Vincent was born and grew to manhood on his parents’ farm, about three miles from his present home. He located on the latter farm, situated three and one-half miles west of Perryville, in 1842, having now lived on the place for the last forty-six years. He began with 120 acres, but now owns 900 acres of highly improved land, and is one of the largest tax-payers in the county. In 1846 he married Caroline French, who was born in Perry County in 1828, and who is a daughter of Louis French. Mr. and Mrs. Cissell are the parents of eight children: Loevina (who is in a convent in California), Victoria (wife of Joseph Shelby), Mary (wife of Vincent Seemes), Albert C. (who is in California), Anna (wife of Clistiano Ortz of Santa Fe, N.M.), Henrietta (wife of Henry Gaile), Joseph R. and Louis E. The family are highly esteemed, and all are communicants of the Catholic Church. Mr. Cissell has never been out of his native county more than fourteen days at one time, having then been in St. Louis. Since the war he has voted with the Democratic party, having been a Whig before that time, casting his first vote for Henry Clay in 1844.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Lewis Cissell, Sr., was born in Perry County in 1823, and is the son of Joseph and Mary (Miles) Cissell. Bernard Cissell, the father of Joseph, came with his family, consisting of a wife and four children, from Marion County, Ky., to Perry County in 1803. He made a settlement four miles northwest of Bishop’s Mill, where he entered land, upon which both himself and wife passed the remainder of their lives. Their sons, Lewis, Clement and Joseph, also secured land in the same neighborhood, were married in the county and passed their entire lives within its boundaries. Lewis married Sarah Mattingly; Clement, a Miss Layton, and Joseph, Mary Miles. Polly, a daughter, became the wife of Sinnet Duvall. Joseph lived to the advanced age of eighty-eight years, and was twice married. His first wife was accidentally killed in 1825, and died leaving the following children: Narius (who first married Christina Hagan, and after her death, Julia Brown), Mary M. (who became the wife of Raymond Tucker), Vincent (who wedded Caroline French), Pius (who married Christina Miles) and Lewis (who chose for his wife Louisa Mattingly). Joseph Cissell married for his second wife Mrs. Polly (Manning) Warren, by whom he was the father of five children, none of whom survive except Anna, the wife of Simeon Tucker. Lewis Cissell was married in 1846, and for several years resided near Silver Lake. He purchased his present farm of 280 acres in 1859. At that time only fifty acres were improved, but Mr. Cissell by hard labor and good management has made it one of the finest farms in the county. He has a family of nine children, of whom seven are married. They are John V. (who first married Melissa Brewer, and after her death, Theresa Brewer), Loretta (the widow of Wilford Brewer), Leo F. (who first married Katie Frazier and after death, Louisa Brewer), Emanuel (who married Emma Mattingly), Ezckiel (who married Louise Rankin), Kendrick (who married Alice Brewer), and Jane F. (the wife of William Difani). The two youngest sons, Vincent and William, are at home. Of the Cissell family, once so numerous, but few remain, yet, because of their many good qualities, the name of Cissell has always stood for enterprise and good citizenship.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Henry Corse, a farmer and stock raiser of Perry County, Mo., was born in 1835, and is a son of Charles and Nancy Corse. Charles Corse was of German descent, and was born in Maryland in 1797. When a small boy he accompanied his parents to Kentucky, where he was reared, and adopted farming as a vocation. There he was married to Nancy Mason, a native of the State. After his marriage he removed to Missouri and located permanently in Perry County, where he followed agricultural pursuits and speculated in wood, keeping a wood yard at Corse’s Landing. He owned the landing, which proved a valuable piece of property. After a life of great usefulness he died on February 28, 1862. His wife had died previously, in 1851. Henry Corse was born in Kentucky, and came to Missouri with his parents. He was reared and educated in Southeast Missouri, and in 1862 married Nancy Favell, a native of Missouri, by whom he had three children. After the death of his first wife Mr. Corse married Mary Cashion, also a native of Southeast Missouri, born in 1846. To this union have been born six children, who are now living: Mary E., Emma Jane, Noah, Alonzo, Ceran and Arthur. Mr. Corse is a prosperous farmer and a large land owner, owning 500 acres in the mineral regions of Southeast Missouri.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

J.B. Davis, editor and proprietor of the Sun, of Perryville, Mo., was born in Perry County, in 1856. He is a son of Erastus Davis, who was born in Herkimer County, N.Y., in 1801. The latter devoted his early manhood to teaching and merchandising. In 1825 he came west, and settled in Perry County, Mo., where he was married, in 1831, to Elizabeth Evans, a native of this county, born in 1816. She was a daughter of Perry C. Evans, one of the pioneer settlers of the county, and a native of Virginia. After his marriage Erastus Davis located on a farm in Saline Township, Perry County, and remained there until his death. For a few years he served as justice of the peace for the county. He died in 1861, and his wife on October 26, 1887. They were the parents of two children, who are living: Ella (wife of J.C. Frazier, of St. Louis) and J.B. The latter received his education in the common schools, with a two years’ course at the Northeast Normal School, at Kirksville, Mo. After finishing his education he was engaged in farming until 1880, when he decided to study law. He read law for a short time under the direction of Hon. M.L. Clardy and Judge William Carter, of Farmington, Mo., and in the fall of 1880 entered the law department of the State University of Missouri, from where he graduated the following year with the degree of LL.B. Upon his return to Perry County he located on a farm near Lithium, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits till February, 1887, when he became editor and proprietor of the Sun, which he has since published in a very able manner. The paper has a large circulation, and is devoted to the taxpayers of the county. In politics it advocates the principles of the Democratic party. Mr. Davis is a promising young man, and is a member of the A.O.U.W.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Rev. Father D.L. DeCeunyuck, was born in Furnes, Belgium, in 1836, and was educated for the priesthood at the Furnes Rousselaere and Bruges Colleges. At the peuultimate he graduated in philosophy, and at the latter, where he remained four years, he was ordained for the priesthood. For twenty years he had charge of parishes in France, Belgium and Holland. In 1884 he sailed for America and landed at New York on July 10, of that year. He came in response to a letter from the Chancellor of St. Louis, Rev. Henry Van der Sanden, who saw the need of an able man to organize a church in the great Bois Brule Bottom. He held his first service at the Claryville Catholic Church on August 15, when measures were taken to organize a church among the Belgium families. The Archbishop gave him permission to build a church in East Bois Brule Bottom, and he took up his residence with Bernard Modde, where he held his first services on the first Sunday in January, 1885. Between forty and forty-five families were enrolled as members of the new congregation, and donations for the church began to come in. During the following spring a neat frame building 24x40 feet was erected, and on May 10 it was dedicated by the Rev. Chancellor of St. Louis. It received the name of The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The congregation is steadily growing, and a comfortable frame house has been erected for Father DeCeunyuck.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Ceran F. DeLassus, proprietor of Bailey’s Landing, Perry County, Mo., was born in 1836, and is the son of Ceran E. and Elenore (Beauvais) DeLassus, natives of Ste. Genevieve County, Mo. Ceran E. DeLassus was born in 1800, and was a farmer and merchant. After his marriage, in partnership with another man, he purchased Bailey’s Landing, where for many years he did a flourishing business, perhaps the most extensive general mercantile and shipping business in the county. He died in 1856. To him and wife were born eleven children, six of whom are living, the subject of this sketch being the eldest one living. He was born in Ste. Genevieve County, and was educated by a private tutor. When a boy he clerked in his father’s store, and when twenty-one years of age engaged in the mercantile business for himself at his present location. In 1863 he was married to Mattie E. Walton, a native of Georgia, born in 1838, by whom he has four children who are living: Jesse, Julia, Eusebia and Felix. In 1865 Mr. DeLassus removed his family to Patton, Bollinger County, Mo., where for several years he was engaged in merchandising, after which he removed to Claryville, Mo., and was there engaged in merchandising and commission business for four years. He then purchased the old homestead, where he has since resided and is still engaged in merchandising. Though his present shipping is somewhat retarded by the condition of the landing, in the past he has been one of the most extensive wheat speculators in this section of Missouri. Besides owning the landing and general merchandise store he has 300 acres of land, on which is one of the finest peach orchards in Southeast Missouri. In 1887 he shipped 1,300 boxes of peaches to St. Louis. He has just added to his valuable orchard 500 Damson plum trees and various other fruits, and meditates going still stronger into the fruit business. He is one of the most enterprising and substantial men of the county. He and family are members of the Roman Catholic Church. Politically, he is a Democrat.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Joseph R. and Louis C. DeLassus, druggists of Perryville, Mo., are natives of the county, born in 1858 and 1862, respectively. They are sons of Joseph L. and M. Josephine (Stewart) DeLassus, of French and Scotch lineage, respectively. Joseph L. DeLassus was born in Ste. Genevieve County, Mo., in 1834, and was a son of Ceran E. DeLassus. The former grew to manhood in Southeast Missouri, and established himself at Bailey’s Landing, now Grand Eddy, on the Mississippi River in Perry County, Mo., and engaged in merchandising. A few years later his brother, Leon, became a partner, and they established a general store at Eureka, Perry County, Leon managing the business at the latter place and Joseph L. remaining at Bailey’s Landing. Joseph L.’s wife was born in Cape Girardeau County, Mo. in 1837, and became the mother of five children, viz.: Joseph R., John F., Louis C., Felix E. and Alfred A. Joseph L. DeLassus died on August 21, 1873. Joseph R. was educated at St. Mary’s Seminary, Mo., and St. Francois College, Quincy, Ill. In 1876 he entered the drug store of Thomas Layton of Perryville and worked for three years, after which he clerked in drug stores for other parties until May, 1887, when he and his brother, as equal partners, purchased their present store of Dr. F. Feltz. On February 9, 1886, Joseph R. was appointed postmaster of Perryville, which position he still holds. He was married on April 19, 1887, to Elizabeth J. Shelby, a daughter of Dr. Reuben Shelby. Mrs. DeLassus was born in Perryville in 1866. Louis C. DeLassus was educated at the Ursaline Convent, Perryville, and St. Francois College, Quincy, Ill. In 1880 he was employed as clerk in the drug store of Feltz & Aiken in Perryville, and remained three years, after which he worked at various employments until May, 1887, when he engaged in his present business. The brothers have a good drug store, and are young men of good business qualifications, who have many friends. They are Democrats, and are members of the Catholic Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Jules Denizet, junior member of the firm of Mercier & Denizet, livery and feed stable proprietors, Perryville, Mo., was born in France, in 1834, and is a son of Peter C. and Victoria (Comb) Denizet, both of whom were natives of France, born in 1806 and 1807, respectively. In 1841, with his family, Peter C. Denizet immigrated to America, and settled on a farm two miles south of Perryville, Mo., where he was engaged in tilling the soil until his death two years later, in 1843. His widow survived until 1887. She was the mother of seven children, two of whom are now living, Jules and Justine (wife of Andrew Nesslein). Jules was but seven years of age when he came to America, and but nine when his father died. He was reared to manhood on a farm, and in 1857 married Melina Callier, also a native of France, born in 1835. She died in 1860, leaving one child, Mary, now the wife of John C. Popp. In 1862 Mr. Denizet married again, choosing for his wife Miss Clara Rousand, who was born in France in 1841, and came to the United States in 1850. To this union have been born seven children, viz.: Emily, Felix, Reuben, Emma, Frances, Louise and Vincent. Mr. Denizet resided on a farm until 1876, when he removed to Perryville. In the fall of the same year he formed a partnership with Mr. Mercier, and engaged in his present business. In politics he endorses and supports the principles of the Republican party. He and family are members of the Roman Catholic Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

James H. Difani, a prominent young farmer of Saline Township, Perry County, Mo., was born in the county on January, 15, 1857. He is one of seven sons born to Joseph and Matilda (Litteral) Difani (see sketch of William A. Difani). The sons were all carefully educated, three having become teachers in the county. Prof. D.M. Brewer was the tutor of James H., who finished his classical education and began teaching in 1882. His first two terms were in the Lewis Cissell district, in which he again taught in 1888. There has been no family of children reared in Saline Township that has been more prominently connected with the cause of education that the Difani brothers. On February 28, 1886, James H. was united in marriage with Catherine C., a daughter of John and Elizabeth Brown, who for many years were residents of Perry County. In his day Mr. Brown was one of the best known men of the county, but he died more than a score of years ago. Mr. Difani and wife began their married life on their present farm. He being the son of a pioneer, learned the art of clearing in detail, and from the woodland he has made a beautiful farm, having cleared and improved sixty acres since he became the owner of the land. To him and wife has been born one child, a beautiful daughter, Hester, born April 4, 1887. Mr. Difani is industrious and energetic, having taught school every winter season since he began and worked on the farm during the summer. In November, 1886, he was elected justice of the peace, which office he still holds.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

William Andrew Difani, an enterprising young citizen of Perry County, Mo., is a native of the county, born on August 9, 1859, and is a son of Joseph and Matilda (Litteral) Difani. The remote ancestry of the Difani family was French, but Joseph was born in Baden, Germany, and came to America prior to his marriage. He was married in Perryville to Matilda Litteral of Scotch lineage. Joseph Difani was a shoemaker, and worked at his trade in Perryville for several years, after which he purchased a farm in the neighborhood known as “Bumble Nook,” where for several years he engaged in farming, dealing largely in horses, at which he was very successful. He was a prominent citizen and the owner of several farms. A short time before his death he purchased the farm on which the subject of this sketch now resides in Section 10, of the old Hawkins’ survey. Here he located and died a few months later. He and wife had seven sons, viz.: George, who married Monica Tucker; Frank X., who married Roxie Milster; Joseph, Jr., who first married Julia Pannen and after her death Mrs. Kate (Hoggard) Burgee; James H.,  William Andrew, B. Lawrence and Columbus F. After the death of his wife Joseph Difani married Isabella Milster who bore him no children. His death occurred on November 6, 1866, about five months after his second marriage, and his widow became the wife of Henry Frazier and is still living, aged sixty-two years. William Andrew Difani’s early education was secured in Perry County, after which he took a commercial course at Bryant & Stratton’s College, St. Louis. He also completed a normal course at Metropolis, Ill., in 1884. He, however, taught school prior to the latter date, and was elected school commissioner in April, 1883. He has been twice re-elected to the same position, and is at present filling the office. He teaches school during the winter seasons, and in 1887-88 was principal of the Altenburgh schools. He manages his farm during the summer seasons. He married Francis Cissell, by whom he is the father of two bright daughters, Stella and Edith.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

John Dippold, a member of a prominent German family of Bois Brule Township, Perry County, was born in Germany in 1842, and is a son of J.M. and Lena (Poehner) Dippold. The subject of this sketch is one of a pair of twins. The other, John Frederick, also resides in Bois Brule Township. The family of children are Barbara, wife of Adam Long; Frederick, who lost his life in the Federal Army as a member of the Twelfth Missouri Cavalry; John and John Frederick, and Elizabeth, wife of John Hof. The mother died in Germany, and the father with his children immigrated to America, reaching Perry County in 1851. Here he entered land upon which he lived and died. His children grew to maturity and married in the county, and with the exception of Frederick are living and own good farms. John first enlisted in the Federal Army as a member of Company A, Fourth Missouri Militia, but later was in Company B, Sixty-Fourth Enrolled Missouri Militia. After having become almost a confirmed bachelor his marriage with Mary Poehner was celebrated on February 24, 1879. Their union has been blessed by the birth of four children: Lucy C., John T., Ernest P. and Arthur H., all of whom were born on the present homestead. Mr. Dippold has a farm of 360 acres on which is a pretty cottage which is graced by one of the neatest and best of wives. She is the daughter of John P. and Annie (Snider) Poehner, both now deceased. The parents were married in Perry County, but were born in Germany. Seven children were born to them, of whom five are living: John, who married Annie Gruner; Margaret, wife of Anton Christisen; Sophia, wife of Peter Hanson; Mrs. Dippold and Philip.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

John C. Doerr, salesman for William Furth, of Perryville, was born in the Kingdom of Prussia in 1833. He is the son of Andrew and Christena Doerr, and a brother of Louis Doerr. When his parents arrived in America, John C. was only two years of age. He remained at home on the farm until reaching the age of seventeen, when he entered the store of Rozier & Wilkinson, and, proving an efficient salesman, remained with them ten years. After marriage, in partnership with Zeno Brown, he established a general store at St. Mary’s, but four years later sold his interest to his brother, Louis, and returning to Perryville he formed a partnership with Barney Cissell in the same business. He continued a member of the firm for four years, and for an equal term was associated with his brother, Louis. In 1879 he accepted his present position with Mr. Furth. He is one of the best salesmen in Perryville, and has a wide acquaintance in Perry and Ste. Genevieve Counties. About ten years ago Mrs. Doerr established the Doerr Hotel, which she has since conducted with great satisfaction to the traveling public. Mr. Doerr was married on October 4, 1859, to Mrs. Louise Mattingly, a daughter of Robert Greenwell. She is a native of the county, and was born in 1832. They have two children, living – Julia Ann, wife of P.L. Halbrook, and William J. Politically, Mr. Doerr is a Democrat, and, socially, is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Louis Doerr, a general merchant of Perryville, Mo., was born in 1838, one-half mile east of Perryville. He is a son of Andrew and Christina (Doerr) Doerr, natives of Germany, born on January 22, 1795, and July 17, 1797, respectively. By trade Andrew Doerr was a house-framer. He was married in his native land, and in 1835 immigrated to America and located on a farm of 140 acres, one-half mile east of Perryville, Mo. He was afterward engaged in farming in connection with his trade. He died on March 26, 1845, and his wife on December 9, 1842. To them were born eight children, five of whom are living: Henry, of St. Louis; William, also of St. Louis; John C., of Perryville; Augustus, a farmer, and Louis. Louis grew to manhood on a farm. After the death of his parents he resided with his brother, Philip, until he was twenty years of age. After reaching his majority he was engaged as salesman in a general store at St. Mary’s until 1866, when he established a store there on his own responsibility. In 1868 he sold his stock of goods and removed to Perryville and established another general store, which he still manages. During twenty years of business at Perryville his honesty has never been questioned nor his character assailed. April 19, 1868, he was united in marriage with Rosa Pfeiffer, who was born in St. Louis in April, 1846. Three children have blessed this union: Arthur, Chloe and Ida. In politics Mr. Doerr has been a life-long Democrat, having cast his first vote for Stephen A. Douglas, in 1860. In religious belief the family are Lutherans.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

William J. Drumtra, P.M., a jeweler and watch-maker of Altenburgh, Mo., was born in Saxony Weimar, Germany, in 1859. When young he came with an uncle to the United States, and afterward served an apprenticeship at the watch-maker’s trade, at Hazleton, Penn. After finishing his trade he traveled with Capt. Reid, for Engel’s Apostolic Clock, during which time he visited most of the important Eastern cities: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Lancaster, New York, Wilmington, Buffalo, Louisville and many places of lesser importance. On October 3, 1878, he established himself at Altenburgh, and commenced working at his trade, at which he has met with great success. Since then he has repaired 2,100 watches. He thoroughly understands his business, and has a large patronage in Perry and surrounding counties. Besides his work he does a large business in the jewelry line. In 1880 he was united in marriage with Mary Miller, a native of Altenburgh, born in 1859, and to them have been born three children: Lydia, Theobald and William. Mr. Drumstra and family are members of the Lutheran Church. He is one of the substantial business men of the town, and, although he began with small capital, now has a neat residence, store building, a large stock of goods, and 120 acres of land in Jackson County, Ill. For six years he has served his town as postmaster and treasurer, and is also leader of the brass band. Mr. Drumtra made and has in operation an electric alarm and call bell, between his shop and residence, and claims that this was the first electric call bell worked by electricity in Perry County, when first put up. His parents, William and Margaret Drumtra, were also born in Saxony Weimar, the former in 1834, and the latter in 1837. William Drumtra, Sr., is a carpenter by trade, and in 1871 brought his wife and the rest of his family to America. They are the parents of nine children, and now reside in Freeland, Penn.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Joseph Duerr, dealer in fresh and salt meat, Perryville, Mo., is a native of Germany, and was born in the Grand Duchy of Bade March 5, 1849. He is a son of Michael and Rosa Duerr, both of whom are also natives of the Grand Duchy of Baden, born in 1806 and 1815, respectively. Michael Duerr was a weaver by trade, and lived and died in the Fatherland. He died in 1886, and his wife in 1863. Joseph was reared in his native country, and worked in a factory. In 1873 he immigrated to America. He stopped for a few months in Cairo, Ill., from whence he went to Cape Girardeau, Mo., and commenced working in a butcher shop. He remained there four years as an apprentice, and in 1878 removed to Perryville, where he opened a shop on his own responsibility. Understanding thoroughly the manner of best conducting his business, he has been very successful and does a large business. On August 13, 1878, he was united in marriage with Mary Broeker, also a native of Germany, who was born in 1859, and came to the United States when three years of age. This marriage has been blessed by the birth of three children: William, Hulda and Apalona. In politics Mr. Duerr supports the principles of the Democratic party. He and wife are members of the Catholic Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Francis Duvall, an enterprising young farmer of the Mississippi Bottom, of Perry County, was born in 1852, and is the son of Samuel and Diana (Flynn) Duvall. All were slaves prior to the war, and after the close of hostilities lived two years in Illinois. In 1867 they returned to Perry County, purchased a cow and team, and the father and son began farming upon rented land. Little by little prosperity came, and they were finally able to purchase a small farm. In 1881 the parents both died, the mother on March 27, and the father on November 8. They had a family of twelve children, of whom only two are now living. They are Louisa (wife of Charles Roberts, of Bolivar County, Miss.) and Francis. The latter purchased the interest of his sister in the home place, and in company with his father-in-law, Robert Bull, bought forty acres adjoining. He is now the owner of sixty acres of fine land upon which he has erected good buildings. He was first married, in 1877, to Effie Bull, who died on August 14, 1885. His present wife is Christina Vallard, by whom he is the father of one child, Essie.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

W.P. Faherty, an enterprising merchant of Perryville, Mo., is a native of that town, born in 1838. He is a son of Peter and Matilda Faherty, nee Mattingly. His father was of Irish descent, and was born near Baltimore, Md., in 1817. By trade he was a merchant tailor. About 1835 he settled in Perryville, Mo., where he soon after married, and worked at his trade until his death, in 1839. His mother was born in Perry County, Mo., in 1815. Her father, James Mattingly, was one of the early settlers of the county. To Mr. and Mrs. Faherty were born two sons, William P. being the only one living. After Mr. Faherty’s death Mrs. Faherty married Charles Henjdon, who is now dead. Five children were born to this union. The mother died in 1860. W.P. Faherty secured a good education in the common schools and at “St. Mary’s Seminary of the Barrens,” Missouri, with one year’s course at the “University of St. Mary of the Lake,” Chicago. In 1863 he began teaching school and continued two terms. Under the style of Burger & Co., he engaged in general merchandising in Perryville, in 1866. After five years the firm dissolved partnership, and Mr. Faherty continued the business on his own responsibility, in which he has been successful. In 1871 he was united in marriage with Caroline E. DeLassus, a daughter of Leon DeLassus and Mary L. DeLassus, nee Elliott. Mrs. Faherty was born in Perry County, Mo., in 1851. Their marriage has been blessed by the birth of five children: Mary M., Leon P., Lonette M., William W. and Blanche C. Faherty. Mr. Faherty possesses good business qualities. Besides his property in Perryville he has considerable land estate in the county. He and family are adherents of the Catholic faith.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Robert Y. Farrar, one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of Perry County, Mo., was born in Lincoln County, N.C., in 1817, and is a son of John and Mary (Abernathy) Farrar, natives of North Carolina, born on February 5, 1790, and March 11, 1789, respectively. John Farrar was a farmer and mechanic. He married Mary Abernathy in his native State. She was the daughter of Col. Jones Abernathy, a colonel in the War of 1812, and was the mother of seven children. Her death occurred on August 10, 1829, after which Mr. Farrar married Susan Clifton, also a native of the “Old North State.” She died, and Mr. Farrar married the Widow Venable. Robert Y. came with his parents to Missouri in 1820, and grew up on their farm, receiving his education in the common schools. He was proprietor of a saw and grist mill in Bollinger County for thirty years. In 1883 he retired from active business life and sold his mill. He then returned to the old homestead which his father settled in 1821. He has been a very energetic and enterprising man, and has amassed considerable wealth, now owning 480 acres of fine land. In 1853 he was united in marriage with Hannah Finley, a native of Ohio, born on June 28, 1834. He and wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Mr. Farrar is a member of the Masonic lodge. Mrs. Farrar is a daughter of James and Jane Finley, natives of Pennsylvania and New York, respectively. James Finley was born on August 9, 1801, and was well educated. For fifty years he taught school in Ohio and Missouri. He taught in Fredericktown, Mo., for four years. There are many old men in that section of country who have been his pupils. He died on April 27, 1876. His wife was born on June 11, 1806, and died on July 31, 1851. They were the parents of fourteen children, six of whom are now alive.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

John C. Farrar, a prominent farmer and stock raiser of Perry County, Mo., was born in St. Clair County, Ill., in 1828. He is the son of Robert B. and Susan (Abernathy) Farrar, who were married in Kentucky, and immigrated to Illinois, settling in St. Clair County in 1810. Robert B. Farrar was born in Lincoln County, N.C., on February 4, 1786, and was a son of John Farrar, a native of Virginia, who was a captain in the Revolutionary War. The former was a farmer, and remained on his farm in St. Clair County, Ill., until 1837, when he removed his family to Perry County, Mo., where he entered 900 acres of land. He and his wife, after having lived very happily together for forty-eight years, died within ten days of each other, both in April, 1857. They were the parents of five sons and seven daughters, only three of whom are living. John C. was married, in Perry County, in 1857, to Martha E. Venable, a native of Missouri, who was born in 1841, by whom he is the father of six living children: Jasper N., Marvin N., Sarah E., Herschel D., Edgar G. and James H. Mr. Farrar has a fine farm of 135 acres of well improved land, on which have been found indications of rich lead deposits, and he also has 165 acres of timber. Mr. Farrar is an earnest student, and is well informed on almost every topic of the day. He has a fine library, containing books on philosophy, history, politics, and various other subjects.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Douglas C. Farrar, principal of the public schools of Perryville, Mo., is a native of this county, born in 1858. He is a son of John B. Farrar, who was born in North Carolina, in 1795, of Scotch-Irish parentage. While young the latter immigrated to Perry County, Mo., and after his marriage located two miles east of Perryville, where he resided many years, spending the latter part of his life about four miles from the town. He was one of the pioneer settlers of the county, and became one of its largest land owners. He died in 1865. His wife, Mary L. (Noell) Tate, was the widow of Dr. Tate, who, for many years, was a prominent physician of Perry County. Mrs. Farrar was born in Virginia, in 1820, and is the mother of three living children by her last marriage: Imogene, wife of William A. Cashion, of St. John, Kas.; Noell E., a groceryman of Perryville, and Prof. Douglas C. The last named received his education in the public schools of Perryville, Mo., and Washington University, St. Louis. In 1876 he commenced studying law under the direction of Hon. John V. Noell, of Perryville, and in 1878 entered the law department of Washington University, at St. Louis. In 1879 he was admitted to the bar, and at once entered upon the practice of his profession, forming a partnership with Wilson Cramer, one of the leading lawyers of Jackson, Mo., and continued until his law library was burned in 1884. He then resumed school teaching, having taught previous to studying law. He was first employed in the grammar department of the public schools of Perryville, but in 1888 was elected to the principalship of the same schools. His marriage with Mary J. Cissell, a daughter of Hon. Bernard Cissell, was celebrated in 1879. Mrs. Farrar is a native of Perry County, Mo., born in 1859. Their union has been blessed by the birth of three children: Beulah May, Gertrude Belle and Mary Lucinda. In politics Mr. Farrar is a supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He served as city attorney of Perryville for two years.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Dr. Florence Feltz, a physician of Perryville, Mo., was born in Alsace, France, in the year 1832. He is a son of Florenz Feltz and Mary Anne (Stupfler) Feltz. Florenz Feltz, Sr., was born in Alsace, France, in 1803. In his young age he learned the then flourishing cooper’s trade, and after marriage engaged in mercantile business, but being unsuccessful he concluded to emigrate to the United States in the year 1846, locating in the State of Louisiana, resuming his former trade on a large plantation, where his son Florence had to assist him as well as he could, being the eldest child, and him in very limited circumstances. In 1848 his father removed to St. Louis, and in 1856 came to Perry County, Mo., and settled in Bois Brule Township, where he resided until his death, in 1875. His wife was of German origin, and was born in 1810. She died in 1855, in Randolph County, Ill. The parents of both were very long lived, being ninety to ninety-five years old at the time of their death. Florenz Feltz, Sr., and wife, were the parents of seven children, three of whom, Florence, August and Anton, are living. Dr. Florence Feltz was about thirteen years of age when he came to this country with his parents. Having to assist his father in his trade at that time, he followed the same more or less until about the year 1872, when he purchased a lot of medical works from Dr. Stealey, a then residing physician of Perryville, who encouraged him in the pursuit of his study. Being in limited circumstances he worked hard by day and studied part of the night. In 1876 he graduated with the degree of M.D. from the Keokuk Medical College, after which he entered upon the practice of medicine. By hard work and perseverance, without any assistance whatever, he fought his way until he obtained a large and lucrative practice. In 1861 he was united in marriage with Mary Jeunet, a native of France, who came to America with her parents when but four years of age. Her father, Lucien Jeunet, located in Perry County, Mo. To the Doctor and his wife have been born nine children, viz.: Eugenia, Vincent, Amelia (wife of Alhin Seemes), Lenisa, Leon, Mary, Clovis, Albert and Lawrence. In politics Dr. Feltz is a Democrat. He and his family are members of the Roman Catholic Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Clement J. Fenwick, one of the old and respected farmers of Perry County, Mo., is a native of the county, born in 1825. He is a son of George W. and Margaret (Hayden) Fenwick, natives of Maryland and Kentucky, respectively. The parents were married in Missouri, and reared ten children, of whom Clement J. was the fourth. He grew to manhood at the home of his parents, and, when the Mexican War broke out and troops were called, enlisted in Company I, Third Regiment of Missouri Volunteers under Capt. John H. Haley, and served during the war, participating in the memorable battle of Santa Cruz. After his return home he married Cecelia Candace Moore, by whom he is the father of twelve children, all of whom are married, with the exception of one daughter and one son, Eveline and George Louis, who are at home with their parents. During the Civil War Mr. Fenwick served in the Union Army. He first enlisted in the Fourth Missouri Cavalry, and was commissioned captain of Company B, and upon being discharged, at the expiration of his first term of enlistment, he re-enlisted, joining Company B, Sixty-Fourth Missouri State Militia, with which he served until the close of the war. Mr. Fenwick is the owner of 300 acres of land, and enjoys the comforts of a good home. His children have all been well reared and educated, and all are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Fenwick is a pensioner of the Mexican War, and, as his gray hair testifies, has passed nearly his three score and ten years, doing his part bravely as a citizen and soldier.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

John Z. Fenwick was born on his father’s farm, which embraced the site of the village of Brewer, Perry County, Mo., on January 24, 1859. His parents, Clement J. and Cecelia (Moore) Fenwick, were both natives of Missouri, and after their marriage settled on the farm above mentioned, on which they still live, and have a very pleasant and happy home. They are the parents of twelve children, all of whom are living, with the exception of one. They are Melissa (Mrs. Thomas W. Robinson), Lavina (Mrs. John Elder), Joseph (who married Clotilda Dean), Rubena (deceased, wife of Rufus Walker), George, John Z., Rosetta (who married Katie Elder), Reuben (who married Mary O. Brewer), Mary A. (Mrs. John B. Layton), Ellen (Mrs. Atone Bierk), Jennie (Mrs. Has Morgan), and Mary E. On January 30, 1882, John Z. was united in marriage with Mary C. Swink, a native of the county, and a daughter of James and Mary Swink, who were the parents of nine children, four living: Mary C., Mary M., Peter and Joseph. The parents died when these children were small, and very little of the family history is known. Mr. and Mrs. Fenwick are located in Brewer, where they have a nice new cottage, and Mr. Fenwick intends to engage permanently in the blacksmith business. To them have been born three children – a daughter, Mary Lunetta, and two that died in infancy. Both Mr. Fenwick and wife were reared in the Catholic faith, and are now devout members of the church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

William Furth, a general merchant and banker of Perryville, Mo., is a native of Austria, born in 1838. He was educated in his native country, and in 1855 immigrated to America. Locating in St. Louis he began working as an apprentice, in a saddle and harness house. He remained three years as an apprentice, and served as journeyman for about the same length of time. In 1863 he went to California by water. He remained there four years engaged in merchandising. In 1876 he returned to Missouri and located in Perryville, and established a general store, and has since been in the business. He is one of the oldest merchants of the town, and has been very successful. He carries a fine line of general goods and has a large trade. In November, 1887, Mr. Furth and R.M. Wilson established a bank which they have since very successfully conducted. Mr. Furth’s marriage with Jane C. Gostorf was celebrated in December, 1867. She is a native of St. Louis. To their union have been born three children: Grace, Edith and Hallie. Politically Mr. Furth endorses and supports the principles of the Democratic party. For the past four years he has been treasurer of the school board of Perryville, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Frank J. Geile, of the firm of Geile & Larenz, Silver Lake, Mo., was born in Madison County in 1854. His father, Joseph H. Geile, was a native of Prussia, born in 1827. In 1851, having learned the blacksmith’s trade, he came to America, and until 1855 worked at his trade at Mine La Motte. He then bought a farm in Perry County, where he remained until 1874, when he removed to Silver Lake, and for eight years was engaged in farming and blacksmithing. Since 1882 he has devoted his entire time to agricultural pursuits. His wife, Mary Henneken, was born in Prussia in 1829, and is the mother of eight children. Frank J. Geile was educated in the common schools, and served an apprenticeship at the wagon maker’s trade. In 1880 he built a shop at Silver Lake, which he conducted until 1885, when, owing to an injury, he was compelled to abandon his trade, and has since been engaged in his present business. From 1883 to 1885 Mr. Geile was postmaster at Silver Lake, and during that time was in business in partnership with his father. In 1880 he married Fannie Schindler, a native of Perry County, born in 1852, by whom he is the father of four children: Clara, Frederick B., Henry and William.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Henry M. Geile, a merchant at Silver Lake, Mo., and a brother of Frank J. Geile, was born in Perry County in 1861. He was educated in the common schools and in St. Mary’s Seminary. At intervals for several years he was employed as a salesman, and in 1887 purchased his father’s interest in the store owned by Geile & Townsend. The business is now conducted under the firm name of H.M. Geile & Co. Mr. Geile was married in October, 1877, to Henrietta Cissell.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 
John F. Geile, blacksmith at Silver Lake, is a native of Perry County, born in 1860. He attended the public schools and worked on the farm with his father until attaining his eighteenth year, when he began learning his trade. After completing his apprenticeship he worked in various cities, St. Louis, Minneapolis and Gardner, Dak., until 1883 when he formed a partnership with his brother at Silver Lake. In 1885 he took full charge of the shop, and has since been sole proprietor. In February, 1886, he was united in marriage with Mary Baudendistel, and to their union have been born two children: Anna and Edward.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

F.E. Goehring, of the general mercantile firm of Lueders & Goehring, Frohna, Mo., is a native of Perry County, born in 1849. His parents, Gottliep and Rosa Goehring, were natives of the Kingdom of Saxony, Germany, and while young immigrated to America with a colony of Germans (in 1839) that settled in Perry County, Mo. Gottliep Goehring was born in 1822, and was by trade a shoemaker and tanner. He established a tannery and shoe shop at John’s Spring near the present site of Wittenberg. Here he was married, and after several years of successful business he engaged in agricultural pursuits at which he spent the declining portion of his life, dying in 1885. His wife was born in 1825, and died in 1886. They had six children, three of whom are living. F.E. Goehring was reared at his parents’ home, and, after a limited course in the German School, at Altenburgh, worked at various occupations in Southeast Missouri until 1863, when he commenced his commercial career by accepting a clerkship in St. Louis. He remained there some time in hardware and dry good stores, when he was employed in 1867, by the M.C. & C.T.R.R. Company, as shipping clerk and clerk in their company’s store. He then returned to St. Louis, where, for about thirteen years he was engaged in the dry goods business, after which he came to Frohna, and commenced a general mercantile business, under the style of Finn, Goehring and Palisup, for about four years, when he became a member of the present firm, Lueders & Goehring. The firm carry a large stock of goods, and their yearly business is very prosperous. In 1871 Mr. Goehring married, in St. Louis, Bertha T. Detlit, by whom he has two children.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Andrew Gorman was born in St. Louis, Mo., in 1844, and was the youngest of four children born to Daniel and Catherine (Gorman) Gorman, both of whom were natives of Ireland. Daniel Gorman came to the United States when a young man, and located in St. Louis, where he died in 1845, his wife having died there in 1844. Being but an infant when his parents died Andrew was taken by the sisters of St. Joseph, in St. Louis, with whom he remained about nine years, after which Father Thomas Burk took him to Ignatius Moore, of Perry County, Mo. Here he lived until the spring of 1861. In March, 1862, he enlisted in the Federal army, joining Company E, Twelfth Missouri State Militia, with which he remained until the regiment was broken up in 1863, and Company E attached to the Fifth Missouri State Militia as Company L. Mr. Gorman was mustered out of service at Rolla, Mo., in March, 1865. After the war he worked as a farm hand in Perry County until July, 1865, when he went to Minnesota, and remained until fall. Returning to Perry County he attended school the following winter, and the next summer commenced farming on his own responsibility. In 1868 he married Mary Annastasia Cissell, born January 30, 1851, and soon after purchased and located on 300 acres of land in Bois Brule Township, but in 1878 he bought 120 acres of the farm he now owns, two and one-half miles north of Perryville. In 1880 he sold his first farm, and added to his home tract, which now comprises 220 acres. Commencing life with money or relatives to assist him he has won for himself a good home and the esteem of all who know him. His wife is a daughter of Henry P. Cissell, and was born in Perry County, Mo., in 1851. They have six children: Emerson, Ida, John P., Nonettie, Rosa and Johanna. In politics, Mr. Gorman is a Democrat, and is a member of the G.A.R. He and family are members of the Roman Catholic Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Alexander Grass, a member of a pioneer family of Southeast Missouri, was born in Perry County in 1836. He is a son of John and Matilda (Holster) Grass. The Grass family settled on a Spanish grant near the present town of Brewer, and have been well and favorably known in the county since its earliest settlement. John and Matilda Grass were the parents of eight children: Louise, Elizabeth, Leo, Henry, Andrew, Maria, Ellen and Alexander. The last named has been three times married. In 1851 he married Caroline Wimsatt, and after her death Mrs. Mary Sapp became his wife. The latter died, and in 1881 Mr. Grass was united in marriage with Rachel Thomas, a daughter of Mrs. Mary Sapp, by her first husband, Goodson Thomas. By her first marriage Mrs. Sapp had two children: George (who is dead) and Rachel. By his third marriage Alexander Grass is the father of two children: Mary and Melissa. During the war Mr. Grass served in the Missouri State Militia, and was honorably discharged at the close of hostilities. He is the owner of ninety acres of good land, and is well known throughout the county.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

James T. Greenwell was born in St. Charles County, Mo., on January 29, 1849, and is a son of George F. Greenwell, a native of Perry County, Mo., born in 1824 of Scotch parentage. His grandfather, Robert Greenwell, was born in Kentucky in 1794, and in 1823 immigrated to Perry County, Mo. George F. Greenwell is a farmer by vocation, and, when a young man, removed to St. Charles County, where he married Catherine Drury. In 1860 he removed his family to Perry County, and located on the place of his birth, but three years later went to Alexander County, Ill., where he has since resided. His wife died in 1853, having borne two children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the only one living. James T. secured his education by twelve months’ attendance at the private and public schools of St. Charles and Perry Counties, and six months at St. Mary’s College, Perry County. At the age of eighteen years he left the parental roof, and for the next three years was engaged as a laborer on a farm at $15 per month. He then engaged in the livery business at Perryville, and in 1871 became clerk in the probate judge’s office. In 1873 he was appointed deputy circuit clerk, and in 1876 was elected public administrator, and served four years, when he began merchandising. In 1883 he became a partner in the banking house of Greenwell, Cashion & Farrar, still continuing the mercantile business. In 1886 he was elected circuit clerk of Perry County, Mo., and is the present incumbent. His marriage with Reubena Shelby was celebrated in 1871. She is a daughter of Dr. Reuben Shelby of Perryville, of which town she is a native, born in 1853. Politically, Mr. Greenwell has been a life-long Democrat, casting his first vote for Horace Greeley. He is a member of the A.O.U.W. His wife is a member of the Catholic Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

James Grimaud, a merchant of Crosstown, Mo., was born in France, on October 11, 1853. While he was yet an infant his father, Peter Grimaud, immigrated to America, and located in Perry County, where he was engaged in farming until his death some time during the war. James Grimaud married Zoe Prost, and has a family of four children: Lizzie, Peter, Melia and Vincent. He is the owner of 250 acres of land, and has been engaged in the mercantile business but two years. His land is in the mineral section of Perry County, and bears evidences of rich lead deposits. Mr. Grimaud is a Roman Catholic in religion, and is a highly respected citizen.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Rev. A.G. Grimm, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Altenburgh, was born in Martinsville, Niagara Co., N.Y., and is the son of John and Ulrike Grimm, both natives of Prussia. They are the parents of seven children who are living. At present John Grimm is a teacher in the Lutheran Schools of Ft. Wayne, Ind. Rev. A.G. Grimm is his fourth child, and the only son living. He was educated in theology in Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and was ordained a minister in the Lutheran Church in 1878, at Vandalia, Audrain Co., Mo. He was located at Vandalia two years, after which he was called to Washington, Mo., where he remained eight years, coming to Altenburgh in December, 1887. In October, 1879, he was united in marriage with Mary Knoll, and to them have been born two children: Paul and Nellie. Rev. Grimm’s congregation consists of 140 voting members and 425 communicants. They have a prosperous school of 160 pupils and three teachers.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Louis Guyot, a son of Francis X. Guyot, was born in France in 1838. Francis X. Guyot is also a native of France, and was born in 1807. He served seven years in the French army, and was married in his native country to Virginia Decourrvier, a native of France, born in 1811, by whom he became the father of eight children, five of whom are living. He came to America in 1841, and located in Perry County, Mo., where he died in 1863. His widow still survives, and is unusually strong and active for one of her age. Louis was reared in Perry County, and is mostly self-educated. In 1861 he married Victoria Prevlet, who was born in France in 1837, and came with her parents to America in 1840. She is the daughter of Melchior and Joannah Prevlet, of French nativity, born in 1807 and 1811, respectively. Mrs. Prevlet died in 1881, but Mr. Prevlet is still alive residing in Perry County. His third son settled on what is known as Silver Lake. Eight children were born to him and wife, only four of whom are living. Louis Guyot owns 130 acres of land in Perry County, and is one of its well-to-do farmers. He and wife have seven children: Francis X., Justine (wife of Joseph Panier), Louise (wife of Arthur Loiseau), Maurice, Albert and Henry. All are Roman Catholics. Mr. Guyot’s farm was one of the first tracts of land settled in the county. It is situated in Central Township. For the past twenty years Mr. Guyot has served as school director, and in 1882 was instrumental in having a nice brick schoolhouse erected in his district, where the schools are in a prosperous condition.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

J.W. Hart, a prosperous merchant of Brewer, Mo., and a member of the firm of J.W. Hart & Son, is a son of Thomas Hart, a native of Ireland, who was married in his native land, and immigrated to America, settling in Perry County, prior to the birth of J.W. Hart, who, for fifty-two years, as boy and man, has been one of the best known citizens of the county. The latter’s wife was Louisa Tropp. They are the parents of nine children, all of whom are living. They are Elizabeth (Mrs. Henry I. Moore), William S. (his father’s partner in the store), Mary T. (Mrs. James V. Moore), Edward J., Ellen, Odine T., Rosa J., Francis J. and Louisa C. The three eldest daughters were educated in the convent at Perryville, and William and Edward at St. Mary’s Seminary. Besides his mercantile business, which he has operated for many years, J.W. Hart has for some time been engaged in agriculture. He is a large land owner, and devotes most of his attention to stock dealing, shipping largely to St. Louis. His son, William, manages the store, and his well assorted stock of goods and neat display give evidence of fine mercantile ability and taste. He is intelligent and enterprising, and is destined to become one of the prominent citizens of Southeast Missouri. The family circle is unbroken, and all are devoted members of the Catholic Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Rev. Joseph C. Hembree was born in Buncombe County, N.C., in 1841. He is the son of Davis and Adaline (Miller) Hembree, natives of South Carolina and Buncombe County, N.C., respectively. In 1815 Davis Hembree’s parents located in Rutherford County, N.C., where he received a fair education. He was married in 1835, after which he located on a farm in that county. His wife was born in 1814, and died on November 16, 1887, having reared ten children. In 1885 the parents removed to Bollinger County, Mo., where Davis Hembree still resides with his children. Joseph C. Hembree received a good education in the public schools and by private study at home. He enlisted in the First Regiment United States Volunteers, being assigned to Company F. He was sent to Milwaukee, and from there to the seat of Indian trouble in Dakota; from thence to Fort Fletcher, Kas., and later to Fort Leavenworth, where he was discharged in 1866, when he returned to North Carolina. In 1859 he married Charity Webb, of Tennessee, by whom he has four children: Effie L., Joseph P., Ila M. and Hattie L. He was engaged in teaching school and farming in North Carolina and Tennessee from 1866 till 1871, when he removed to Bollinger County, Mo., and settled on a farm near Marble Hill. The previous year he had entered the ministry, and was ordained in 1873 at Flat Woods Baptist Church, and he continued preaching and teaching until September, 1886, when he entered the Cape Girardeau District missionary work, having charge of Cape Girardeau and Perry County. He has a well improved farm of 128 acres in Bollinger County, but now resides in Longtown, Perry County. He has traveled through the greater part of the United States and a part of Mexico, and is a member of Marble Hill Lodge No. 298, A.F. & A.M.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

John Hof, a prominent farmer of Bois Brule Township, Perry Co., Mo., has perhaps spent more years of his life in military service than any other man in the county. He was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, in 1837, and is a son of William and Catherine (Schmidt) Hof. He is the youngest son of the family. After attending school until his sixteenth year he came to America. He wandered from place to place, reaching Detroit, Mich., in 1855. The Crimean War being then in progress he enlisted in the English army as a member of the Third Rifle British Foreign Legion, with which he served until peace was declared, when he was discharged, although but one-third of his term of enlistment had expired. Returning from Liverpool to Canada, he remained one year and went to Noble County, Ind., going from thence to Black Hawk and Jones Counties, Iowa. In 1859 he came to Perry County, Mo., and remained until the breaking out of the Civil War. He enlisted as a private in Company H, Twenty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was mostly raised in Randolph County. In the fall of 1862 he was promoted to corporal, and upon the consolidation of his regiment with the One Hundred and Thirty-first Illinois was promoted to the rank of first sergeant. In 1863 his regiment was again consolidated with another and became the Twenty-fifth Illinois, when he received another merited promotion, being commissioned second lieutenant, in which capacity he served until the formal discharge of his company at the close of the war. Mr. Hof participated in many engagements, that of Belmont, Mo., being the first. It is also a memorable one to him, as he was wounded by a bullet in the upper right arm, which disabled him for a short time. Rejoining his company, he was afterward in the battles of New Madrid, Island No. 10, the siege of Corinth, the siege and capture of Vicksburg, the engagement at Mobile and the capture of Spanish fort. After the war he returned to Missouri, and since the spring of 1866 has been a resident of Perry County. He was married in 1868 to Elizabeth Dippold, and the purchase of his present farm was made in 1869. The farm comprises 200 acres, most of which is under cultivation, and Mr. Hof’s residence occupies the highest and most commanding point in the township. Far away to the south can be seen the city of Perryville, and a splendid view of St. Mary’s, Chester, and the magnificent bottom lands skirting the Mississippi can be had from the north. Their ten children were born on this beautiful homestead. They are John, Barbara, William, Lena, Emma, Martha, Theodore, Katie, Leonard and Louis. Mr. Hof and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a member of Difani Post No. 173, G.A.R. Since his residence in the county, he has been connected with the schools in the capacity of director.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Peter Hoffman, a well-to-do farmer of Central Township, Perry County, Mo., was born June 29, 1847, one-half mile from where he now resides, and is a son of John and Catherine (Feist) Hoffman, natives of the Grand Duchy of Baden, born on December 24, 1816, and 1821, respectively. In 1839 John Hoffman left the fatherland and came to America, locating in Perry County where he worked on St. Mary’s Seminary farm until 1844, when he purchased 80 acres one-half mile south of where his son, Peter, now lives. He afterward became the owner of 982 acres in Perry County and 95 in Ste. Genevieve County. He was a man who attended strictly to his own business, was a hard worker and a good citizen. He died on January 11, 1881, having been twice married. His second wife, Magdalena Walter, nee Zimmerer, is yet living, and has one child, Elinora. Mr. Hoffman’s first wife, Catherine, died on October 20, 1865, having borne nine children, five of whom are living, viz.: Frances (wife of August Klump), Ellen (wife of Anton Huber), John, Andrew and Peter. Peter grew to manhood on his father’s farm, and on June 5, 1871, married Mary H. Prevallet, a daughter of Melchior Prevallet. She was born in Perry County and died June 18, 1872. After his marriage Mr. Hoffman located on his present farm, three and one-half miles southwest of Perryville. He has 250 acres of good tillable land with also good prospects for lead mines. In November, 1872, he wedded Mary H. Rouseau, a native of the county, born on July 25, 1852. She died on March 10, 1877, leaving two children, William F. and Mary F. September 9, 1877, Mr. Hoffman was united in marriage with Mary A. Huber, a daughter of Andrew Huber. She was born in Perry County on November 21, 1854, and is the mother of three children, Emma B., Ellen I. and Laura L. In 1884 Mr. Hoffman erected on his farm a brick residence at a cost of $1,500. He also has a good barn and other improvements. In politics he is a Republican, and in religion he and family are devoted Catholics.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Augustine S. Holster was born upon the farm where he now resides, on October 8, 1848. His parents, Andrew H. and Vinesse (Smith) Holster, were born in Ste. Genevieve and Perry Counties, respectively. Peter Holster, the grandfather of Augustine, was born and married in Germany near the River Rhine, where he lived until after the birth of his three eldest children. The family immigrated to America, it is thought, in 1712. Upon their arrival they found themselves destitute of money, and Peter was obliged to earn the means to pay for the transportation of his family to Missouri. For several years he resided on the River Aux Vases in Ste. Genevieve County, but later removed to Perry County. Andrew Holster purchased a farm about six miles from Perryville, where he lived until about 1830, when he removed to the place now occupied by Augustine. The latter has been twice married. His first wife was Julia A. Tucker, who bore him one child who is deceased. In 1875 he wedded Sarah V. Tucker, and to this union have been born five children, only one of whom, Mary Angela, is living. She was born March 26, 1886. Mr. Holster is an enterprising citizen.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Thomas Hooss, collector of Perry County, Mo., was born in Perryville, Mo., on January 8, 1844. He is a son of Henry and Barbara (Fath) Hooss, natives of Hesse Cassel and Bavaria, Germany, respectively. Henry Hooss was born on September 9, 1810, and in 1839 immigrated to the United States. Upon landing he made a location in Baltimore, Md., and in 1841 was married at Kaskaskia, Ill. In 1842 he settled at Perryville, Mo., and the next year erected the “White House,” of which he was proprietor until his death on December 28, 1868. His wife was born on August 15, 1822, and came to the United States in 1839. She still survives and is the mother of eight living children, viz.: Thomas, Lena (wife of John Dewein), Barbara (widow of Joseph F. Huber), John, Henry, Louise (wife of Henry G. Kiesler), Louis P. and Charles A. Thomas grew to manhood in Perryville, and in 1863 took charge of his father’s brewery, which he managed until his father’s death, when he became proprietor of the “White House,” now known as the “Hooss Hotel.” He continued as proprietor of the hotel until 1872, when he rented a brewery, which he operated for three years, after which he clerked in a flouring-mill a year. In 1880 he was elected sheriff of the county and re-elected in 1882. In 1884 he was elected to his present office and re-elected in 1886. He has filled the position in a manner very satisfactory to his constituents. His marriage with Mary J. Cadenbach was celebrated in 1865. She was born in the Kingdom of Prussia in 1844, and came to the United States when but two years of age. To this union have been born six children: Emma, Rosa, Josephine, Amelia, Ida and Julia. Mr. Hooss is a member of the Masonic lodge and of the A.O.U.W.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

John & Louis P. Hooss, dealers in general merchandise at Perryville, Mo., were born in 1848 and 1858 respectively, in the “White House” in Perryville. They are sons of Henry and Barbara (Fath) Hooss, (see sketch of Thomas Hooss). The Hooss brothers were reared and grew to manhood in Perryville, Mo. On March 16, 1864, John enlisted in Company C, Forty-seventh Regiment, Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and served about seven months in the Army of the Tennessee under Gen. Thomas. After peace was declared he hired to William Litsch & Co., for whom he sold goods five years, and the two years following worked in a tin shop. In 1872 he became a retail liquor dealer in the “White House,” and sold spirits for fourteen years. In August, 1886, he and his brother, Louis P., bought the general store of J.F. Bey, in Perryville, which they have since managed. In January, 1870, he married Mary M. Kiesler, a daughter of F.G. Kiesler. Mrs. Hooss was born in the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg, Germany, in 1849, and came to the United States when but an infant. To this union have been born two children: Charles Albert and Mirta Grace. When seventeen years of age Louis P. began learning the carpenter’s trade, at which he worked for nine years. He assisted in erecting the best buildings in Perryville. From 1881 to 1884 he worked at Bay City, Mich., and Chicago, Ill. In 1884 he opened a furniture and undertaker’s establishment in Perryville, in which his brother, John, became a partner two years later. They soon disposed of the furniture, and bought the general store as stated above. On April 15, 1884, Louis P. married Mary A. Koch, a daughter of George Koch. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1861. They have one child, Isabella Mary. In politics the brothers are Republican. John is a member of the G.A.R., and he and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. Louis P. is a member of the A.O.U.W.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Henry Huber (deceased) was born in 1819 in the Grand Duchy of Baden, and was the son of Andrew and Frances (Fulmer) Huber, natives of Germany, who left their native country and came to the United States in 1843, settling in Perry County, Mo., four and one-half miles northeast of Perryville. There Andrew Huber died in June, 1864, and his wife in 1857. They were the parents of three children, viz.: Henry, Andrew and Ellen (wife of Anton Hunt). Henry came to America with his parents, and grew to manhood on their farm. In 1844 he married Ellen Sutterer, a native of Germany, who bore him four children: Anton, Henry, Barney and Louis. Mr. Huber’s first wife departed this life on April 10, 1855, after which Mr. Huber married Barbara Sutterer, nee Huber, a daughter of Ignatius Huber. She was born in the Grand Duchy of Baden, in 1833, and came to the United States with her parents in 1844. To this union were born five children: Andrew, William, Charles, Frank and Ellen Barbara. Mrs. Huber has one child by her first marriage, Frank Sutterer. Henry Huber resided in different parts of Perry County until 1873, when he purchased 350 acres two miles northeast of Perryville, on which he located and passed the remainder of his life, dying on May 19, 1880. He was a good farmer, and stood high in the estimation of his neighbors and all who knew him. In 1876 he erected a large brick residence, in which his family still reside. Mrs. Huber manages the farm with the assistance of her sons, Charles and Frank. Mr. Huber was a consistent member of the Catholic Church, as is also his wife and children
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Andrew Huber, one of Perry County’s substantial farmers, was born in 1827, in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany. He is a son of Andrew and Frances (Fulmer) Huber, both also natives of Baden, born in 1792 and 1799, respectively. In 1843 Andrew Huber, Sr. left the fatherland, and with his family came to the United States, settling in Perry County, Mo., on a farm of 200 acres four miles northeast of Perryville. Here he spent the remainder of his life, passing away in 1864. His wife died in 1857. They were the parents of three children, Henry (deceased), Andrew and Helen (wife of Judge Anton Hunt). Andrew came to America with his parents, and remained with them until their deaths. After his marriage, in 1850, he purchased the homestead, and looked after the interests of his father and mother the remainder of their lives. In December, 1850, he married Francisca Hunt, a daughter of Anton Hunt, Sr. She was born in the Grand Duchy of Baden in 1830, and came to the United States in 1839. To the union were born eight children, seven of whom are living, viz.: Helen, wife of John Hoffman; Mary, wife of Peter Hoffman; Joseph; Barbara, wife of Andrew Hoffman; Andrew, Lawrence and Emma. Mr. Huber lost his first wife in 1873, and in 1877 was united in marriage with Mary Schorck, a daughter of Joseph Schorck. She was a native of Baden, born in 1843, and came to the United States in 1877, and died about one month after her marriage. In 1878 Mr. Huber married Francisca Ott, a half-sister to his second wife. To them has been born one child, Francisca Tresa. Mrs. Huber is also a native of the Grand Duchy of Baden, born in 1852. Mr. Huber has been very successful in business, and has become one of the largest land owners of the county, owning over 1,200 acres. He has never aspired to public office, choosing rather a quiet, peaceful life, in which he has devoted himself to home affairs and business. Politically, he is a Republican. During the war he served in the Enrolled State Militia, and is a member of the G.A.R. He and family are earnest members of the Catholic Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Joseph F. Huber (deceased) was born in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, in 1845, and was a son of Joseph and Lizzie (Huber) Huber. Joseph Huber, Sr., who is a baker by trade, was born in Baden, Germany, in 1806, and came to the United States in 1874, and located in Perryville, where he is still living. Joseph F. came to the United States in 1862, after which he worked in Williamsburg, N.Y., for about two years. In 1865 he came to Perryville, Mo., and was employed by George Koch to work in a brewery. In 1868 he located on a farm, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1876, when he removed to Perryville and became proprietor of “Hooss Hotel,” in connection with which he ran a retail liquor store. He was previously married, on April 18, 1870, to Barbara Hooss, a daughter of Henry and Barbara (Fath) Hooss. She was born in the “White House,” now “Hooss Hotel” in 1847. To their union were born six children: William Henry, Thomas Anton, Louis Rudolph, Mary Louise, Nicholas Anton and Annie Laura. Since Mr. Huber’s death, on December 8, 1886, Mrs. Huber has managed the hotel in a very able manner, displaying a business capacity equal to that possessed by many men. She is an estimable lady, and is a member of the Lutheran Church. Her husband was a Catholic as also are her children.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Robert H. Hudson was born in Perry County, Mo., in 1863. His parents, Charles B. and Elizabeth (Ellis) Hudson, were born in Virginia and Missouri in 1821 and 1826 respectively. They were married in Missouri, and here the father died in 1869. Mrs. Hudson is still living. She was the mother of seven children. Robert H. Hudson was educated in the common schools of Perry County and the Carleton Institute at Farmington, Mo. After leaving school he engaged in agricultural pursuits for one year, and then went west for the purpose of pre-empting land. He located in Comanche County, Kas., where he pre-empted 160 acre of land, but sold out in 1887. He returned to Missouri in 1884, and in 1885 was married to Mary L. Erwin, who was born in Perry County in 1866, and is the mother of two children, Francis J. and Clarence. Mr. Hudson is the owner of 217 acres of land, and is one of the intelligent and progressive farmers and stock raisers of Perry County. In 1886 he was elected justice of the peace of St. Mary’s Township, and since serving in this capacity has given good satisfaction. Mrs. Hudson’s parents, C.C. and Asneth Erwin, were born in Southeast Missouri and are still residing there.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

John A. Hughey, one of Perry County’s oldest and most respected citizens, was born in North Carolina in 1816. He is a son of Henry S. and Elizabeth (Gillion) Hughey, both natives of North Carolina. Henry S. Hughey was born in Rowan County, and was a farmer by vocation. He was married in the Old North State, after which he came west, locating in Perry County, Mo., in 1827. Here he died in 1830, but his wife, the mother of six children, survived him many years. John A. is the only living member of the family. He was educated in the common schools of Missouri, which, when he was young, afforded meager opportunities for an education. When twenty-seven years of age he was united in marriage with Elizabeth J. Luckey, a native of Perry County, Mo., born in 1824. To them were born four children, three of whom are still living, Martha I., wife of William Barber; Mary E., wife of Luther Herriman, and Lillie A., wife of Thomas Byrd. John A. Hughey has spent almost his whole life in Southeast Missouri, and has outlived the generation with whom he was reared. He has the respect of all who know him, and the love of a host of friends. He has been very successful as a business man and still owns over 600 acres of land.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Hon. Anton Hunt, ex-county judge of Perry County, Mo., was born in the Grand Duchy of Baden, March 9, 1826. His parents, Anton and Catherine Hunt, were natives of the same country, born in 1790 and 1791, respectively. In 1839 they left the fatherland, and, immigrating to the United States, locating in Perry County on the farm where Judge Hunt now lives. There they spent the remainder of their lives, Mr. Hunt passing away in 1858 followed by his widow in 1875. Judge Hunt was the third child, and when he reached America was a lad thirteen years old. He grew to manhood on the farm, and in 1859 was united in marriage with Helen Huber, a compatriot, who was born in 1830 and came with her parents to Perry County in 1842. They have reared a family of ten children whose names are as follows: Mary (wife of Leonard P. Hoffman), Frank, Julia (widow of Frank Hoffman), Lena (deceased wife of Henry Underfeldt), Henry, Louis, Sophia, Emma, Charles and Louise. Judge Hunt remained upon the home farm until 1866, when he formed a partnership with William Litsch in a general mercantile business in Perryville. In 1876 Mr. Litsch died, and Judge Hunt was appointed administrator to settle the business. In 1879 he sold the entire stock of goods and has since devoted himself to the management of his farm, which consists of 370 acres of highly improved land. He is one of the representative, substantial men of Perry County, and is held in high esteem by the community in which he lives. He is broad and liberal in his ideas, is independent in his religious belief and is not a strong partisan in politics. His family are communicants in the Catholic Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Henry G. Kiesler, general insurance agent of Perryville, Mo., was born in Grevesmuehlen, Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, April 27, 1848, and came to the United States with his parents in 1851. He received his education in the public schools of Bay City, Mich., and La Porte, Ind. At the age of fifteen years he commenced to learn the tinner’s trade as an apprentice and served three years, one at New Carlisle, Ind., and two years at Fond du Lac, Wis. In 1866 he came to Perryville, Mo., and engaged in the stove and tin business with his uncle, F.G. Kiesler, and after one year he purchased his uncle’s interest and did business on his own responsibility. In 1869 his brother-in-law, John Hooss, became a partner, but in 1871 the firm sold out to O.C. Nabert. In 1875 Mr. Kiesler became interested in the insurance business, and since that time he has devoted his time and attention to it. He has the district agency for Southeast Missouri for the German Insurance Company, of Freeport, Ill., also represents the American Central, of St. Louis; Hartford Fire Phoenix, of Hartford; Home, of New York, and others, and the Equitable Life Insurance Company of New York, and the Standard Accident Insurance Company of Michigan. He is the only general insurance agent in Perryville, and does a large business in Southeast Missouri. Mr. Kiesler is president of the Planena Mining & Smelting Company, which was organized in May, 1888, for the purpose of operating the lead mines located about six miles southwest of Perryville. In February, 1870, he married Miss Louise Hooss, who was born in 1852 in the “White House,” now Hooss Hotel, in Perryville. They have four children: Henry, Adolph, Mary and Edward. Mrs. Kiesler is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Politically Mr. Kiesler is a Republican.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

John M.A. Killian (deceased) was born in 1827 in Perry County, Mo., and was a son of George and Matilda (Winfield) Killian. George Killian was a native of Maryland, who came to Perry County at an early day and died during the Civil War. John M.A. Killian was reared on a farm, and in 1849 was united in marriage with Matilda Brewer, by whom he had five children, who grew to mature years. She was born in Perry County, Mo., in 1829. In 1851 Mr. Killian purchased 385 acres of land two miles southeast of Perryville, on which he located and passed the remainder of his life, passing away on April 18, 1859. He was a prosperous farmer and a good citizen whom all knew and respected. His widow was left with the care of the farm and five small children. She has done her part nobly and well, having both managed the farm and reared and educated her children in such a manner that she can point with pride to her past work. Her children are George L., Julia (deceased), Henry R., Thomas J. and James W. James W. still lives with his mother, he being the only one not married. The rest live within one-half mile of her home, all on portions of the original tract of land settled by their father. George L. was born in 1850, and was married in 1882 to Victor Burns, by whom he has two children, Leonard and Isabelle. Julia was born in 1852, and was married in 1876 to Clement Schindler. She died on April 6, 1887, leaving four children: Irene, Helena, Colete and Alfred. Henry R. was born in 1855, and in 1881 married Rebecca Burns, by whom he has three children: Ethel, Edith and John. Thomas J. was born in 1856, and was married in 1884 to Hattie Simpson. All were reared in the Catholic faith, and are now members of that church. The Killian brothers are men of sobriety, industry and stability of character. Each one has taught school for a number of terms: George, five; Henry, seven; Thomas, six, and James, six terms.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Charles A. Killian, the present prosecuting attorney of Perry County, is a Republican; was born in Perry County, January 28, 1852; admitted to the bar in April, 1876; has a common school education.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

William Klemp is a native of Prussia, born in 1827, and is a son of Michael and Catherine (Rudda) Klemp, natives of Poland, who removed to America in 1847. They landed in New Orleans, from whence they went to St. Louis. Later they came to Perry County, Mo., and purchased 200 acres of land on which they located and on which both parents died, the father at the age of ninety years and the mother at the age of seventy-four years. William had charge of his father’s farm several years before the latter’s death. William received but a limited education in his native country on account of war troubles. September 18, 1853, he was united in marriage with Margaret Snyder, a native of Metz, France, who came to Missouri with her parents in 1831 and settled in Brazeau Township, Perry County. After his marriage Mr. Klemp settled on his farm, which he sold soon after and purchased his present farm of 410 acres. Besides his farming interests he operates a sawmill, a threshing machine and clover huller, and raises a great deal of stock and fruit. To him and wife have been born thirteen children: Caroline (wife of Fritz Bardle), Flora (deceased wife of John Buckstorf), Henry, William, Jr., Emanuel, Thomas (who died in childhood), Charles, Albert, Leonard, Emma, Tilla, Rosa and Mary. During the war Mr. Klemp was in the Home Militia, and is a Republican in politics. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, in which Mr. Klemp has served as director for three years. He has also served as school director for three years.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Andrew Klump, a native of Perry County, Mo., was born in 1837, and is the son of Anton and Tresa Klump. He remained at home on the farm until after attaining his majority, when he married and located upon a farm seven miles east of Perryville. There he remained until 1867, when he sold his farm, and for two years was engaged in operating a sawmill. The next five years he devoted his time to teaming between St. Mary’s and Perryville. In 1874 he purchased the farm of 115 acres, upon which he now resides, and has since been engaged in farming and teaming. His marriage occurred on February 5, 1859. His wife’s maiden name was Maria Jane Knott. She is the daughter of Henry Knott, and was born in Perry County, on December 9, 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Klump are the parents of three sons: Joseph H., born in 1861; James, born in 1864, and John A., born in 1868. The family are communicants of the Catholic Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

August Klump, an enterprising and prosperous farmer of Perry County, Mo., residing one and one-half miles northeast of Perryville, was born where he now resides, in June, 1838. His parents, Anton and Tresa Klump, were born in the Grand Duchy of Baden in 1802 and 1805, respectively. They were married in 1831, and immediately set sail for America. They first located in Pennsylvania, where their first child, Anton, was born. In 1833 they removed to Perry County, Mo., and settled on the farm now owned by the subject of this sketch. When they reached this country they had but $28, but they commenced work with willing hands, and soon had a good home. Mr. Klump finally became the owner of 728 acres of good land, of which he gave liberally to his children. He died on January 16, 1875, and his wife in 1856. They are the parents of six boys who grew to manhood and still survive. Their names are Anton, Joseph, Andrew, August, Ferdinand and William. August worked for his father until he was twenty-six years of age, when he married Frances Hoffman, a native of the county, born on November 29, 1845, and a daughter of John Hoffman. Seven children have been born to their union, Tresa, John, Leo, Mary, Emil, Frank and Annie. After his marriage Mr. Klump located on a farm of 100 acres, four miles northeast of Perryville, which was given him by his father. In 1877 he purchased the old homestead of 170 acres, on which he still resides. He has met with deserved success in business, and has a nice home and 467 acres of fine land. In religion he and family are adherents of the Catholic Church, and in politics he is a Republican.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

John Kuennell, an enterprising and prosperous merchant of Altenburg, Mo., was born in the Kingdom of Bavaria, in 1847. He is the son of Andrew and Eva Kuennell, both of whom were natives of Germany. Andrew Kuennell was a grain merchant and saloon keeper. He died suddenly at the age of fifty-six years. To him and wife were born ten children, six of whom are alive. John Kuennell came to America in 1872. By trade he is a cabinet maker, but after coming to America he worked for some time as a millwright in Missouri, Illinois and Colorado. In 1876 he engaged in the real estate business, but not meeting with success he engaged in the vinegar business, at which he lost all he had. Not willing to give up to disappointment he began peddling with a capital of $25, a Christmas present from his mother. He continued this mode of merchandising until 1881, when he commenced business in Altenburg, with a stock of goods worth $1,500. In the spring of 1883 he purchased his present residence, and the next fall built his large store in which he does an extensive general mercantile business. In 1873 he was united in marriage with Carrie Wieland, of St. Louis. She was born in the Kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany. Her father is now engaged in farming, in Clark County, Ill. This union has been blessed by the birth of one child, Katie.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Charles F. Lawrence, a resident of Lithium and founder of that village, is a native of Germany, born in 1836. When eight years old he came with his parents, Henry and Henrietta Lawrence, to America. After living for a time in New Orleans the family came to Missouri, and lived at Jackson until after the death of the father. They then removed to Fredericktown, where, in 1849, the mother died leaving five children, none of whom were grown. Of these five children only three are now alive. They are Henry, a merchant at Doran, Mo.; the subject of this sketch, and Mary, the wife of Judge Adolph Carron of Ste. Genevieve County. After the death of his mother Charles obtained a position in a store as clerk in Ste. Genevieve, and with the proceeds of his salary began business for himself in 1860 seven miles from that city. During the war he removed his stock of goods to Ste. Genevieve, and in 1866, in partnership with his brother, Henry, he engaged in the mercantile and milling business at what is now Lawrenceton. At the end of eight years Charles removed to St. Mary’s, and conducted a store in that town until 1880, when he purchased a tract of land upon which is situated the village of Lithium. There he erected a fine residence on an eminence overlooking the village and the river. The famous Lithium Spring, recently discovered on his land, was donated by him to the town, to which he has made other liberal donations. It was also through his influence that a postoffice was established at this place in 1885. He is the owner of a saw and gristmill near the village, which he contemplates converting into a merchant mill. A stock company will be organized, and the latest improved machinery put into it. Mr. Lawrence was married in 1860 to Philomene Carron, and to them have been born nine children, Joseph C., Francis W., Andrew T., who married Rosa Blanford, Mary E., Amos, Maximus, Jules, Florence and Cleveland.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Maj. Felix Layton was born in Perry County, Mo., on November 20, 1831. He is a son of John B. and Elizabeth (Hagan) Layton. (For a history of the Hagan family see sketch of Gregory Brewer.) Five brothers, John, Joseph, Zachariah, Barnard and Ignatius Layton, removed from Maryland, their native State, to Marion County, Ky., and from thence, with the exception of Joseph, who died in Kentucky, to Perry County, Mo., in 1808, and settled in Central, Saline and St. Mary’s Townships. Their father was born in England. These brothers were all married in Kentucky, and reared in that State and Missouri large families, there being now fully 200 descendants from them in Perry County. John B., son of Joseph Layton and the father of the subject of this sketch, reared a family of fifteen children, and three of his sons reared families as large: Augustine, fifteen, Simeon, also fifteen, and Felix, sixteen. John B. Layton was thrice married, and died in Perry County, in 1866, aged seventy-one years. His uncle, John, and the grandfather of Mrs. Felix Layton, was one of the early judges of Perry County, and also represented the county in the Legislature. Mrs. Layton’s brother, Thomas, was for several years sheriff of Perry County, and is now a druggist in St. Louis. Felix Layton’s marriage with Melissa A. Layton was celebrated on February 21, 1854. She was a daughter of Augustine Layton, a son of Hon. John Layton. Her mother’s maiden name was Lucinda Riney, whose parents came from Maryland to Missouri in 1808. During the war of the Rebellion, Maj. Felix Layton did noble service for his country. He enlisted in Company C, Fourth Missouri Regiment, and was commissioned second lieutenant. Re-enlisting in the spring of 1862, he was commissioned captain of Company B, Sixty-Fourth Regiment of Missouri State Militia, but he soon resigned to accept a position on the staff of Gen. James R. McCormack with the rank of major. In May, 1863, Gen. McCormack detached Maj. Layton from his staff, and placed him in command of 400 men on duty in Southeast Missouri. Seven months later he tendered his resignation as aid-de-camp, and assisted in recruiting a company of which he was elected first lieutenant. The company was attached to the Forty-seventh Missouri volunteers as Company B, and was mustered in on August 29, 1864, being mustered out on March 29, 1865. Maj. Layton returned to his farm, and lived a retired life until he was elected to represent his party in the State Legislature in 1880, which position he filled creditably. His children who are living are Ann A. (Mrs. James Manning), John B. (who married Annetta Fenwick), Mary L. (Mrs. Isidore Tucker), Melissa M. (Mrs. Ferdinand Tucker), Paschal E., Mary E., Mary Eveline and Mary A. Those dead are Joseph T., Joseph P., Lewis D., Mary J., Felix and two that died unnamed.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Thomas H. Layton was born in Perry County on May 28, 1844, and is a son of John B. and Matilda (Simpson) Layton, early settlers of the county. (For a history of the Layton family see sketch of Maj. Felix Layton.) The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in his native county. He was first a pupil under the instruction of Col. R.M. Brewer, and afterward finished his education at St. Mary’s Seminary. After finishing his education he taught school in the county for several years, and in the meantime was united in marriage with Emeline M. Tucker, a daughter of Stephen L. Tucker, who died in the army. When but a child she lost her mother. Their marriage was celebrated on July 11, 1869, and six children grace their home, viz.: Julian (now attending school at St. Mary’s Seminary), Martha A. (a student of St. Mary’s Convent, St. Louis), Elizabeth, William D., Joseph V. and Caroline. While a student Mr. Layton mastered the science of surveying and engineering, at which, by much practice, he has become an expert. In 1876 he was elected county surveyor, and his superior skill in his profession has brought about his re-nomination and re-election from that time until the present. He is now serving his third term, having received a majority greater than any other time during his candidacy, and one greater than received by any of his predecessors. On February 22, 1877, he was commissioned notary public, and has been successively re-appointed. During the war he served one year in the Sixty-Fourth Missouri State Militia and the Eighth Enrolled Missouri Militia, the most of which time he was hospital steward under Dr. Fleming, of Fredericktown. He was but sixteen years of age at the time of his enlistment. Since filling the office of county surveyor Mr. Layton has surveyed the village of Lithium and its additions and Brewerville, also has resurveyed Claryville and a part of Altenburg.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

William Litsch (deceased) was born in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, in 1828, and was a son of Joseph Litsch, who was a baker by trade. William was educated in his native country, and at the age of fifteen years entered a large store as an apprentice, and remained three years, at the end of which time he learned bookkeeping. When twenty-one years of age he was drafted into the army, but, being opposed to the Emperor and his party, escaped to America. Upon coming to the United States he located in St. Louis, and was employed in a butcher shop. In 1849 he came to Perry County, Mo., and soon hired as clerk in a general store in the country. In 1853 he married Miss Francisca Armbruster, also a native of the Grand Duchy of Baden, born in 1827. With three of her sisters she came to the United States in 1848. Seven children were born to this union, four of whom are living, viz.: Julia (Mrs. Jacob Killian), Tresa (Mrs. Kendrich Hayden), Charles, and Emma (Mrs. Thomas L. Phillips). Immediately after his marriage Mr. Litsch established a general store four miles east of Perryville, but removed to Perryville in 1865, where he continued in business the remainder of his life; his death occurred on December 16, 1876. He possessed fine business capacity, and was very successful. For years he was one of the leading merchants of Perry County, and was universally respected. He was always charitable to all commendable enterprises, ever working for the advancement and prosperity of his county, and his death was a severe loss to his family and to the community. He was appointed treasurer of Perry County in April, 1865, and, being elected to the same office in 1866, he was re-elected every two years thereafter as long as he lived. Since his death his widow has resided in the home he left her. She is a zealous member of the Roman Catholic Church, and is a very estimable lady. Charles Litsch will begin merchandising at the old stand of William Furth in Perryville, and will put in a $9,000 stock of goods. He was educated in the public schools of Perryville, with eighteen months at St. Vincent’s College at Cape Girardeau. In 1878 he went to St. Louis, and worked for about eighteen months as salesman in a wholesale fancy and notion house, after which he returned to Perryville and hired to William Furth, by whom he has since been employed. For the past eighteen months he has been Mr. Furth’s bookkeeper. He has had experience in all branches of merchandising, which amply fits him to carry on an establishment on his own responsibility.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Gabriel Lottes, a retail liquor dealer of Altenburg, Mo., was born in Germany, in the Kingdom of Bavaria, in 1841. He is the son of John and Kunigurda Lottes, both of whom were natives of Germany. John Lottes was born in 1808 and was a shoemaker by trade. He died in 1853. He and wife were the parents of seven children, four of whom are living. Gabriel Lottes landed in America on April 24, 1868. He located at Appleton, Cape Girardeau Co., Mo., and remained four years engaged in brewing, when he came to Altenburg and engaged in his present business. He has accumulated considerable wealth and owns some nice property in town. In 1872 he was united in marriage with Ann Doenhoefer, who died leaving one child, John E. In 1878 Mr. Lottes married Mary Ludwig, by whom he has four children: Louisa, Josie, Leo and Edward. In politics Mr. Lottes endorses and supports the principles of the Republican party.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

William A. Lueders is a son of Henry and Augusta Lueders, natives of Germany. Henry Lueders was born in the Kingdom of Hanover in 1806. He served in the civil service of that kingdom for forty-five years, and in 1865 came to America. He resided for awhile in both Altenburg and Frohna, Perry County, but his home was in St. Louis at the time of his death in 1873. His wife was born in 1807, and by her marriage with him became the mother of twelve children, of whom nine are living. She is still alive, and resides in St. Louis. William A. was born in the Kingdom of Hanover in 1839, and received his education in his native country. He, however, was but fourteen years of age when he landed in America. The oldest children of the family came to this country first, and the others followed when they reached the age of fourteen years. He began business life as a clerk in a store, and has always followed mercantile pursuits. His first business for himself was at New Wells, Cape Girardeau Co., Mo., where he established a general store in 1860. Four years later he sold out and removed to Wittenberg and resumed the mercantile business, which he has very successfully continued. Besides his store he is a proprietor of a livery stable in Wittenberg, and is one of the most thrifty business men of the town, as well as one of the best citizens of the county. In 1860 he married Theresia Lehner, a native of Austria, who was born in 1843. They are the parents of twelve children, of whom nine are living: Gustave, Josephina, Clara, Emma, Richard, Albert, Dora, Otto and Rudolph.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

August Lueders, a general merchant of Frohna, Mo., of the firm of Lueders & Goehring, is one of the prominent business men of Southeast Missouri. He was born in the Kingdom of Hanover in 1836, and is a son of Henry and Augusta Lueders (see sketch of William A. Lueders). August Lueders was the second child of the family. In 1850, when fourteen years of age, he came to America, landing at Wittenberg, Mo. He labored under many disadvantages, being a poor boy and unacquainted with the language and customs of this country, but he possessed an unusual amount of energy and determination. Early in life he manifested a taste for merchandising, and had sold goods in the fatherland when twelve years of age. Immediately after landing at Wittenberg he went to St. Louis, where for three years he was employed as clerk in a mercantile house. At the expiration of that time he came to Frohna, Mo., and commenced business for himself in a log cabin with a capital of $35. About one year later he built a frame store building, to which he made several additions and use for his business until 1882. It still stands as a monument of enterprise for its day. Mr. Lueders’ business in shipping grain has been immense in the past, his annual shipments amounting to $90,000. He built his present commodious business house in 1882, which is conceded to be one of the best in Southeast Missouri. On the 1st of January, 1888, Ferdinand E. Goehring and Charles Lueders became partners in business. In March of this year the firm opened a branch store at what is known as “Seventy-six Landing,” Mo., and he is preparing to do all of his shipping from that point. In 1855 Mr. Lueders was united in marriage with Mary Roth, who was born in Byrne, Germany, in 1835. To them have been born twelve children – nine sons and three daughters. Those living are Mary, Charles, Henry, Theodore, Louis, Anna, August, Martin, Edward and Paul.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Stephen L. McAtee, a merchant of Cinque Homme Township, Perry Co., Mo., is a son of Henry and Maria (Manning) McAtee. Henry McAtee was born in Bardstown, Ky., in 1801, and received his education in subscription schools. His youth was spent in assisting on his father’s farm in Kentucky, and he came with his parents to Missouri in 1819, and settled on a farm in Perry County. He was married about 1820, after which he purchased and located on land north of Perryville. He soon after removed to land south of the town, and still later to a farm of eighty acres five miles east of Perryville. Here he established a home for himself and family, and afterward became the owner of 1,040 acres of choice land. His wife, Maria Manning, was born in Maryland in 1805, and came to Missouri with her parents. To Henry McAtee and his wife were born twelve children, viz.: Henry (who died in infancy), Elizabeth (the wife of Isidore Moore, Jr.), Teresa (wife of William Moore), Thomas (deceased), Clarissa (an infant, deceased), Henry, Marks, Stephen L., Rufus, Mary (wife of Thomas Brewer), and William D. (deceased). Stephen L. was born on the old homestead in Perry County in 1838, and received his education in the free schools and St. Mary’s Seminary. His father died in 1859, leaving him to take charge of the farm and his mother. When twenty-five years of age he married Isabella Slaughter, of Wittenberg, Perry County. She was the daughter of Robert and Evelina (Fennick) Slaughter, and was born in 1845. She received a good education in St. Vincent’s Female Seminary of Cape Girardeau. After his marriage Mr. McAtee remained with his mother two years, and then removed to 160 acres of land given him by his father. His wife died in 1873, leaving four children: Joanna M., Eulilia O., Robert H. and Stephen M. After the death of his father Mr. McAtee quit the farm and removed to Grand Tower, Ill., where he was engaged in teaming until March, 1875, when he returned to Perry County and exchanged his land for a half interest in the store of John F. Dickinson. Since then Mr. McAtee has been in partnership successively with Albinus Moore, James W. Hart, R.M. Slaughter and Joseph T. Shelby, his present partner. About 1877 he married Teresa Dunker, a native of the county, born in 1861. She received her education in the public schools and Ursaline College of Perry County. To this union have been born five children: Rosa M., William A., Philip L., John A. and Walter A. During the war Mr. McAtee served in the militia for three years. He is a Democrat in politics, and has held the office of justice of the peace for twelve years. The family are Catholics.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

John C. McBride, dealer in furniture and undertaking goods, Perryville, Mo., was born in Marion County, Ky., in 1826. He is a son of Stephen and Elizabeth (McCauley) McBride, natives of Nelson County and Marion County, Ky., respectively. Stephen McBride was born in 1802. He was a cabinet maker by trade and also did house-carpentering. In 1837 he removed to Perry County, Mo., and located on a farm four miles east of Perryville. While a resident of Kentucky he was captain of a company of Home Militia. He died in 1847. His wife was born in 1805, and died in 1857 in her native county while visiting her brother. She was the mother of six children, of whom three are living. John C. was the eldest child, and was eleven years of age when he came to Perry County, Mo. When quite young he commenced learning the cabinet and carpenter’s trade under the direction of his father, and after the death of the latter he managed his business very successfully. In 1845 he married Miss Teresa McCauley, who was born in Perry County, Mo., in 1828. To them have been born twelve children, seven of whom are living: William S. (a farmer), Charles J., D.D.S., Mary E. (wife of Lee Tucker), Ellen (wife of Thomas Mowenville), John, Apalonia and Mary M. In 1858 Mr. McBride removed to the vicinity of Perryville, and in 1863 located in the town. He was engaged in saw-milling and carpentering until 1852, when he commenced merchandising in partnership with J.C. Killian and afterward with Thomas Layton. Selling his interest he removed to Silver Lake and engaged in milling, subsequently resuming merchandising in partnership with Leon J. Prevallet. In 1876 Mr. McBride sold out and returned to Perryville, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits until February of 1887, when he purchased his present business from J. & L.P. Hooss. Politically Mr. McBride is a Republican, and was appointed sheriff and collector of Perry County in 1861, being elected to the same office the next year. In 1863 he was elected to represent Perry County in the Legislature. He has also held various minor offices, as justice of the peace, postmaster and member of the school board. In 1861 he enlisted in Company B, Fourth Missouri State Militia, and after the organization of the regiment was made quartermaster, and served six months. He is a member of the G.A.R. All of the family are members of the Roman Catholic Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Charles J. McBride, D.D.S., a skillful dentist of Perryville, Mo., was born in Perry County, Mo., on August 20, 1854, and is a son of John C. and Teresa (McCauley) McBride (see sketch of John C. McBride). Charles J. McBride’s education was begun in the public schools of Perryville, and finished by a year’s course each in St. Vincent’s College and Southeast Normal, at Cape Girardeau, Mo. In 1874 he commenced studying dentistry with Dr. S.T. Hall, of Fredericktown, Mo., as preceptor. In 1874 he entered the Missouri Dental College at St. Louis, and remained until the spring of 1875, when he located at Fredericktown, and practiced his profession until the spring of 1876. He then returned to his native county and was engaged in farming until the spring of 1878. The next fall he re-entered college, and in the spring of 1879 graduated as a D.D.S. Returning to Perryville he located and has since given his entire attention to his profession. He was the very first person from Southeast Missouri to obtain the title of D.D.S. He is the only dentist in the county, and has a fair practice in Perry and the adjoining counties. His marriage with Mary G. Cissell was celebrated on November 12, 1883. She is a native of the county, born in 1863, and is a daughter of Bernard Cissell, deceased, a former attorney of Perryville. To the Doctor and wife have been born three children: Ethel Genevieve, Bertrand Cissell and Kathleen Teresa. Mrs. McBride was educated at St. Vincent’s Academy at Cape Girardeau, where she graduated in 1881. She and her husband are both members of the Catholic Church. Politically, Dr. McBride is a zealous Republican.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Leo Manning (deceased) was born in Perry County, Mo., in 1813, and was a son of James and Elizabeth (Riley) Manning, natives of St. Mary’s, Md., from which State their parents immigrated to Kentucky, locating near Lexington. There James Manning and Elizabeth Riley were married. In 1802 four of the Manning brothers, Robert, Mark, Joseph and James, immigrated to Perry County, Mo., and settled near the mouth of Apple Creek. James and Joseph were married prior to their leaving Kentucky, but the other two married in Perry County. They all lived to be old and left many descendants. James and wife were the parents of the following children: Mary, Nancy, William, Willford, Leo, Elizabeth, Matilda and James, all of whom married and reared families. The parents of these children located on the farm now owned by Rosetta Hagan, but later found a home where Elizabeth Duvall now resides, where they spent the remainder of their lives. In February, 1844, Leo Manning was united in marriage with Lydia McClanahan, who was born in Ste. Genevieve County, Mo., in 1825, and is the daughter of James and Susan (Peyton) McClanahan, who for many years were well known residents of Ste. Genevieve County. Mrs. McClanahan died in 1834, having borne three sons and one daughter. James McClanahan afterward married Matilda Manning, and in 1856 removed to Texas, where he died about sixteen years later. His aged widow, the mother of three children, still resides in Texas. Prior to his marriage Leo Manning had purchased some partly improved land to which he took his wife, beginning housekeeping for themselves in a little log cabin. Mrs. Manning still resides on this homestead, but to the log cabin in which all her children were born has been added a handsome frame residence. Leo Manning was prosperous, and at his death, in 1873, left his family in easy circumstances. Twelve children were born to him and wife, six of whom are living. They are Ann E. (Mrs. John S. Hogard), Mary I. (Mrs. Samuel A. Ellis), James M., William, Louis R. and Lydia B. The family are intelligent and well respected. For several years James N. has been a teacher in the public schools of the county, and in 1882 was elected assessor, and is the present incumbent of that office, having been successively re-elected. William was a student at the Normal School at Valparaiso, Ind., where he took a classical course, and he teaches school during the winter seasons.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Henry Markwort was born in the Province of Hanover, Germany, in 1837, and is the only child born to the marriage of Ferdinand Markwort and Wilhelmina Preusse. Ferdinand Markwort died while on duty as a soldier, in 1837, after which his widow married Ferdinand Lange, who immigrated to America in 1858, and settled on a farm in Cape Girardeau County, Mo. He was a weaver by trade, and died in 1863. His wife was born in 1818 and died in 1886. She was the mother of five children by her second marriage, four of whom are living, viz.: Ferdinand, of Cape Girardeau County; Wilhelmina, wife of William Bartels; Caroline, wife of Henry Aufdenberg, and August. In early life Henry Markwort learned the weaver’s trade, at which he worked during the winter seasons, working on the farm during the summers, while he remained in Germany. At the age of twenty-one years he came to the United States. In 1861 he enlisted in the Union army, joining Col. L. Murdock’s regiment of Fremont Rangers. After about five months he re-enlisted in Company D, Twelfth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, to serve three years or during the war, and served in Missouri and Arkansas. On February 2, 1863, the regiment was broken up, and Company D was attached to the Fifth Missouri Cavalry as Company K. During his service Mr. Markwort traveled 15,876 miles. On January 11, 1863, he married Minnie Behrens, who was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1844. To them have been born eight children, who are living: Matilda (wife of Louis Lueders), Minnie, Arthur, Herbert, Gustaf, Bertha, Ida and Louis. In 1865 Mr. Markwort established a retail liquor store and hotel, at Appleton, Mo., which he managed until 1879, when he sold out and removed to Perryville, and in the spring of 1880 resumed the same line of business. In politics he is a Republican, and is a charter member of Difani’s Post 273 G.A.R. Department Missouri, at Perryville. His wife and children are members of the Lutheran Church. His son-in-law, Louis E. Lueders, was educated at Frohna, Mo., and St. Louis. At the age of thirteen years he began learning the jeweler’s trade with Charles A. Retter, of St. Louis, serving three and one-half years as an apprentice, and six months as a journeyman. In September, 1884, he engaged in the jeweler’s business at Frohna, but six months later went to Jackson, Mo., and in November, 1885, removed to Perryville, and established a jewelry store. He is a skillful workman, and is meeting with deserved success. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Auguste Mercier, senior member of the firm of Mercier & Denizet, proprietors of livery and feed stable, Perryville, Mo., was born in France in 1834. He is a son of Augustine Mercier, who came to America in 1854, with her two sons, Auguste and Max. She settled near Perryville, Mo., where she died in 1867. After coming to Perry County Auguste engaged in farming. In March, 1862, he enlisted in the Federal army, joining the Twelfth Missouri State Militia, with which he served until February 2, 1863, when the regiment was broken up and his company was attached to the Fifth Missouri State Militia as Company L. He served three years, the most of the time in Missouri. In 1864 he married Mary Brantley, who was born in Batesville, Ark., in 1844. She died on January 30, 1886, leaving two children: Alice and Gussie. After the war Mr. Mercier was engaged in teaming for about eight years, running the daily huck line between Perryville and St. Mary’s for six months. In 1874 he and D. Callier established a livery and feed stable in Perryville, which they managed until the latter’s death, in November, 1876. Soon after Jules Denizet became a partner, and the firm has since been known as Mercier & Denizet. They keep one of the best livery stables in Southeast Missouri, are very accommodating gentlemen, and thoroughly understand the needs of the traveling public. On October 5, 1886, Mr. Mercier married Mrs. Louise Chappins, nee Pannier, a daughter of Joseph Pannier. She was born in Perry County, Mo., in 1858, and has two children by her first marriage: Edward and Amelia. Politically, Mr. Mercier is a stanch Republican, and is a charter member of the G.A.R. post of Perryville. He and wife are members of the Catholic Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Stephen Miles was born in Perry County, Mo., in 1836. He is the son of Francis Miles, a native of Kentucky, who came to Perry County and settled the farm now owned by Thomas Seemes. In 1855 Stephen Miles married Elizabeth Seemes, a daughter of Felix Seemes, and a native of Perry County, born in 1841. They have had a family of thirteen children: Mary Gertrude (wife of Thomas F. Moore), Felix R., Frank N., Mary A. (Mrs. Albert Cissell), Mary Louise, Mary Amelia (Mrs. James Pringle), Mary Elizabeth (widow of James V. Manning), Charles J., Stephen G., Mary Adelia, Arthur, Joseph C. and Mary Clara (deceased). All are members of the Roman Catholic Church. On January 16, 1884, Frank N. married Mrs. Mary Irena Miles, a daughter of Raymond Tucker, and to them have been born two children: Clarence Elbert and Francis Elmore. Mrs. Miles was born in Perry County in 1860, and has two children, Mary Ida and an infant, by a former marriage. Francis Miles, politically, is a Republican.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

William Victor Miles, a farmer of Central Township, Perry Co., Mo., residing three miles northwest of Perryville, was born in 1851, one-fourth of a mile from where he now resides. He is a son of Leo and Martina (Moranville) Miles, natives of Perry County, Mo., born in 1811 and about 1819, respectively. Leo Miles, who was born on the farm where the subject of this sketch now resides, was a son of Henry Miles, a native of Kentucky, who came to Perry County at the beginning of the present century, and located on the farm now owned by Thomas Seemes. Leo was a stone-mason, at which trade he worked in early life, but after his marriage settled on a farm, and afterward cultivated the soil. He died in 1876. His wife, who was the daughter of John B. Moranville, died in 1881. They were the parents of eleven children, four of whom are dead. Those living are Mary C., John Frederick, William Victor, Leo Vincent, Mary Susan (wife of Dr. C. Moore) and Mary Elizabeth (wife of Richard Moore). William Victor grew up on a farm, and in 1878 married Mary Victoria Moore, a native of the county, born in 1858, and a daughter of Thomas J. Moore. Immediately after his marriage Mr. Miles located on his present farm. His first wife died in 1880, leaving one child – Leo Thomas. In 1882 he married again, choosing for his second wife Mary Philomena Reed, a native of the county, born in 1858, and a daughter of William Reed. To this union have been born four children: Leonard Julian, Joseph William, Clarence Victor and Clara May. Mr. Miles and wife are members of the Catholic Church. He is a Democrat in politics.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Bernard Modde, an old resident of Bois Brule Bottom, was born in Bouchaute, Belgium, on September 16, 1827. He remained in his native country until 1857, when with his family he came to America. He located in St. Louis, where he remained for seven years. He then came to Perry County and rented a farm at Allen’s Landing, and for a number of years lived upon leased land in that and this neighborhood. He is now the owner of a good farm. In 1850 Mr. Modde married Amelia Verbeke, who died in 1861 with the cholera, leaving five children, three of whom died the same week with that disease. That was a sad blow to the devoted husband and father, who with his two motherless sons was forced to bear the grief. Of the two sons William, the younger, died unmarried in 1882; Edward, the elder, married Catherine Bouwens, and is a respected resident of Bois Brule Township. Mr. Modde chose for his second wife Julia Nuyt, a native of Belgium, to whom he was married on December 20, 1868. Five children have been born to them, of whom four are living. They are Joseph, Mary, John and Rosalie. These children with others of the neighborhood received regular instruction from Father De Cennynck.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Francis X. Moll, a farmer and large land owner of Cinque Homme Township, Perry Co., Mo., is a son of Egbert Moll, who was born in the Grand Duchy of Baden in 1800. After receiving his education Egbert Moll entered the German army when twenty-one years of age, and passed through many battles. He drew a pension from the German Government at the time of his death. He did not, however, serve the required time, but bought himself out at the expiration of two years. He married Agnes Lireby, also a native of Baden, and had eight children when he sailed for America in 1832. The children were Joseph, Catherine (who married Jacob Grimes, and died in Illinois), Frances (now the wife of Henry Buckhite), Ignatius, Egdiy (the owner of a lead mine in Missouri), Christian, Francis X. and Martin. The family landed in New York, from whence they went to Buffalo, N.Y., coming to Missouri in 1836. Mr. Moll entered eighty acres of land in Perry County, and established a home for himself and family, where he passed the remainder of his life. Francis X. received his education in Perry County, and learned the cooper’s trade, at which he worked eight or ten years. He then engaged in farming in Perry County, but soon sold his land and removed to Illinois. Returning to Perry County he located on his present farm on Apple Creek. He has a well improved farm, on which are indications of lead deposits of good quality, which when fully developed will make him a small fortune. In 1848 he married Frances Wingler, a native of the county, and to them have been born fourteen children, eleven of whom are living. The family belong to the Catholic Church. In politics Mr. Moll is a Democrat.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Ignatius Moore (deceased) was born in Central Township, Perry Co., Mo., within sight of the home of his widow, Mrs. Helen Moore, and children. He was a son of James and Lucy (Wellmore) Moore, early settlers of Perry County, who died when Ignatius was a mere lad. They were the parents of seven children, none of whom are living. About 1852 Ignatius Moore was married to Helen Tucker, and began housekeeping in a little log cabin, the ruins of which still stand near the massive stone residence which they erected after they became prosperous, and in which Mr. Moore died in September, 1873. His widow and eight children – four sons and four daughters – still survive. Mrs. Moore is a daughter of John and Ellen (Miles) Tucker, one of the early and prominent families of Perry County. She was born in Central Township, Perry County, on February 7, 1824. Her children are Josiah C., Richard R., Romanus I., John A., Emily (Mrs. Ferd Miles), Frances E., Lucy A. (Mrs. Joseph Brenco), and Anastatia. Josiah C., Richard R., Frances E. and Anastatia are at the old homestead with their mother. Romanus I. married Ellen Dean, and John A. is studying for the priesthood at St. Mary’s Seminary. The family have always been highly respected, and are counted among the most worthy of Perry County’s citizens. All are devout Catholics, and both the Tucker and Moore families aided in establishing the church in this county.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Thomas F. Moore, a farmer of Perry County, was born in the county in 1859, and is the son of Samuel L. and Ann (Hagan) Moore. Samuel Moore was a farmer and merchant who died in 1862. He was twice married, his second wife being Ann Hagan, who was born in Perry County, Mo., in 1818, and died on January 4, 1884. She was married four times, and was the mother of five children by her first husband, Everestus Riney, and one by Samuel L. Moore, her second husband. This child was Thomas F. He was reared on the farm, and remained with his mother until attaining his majority. On February 11, 1884, he married Mrs. Mary Gertrude Neitcher, a daughter of Stephen Miles. She is a native of Perry County, and was born in 1856. They have two children: Elizabeth Leona and Charles Boromeo. Mrs. Moore also has two children by her first marriage: Francis Elias and Henry Munroe. Mr. Moore is the owner of eighty-five acres of land, and is a member of the Farmers’ Alliance. Politically he is a Democrat, and in religion professes the Catholic faith.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Thomas J. Moore, the oldest son of James J. and Cecelia (Manning) Moore, was born in Perry County on August 3, 1833, and from his early manhood has been a prominent personage of the county. He was educated in the schools of the county, and in early boyhood acquired a taste for farming. On October 25, 1853, he was united in marriage with Theresa Hagan, a daughter of James and Lucretia (Riney) Hagan. (Both the Moore and Hagan families were early and prominent settlers in the county, and a history of them is given in another part of this work.) After his marriage Mr. Moore located on his present fine farm near Perryville, which is almost within sight of his birthplace. During the Civil War he was appointed justice of the peace by the court to fill an unexpired term, after which he was elected to the same position. He has served his district as director of the public schools and township clerk for fifteen consecutive years. During the early years of this service there were but two school districts in the township, and Joab Burgee, so well known in the county, was the other director. Mr. Moore’s usefulness in the organization and support of schools and churches and the general prosperity of the county is inestimable. To him and wife have been born fourteen children. They are Chrysanthus (who married Susan Miles, and is now a physician of St. Mary’s), Richard (who married Mary Miles, a sister of Susan), Vincent (deceased), James E. (who wedded Norah Sanders), Mary (deceased wife of Victor Miles, a brother of both Susan and Mary), Lucretia (wife of George Pitman), Rosa (wife of Thomas Tucker), Thomas W. (deceased), Cecelia M., Annie, Mary E., Thomas V., William V. and Francis Albert.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Joseph V. Moore, a general merchant of Longtown, Mo., is a son of Leo and Ann M. (Cissell) Moore. Leo Moore was born in Perry County, Mo., near Perryville, in 1811, and was a son of Isidore Moore, who was born in Kentucky in November, 1771. The latter was twice married and was the father of sixteen children, three by his first and thirteen by his second marriage. He began life very poor. In the hopes of bettering his circumstances in the fall of 1800 he removed his family to Missouri, and obtained land from the Spanish Government in the Barrens of Perry County. He was the ninth family to settle there, and the first Roman Catholic family. He accumulated considerable property and became a very prominent citizen. He served as judge of the county court, and was a member of the State Legislature for sixteen years consecutively, serving two or three terms in the Lower House, then in the Senate the remainder of that period. Judge Moore was a friend to the Shawnee and Delaware Indians, and they often appealed to him to settle disputes among them. They also had a camping ground and burial ground on his land. Leo Moore was educated in Bardstown, Ky., after which he devoted his entire life to farming pursuits. In 1833 he married Ann M. Cissell, of Perry County, Mo. She was the daughter of Louis and Maria (Mattingly) Cissell. Leo Moore and wife became the parents of ten children, viz.: Robert W. (who died at the age of fourteen years), Lewis F., Joseph V., Mary A., Isabella, Rosalie, William B. (deceased), Theodore L., Theresa (who died at school at Cedar Grove, Ky.) and Lawrence S. Mary A. and Rosalie are members of the order of Sisters of Loretto, of the Sacred Heart, the mission of the order being to teach. Joseph V. was born in Perry County, Mo., in 1840, and received his education at St. Mary’s Seminary. He was married in 1861 to Susan M. Hayden, a native of the county, and a daughter of James and Christena (Seabaugh) Hayden. To Mr. and Mrs. Moore have been born seven children: James V., Sebastian L., Jettie, Kenrick J. (who died at the age of seventeen years), Flavian J., Lewis B. and Hattie. Mr. Moore was engaged in teaching school and farming until 1877, when he engaged in merchandising. He purchased a half interest in the store of E. Urban, with whom he remained four years when they dissolved partnership and Mr. Moore continued alone. He still has a five-eighth interest in a farm of 280 acres with 130 acres under a good state of cultivation. Politically he is a Democrat, and was appointed postmaster of Longtown on January 1, 1886. In religion he is a Roman Catholic. The subject of this sketch was a Union man during the late Civil War. He was led from home a captive on the 10th of October, 1861, by a band of rebels under command of Maj. Cozens, of Ste. Genevieve County, Mo., was ordered out to be shot, but was rescued by a friend of justice.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Ambrose J. Moore, a well-to-do farmer, residing three miles north of Perryville, Perry Co., Mo., was born December 23, 1842, where he now resides. His parents were William and Monica (Moore) Moore, both natives of Perry County, but of distant consanguinity. William Moore was the son of James Moore, who came to Southeast Missouri from Kentucky about the first of the present century, and located in Perry County on the farm now owned by Mrs. Barbara Huber. William Moore was born December 22, 1811, and in 1840 he settled on his patrimonial portion of the homestead where his son, Ambrose, now lives. William Moore died February 6, 1874. Monica, his wife, was born January 12, 1818, and died September 14, 1884. She was the daughter of Bede Moore, who was another very early pioneer settler, who settled an adjoining farm now owned by Felix Miles, his son-in-law. On this place was held the first court in Perry County. Bede Moore also built and operated on this farm about the first horse mill and distillery in Perry County. To William Moore and wife were born six children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the only one living. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-four years old, attending the district schools from four to eighteen years of age, and from that time until twenty-one the school at St. Mary’s Seminary, Perry County. At the age of twenty-one he began teaching school and taught six terms very successfully. He has always taken an active interest in school affairs, having served as director of his district about fifteen or sixteen years. He was one of the leading men who had the fine brick schoolhouse erected in his district. In 1866 he married Mary Ambrosia Tucker, a daughter of Raymond Tucker. She was born in Perry County, Mo., June 23, 1847. To them have been born ten children whose names are Arthur Rosalba, Victor Vitalis, Mary Minettie, Mary Avelene, Mary Amelia, Mary Jessamine, Mary Ambrosia (deceased), Lillie Margarette, Mary Areina and Mary Ambrosia. After his marriage Mr. Moore settled one-half mile from the old homestead, returning to the latter in 1884. Mr. Moore owns 207 acres of good land conveniently situated, and is one of the county’s highly esteemed citizens. Politically he is a Democrat. He and family are members of the Catholic Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Basil Moore, a well-to-do farmer of Bois Brule Township, Perry County, is a native of the county, born in 1844. He is a son of James J. and Cecelia (Manning) Moore. James J. Moore was the first male child baptized in St. Mary’s parish, and received the name of the missionary priest who baptized him. His father, James Moore, wife and brother, Richard, removed from Eastern Maryland, and located in Perry County in 1790, two miles north of Perryville, where he secured a homestead of 640 acres of land from the French Government. Among the early settlers the Moores were prominent, and were members of the first Catholic Church built in this vicinity. At that time the Indians were numerous, and the settlers were protected by an organized force composed of a part of their number, of which Richard Moore was captain. One evening, on returning after drilling his company, and feeling very soldier-like, he and his brothers James were feeding the pigs, when a large panther crept out of the brush and caught one of them. Capt. Richard seized a hatchet and sprang to the swine’s rescue, and, while the panther was sucking his blood, with Spartan courage dealt him a blow that forever ended his panthership. He measured nine feet from tip to tip. The children of James Moore, Sr., and wife, were: sons, James, William, Ignatius and Thomas: daughters, Sabina Rice (Sister Lucy), Mrs. James May and Mrs. Rhodes. These children were left orphans at an early age, and the court bound all the sons to tradesmen. The second daughter entered a convent, and after spending a long life as teacher died at an advanced age. Thomas entered the community of St. Vincent of Paul, and died after being ordained deacon. The remaining brothers and sisters married and reared families. After James J. Moore was married he settled on a quarter section of land two miles east of Sereno, where he reared his family. His children are Thomas J., who married Theresa Hagan; Martin V., who graduated in the St. Louis Medical College in 1869, after which he practiced medicine in Perryville until death relieved him; William V., who became a priest of the order of St. Vincent of Paul, and is now located in New Orleans; James J., who married Charlotte Duvall; Basil; Hillary, who wedded Matilda Layton; Theresa, wife of Thomas Burgee; Elizabeth, wife of Lucius Hughey; Alfonso L., who married Gertrude Seemes; and Matilda, who married Albion Miles, and after his death became a Sister of Charity. Basil remained at home with his parents until the age of twenty-two years, when he entered college at the Seminary of Our Lady of Angels, Suspension Bridge, Niagara Falls, N.Y., and remained there four years and a half. Returning home he taught school until 1872, when he was appointed deputy county assessor, and in November, 1872, he was elected county surveyor, and served four years. In 1873 he was commissioned notary public, and served four years, after which he located on a farm, and has since given his attention to agriculture. His farm contains 213 acres of fine land, under a good state of cultivation. Mr. Moore stands foremost in the advancement of education in his district, of which he is clerk and a member of the school board. He married Emma Burgee, daughter of Judge Joab W. Burgee, by whom he has a family of seven children – six sons and one daughter. They are Martin V., Basil, Leonidas, Henry, James, Lucius and Mary. In 1874 he was appointed administrator of Dr. Martin V. Moore’s estate, and in 1876 he and his brother, Thomas J., were appointed executors of his father’s last will.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Laurence S. Moore, a prominent young farmer of Perry County, was born on April 21, 1857. His grandfather, Isidore Moore, came to Perry County from Washington County, Ky., near the close of the last century, and located about six miles southeast of Perryville, in what is now Cinque Homme Township. Being a man of sterling worth and intelligence, he was a valuable acquisition to the new settlement, and became its leader in both political and social life. Upon the organization of the State he was sent as the first representative of Perry County to the Legislature. He was twice married, and reared a family of twelve sons and seven daughters. He died at the age of eighty-seven, having received from the people of his county all the honor that it was in their power to bestow. Leo Moore, the father of Lawrence, married Mahala Cissell, and resided during his life upon a farm near Longtown. He died in his sixty-ninth year on August 23, 1880. His widow, now in her seventy-second year, is a resident of St. Louis. They were the parents of ten children, of whom seven are living. They are Lewis F., Joseph V., Mary A. (a sister of the order of Loretta and mother of the Edina, Missouri Convent), Isabella J., Rosa J. (also a sister of Loretta), Theodore L. and Laurence. Laurence is a bachelor and resides upon a farm in Bois Brule Bottom, overlooking the city of Chester.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

James Moranville was born in Perry County, Mo., in 1853, and is a son of Jerome and Elizabeth (Hayden) Moranville. Jerome Moranville was also born in Perry County, Mo., in 1825. His father, John B. Moranville, was a native of France, who was born in 1790, and sent to America in 1804. He was educated in Baltimore, Md., by his uncle, John Francis Moranville, who was a Roman Catholic priest. After finishing his education he was bound to some monks to learn a trade. They took him to St. Louis, Mo., where he learned the carpenter’s trade, remaining with the monks until he was twenty-one years of age. About this time the Black Hawk War broke out, and he enlisted and served a few months, after which he came to Perry County, Mo., and commenced work on St. Mary’s Seminary, which was then in process of erection. He soon after married and settled on the farm now owned by Vincent Seemes, being one of the first Frenchmen to locate in the county. He died in 1852. He married Susan Manning, a native of Maryland. Her father, Joseph Manning, was born in Baltimore, and was a son of Mark Manning, a direct descendent of Lord Baltimore. Joseph Manning came to Perry County about 1802, and settled on the farm now owned by C.J. Pecant. Susan Moranville died in 1860, and was the mother of nine children by her marriage with John B. Moranville, Jerome being the fourth child. By a previous marriage with Thomas Seemes, another pioneer settler of Perry County, she was the mother of two children. Jerome grew to manhood on his father’s farm, and in 1852 married Elizabeth Hayden, who was born in 1823 on the farm where she now lives. She is a daughter of Thomas Hayden, a native of Ireland, who came to America and located in Perry County about 1820. Jerome Moranville and wife have three children: James, Thomas, and Mary, a sister of charity in a convent in New York. Jerome Moranville is a highly esteemed citizen, and a successful farmer. He has resided on his present farm for the past thirty-six years. His son, James, married Rosa Dean in 1886, and has one child, Mary. Mrs. Moranville is a daughter of Leo T. Dean. She and her husband are members of the Catholic Church. He is a Democrat in politics.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Anson H. Morey, one of the substantial farmers of Perry County, was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, on January 6, 1833. His parents, Anson and Maria (Wooley) Morey, were both natives of New York, and were pioneers of the Western Reserve of Ohio. In 1839 they came to Missouri and lived in Jefferson County, where the father worked in the lead mines two years, then going to St. Francois County and remaining until 1847, when he removed to Chester, Ill., and there passed the remainder of his life. They were the parents of five children: Ann, Nelson L., Anson H., Helen W. and Samuel. The oldest and youngest are dead. In 1852 Anson H. went by the overland route to California, reaching his destination after a trip of eighty days. He was engaged in mining for about eight years, but not securing satisfactory results he returned to Missouri, and in company with his eldest brother purchased a section of the fertile Bois Brule bottom lands. At that time not a tree had been cut on the entire tract, but he went to work and soon erected a small log cabin, with a mud and stick chimney, and furnished it with the rude pole bedstead so common in an early day. Although his cabin was without a floor he felt so comfortably situated that he decided to secure a wife to share his home. On July 7, 1865, he was united in marriage with Margaret Fenwick, who still lives to share his prosperity. They have a family of five children: Anson R., Morse S., Margaret A., James M. and Melissa R. They have also reared several of his brother’s orphan children, giving them a good home and providing for their education. For a number of years Mr. Morey resided on the farm now occupied by Augustus Layton, of Saline Township, but the improvement of his bottom lands made his residence upon them a necessity, and he removed to his present location in 1887. He was the principal mover in the organization of the school district in which he has served as director and clerk for several years.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

David F. Morton, M.D., a promising young physician of Perryville, Mo., was born in Cape Girardeau County, Mo., in 1858, and is a son of William P. and Eliza (Abernathy) Morton. William P. Morton was born in Tennessee in 1824, and when five years of age came with his parents to Cape Girardeau County, Mo., where he has since resided, and has become one of the most substantial farmers of the county. He resides on a farm of 225 acres one-half mile south of Pocahontas, and is a highly respected citizen. His wife, who was born in Perry County, Mo., in 1828, was the daughter of Dr. Lot Abernathy. She died in 1875, leaving seven children: Charles, a miller a Pocahontas, Mo.; James L., a prominent stock farmer of Bollinger County; Mary J., Mrs. William Alexander of Latlin, Mo.; Dr. David F.; Maggie, wife of Dr. George W. Tarlton, of Oak Ridge, Mo.; William A., who is in partnership with his brother, James L.; and Lou R. David F. grew to manhood on his father’s farm, and secured a good education in Fruitland Academy, Oak Ridge High School and the Southeast Normal at Cape Girardeau. He taught one term of school in 1880, and in the meantime began the study of medicine. The following fall he entered the St. Louis Medical College, and attended one year. The next year he attended the Missouri Medical College, from which he graduated as an M.D. in the spring of 1883. After finishing the course he practiced a few months at both Jackson and Longtown, Mo., and in the fall of 1883 located at Perryville, which he has since practiced his profession very successfully. In April, 1886, he became a partner with Thomas L. Phillips in a drug store, which business they still control, under the firm name of Phillips & Morton. In politics the Doctor endorses and supports the principles of the Democratic party. He is a Mason, and a member of the Southeast Missouri Medical Association.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

John P. Munch, a farmer of Central Township, Perry Co., Mo., residing four miles west of Perryville, was born in the Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, in 1825, and is the youngest son of a family of eight children, born to Paul and Margaret Munch. John P. was reared to manhood on his parents’ farm in his native country, and in 1852 immigrated to the United States, where he was soon afterward employed on the Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad, on which he worked four months. He then worked eighteen months on the Steubenville & Indiana Railroad, and in 1855 came to Perry County, Mo. In the same year he was married to Miss Rosena Meyer, a daughter of John Meyer. She was born in the Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, in 1831, and came to the United States with her parents when eleven years of age. In 1857 Mr. Munch purchased 181 acres of land where he now resides, for $1,140, which means he had earned by hard work, having come to America without money or friends. By paying close attention to business and practicing economy he has added to his farm until he now has 416 acres and a good home. To him and wife have been born six children, who are living: Mary (wife of John Bergman), B. John, George A., Elizabeth (wife of John M. Hoehn), Michael and Annie M. In religious belief the family are Lutherans. Mr. Munch is a Republican, and served in the Home Guards during the war.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Pancratius John Muench, an enterprising young farmer residing three miles north of Perryville, Mo., is a native of the county, born on March 1, 1858. He is the eldest son of John P. and Rosa Ann (Meyer) Muench (see sketch). He grew to manhood on his father’s farm, and on June 15, 1885, was united in marriage with Anna C. Ochs, a daughter of John C. Ochs. She was born in Perry County, Mo., on November 19, 1863. After his marriage Mr. Muench settled on his present farm of 101 acres of valuable land, which he is rapidly improving. His political views accord with the principles of the Republican party, and in religion he and wife are members of the Lutheran Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

John V. Noell, a prominent lawyer of Perryville, Mo., was born one and one-half miles from Perryville, on September 17, 1851, and is a son of John W. and Mary A. (Gregoire) Noell. John W. Noell was of English descent, born in Bedford County, Va., on February 22, 1816. In 1833 he with his father, John Noell, immigrated to Missouri and located at Fredericktown, Madison County, where they lived one year and removed to Perry County. John Noell settled three miles east of Perryville on the farm now known as the Killian farm. John W. soon after commenced clerking in a store in Perryville, and in 1835 was married, after which he engaged in merchandising and milling. In 1842 he was elected clerk of the circuit court of Perry County, and was re-elected in 1846, holding the office eight years. During these years he read law, and in 1850 was admitted to the bar. In 1854 he was elected to the State Senate. In 1858 he was elected to represent his district in Congress, and was re-elected in 1860 and 1862. Before the expiration of his third term he died in Washington (March 14, 1863), and his remains were returned home and interred in St. Mary’s Cemetery. In 1860 he introduced a bill in the Lower House of Congress to emancipate the slaves of Missouri and to pay the slave holders of the State $10,000,000 for the same. The bill passed the House and went to the Senate, where $5,000,000 was added to it. It was then returned to the House and defeated. John W. Noell was a self-made man, who was highly endowed with natural ability and energy. This, with close application to business, made him an able and influential man in the councils of the State and nation. He was a Democrat, but during the war was an uncompromising Union man. His wife was of English and Pennsylvania German descent, and was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., in 1818. She died in 1880, and was the mother of eleven children. Thomas E. Noell, the second son of John W. and Mary A. Noell, was born April 3, 1839, at Perryville, Mo. He was chiefly educated at St. Mary’s Seminary, in Perry County. After having read law for several years in the office of his father he was, in the year 1857, admitted to the bar, whilst yet under age. He practiced his profession from this time until the War of the Rebellion broke out, when he enlisted in the State Militia of Missouri, being appointed first lieutenant of a company therein. Subsequently he was promoted to the rank of major. Afterward, in the year 1862, he received a commission in the regular United States army as captain, which position he occupied until after the death of his father, in 1863. During this year he was transferred from the active field service to the position of mustering and disbursing officer, and was stationed first at Cape Girardeau and afterward at St. Louis, Mo. On the death of his father he became the sole dependence of his widowed mother and her four youngest children, for their support. In 1864 he was elected to Congress and was again elected in 1866. Like his father he was a Democrat, but during the war he was an unflinching Union man. He died at St. Louis, Mo., October 3, 1867, whilst a member of Congress. John V. Noell, was the eighth child in his parents’ family. His education, which was begun in the public schools of Perryville, and St. Mary’s Seminary, was finished at St. Vincent’s College, Cape Girardeau, from which institution he graduated with the degree of A.B., in June, 1873. The same institution afterward conferred on him the degree of A.M. In the spring of 1870 he began reading law with Judge John H. Nicholson, and during the following fall and winter he taught a term of school. In 1873 he entered the St. Louis Law School, and graduated in 1874 with the degree of LL.B. After finishing his studies he returned to Perryville and began practicing his profession. In the same year he was elected prosecuting attorney and re-elected in 1876 and in 1878. In 1884 he was again elected to the same office. On June 27, 1875, he was united in marriage with Miss Louise Preston, a native of the county, born on May 18, 1859, and a daughter of James Preston. To Mr. and Mrs. Noell have been born five children: Mary A., Thomas E., Jr., John V., Jr., Ruth and Ada. In religious faith the family are Catholics. Mr. Noell has been a life-long Democrat.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

George Neubeck, a general merchant of Altenburgh, Mo., was born in 1836, in the Kingdom of Bavaria, and is the son of Jacob and Barbara Neubeck, both of whom were also natives of Bavaria. Jacob Neubeck was born in 1800, and was a farmer by vocation. He died in his native country in 1842, leaving a widow and three children. His widow married again and became the mother of one child by her second husband. George Neubeck was educated in Germany, but left the fatherland when seventeen years of age, and embarked for America, being the first one of his family to immigrate thither. Not being acquainted with the language and customs of the United States he labored under many disadvantages, but he stopped in St. Louis and engaged as an apprentice at the cabinet-maker and carpenter’s trade. After serving two years he began working at the trade for himself, at which he continued in St. Louis for twelve years, three years of which he kept a furniture store. He sold his stock of furniture, and removed to Birmingham, Perry County, where he became proprietor of a general merchandise store. In 1868 he removed his stock of goods to Altenburgh, where he has since been doing a good business. In 1869 he married Joanna Kross, also of German nativity, by whom he is the father of five children: Concordia, Bertha, Emma, Louisa and Antoinette. All are members of the Lutheran Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Henry C. Oliver, a thrifty farmer of Perry County, Mo., residing four miles southeast of Perryville, was born in Cape Girardeau County, Mo., in 1833. He is one of three living children of a family of ten born to Harry Oliver, a native of North Carolina, who, when a young man, came to Cape Girardeau County with John Oliver. Harry Oliver died about 1872. Henry C. was born the slave of Mrs. Hannah Harris, with whom he remained until he was eleven years of age, after which he was successively owned by Alonzo and Caswell Abernathy, remaining with the latter until he was made a free man by Abraham Lincoln’s emancipation proclamation in 1863. After the war was over and peace restored he began farming in Perry County on rented land. He had not a cent he could call his own, but possessed a large amount of latent energy and self determination, and soon gained a foothold. He worked hard and attended strictly to his own business, and now owns 170 acres of fine land, which is well improved. He is a worthy example for his people, showing that it is not impossible for even the poorest citizen to carve out his own fortune. He is well respected in his county, and is a member of the Republican party. In 1855 he married Mary Black, a native of the county, by whom he has ten children: William Henry, Richard Green, Uriel Wright, John, Effie, Martha, Henderson, Laura, Julia and Mary. Mrs. Oliver and children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Sebastian Olivar, a wealthy farmer of Bois Brule Township, Perry County, was born on the Island of Majorca on December 1, 1847. He is a son of Antonia and Catherine (Company) Olivar, both of whom were of Spanish blood, and also born on the island of Majorca. When a lad of ten years Sebastian, prompted by a desire to see something of the world, left his parents’ home, and, unattended and alone, secured a steamboat passage to Barcelona. For nine long years afterward he was on the sea, first serving as cabin-boy, then as “matricule.” Before his four years as a marine had fully expired he deserted on account of severe punishment to which he and two other marines were forced to submit. He escaped from Havanna, making his way to New Orleans with the assistance of Capt. Mike Parade, who had charge of the sail vessel “Mary.” Upon his arrival at New Orleans Mr. Sebastian contracted the yellow fever, but managed to make his way up the Mississippi River to St. Mary’s, where he recovered, but his comrade, who accompanied him, died of the disease. For several years our subject was employed at St. Mary’s Seminary, and in 1875, his good management being recognized, he was made overseer of the bottom farm. Having made investments in stock, and carefully saved his money, the next year he took charge of the farm himself, which he managed very successfully. After three years he had saved money enough to buy some land. He purchased seventy-six acres in the bottoms, and from this date his good management and superior judgment have made him conspicuous among the farmers of the county. Other lands have been added to his farm until it now comprises 528 acres, within full view of the grand Mississippi River, and about one mile from Chester. On May 28, 1876, he was married to Matilda Miles, a native of the county. Her parents came from Marion County, Ky., and were among the early settlers of Perry County. Mr. and Mrs. Olivar have one daughter, Mary, now ten years of age.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Henry G. and Charles Palisch, of the general mercantile firm of Palisch & Bro., of Frohna, Mo., were born in Perry County in 1861 and 1867, respectively. They are of German-French descent, and the sons of Ernest and Julie Palisch. Ernest Palisch was born in the Kingdom of Saxony in 1828, and came to America with the German colony that settled in Perry County at an early day. His father, Gottlieb Palisch, is still living, and a resident of the county. He is one of the few survivors of the early Teutonic colonists. Ernest Palisch died in 1876. His widow, who still survives aged forty-eight years, is the mother of seven children: Amalia, Susan, Sarah, Henry G., Theodore, Charles and Gotthilf. Henry G. Palisch received his education in the common schools of the county, and worked on a farm until he was nineteen years of age, when he commenced his commercial career as a clerk in a store at Frohna. He worked in that capacity for five years, when he and his brother purchased the store in which he was employed, and have since conducted the business in a very successful manner. They are energetic and progressive young business men, and have before them a desirable future. Charles was educated in the Southeast Missouri Normal School at Cape Girardeau. On July 15, 1887, Henry G. was united in marriage with Julia Fischer, a native of Perry County, who was born in 1864.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Thomas L. Phillips, senior member of the firm of Phillips & Morton, druggists of Perryville, Mo., is a native of the county, born in 1863, and is a son of Robert L. and Evelyn (Entler) Phillips. Robert L. Phillips, was of Scotch-Irish descent, and was born in Marion County, Ky., in 1818. When about eighteen years of age he left his native State and came to Perry County, Mo., and later established a general store, which he managed until his death. He was a very successful business man, owning at one time over 2,000 acres of land. He was married three times, his last wife, to whom he was married in 1862, being the mother of the subject of this sketch. But one child was born to their union. Mrs. Phillips, was born in Kaskaskia, Ill., on March 18, 1839, and after the death of Mr. Phillips, in 1864, married again. In 1867 she married Agustus Doerr, who now resides in Perryville. Thomas L. Phillips received his education at St. Vincent’s College, Cape Girardeau, and St. Louis University, St. Louis, Mo., attending the former three years and the latter eighteen months. In 1880 he attended St. Louis College of Pharmacy, and in 1881 he and N.E. Farrar established a drug store in Perryville, under the firm name of Farrar & Phillips. They continued ten months, when Dr. W.R. Newman, purchased N.E. Farrar’s interest, after which the firm was known as Phillips & Newman. On May 1, 1886, Dr. Newman sold his interest in Dr. David F. Morton, and the present firm was established. They have a first-class drug store, one of the best in Southeast Missouri, and are doing a good business. On September 30, 1885, Mr. Phillips married Emma C. Litsch, a daughter of William Litsch, who for years was one of the reliable merchants of Perryville. Mrs. Phillips was born in the county in 1864. They have two children: Harry Robert and Alfred A. He and wife are members of the Roman Catholic Church. Politically he is a Democrat.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Theo Picou, a native of Ascension Parish, La., was born in 1827, and is a son of Joseph and Gertrude (Hamilton) Picou, also natives of Louisiana and of French ancestry. Joseph Picou was the owner of the sugar plantation in his native State, and owner of a number of slaves. Prior to the Civil War both plantation and slaves were disposed of, and Joseph Picou removed to Newburg, Ind., where he purchased a residence and other property, and remained several years. During the war he returned to Louisiana, and took charge of a wharf boat at the Red River Landing, owned by Gustavus, one of the sons, at which point he was captured by Admr. Farragut. After his release he located with his family at Donaldsonville, La. After the location of his son, Theo, in Perry County, Mo., he and wife removed thither in 1867, and passed the remainder of their lives within its border. In 1841 Theo Picou was sent by his parents to St. Mary’s Seminary, Perry County, Mo., to finish his classical education, from whence, after his graduation in 1843, he returned to his native parish, and assumed charge of a sugar plantation belonging to his father and W.H. Gilbert, and managed the same for several years. While in Southeast Missouri he became fascinated with the country and, foreseeing her future wealth and prosperity, returned thither in 1850. For several years he was engaged in merchandising at Bailey’s Landing. On May 21, 1850, he was united in marriage with Mary De Lassus, by whom he became the father of six children: Trasimond (deceased), Cornelius (who married Mrs. Mattie Meridith), Delia (who became the wife of James B. Rusell), Endora (the widow of John Young), Mary E. (the wife of David Brown) and Theo E. (who married Edith Seadears). Mr. Picou was early employed as teacher in the public schools of Claryville, where for five years he served as principal. His education and strict methods of business soon made him a man of note in the community, and in 1864 he was elected justice of the peace, and has served almost three terms in that capacity, being in office at this date (1888). He is also recording secretary of the Bois Brule Bottom Levee Drainage & Agricultural Association. His first wife died in October, 1863, and on March 3, 1864, Rachel Patterson became his wife. To this union have been born nine children. Those living are Nancy Manette, Rosetta, Corinne and Delphine, all of whom are at home. The family are well known and highly respected. During the Civil War Mr. Picou served as captain in a company in the Sixty-fourth Enrolled Missouri Militia.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Henry Pingel, a substantial farmer of Cinque Homme Township, Perry County, Mo., was born on his father’s farm in Perry County in 1850. His parents, Anton and Theresa (Wiedebusch) Pingel, were natives of Prussia, who were married in 1849. Anton Pingel was born in 1825, and after receiving a good education learned the blacksmith’s trade. The same year in which he was married he embarked with his wife for America, and landed at New Orleans. From thence he came to Perry County, Mo., and entered eighty acres of land, to which he afterward entered sixty more, all being good bottom land. Here he located and reared his family of nine children, viz.: Henry, Theresa (now the wife of Anton Budenholzer, of Madison County, Mo.), Anton F., Mary (who died when a child), Joseph, Anna (the wife of Barney Baudendistle), Frank A., Mary E. (wife of John T. Budenholzer) and Barney (who died in 1887). Henry grew up on the farm, and received his education in the county schools. In 1878 he was united in marriage with Barbara Hernerick, a native of the county, after which he removed to his present farm, which he had previously purchased. He and wife are members of the Catholic Church, and are the parents of five children, viz.: Theresa, John, Henry, Rosa and Christina. In politics Mr. Pingel is a supporter of the Democratic party.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

John C. Popp, a brick manufacturer, of Perryville, Mo., was born in 1849 in the Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany. He is a son of Philip and Margaret (Kodisch) Popp, both of whom were natives of Bavaria, born in 1801 and 1810, respectively. In 1851 they immigrated to the United States, and afterward settled in Perry County, Mo., on a farm of 120 acres seven miles east of Perryville, on which both parents died, the mother in 1865 and the father in 1883. They had six children, three of whom are living: Christopher, John H. and John C. The children were reared on the farm. When young John C. and Christopher began manufacturing brick and lime on the old home place, the former working for the latter. In 1866 Christopher opened a brickyard in Perryville, and John C. continued in his employ until 1875. They made an average of 350,000 bricks per annum. Since 1875 John C. has made bricks on the same yard in Perryville, averaging 250,000 per year, this making about 6,000,000 bricks manufactured by the Popp Brothers in Perryville since 1866. Mr. Popp is well prepared for the work, and makes first-class brick. He employs four men per season. In 1879 he was united in marriage with Mary Denizet, who was born in Perry County, Mo., in 1849, and is a member of the Catholic Church. To this union have been born five children: Clara M., Louisa M., William J., Cecelia E. and Hattie F. Mr. Popp is a member of the Lutheran Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Claude U. Prost, one of the most enterprising farmers and stock raisers of Cinque Homme Township, Perry County, Mo., is a son of John A. and Genersure (Roussillion) Prost, natives of France, born in 1804 and 1803, respectively. John A. Prost was educated in his native country, and learned the stone-mason’s trade, at which he worked for twelve years before coming to America. He landed at Rozier Landing, Perry County, Mo., in 1841, and soon after which he purchased land and engaged in farming in Perry County, and also worked some at his trade. In 1854 he removed to Ste. Genevieve County, where he passed the remainder of his life. His first wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch, died in Perry County in 1853. She was the mother of four children: Claude U., Alban, Eulalie (Mrs. Louis Besand) and one that died in infancy. John A. Prost became a large land owner of Perry County. After the death of his first wife he married Mrs. Matilda Cladet, a widow, who had one daughter by her first marriage. Claude U. was born in France in 1830, and came to Perry County, Mo., with his parents. His education, which was begun in his native country, was finished in America. When a boy he began farming, and also learned the carpenter’s trade. In 1851 he was united in marriage with Mary Besand, a daughter of Cyrill and Claudine (Combe) Besand. She was born in France in 1832, and came with her parents to Missouri in 1840. After his marriage Mr. Prost engaged in farming, and a few years later purchased his farm. He is a successful farmer, and takes much interest in raising fine blooded horses. In 1861 he enlisted in the Federal army, joining the Fourth Missouri State Militia, and is now a member of the G.A.R. He was township clerk, and is school director, and for the past five years has been crop reporter for the county. He and wife have had ten children: Narcis, Francis, Lawrence, Antonia (Mrs. Thomas Burgee), Teodule (deceased), Vincent, Corine, Urbain (deceased), Cyrill and Leopold. The family are Catholics, and in politics Mr. Prost is a Republican. He was elected county judge of the Western District in the fall of 1886, but for some defect in his father’s naturalization papers did not get to fill the office to which he was elected. He is also the manager of the Perry County Agricultural and Live Stock Association, a corporation duly incorporated under the laws of the State of Missouri.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Alban Prost, a substantial farmer of Perry County, Mo., residing four and one-half miles southwest of Perryville, is a native of France, born in 1832, and is a son of John A. and Genersure (Roussillion) Prost (see sketch of Claude U. Prost.) Alban Prost was nine years of age when he came to Perry County and located with his parents on a farm on which he grew to manhood. In 1853 he was united in marriage with Mary J. Chappuis, also a native of France, who was born in 1831, and came to the United States in 1852. Their union has been blessed by the birth of nine children who are living: Donalle, wife of Alfred Faivre; Zoa, wife of James Greene; Rosallie, wife of Joseph Faivre; Louis, Alfred, Felix, Marcillene, Millie and Jule. After his marriage Mr. Prost located on the farm which is his present home. It consists of 200 acres of good land, upon which are indications of rich copper deposits. In politics he endorses and supports the principles of the Republican party, and he and his family are communicants of the Roman Catholic Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Henry F. Quick, an old resident and farmer of Union Township, Perry County, Mo., was born in Central Township, of that county, in 1826, and is the son of John W. and Catherine (Finch) Quick, and grandson of Tunis Quick, who immigrated to Perry County, Mo., about the beginning of the present century. John W. was of German descent, born in the State of Virginia in 1794. He located in Central Township, where he passed the remainder of his life. He was a Methodist Episcopal minister by profession, and also followed farming and blacksmithing. His ministerial duties were local. He died in 1836. His wife was born in Virginia, and died in 1833. She was the mother of seven children, only two of whom are now living: William, in Jasper County, and Henry F. The latter received a fair education in the common schools, and was reared on a farm. In 1852 he began teaching, and taught one term of school. December 23 of the same year he married Miss Sarah M. Blair, who was born in Perry County in 1828, and who is the daughter of Thomas M. and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Blair, natives of Georgia and Kentucky, born in 1800 and 1795, respectively. Mr. Blair is yet living, but his wife died in 1879. To Mr. and Mrs. Quick were born six children: Missouri L. (wife of Joseph B. Hazelbud), Emma (deceased wife of John W. Abernathy), Mary (deceased), Ann (deceased), Iva and Etta. Mr. Quick settled in Union Township in 1859, where he bought 100 acres, and afterward purchased eighty in addition. In 1881 he moved to Farmington, where he resided until the spring of 1888, when he returned to his farm in Perry County, and there he now resides. In 1879 he was appointed county collector of Perry County, and served two years. He is a Democrat in politics, and cast his first vote for Gen. Taylor, in 1848. He and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and he is steward and trustee of the same.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

John Rauh, Jr., a farmer of Central Township, Perry Co., Mo., residing three miles east of Perryville, was born October 5, 1842, within two miles of his present home. His parents, John Rauh, Sr., and Elizabeth (Behr) Rauh, was born in the Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, January 24, 1814 and September 1, 1819, respectively. In 1840 John Rauh, Sr., with his family left the fatherland, and came to the United States, settling in Perry County, Mo., four miles east of the county seat. He and wife still survive, and have six children living, viz.: John, Kunendia (wife of William Haltman), Adam, Elizabeth (wife of Henry Boxdorfer), Dora (wife of Ferdinand Hoehn) and Annie (wife of Adam Knoll). John Rauh, Jr., was reared on the farm, making his home with his parents until he was twenty-two years of age. During the war he was a Union man, and in 1860 he enlisted in Company A, Fourth Regiment, Missouri State Militia, with which he remained seven months. He was then discharged, but afterward joined Company B, Eighth Regiment, and served seven months longer, his service being confined to the State of Missouri. On January 3, 1864, he was united in marriage with Mary A. Lang, a daughter of John Lang. She was born January 2, 1845, in Perry County, Mo. In the same year Mr. Rauh purchased 160 acres, where he now resides, and on which he at once located. In 1872 he erected a good brick residence, at a cost of $1,800. His farm is otherwise improved, being one of the best in the township. Mr. Rauh stands high in the estimation of his friends for honesty and good citizenship. He and wife have had twelve children born to them as follows: Louise K. (wife of Charles Groh), Elizabeth M. (deceased), Henry J. (deceased), Pauline L. (deceased), Charles F., Emanuel M. Otto J. (deceased), William (deceased), Martin J., Alwin A., Anna M. and John E. All are consistent members of the Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Rauh votes with the Republican party.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Edward Robb, a prominent young lawyer of Perryville, Mo., is a native of the county, born in 1857, and is a son of Dr. Lucius F. and Lucinda C. (Shaner) Robb. Dr. Lucius F. Robb was of Irish lineage, born in Rutherford County, Tenn., in 1820. His medical education was secured at Louisville Medical College, Louisville, Ky., from which institution he graduated with the degree of M.D. When about twenty-five years of age, he located at Brazeau, Perry Co., Mo., and began practicing his profession. He was married about 1852. He was one of the most successful physicians and surgeons of the county, but died just in the prime of life, in 1864. His wife, who was of German descent, was born in Perry County, Mo., in 1829, and died in 1873. They were the parents of six children, four of whom are living, viz.: William, an attorney at law, Perryville, Mo.; Edward; Laura, wife of John P. Robb, of California, and Effie, wife of James M. Hatcher, also of California. William received his literary education at the Southeast Missouri Normal, at Cape Girardeau, and graduated from the law department of the Missouri State University in 1885. For the last few years he and Edward have been practicing their profession in partnership. The latter was educated in the common schools, in Fruitland Academy, Cape Girardeau County, Mo., and the State University, graduating from the law department of the latter institution in March, 1879, with the degree of LL.B. The following May he returned to Perryville and immediately entered upon the practice of his profession. During 1880 he was in partnership with Judge J.H. Nicholson. In 1880 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Perry County, and was re-elected in 1882. In 1884 he was elected to represent Perry County in the thirty-third General Assembly of the State of Missouri, and served on the following committees: Criminal Jurisprudence, Federal Relations and University. In 1886 he was elected to the thirty-fourth assembly, and served on the same committees as before, and during the extra session of that assembly was on the committee of Internal Improvements. Mr. Robb is one of the leading members of the bar of Perry County, and is a practical business man. He is a member of the A.O.U.W.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Thomas W. Robinson was born in Newmarket, Marion Co., Ky., in 1836. He is a son of George C. and Dorothy A. Robinson, who removed to Perry Co., Mo., in 1846. Mrs. Robinson died prior to the beginning of the Civil War, and during the war Mr. Robinson was employed by the United States Government to manage a wagon train, freighting across the plains. Since then all trace of him is lost. Thomas W. enlisted in the Federal army, and was sworn in as blacksmith for the Twelfth Missouri Cavalry, which later became a part of the Fifth Missouri Cavalry, and did service in that position until the close of the war. He afterward returned to Missouri, and erected a smithy at Stono, where for more than a score of years he carried on his trade, being the first man to fell a tree or erect a house at that place. In 1866 he was united in marriage with Melissa J. Fenwick, a daughter of Clement and Cecelia C. Fenwick (see sketch). Mr. Robinson and wife began their domestic life at Stono, where they remained several years, when he purchased a farm near Claryville, now known as “Wimpsatt farm”. Later he sold his land at a good profit, and engaged at his trade at Brewerville, at the same time purchasing his present farm, one of the most attractive places in Saline Township. He has been prosperous as a farmer, and now deals largely in stock. He is truly a self-made man. He and his young wife began life’s battle without money, but with strong arms and willing hearts they had secured a good home and a competency that they may enjoy their declining years surrounded by the comforts that they so well deserve. With her own hands Mrs. Robinson grubbed the stumps around their first homestead, while her husband’s brawny arm wielded the hammer whose stroke made merry music and brought to their home ample returns in coin.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Thomas B. Sanders was born in Perry County, Mo., on February 2, 1834. His parents were Thomas and Louisa (Coteaux) Sanders. His father was a native of Germany, and his maternal grandfather, Francis Coteaux was a native of Canada and came to Upper Louisiana when it was yet occupied by Indians, among whom he traded. Thomas B. Sanders, at the age of eighteen, went to California, and spent nine years of his life in the gold mines of that State. In 1861 he returned again to the home of his childhood. On April 28, 1863, he was married to Letitia A. Burgee, and located permanently on the farm where his family now reside. He died February 2, 1874. He was father of five children, all of whom are now living: Norah (wife of James E. Moore), Edgar J., Henry B., Ida M. and Thomas B. Sanders. Mrs. Sanders was formerly a teacher, as was also her daughter Norah.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

William Sandler, an enterprising farmer of Perry County, Mo., residing four miles north of Perryville, was born in St. Louis on December 18, 1842. He is a son of John and Margaret (Schubas) Sandler, natives of Germany, who immigrated to the United States in 1841, and settled in St. Louis. In 1843 they removed to Perry County, Mo., and made a location in Bois Brule Township, where Mr. Sandler became the owner of 135 acres of land. He died in 1882 at the age of sixty-four years. His widow died in 1883, aged sixty-three years. To them were born eleven children, five of whom are dead. Those living are Christine, wife of Edward Rolewalt; Ann, wife of August Strouse; Barbara, wife of Jonathan Preston; John, Peter and William. William was but an infant when his parents removed to Perry County. He grew to manhood on his father’s farm, and in 1870 married Ann Boxdoffer, a daughter of Gottlieb Boxdoffer. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1851. In 1868 Mr. Sandler purchased 123 acres where he now resides, and on which he has made valuable improvements. In politics he endorses and supports the principles of the Republican party. He and his family are members of the Lutheran Church. He and wife have a family of eight children, as follows: Margaret, Louise, Gotlieb, August, Clara, Anna, Edwin and Wiley.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Martin Schamel, a promising young farmer of Bois Brule Township, Perry Co., Mo., was born in Bollinger County in 1852. His parents, Michael and Catherine (Shane) Schamel, were born, reared and married in Germany, and immigrated to America about 1842, settling near Sedgewickville, Bollinger Co., Mo. Here Michael Schamel entered land which he afterward improved, and upon which he resided until his death in 1882, respected by all who know him. His widow, now about seventy years of age, still resides on the old mansion farm. They were the parents of five children: Nicholas, who married Jet Ruth; Michael, now the husband of Martha Dickinson; Martin; John, who married Catherine Zahner, and Catherine, Mrs. Joseph Underriner. Martin was educated in Bollinger County, after which he came to Perry County and engaged in farming. During his first year in the county he met Martha A. Layton, who became his wife in the autumn of 1883. She is a daughter of Leo Layton and a member of one of the oldest and best families in the county. In the fall of 1886 Mr. Schamel purchased a nice farm on which he located and to which he is still adding valuable improvements. Since coming to the county he has proved himself in every way worthy of the esteem of its citizens. Having a good education he was chosen school director in his district, and upon him the choice of teachers largely depends. He is also serving his fourth term as road supervisor, and in March, 1888, was elected treasurer of Sereno Farmers’ Alliance. To him and wife has been born one child, a daughter, Julia A. and a sister of his first wife, Catherine Sutterer, who was born in Perry County, Mo., in 1833. Ten children have been born to this union, viz.: Anton, Ferdinand, Mary, Catherine (wife of Joseph Unverferth), Barney, Raymond, Josephine, Julia Ann, Wendlien and Herman. Mr. Schindler cultivated the old home place until 1866, when he removed to Perryville and engaged in milling, which he continued for two and one-half years. In the milling business, however, he was not successful, and he left town a poor man but not discouraged, knowing he could farm, and in 1869 he settled where he now resides. After giving three of his sons eighty acres of well-improved land each he still has 395 acres. Catherine (Sutterer) Schindler, his second wife, died June 27, 1888, at the age of fifty-three years and six months. He is a Democrat and a highly esteemed citizen. He and family are members of the Catholic Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Joseph Schindler, a member of the firm of Anderson, Hooss & Co., general merchants of Perryville, Mo., is a native of Perry County, born in 1851. He is a son of Alouis and Rubena (Schnider) Schindler, natives of the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, born in 1821 and 1827, respectively. In 1847 Alouis Schindler immigrated to America and settled in Perry County, Mo., about four miles south of Perryville. He has become one of the large land owners of the county, and for the past twenty years has resided about four miles west of Perryville. His wife is also living, and they are the parents of eight children, viz.: Kate (widow of John Gatto), Joseph, Fannie (wife of Frank Geile), Raymond, William, Lizzie (wife of Theodore Geile), John and Frank. Joseph grew to manhood on his father’s farm, and received his education in the common schools and St. Mary’s Seminary. His marriage with Octavia Cissell was celebrated in November, 1878. She was born in Perryville in 1854, and died on August 10, 1884, leaving two children: Coina and Lulu. On November 21, 1887, Mr. Schindler married Mrs. Zena Tucker, a daughter of John Byington. She was born in Ste. Genevieve County, Mo., in 1860. After his first marriage Mr. Schindler located on his farm adjoining Perryville, where he has since resided. He was appointed deputy postmaster of Perryville in 1879, and served as deputy sheriff from 1882 to 1885. In 1886 he and William P. Faherty engaged in selling agricultural implements at which they have been very successful. In July, 1887, Mr. Schindler purchased an interest in his present business. Politically he is a Democrat. He and wife are members of the Roman Catholic Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Clement Schindler, a son of Raymond Schindler (see sketch), was born in Perry County in 1852. He remained at home until his marriage, when he bought 140 acres of land near the old homestead upon which he has since resided. Mr. Schindler was first married in November, 1876, to Julia C. Killian, a daughter of John M.A. and Matilda Killian, by whom he is the father of four children: Verena J., born June 19, 1880; Helena Mary, born August 18, 1883; Colette Bernardine, born on October 20, 1884; and Alfred Benedict Clement, born November 25, 1886. Mrs. Schindler died on April 6, 1887, and on May 15, 1888, Mr. Schindler married Mary T., a daughter of Henry Johnson. Both he and wife are members of the Catholic Church, and he is a Democrat in politics.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Anthony H. Schindler, a prosperous farmer of Cinque Homme Township, Perry Co., Mo., is a son of Raymond Schindler (see sketch). He was born in Perry County in 1854, and was liberally educated in the county in both German and English, receiving the former at Snow Bush and the latter at St. Mary’s Seminary. After finishing his education he began working on a farm, and in 1880 was united in marriage with Mary E. Baggett, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Welch) Baggett, of Kentucky. Mary E. was born in Kentucky in 1855, and came with her parents to Perry County in 1861, where she afterward grew to womanhood and received her education. After his marriage Mr. Schindler took his wife to the home he had previously prepared for them, one mile southeast of Perryville and remained there three years, when he sold out and purchased where he now resides. His farm comprises 197 acres of fine land on which are good improvements. Mr. Schindler is a practical farmer and a respected citizen. In politics he endorses and supports the principles of the Democratic party, and in religious faith is a Catholic.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Caspar Schlatman was born on January 28, 1826, in the Province of Hanover, Germany. He is a son of Herman and Mary (Harkamaller) Schlatman. Herman Schlatman was born in Hanover in 1776, and in 1856 immigrated to the United States, after which he resided with his son, Caspar, until his death in 1862. His wife died in the fatherland in 1846. They were the parents of three children, two of whom are living: Christiana (wife of Morand Compass, of Scott County, Mo.) and Caspar. The latter grew to manhood on a farm, and in 1853 left his native country and came to America, settling in Perry County, Mo. In January, 1854, he was united in marriage with Anna Schwenne, also a native of the Province of Hanover. She was born in 1826 and came to America at the same time as her husband. In the fall of 1854 Mr. Schlatman purchased forty acres of land near Highland, six miles southwest of Perryville, and commenced tilling the soil. His wife died in 1865, leaving four children: Henry, Bernard, Clements and William. In 1866 Mr. Schlatman married Catherine Heckman, who was also born in the Province of Hanover in 1838. She came to America in 1866. Mr. Schlatman commenced life without a dollar, but by industry and close attention to business he earned little by little which he invested in land until he owned over 400 acres. In 1884 he purchased 110 acres two and one-half miles north of Perryville, on which he located and has since resided. He gave his old farm to his two sons, Henry and Clements, and still owns 130 acres on which are good buildings and other improvements. He and family are highly respected and are members of the Catholic Church. His political principles accord with those of the Republican party.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

G.F. Schmidt, a prominent citizen of Altenburgh, Mo., was born in 1834, in the Duchy of Saxe-Altenburgh, Germany. He is the son of Joachim and Mary Schmidt. Joachim Schmidt was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, in 1795, and was a locksmith by trade. He with his family left the fatherland and immigrated to America, and, after a thirteen weeks’ voyage, landed in New Orleans in January, 1839. Going from thence to St. Louis they remained until spring, when they came to Perry County. There he located on a farm and followed agricultural pursuits the remainder of his life, passing away in 1870. His widow, who was born in 1805, is still alive, and is remarkably strong and active for one of her age. She has two children living. G.F. Schmidt received a limited education in the German congregational schools and the night schools at Altenburgh, which he has greatly improved by business experience and much reading. He followed agricultural pursuits until 1862, when he commenced his commercial career as a clerk in a store, but he possessed too much enterprise to long work for others. In the spring of 1863 he, in partnership with Dr. Buenger, purchased a store, which they managed until 1867, when they dissolved partnership, and Mr. Schmidt engaged in business alone at his present place in Altenburgh. Since then he has operated a first-class general merchandise store, and controls a large patronage from the surrounding country. In 1865 he wedded Wilhelmine Seibel, a native of the county, by whom he has five children: Mary, Ernest, Emanuel, Louisa and Clara. Squire Schmidt is a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and is esteemed and honored by those who know him. He has held the office of justice of the peace for more than ten years, and has rendered decisions in many important cases. For the past eight years he has been a notary public. Politically he is a Democrat, and religiously is a Lutheran. He has accumulated some property, and is one of those men of Teutonic blood who appreciate Republican institutions, and confirms his appreciation by good citizenship.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Thomas Seemes, a substantial farmer of Central Township, Perry Co., Mo., is a native of the county, born in 1835. He is a son of Felix and Ann (Maddock) Seemes. Felix Seemes was born in Ste. Genevieve County, Mo., in 1813, and was the son of Thomas Seemes, a native of Maryland, who removed to Kentucky and thence to Ste. Genevieve County, Mo., being one of the early settlers of the latter district. He was a tanner by trade, and about 1815 removed to Perry County, Mo., and sunk a tanyard near St. Mary’s Seminary. Felix Seemes grew to manhood in Perry County, and settled on the Farmington road where Martin Muclfeldt now resides. He owned 190 acres of land. His wife was born in 1816, in Tipperary County, Ireland, and came to America when about fifteen years of age. She died in 1882, Mr. Seemes having died in 1873. They were the parents of thirteen children, eleven of whom are living, viz.: Thomas, Elizabeth (wife of Stephen Miles), Joann (widow of Simeon Layton, of St. Louis), Emanuel, Mary Ann (wife of Mearies Layton), Vincent, Susan (wife of John Boland of St. Louis), Gertrude (widow of Alfonsus Moore), Albin, Henrietta (wife of George Preston of St. Louis), and Margaret, of St. Louis. Thomas was reared to manhood on his father’s farm, and, in November, 1857, married Philomena Miles, a daughter of Francis Miles. She was born where she now lives in 1838. To their union have been born four children: Albert, Victor Lisbon, Christine and Cora. After his marriage Mr. Seemes located where he now resides. He and family are members of the Catholic Church. During the war he was in the Home Militia. Politically, he endorses the principles of the Republican party.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Dr. Reuben Shelby (deceased) was born in Greene County, Penn., in 1803, and was a son of James and Hannah (Ross) Shelby. James Shelby was also a native of Pennsylvania, and was a farmer by vocation. Reuben Shelby grew to manhood on his father’s farm, and received only a common school education. Upon attaining his majority he began teaching school, and continued until he had accumulated sufficient means to attend a medical school, after which he entered the Pennsylvania Medical Institute of Philadelphia, from which he graduated. He afterward went to Texas and began practicing his profession, but after two years in the Lone Star State, came to Perryville, Mo. This was in 1833 and in 1836 he was appointed judge of the county court, which position he filled six years. In 1842 he was elected county surveyor, and served until January 10, 1845, when he was appointed county treasurer to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of John F. Hase. Dr. Shelby held the office until August, 1848, when he also resigned. In 1850 and 1851 he represented Perry County in the Legislature as speaker in the House of Representatives. In 1874 he was placed in nomination by his friends as the Democratic candidate for State senator from his district. He was elected by a large majority, and his political experience and scholarly attainments made him a most efficient member of that body. He practiced his profession for over forty years, and was a very successful physician and surgeon. He was married three times: first, to Sallie Flynn, who died about fifteen months after her marriage; second, to Mary Beauvias, who died in 1857. She has four children living: Joseph (a merchant at Highland, Mo.), Louise (Mrs. Robert Slaughter), Jenning (Mrs. Walter Mattingly) and Reubena (Mrs. James T. Greenwell). In 1861 Dr. Shelby married Marcella Manning, a daughter of Alexis and Mary (Moore) Manning. Mrs. Shelby was born in Perry County, Mo., and is the mother of five children who are living: Carrie (Mrs. Sebastian Moore), Bessie (Mrs. Joseph De Lassus), Reuben, Ernest and Reece. The Doctor died on October 4, 1882. He was a member of the Catholic Church, as is also his widow and children.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

William H. Shoults, senior member of the firm of Shoults & Co., manufacturers of soda water, Perryville, Mo., is a native of Perry County, born in 1843. He is a son of Micager and Berthena (Belsha) Shoults. Micager Shoults was born of German parents in North Carolina in 1811. When six years of age his father, Marcus Shoults, removed his family west, and located in Cape Girardeau County, Mo. Micager Shoults settled in Perry County about 1829. He was married twice, the last time in 1840 with Bertha Belsha. She was born in Perry County, and was a daughter of James Belsha. Micager Shoults located on a farm eight miles east of Perryville, where he still resides. His wife died in 1875, having borne him nine children, six of whom are living, viz.: Catherine (widow of Robert F. Burns), William H., Alexander (a farmer of Perry County, Mo.), James (who resides on the home place), Mark (a farmer near the old home), and Sallie (the wife of Hollis Saddler, a farmer of Cape Girardeau County). William H. was reared on his father’s farm. During the war between the North and the South (though called a Southern sympathizer by some) he was a strong Union man, and served seven months in the Federal army, being discharged at Ironton, Mo. His belief was that the government should be protected, but not that the slaves should be freed. In 1869 he married Mrs. Jane Farrar, nee Black, a daughter of Robert Black. She was born in Perry County, Mo., in 1831. To Mr. and Mrs. Shoults has been born one child, Robert N. Mr. Shoults resided on his farm seven miles east of Perryville, until the fall of 1887, when he removed his family to town. He purchased a grocery store of N.E. Farrar, which he later sold to J.V. Moore, and on February 2, 1888, formed a partnership with Emil Guth and Lawrence Leibler, and engaged in manufacturing soda-water, sarsaparilla, buffalo meat, ginger ale and eider. Politically, Mr. Shoults is a Democrat. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Francis S. Smith, a general merchant and postmaster at Brewer, Mo., is the only survivor of four children born to the marriage of Samuel Smith and Jane Thomas, the former of German, and the latter of English lineage. The parents were married in Illinois, where the father died when Francis S. was a mere lad. In 1844 his widow, with her four children, James H., Cornelius T., Eliza A. and Francis S., came to Missouri and located in Stoddard County. Two years later they came to Perry County, settling first on Apple Creek, but later removing to Bois Brule bottoms, where the mother remained the rest of her life. Francis S. was born on August 7, 1835, in Jackson County, Ill. He was engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1874, when he sold his land, and began merchandising at Eureka, continuing until 1876, when he sold his stock and removed to Brewer and established his present general mercantile business. He can justly claim the distinction of being the first merchant in the town, and the first postmaster, having been commissioned by President in Arthur in May, 1884. On February 17, 1859, he was united in marriage with Mary C. Kinnison, at the residence of her mother, in Perry County. One child was born to their union, William Francis, who was taken from them by death when nineteen years of age, just as he was entering manhood. Mr. Smith is now doubly bereaved, his wife having died on December 12, 1887. She was a devoted member of the Catholic Church. Mr. Smith is left without family, but has a multitude of friends who esteem and honor him.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Richard Swann, an old and highly respected citizen of Perry County, Mo., was born in Cape Girardeau County, in 1827. He is the son of Richard Swann, a native of Maryland, who, when young, immigrated with his parents to North Carolina, where he remained until after his marriage. He then came to Missouri, and, after living two years in Cape Girardeau County, made a permanent location in Perry County. His wife was Catherine Barber, a native of North Carolina, by whom he was the father of thirteen children. The subject of this sketch received his education in the primitive log schoolhouse, and has spent his life in agricultural pursuits. He is the owner of 260 acres of land, and is one of the well-to-do farmers of Perry County. He belongs to a family remarkable for physical strength and strong constitution. He cast his first presidential vote for Buchanan, and has since adhered to the Democratic party, but took no part in the war. He has been twice married, and is the father of seventeen children, fourteen of whom are now alive. His first wife was Mary A. Allan, who bore him thirteen children. After her death he married Elizabeth Johnston, by whom he is the father of four children. His children now living are as follows: Jane, wife of Joseph Callier; Catherine, wife of Eli Callier; Ann, Betsy, Lydia, Louise, Nolia, May, Nellie, Maud, Samuel, Charley, Edward and Benjamin.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Charles Thieret, a merchant and farmer at Longtown, Mo., was born in Germany in 1844. When he was about seven years of age his parents immigrated to America, and three years later located in Perry County. He received a common school education, and was employed in farming until 1870, when he met with an accident which caused him the loss of a leg. The next year he engaged in merchandising, and has since been very successful. During the Civil War he served nine months in the State Militia, and is now a member of Difani post, G.A.R., of Perryville. In 1868 he married Barbara Hoehn, who was born in Perry County, in 1851, and to them have been born eight children: Amelia (the wife of Emanuel Bergmann), Martin, Clara, August, Amalie, Binnetta, Adaline and Arabella. Mr. Thieret is the son of Christopher Thieret, who was born in Germany in 1822. He served his time in the army, was married to Mary Lang in 1843, and lived upon his mother’s farm from that time until 1851. He then came to America, and after living two years in Pennsylvania and one year in Ohio he came to Perry County, Mo., and located on a farm. He served two years in the State Militia during the war, and died in 1864. His wife was born in 1822, and died in 1885. She was the mother of seven children, five of whom are living.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Oliver Thorpe and Lewis Thorpe, brothers, who reside on a nice farm in Bois Brule Township, Perry Co., Mo., are sons of Lewis and Elvretta (Phillips) Thorpe. Their grandfather, Joel Thorpe, a native of England, and a member of an old and aristocratic family, came to America about 1790, and located in Connecticut, where he married. He served in the United States army during the War of 1812, and was later killed by the Indians. His children were Basil, Lewis, Dayton, Warren, Pharis, Julia and Diantha. Basil served in the United States army during the Mexican War, in which he was wounded. After the war and the healing of his wound he became a resident of Ohio, and was located on the shore of Lake Erie. For a number of years prior to his marriage Lewis was a sailor on Lake Erie, and after coming West was engaged in carrying produce on a flat-boat down the Mississippi River to New Orleans. He came to Missouri about 1818, and three years later was married to Anna Preston, who died, having borne several children, none of whom are now living. Mr. Thorpe afterward married Elvretta Phillips, who is yet living, aged sixty-five years. To them were born the following children: Sarah (Mrs. William E. Rhoades), Joel (who married Margaret Manning), Martha (Mrs. James B. Davis), Caroline (Mrs. James Bradham), Oliver (is single) and Henry L. (married Columbia A. Pearson). The family at first livd below Allen’s Landing, on land which Mr. Thorpe entered and improved, and upon which his first wife and her children died. Oliver was born after the family removed to the highlands, and now resides on the homestead, one of the best known bachelors in the county. The death of Lewis Thorpe occurred on May 1, 1859, and his widow later became the wife of James A. Burns, who died in 1873. By this marriage she was the mother of two daughters: Rebecca A. (the wife of Henry R. Killian) and Victoria (the wife of George Killian). Mrs. Thorpe was the widow of Joseph Sadler when she became the wife of Lewis Thorpe, and was the mother of the following children: Elizabeth (Mrs. Frederick Layton) and James J. (who was a soldier in the late war). Besides their farming interests the Thorpe brothers own and operate a saw mill located on their farm. They are men of enterprise and integrity, who are respected by all who know them.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Hon. James F. Tucker is a member of one of the oldest families in Perry County, where he was born in 1828. He is one of thirteen children born to Josephus and Nancy (Kenner) Tucker. Josephus was born in Richmond, Va., in 1780, and when a lad removed with his parents to Georgia. In February, 1802, he arrived in Missouri, and located in what is now Perry County, where he died in October, 1858. During his early residence in the county he was employed at the salt works of Gen. Dodge, but during the greater portion of his life he was engaged in farming. James F. Tucker was reared upon the farm, and received his education at the Hertich Academy in Ste. Genevieve County. Subsequently he was engaged in teaching and farming for several years. In 1853 he engaged in merchandising at Rozier’s Mill, and continued until 1858, since which time he has devoted his attention to farming and trading in stock, carrying on an extensive business in that line. He is the owner of 600 acres of land lying in St. Mary’s Township. He is thoroughly well acquainted with Perry County and her people, and in 1884 he was elected to the Legislature, in which he was an influential member. He was an advocate of all worthy measures, and refers with especial pride to the advocacy of the supreme court commission bill and of the Downing high license bill. In the summer of 1858 Mr. Tucker married Miss Margaret Abernathy, a native of Perry County, born in 1839, and they now have one child, Robert L., a student in the Columbia Law School.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Nereus Tucker, public administrator of Perry County, Mo., is a native of the county, born in 1838. He is a son of Raymond and Mary Martina (Cissell) Tucker, both natives of Perry County, Mo., born in 1811 and 1815, respectively. Raymond Tucker’s father, Peter Tucker, was a native of Virginia, who came into Perry County at the beginning of the present century and settled in St. Mary’s Township. Raymond Tucker afterwards located on the old home farm, where he owned 640 acres. He died in 1877, and his widow in 1879. To them were born five children, who lived to be grown: Nereus, Ferdinande (deceased, who was the wife of Francis M. Moore), Ambrosia (wife of Ambrose Moore), Joseph Raymond and Mary Irena (wife of Frank N. Miles). Nereus grew up on his father’s farm, and in June, 1858, was united in marriage with Miss Tresa Tucker, a native of the county, born in 1837. She is a daughter of Josiah Tucker. After his marriage Mr. Tucker located on the old home farm, but after two years he purchased seventy-four acres in Saline Township, to which he afterward added eighty-two acres. In March, 1888, he located where he now resides, one and a half miles northwest of Perryville, on a farm of 110 acres. He has deeded 152 acres to his eldest boys. He and wife have seven children, viz.: Albert C., Philip L., Annie Belle, Nellie, Bertie, Sadie and Jodie. All of the family are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Tucker is a Democrat, and in 1884 was elected to his present office, having served nearly four years. During the war he served in the Home Militia.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Simeon S. Tucker, a well-to-do farmer and stock raiser of Perry County, Mo., was born in 1839, and is a son of Josiah and Sarah (Miles) Tucker, both natives of Perry County. Josiah Tucker was a farmer by occupation, and lived and died in his native county. His wife was born in 1812, and died on January 5, 1877. She was followed by her husband in 1880. They were among the first people born in what is now Perry County, and were the parents of eleven children, only one of whom is dead. Simeon S. was reared on his father’s farm. During the war he served about fourteen months in Company B, Sixty-fourth Missouri Home Guards. He was married on January 25, 1864, to Mary A. Cissell, a native of the county, born on May 15, 1845. Her parents, Joseph and Mary Cissell, were natives of Kentucky, born in 1792 and 1801, respectively. Joseph Cissell came with his parents to Missouri in 1802, where he married afterward and located on a  farm. He died on Mach 22, 1878, followed by his wife on January 15, 1883. Of their eight children only two are living. Mrs. Tucker is the mother of five children: Mary L., Joseph E., Clara, Mary B. and Grace M. The eldest daughter is now attending the Visitation Convent, St. Louis. Mr. Tucker is an enterprising farmer, and owns 400 acres of fine land. In politics he is a Republican. From 1880 to 1884 he served as public administrator of the county. He and family are communicants of the Catholic Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Leo P. Tucker, a prosperous farmer of Perry County, Mo., is the son of Josiah and Sarah Tucker (see sketch of Simeon S. Tucker). Leo P. was born in Perry County, Mo., in 1859, and was reared on his father’s farm, securing a good education in the common schools. He has devoted himself to agricultural pursuits, and is now the owner of 300 acres of fine land. He was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth McBride, a native of Perry County, who was born in 1856. Two children have been born to their union: Leo E. and Mary L. Mr. Tucker and family are respected citizens, and are zealous members of the Roman Catholic Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Emanuel Urban, a merchant of Longtown, Mo., was born in Germany in 1840, and is the only child of John G. and Sophia (Hopfer) Urban. John G. Urban was born in Reuss, Germany, in 1800. He attended Bueggen College and learned the linen weaver’s trade, at which he became a master workman. In 1833 he inherited a grocery store, which he managed in connection with working at his trade until 1841, when he immigrated to America, and located on a farm near Uniontown, Perry County, Mo. He, however, continued weaving until 1845, when he became colporteur for the American Tract Society, traveling through Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois. He retired to his farm in 1860, and made his home with his son, Emanuel, from 1865 until his death in 1879. His wife, to whom he was married in 1839, died in 1842. She was born in Saxony in 1822. Emanuel was educated in the common schools of Perry County, and in 1861 enlisted in the Federal army, joining Company I, Eighth Missouri Regiment of Volunteers, with which he participated in the battle of Shiloh, siege of Corinth, battle of Arkansas Post, and the siege of Vicksburg, from Sherman’s attack until the surrender of Grant. After the evacuation of Jackson, Miss., in 1863, he was taken sick and was in the hospital from September until December, after which he served in the Veteran Reserve Corps until he received his discharge in August, 1864. He was then engaged in business in St. Louis until his marriage in 1865 with Theresa Gertiser of St. Louis. She was born in Switzerland in 1845, and is the mother of twelve children: Belle (wife of C. Wirth), Emma, Eugene, Sophia, Walter, Nora M., Emanuel T., Flora, Carl, Robert, Hilda and John. In 1865 Mr. Urban engaged in business in Longtown, Mo., which he has successfully continued, and in 1878 purchased a grist mill which he has also managed. He controls a large trade, and is one of the leading men of the township. He served as postmaster of Longtown from 1868 to 1881, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity and G.A.R. He and wife are consistent members of the Baptist Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Venantius Van Eeckhoute, a prosperous blacksmith of Bois Brule Bottoms, was born in Sheboygan County, Wis., in 1856. His father, Leonard Van Eeckhoute, was a native of Belgium, and his mother of Holland. They were married in Wisconsin in February, 1855, and Venantius was four years of age when they came to Perry County, Mo. Locating at Allen’s Landing Mr. Leonard Van Eeckhoute began working at his trade, that of carpentering and wagon-making. The first store house at that place was built by him. He built many houses in Wisconsin prior to coming to Missouri. Besides his work at his trades, he rented land and was engaged in agriculture. Both he and wife died in Perry County, he on January 17, 1876, aged nearly sixty-six years, and his wife of April 8, 1881, in her fifty-fifth year. They were the parents of five children: Venantius, Polycarpus, Mary C., John B. and Mary Josephine, of whom only the oldest two are living. Venantius was married on July 26, 1880, to Mary J. Layton, seventh daughter of Augustine A. Layton, and to them have been born five children, only two of whom, Joseph V. and Peter Francis, are living. At the time of his marriage, Mr. Van Eeckhoute was engaged in the blacksmith business at Brewer, where he had previously learned the trade with Thomas W. Robinson. In 1885 he began business at his present location, where he has been very successful. He operates a blacksmith and general repair shop in both wood and iron, having learned the wagon-maker’s trade from his father. In the fall of 1886 he was elected justice of the peace, and is filling the office in a satisfactory manner. He is the second youngest justice in the county, James H. Difani being his junior only a few months.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Henry Verschelden was born in Belgium, in 1838, and is a son of Louis A. and Eugenia (Geobert) Verschelden. When Henry was about six years of age his mother died, and his father married Miss Mary Gysels in the autumn of 1855. Soon after the family came to America and located at New Hope, Lincoln Co., Mo. Three years later they removed to St. Louis, and in 1859 made a permanent location in Perry County, where Mr. Verschelden died in 1868, and his wife in 1867. Henry was a soldier during the late war, serving as a member of Company L, Fifth Cavalry, Missouri State Militia. He received his discharge in March, 1865, and upon his return home began farming in Bois Brule Bottom. In 1867 he was joined in marriage with Lucinda E. Case, who died in the fall of 1871. The next year Mary Daily, a native of Hamilton County, Ill., became his wife, and to them has been born one child, Alice E. In 1867 Mr. Verschelden was appointed constable, and served until his election as justice of the peace in 1870. In 1886 he was again elected to the latter office, but resigned in 1887. He is the owner of a portable engine, and a saw and grist mill located in Claryville, and is also the proprietor of a steam thresher.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

John L. Vessels, a retired farmer of Perryville, Mo., is a native of Perry County, Mo., born in 1837. He is a son of George and Mary (Burns) Vessels, natives of Kentucky and Perry County, Mo., respectively. When a youth George Vessels came to Perry County, Mo., with his father, Elijah Vessels, who was one of the pioneers of Perry County. George Vessels settled on a farm in Saline Township, and became one of the county’s most influential citizens. He served four terms as county judge. His death occurred on February 3, 1856. His wife, who was a daughter of David Burns, died on December 26, 1843. She was the mother of seven children, only two of whom are living: Lydia (wife of Joseph Klump) and John L. The latter grew up on a farm, and on February 20, 1862, married Miss Elizabeth Meridith, a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Hogard) Meridith, natives of Perry County, Mo., and Virginia, and born in 1814 and 1819, respectively. Daniel Meridith died in 1852, and his wife in 1864. Mrs. Vessels was born in Perry County, Mo., in 1842. After his marriage Mr. Vessels located on a farm of 145 acres in Bois Brule Township, Perry County, and devoted his time and attention to tilling the soil. Being a good manager he was prosperous, and added acre after acres to his farm until he had 600 acres of good bottom land, 300 acres in cultivation, on which he resided until 1885, when he removed his family to Perryville, that his children might have the benefit of the superior schools in town. He owns a fine residence in Perryville, and twenty-two acres of land in the suburbs. In politics he is a Democrat, and is a member of the A.O.U.W. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church. They have four children, viz.: Henry, John, Frank and Nellie.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

John F. Walker, late of the general mercantile firm of Walker Bros., Crosstown, Mo., was born in 1856. His father, William H. Walker, was a North Carolinian by birth and a farmer by occupation. He was born in 1838, and while yet a young man came to Missouri and located in Perry County. He married Emily E. Delapp, who was born in Cape Girardeau County in 1828. They were the parents of nine children, six of whom are living. They are Enos L., Susan E. (wife of J.A. Cook), Mary M. (wife of Americus Dixson), Thomas O. and John F. John F. received a common school education, and at the age of sixteen years began his mercantile career as a clerk. After working several years in that capacity, he began business at Brazeau as a member of the firm of E. & J. Walker. After three years the store was removed to Grand Eddy, and there the firm continued to do business until 1881, when they sold out the stock. In 1883 John F. engaged in the general mercantile business in partnership with a younger brother, where he did his share in building up an excellent trade. In politics he is a Republican, and is one of the rising young men of Perry County.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Rev. James M. Warren, of Perry County, Mo., a minister of the Missionary Baptist Church, was born in Iredell County, N.C., on February 21, 1828. He is the son of Joshua and Nancy (Clary) Warren, also natives of North Carolina. Joshua Warren was a farmer, and in 1843 left his native State and came to Missouri, locating in Perry County, near where the subject of this sketch now resides. Becoming dissatisfied he removed to a farm on the line between Arkansas and Missouri, but when the plague known as the black tongue broke out he left there with the intention of taking his family back to North Carolina, but, stopping a while in Perry County with some of his married children, he finally decided to remain there himself. Here he died, about the close of the war, after a life of great usefulness, at the age of seventy-three years. They were the parents of six boys and four girls, two of whom are now alive. Joshua Warren’ s father, William Warren, was drafted into the Revolutionary War, and lived to the extreme old age of one hundred and ten years. The year before he died he grew quite strong and could work like a youth. He read without spectacles, and went to and from the fields whistling as gaily as a boy. Rev. James M. Warren is chiefly a self-made man. He has a good education and is a prominent minister. In 1851 he married Eliza Jane Cottoner, who was born in Cape Girardeau County, Mo., in 1834, and to them have been born nine children, five of whom are now alive: Richard, Joseph, William, Rutter and George. Rev. Warren has always been a man of deep religious convictions. He was reared a Methodist, but from a close study of the Scriptures, he concluded that immersion was the proper form of baptism, and consequently joined the Baptist Church. He served as a deacon in his church for many years, and was ordained to preach the gospel when forty years of age. During the past seventeen years he has preached in many different places in Southeast Missouri, and has been instrumental in bringing many souls to Christ. He is dearly beloved by his church people, and is respected as a citizen.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Robert C. Waters, M.D., a physician of Perryville, Mo., was born five miles from Perryville, in 1856. He is a son of Robert C. and Margaret (Rice) Waters. Robert C. Waters was born in Missouri, Ste. Genevieve County, April 18, 1820. During the religious persecutions in France, three brothers, John, William and Andrew Caldwell, feld to Scotland. After the persecutions ceased they returned to France and secured their coat of arms, a roebuck, a star and three waves of the sea, and set it in the house of Claud, in Scotland. When James VI of Scotland ascended the throne of England the families of these three brothers settled in the North of Ireland, and from that house John Caldwell descended. He immigrated to the United States and settled in Lancaster County, Penn., from whence he removed to Virginia. The senior Robert C. Waters’ mother was a Caldwell, and a direct descendant from the above. When Robert C. was about six years old his father, Joab Waters, removed to Perry County, Mo., and settled in Bois Brule Bottom. Robert C. married in Perry County. In 1856 he located in the farm now owned by the widow of Frank Hoffman. Mr. Waters died in 1865. His wife was a native of Perry County, born in 1831, and a daughter of James Rice, a leading political factor in the county for many years. He served for a number of years as clerk of the county court. He was of Irish birth and could speak German fluently. Mrs. Waters died in 1859, and was the mother of five children, the subject of this sketch being the only one living. He was but two and a half years old when his mother died, and about nine years old when his father died. He received his literary education in the public schools and in St. Vincent’s College, Cape Girardeau. At the age of eighteen he began teaching school and taught one year. When nineteen years of age he began the study of his chosen profession, and in 1878 graduated from the St. Louis Medical College. Returning to Perryville he began practicing his profession. He now has a large practice, and stands high in the estimation of the people who know him. He has a fine library, and possesses excellent literary taste. In 1879 he married Clara M. De Lassus, a native of the county, born in 1856. She is a daughter of Leon De Lassus, a grandson of Charles Dehault De Lassus, the last lieutenant-governor of Upper Louisiana. Her mother was Mary Louise Elliot, a relative of President Elliot of Harvard College, and a descendant of John Elliot, the apostle to the Indians. Politically the Doctor is a Democrat. He is a member of the Southeast Missouri Medical Association, and also of the American Medical Association. He and wife are members of the Catholic Church. They have four children: Robert, Elma, Leon and Cyrille.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Charles A. Weber, judge of probate of Perry County, Mo., was born at Planena, in the Kingdom of Prussia, on January 15, 1833. He is a son of Christopher and Dorothea Weber. In 1838 Christopher Weber immigrated to the United States and landed at St. Louis, Mo., where he died on or about the 24th day of December, 1838. In the spring of 1839 the widow, with her six children – three sons and three daughters, of whom Charles A. is the youngest – removed to Perry County, Mo., and settled on a farm near Altenburg in said county, where Charles A. received his education, and where the widow died in 1860. At the age of fifteen years he returned to St. Louis and engaged in the business of druggist and apothecary, serving three years as an apprentice and one as a clerk. He then returned to Perry County, and, in company with E. Estel, opened a general store at Altenburg, and a few years later this firm established another store, with a warehouse attached, at Wittenberg, in the same county, which was placed in the charge of Charles A., who also engaged in the business of receiving and forwarding and in selling cord wood to steamboats until the beginning of the Civil War. In September, 1861, Mr. Weber organized Company G, of the Fourth Regiment, Missouri Militia, six months’ volunteers, of which he was elected captain, and with which he served until February 25, 1862, when he was honorably discharged by reason of expiration of term of service. In March, 1862, he was elected county clerk to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Henry T. Burns, his predecessor, and, being re-elected from time to time, he occupied that position until December 31, 1878. In June, 1862, he was appointed assistant enrolling officer for Perry County, and in that capacity enrolled and organized the Sixty-fourth Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia, of which he was commissioned major in November of the same year. In May, 1863, he was placed on detached service with a battalion of three companies and attached to the Eighth Provisional Regiment, Enrolled Missouri Militia. He remained in active service with his battalion until October 19, 1863, when he resigned and resumed the duties of the county clerk’s office, which has been conducted by a deputy during his absence. April 25, 1864, he was commissioned lieutenant- colonel of the Sixty-fourth Regiment, Enrolled Missouri Militia, and in August, 1864, he recruited and organized Company C, of the Forty-seventh Regiment Infantry, Missouri volunteers. He was elected captain thereof and was mustered into the United States service on August 29, 1864, for a term of six months, and, having served the United States in this organization something over seven months, he was honorably discharged at St. Louis, Mo., March 29, 1865. Judge Weber was married to Martha A. Hellwege, October 23, 1856; she is a native of the Kingdom of Hanover, born in 1837. There were born to them seven children, one of whom, an infant daughter, died at the age of about one year; the remaining six are Rosalie D. (wife of William Preusse), Martha S. (wife of August P. Beekman), Ottielie (wife of W.J. Ochs), Charles E., Adolph J. and Martin A. Having been defeated for the office of county clerk in November, 1878, he was commissioned notary public in January, 1879, which he held until elected judge of probate in 1880. Judge Weber entered upon the discharge of the duties of the office of judge of probate on January 1, 1881, and now occupies the same, having been re-elected twice since his first election in November, 1880; his term of office will expire December 31, 1890. Politically he is a liberal Republican, a member of the G.A.R., and he and his family are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Joseph G. Weinhold, of the firm of Estell & Weinhold, Wittenberg, Perry County, Mo., was born in the county in 1844. His father, a native of the Kingdom of Saxony, came to Perry County with the colony in 1839. He was by trade a miller and millwright, and worked as a carpenter and millwright until 1851, when he rented Wilkinson’s Mill. By his skill this was made a paying enterprise both to him and the owner of the mill. (For more extended mention of him, see sketch preceding this.) Judge Weinhold attended the schools of Altenburg until he was fourteen years old, after which he spent two years at a college in St. Louis. He then became an apprentice in the milling business, and in 1863 he returned to Frohna and assisted his father in the erection of the mills at that place. Three years later he assisted his father in erecting a mill at Wittenberg, of which he has since become one of the proprietors. These mills have a reputation equal to that of Frohna Mills, and the flour ground here has received the highest award at several State fairs. The roller process was adopted in 1881, and the annual shipments now amount to from 22,000 to 25,000 barrels. Judge Weinhold is held in high esteem by the citizens of Perry County, and has served for six years as judge of the county court. He has also been justice of the peace for several terms, and is now notary public. He is a stanch Democrat, and is the present chairman of the Democratic Central Committee of Perry County. He was married in 1863 to Mary Bretscher, who was born in St. Louis in 1845. They have a family of eight children: Emily, Dora, Agnes, Josephine, Martha, Cora, Lydia and Adele.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Prof. J.H. Welp, of the Evangelical Lutheran School, of Frohna, Mo., was born in St. Louis in 1858. He is the son of Henry and Elizabeth Welp. Henry Welp was born in the Kingdom of Prussia in 1828, and when a young man came to America where he was married to Elizabeth Kleiborker, a native of the Kingdom of Hanover, born in 1830. This couple now resides in South Chicago and are the parents of six children who are living. Prof. J.H. Welp was educated in the Evangelical Lutheran Teachers’ Seminary, at Addison, Ill., from which institution he graduated in 1881. After finishing his education he taught school in South Chicago for more than a year, when he was called to Frohna, Mo., to teach in the Evangelical Lutheran parochial school. He is a man of culture, and has been very successful as an educator. He is a close student, and has a library of useful books by which he can gratify his taste for reading. In 1882 his marriage with Regina Swenhafel was celebrated. She was born in Illinois in 1860. To their marriage have been born three children: Rosa, Albert and Amanda.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Walter S. Wilkinson, merchant and postmaster of Bois Brule, was born in Perry County in 1850, and is the son of William and Teresa J. (Sweenk) Wilkinson (see sketch of Judge William R. Wilkinson). His mother was the fifth wife of Mr. Wilkinson, and to her were born four children by this marriage. Those living are Walter S., Munson (who married Annie Nellis, and is now a mechanic at West Fall Brook, Cal.) and Benjamin F. (who married Julia De Lassus, and is now a resident of San Diego, Cal.). By a former marriage Mrs. Wilkinson was the mother of one son, J.V. Worshum, who resides upon the old homestead. The subject of this sketch for ten years was engaged in agricultural pursuits. In March, 1884, in partnership with his brother, Benjamin F., he purchased a stock of goods of De Lassus & McKinzie, at Anchor Landing, and has since been engaged in merchandising. He has built up a fine trade, his sales during 1887 amounting to $9,000. Mr. Wilkinson was as successful a farmer as he is a merchant, and during his last year upon the farm raised upon 200 acres of land 5,800 bushels of wheat, that netted him over $6,000. He has been twice married. His first wife was Emma Dickson, who died, leaving one daughter, Ella May. He chose for his second wife Carrie McPike, whom he wedded September 12, 1880. They have two children living: Lulu B. and Walter E.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

William R. Wilkinson, judge of the county court for the Eastern District of Perry County, was born in the county September 7, 1854. He is the son of John and Elizabeth (Lawson) Wilkinson, native of Yorkshire, England. John Wilkinson, at the age of four years, came to America with his parents, who located at Jeffersonville, Ind., where he grew to manhood. When sixteen years old he began working at the ship carpenter’s trade and continued about seven years. He and his father then built the steamboat “Laurel,” and launched it for trade between Louisville, Ky., and Alton, Ill. On its second trip it sunk at what has since been known as Wilkinson’s Landing, on the Mississippi River, in Perry County. By this misfortune John Wilkinson was left penniless but not discouraged. He began chopping cord-wood for the steamboats, hauling it to the bank of the river in winter on a hand sled and in summer on a wheelbarrow. He worked in this way until he was able to buy a yoke of oxen, and from this time forth prosperity smiled upon him. As soon as he obtained a little surplus of money he invested it in land, and in this way he added acre after acre and tract after tract until he became the owner of 12,000 acres, valued at fully $100,000. He died in 1876 esteemed and honored by all who knew him. He was the father of three children, who survived him: Amelia (wife of Isaac Meredith, of Chester, Ill.), William R. and Jennie (wife of George S. Hatch, of Perry County.) William R. received his early education in the public schools, and in 1871 entered the University of Missouri, from which, in 1874, he graduated in the horticultural course. He then returned to his native county, and has since been engaged in farming, milling and the improvements of his lands. He is proprietor of Wilkinson Anchor Mills, Altenburg, Mo., and saw mills in Jackson County, Ill., giving employment to thirty or forty men, cutting more lumber than any mills in this section of country. In politics he is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Tilden. In 1884 he was elected a judge of the county court, over two Democratic opponents, by a large majority, and in 1886 was re-elected without opposition. He was the youngest man ever elected to the county bench. He is a member of Triple Tie Lodge, A.F. & A.M., of Brazeau; of Wilson R.A.C., of Cape Girardeau, and of the St. Louis Commandery, K.T. In 1877 Judge Wilkinson was united in marriage with Miss Jennie McPike, a daughter of Hon. H.G. McPike, of Alton, Ill., and to them have been born three children, only one living. It has been well said of him that he is a man of intelligence, coupled with good, practical, business sense, acquired in the successful personal management of extensive legitimate business interests. As a public servant, in the responsible capacity of county judge, he has invariably exhibited equally as good, sound judgment, as much executive ability, and as much fidelity to the interests of the public, as he has shown in his private affairs – as much in fact as though he alone were to be affected by his official acts. And the impress of his sound, practical, business sense is seen in the present gratifying financial condition of the county, and which is largely due to his efficient service in the county court. He has always stood up for economy in the management of county affairs and in that useful capacity has justly earned the title of “watch dog of the county treasury.” By his prompt and efficient work in capturing St. John, the burglar, Judge Wilkinson again demonstrated the high sense of responsibility with which he regards a public office, and to him is due much of the credit for the capture and conviction of the other burglars and especially for the recovery of the money found on St. John’s person.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Robert M. Wilson was born in Perry County, Mo., in 1851, and is a son of Jacob F. and Hannah M. (Martin) Wilson. Jacob F. Wilson was born in Iredell County, N.C., in 1813, and was a farmer by vocation. When about four years of age he came with his father, Robert Wilson, to Perry County, Mo., and settled on a farm in Union Township, being among the first settlers of the county. After his marriage Jacob F. Wilson settled on the old home place, where he passed his life, dying in 1866. He owned 360 acres of land. His wife was born in 1816 and died in 1887. They were the parents of five children, two of whom are living, viz.: Emma (wife of James M. Seibert, treasurer of the State of Missouri) and Robert M. The latter received a fair education, which was begun in the common schools and finished at the State University, at Columbia, Mo. In 1875 he began teaching school and continued for three years, after which he was engaged in farming until 1880 when he was elected collector of Perry County. The following year he removed his family to Perryville, and in 1882 was re-elected to the same office. In 1886 he was elected county treasurer and is the present incumbent. In 1885 he and William Furth established a bank at Perryville, of which Mr. Wilson is cashier and manager. His marriage with Miss Emma E. Young was celebrated in 1877. She is a native of the county, born in 1861, and is a daughter of Reuben Young. Mr. Wilson is a man of good business capacity, and is highly esteemed by all who know him. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and in politics is a Democrat having cast his first vote for Horace Greeley.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Mathias Wukasch, of the Evangelical Lutheran School at Frohna, Mo., was born in the Kingdom of Saxony in 1850. He is the son of Mathias and Anna Wukasch, natives of Germany. Mathias Wukasch, Sr., is still living and residing in Texas. His wife died in 1874. Mathias Wukasch, Jr., was educated in the Lutheran Seminary at Addison, Ill., graduating from the institution in 1873. He was immediately called to his present position, where for the last fifteen years he has instructed in the youth. His ability and success as an educator is amply illustrated by the length of time he has held the first position. The schools at Frohna are well managed, and are in a prosperous condition. In 1877 he was united in marriage with Anna Fischer, who died in 1880 leaving one child, Joseph. Mr. Wukasch afterward married Johanna Schieferdecker, by whom he is the father of four children: Clara, Emma, Paul and Magdalena.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Simon Yount, a farmer of Bois Brule Bottom, was born in Bollinger County, Mo., in 1854, and is the son of Catherine Yount, who at that day was the property of John S. Yount. During the war, and immediately after the proclamation of emancipation, Catherine Yount and her son went to Cape Girardeau, where they secured employment. Simon became a waiter for Captain R. Butler, of the Second Missouri Cavalry, with whom he remained until 1866. He then sought out his mother, securing work in different capacities. On September 29, 1870, he married Ellen Thompson, who was born in Cape Girardeau County on June 21, 1855. She is the daughter of George and Lucinda Thompson, both of whom at her birth were the property of James Davis. After his marriage he was engaged in farming in Illinois until 1882, when he came to Perry County and resumed his former occupation. His first crop was washed away by the high waters of the Mississippi River, but the next year he succeeded better, and he has persevered until now he is accounted one of the successful farmers of the Bottom. His wife is a thoroughly good housekeeper, and their home is tastily furnished. They have a family of five children: Anna, Mary, Allie, Snowie and Samuel.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888). 

Ferdinand Zoellner, of the firm of Tacke & Zoellner, of Muehlhime, Perry County, Mo., was born in Cape Girardeau County, Mo., in 1862. He is the youngest child of Ferdinand and Nettie (Dolle) Zoellner, both of whom are natives of Laugenholdhausen, Prussia, born in 1808 and 1820, respectively. Ferdinand Zoellner, Sr., was educated in the fatherland, and, his mother being left a widow, his youth was spent in helping to do the farm work. When twenty-one years of age he was drafted into the German army, and served four years. For some time he was engaged in digging ore from the copper mines of Germany. In 1839 he came to America, landing at Baltimore in October, after a fourteen weeks’ voyage. He came from Maryland to Cape Girardeau County, where he purchased land, which he immediately began improving. In 1840 he married Nettie Dolle, who came with her parents to America on the same ship as her husband. Their union was blessed by the birth of five children: Henry, Lizzette (the deceased wife of Adolph Tacke), Gustave, Tilda and Ferdinand. The last named was educated in the public schools, and at the age of twenty-two years engaged in the mercantile business, at which he has been very successful. In politics he is a stanch Republican, having cast his first vote for Blaine.
Source: History of Southeast Missouri (1888).