JOHN F. ADAMS
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
Transcribed by: Anna Newell © 2006
John F. Adams, bridge contractor and practical blacksmith, is a resident of New Haven, and a native of Virginia, born in 1839. His parents, George and Nancy (Anderson) Adams, were also natives of Virginia, where they were reared, married, and where the father died in 1847. The mother is still living. Our subject was reared by the filial care of a mother, and secured a fair education in the common schools. In 1849 he went to St. Louis, and from there to Louisiana, Mo., where he worked at his trade. He made a trip to his home in 1860, but soon returned to Louisiana at about the time of the breaking out of the late war. He espoused the Union cause, and, in August 1861, enlisted in Company H, of Henderson's brigade, and after about five months’ service (the time of enlistment) he re-enlisted February 1862, in Company C, Third Missouri Cavalry, and remained in service in Arkansas and Missouri until March, 1865, participating in all the engagements in which his command took part. He was captured at Centerville, Mo., just before Christmas, 1863, and held a prisoner four days, when he was retaken by his command. He was discharged at Macon City in March 1865 after which he returned to Louisiana, Mo., and resumed his trade. In 1866 he wedded Miss Martha C., a native of Indiana, and the daughter of John S. and Elizabeth Tipton. Seven children were born to this union, only one now living, viz.I da R. In 1878 our subject left Louisiana and came to New Haven, where he has since made his home. He continued blacksmithing until about 1882, since which time he has engaged in contracting and building bridges for the county and for various railroad companies. He also runs his shop by employes. In 1880 he was chairman of the board of town trustees, and this was followed by three terms as mayor of the city. He has been a Republican in politics since the war, and cast his first presidential vote for S. A. Douglas. He is a member of the A.O.U.W., a member of the G. A. R., has taken one degree in Masonry, and belongs to the Baptist Church. Mr. Adams learned his trade in early life, and has followed it more or less ever since.
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WILLIAM AHRENS
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
Transcribed by: Anna Newell © 2006
William Ahrens, manufacturer and dealer in foreign and domestic cigars, of Washington, Mo., is a native of Westphalia, Germany, born in 1858; son of Ernest and Mary Ahrens, natives of Germany, born in 1822 and 1824, respectively. The father was a teamster and mail carrier. He died in 1878, and his widow in 1879. Of their twelve children only three are now living, viz: William (our subject), August, a painter in Wichita, Kas., and Augusta, in Germany. Our subject was educated in his native country, and at the age of thirteen commenced learning his trade, working as an apprentice for three years. He afterward worked as a journeyman in Germany until 1880, when he immigrated to the United States, and for three years worked in various cities throughout the Union. In 1883 he came to Washington, Mo., established his factory and began the manufacture of cigars on his own responsibility. He manufactures about 108,000 per annum and makes ten different brands. His best, however, are "Little Billy," "Stonewall," and "Washington’s Daisies." Mr. Ahrens is a first-class workman and a good business man.BACK Franklin County, Missouri Genealogy Trails
Henry Alberswerth, dealer in general hardware and farm machinery, at New Haven, is a native of Lyon Township, Franklin Co., Mo., born in 1850, and the son of Fritz and Wilhelmina (Oberwortman) Alberswerth, natives of Germany, who came with their parents to Franklin County, Mo., and were here married about 1848. They located in Lyon Township, where the mother died when our subject was quite young. The father died in 1859, at the age of thirty-four. He spent a few years in St. Louis after coming to the United States, having a position in the post office, but passed the greater portion of his time engaged in agricultural pursuits. Henry remained with different relatives until about fifteen years of age, his entire schooling being not more than a few months. He then began for himself at such work as he could obtain until 1872, when he was united in marriage to Miss Caroline, daughter of William and Charlotte Koch, natives of Germany. Mrs. Alberswerth was born in Franklin County, and by her marriage became the mother of six children, five now living, viz : Ida, William, Edward, Amanda and Caroline. After marriage our subject first located on the old home place in Lyon Township, and this farm he afterward purchased. It consisted of 200 acres, on which he lived and farmed until February, 1885,when he removed to New Haven, and has since been engaged in the hardware business with very good success. Politically a Republican, he cast his first presidential vote for J. G. Blaine. Although not identified with any religious denomination he and family are regular attendants and supporters of the Evangelical Church.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
Transcribed by Barb Z. -2008
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Edward J. Alberswerth, a native farmer of Boeuf Township, and the elder of the two sons of Franz and Frederica (Fleer) Alberswerth, was born in 1859. Franz Alberswerth, a native of Hanover, Germany, born in 1836, was brought to the United States by his parents, Henry and Margaret Alberswerth, when but three years old. They located in Franklin County, six miles south of Berger Station, where they spent the remainder of their lives, and where Franz, the father of Edward J., still resides. He is one of the well-to-do pioneer farmers of the county, where he has led an industrious, though uneventful life. He has been twice married, his first wife being the mother of our subject, by whom he had two children, Edward J. and Arnold F. Mrs. Alberswerth died in 1862, and in 1864 Mr. Alberswerth married Miss Annie Fleer, a sister of his first wife, and both natives of Germany. By the latter union there were nine children, six of whom are living: George H., Augusta, Lena, Emma, Frank and Louis. Politically Mr. Alberswerth has been a life-long Republican. He and his wife are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Edward J. Alberswerth studied German and English in the public schools, and spent two years at the Central Wesleyan College at Warrenton, after which he taught successfully three terms of school. Since then he has been engaged in farming, and has recently purchased 200 acres of land, about ten miles south of Hermann, Gasconade County, where he intends making his future home in the pursuit of agriculture. He is an industrious and rising young man, and bids fair to become one of the foremost farmers of Gasconade County. He adheres to the same political views as his father.Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
Transcribed by Barb Z. -2008
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Charles Alder, farmer and stock raiser of Boeuf Township, Franklin Co., Mo., is the fifth of seven children born to John and Frances (Rogers) Alder. The father was born in Baltimore, Md., in 1790, and was of English descent. He was reared principally in Virginia, and when young learned the shoemaker's trade, which occupation he followed until thirty years of age. When about twenty-two he started for the West, but stopped at different places to work, so that he was several years reaching Missouri. In 1830, prior lo his marriage, he settled upon the farm where Charles now resides. This is situated three and a half miles south of New Haven. Here he died in 1872. He was a man of industrious and temperate habits, and was universally respected. He started life a poor boy. and, at the time of his death, was worth, perhaps, $20,000, owning over 500 acres of land. The mother was born in Kentucky, and died in 1874, at the age of fifty-seven years. They were married in the year 1832. She was a member of the Christian Church. Charles was born April 8, 1849, was reared at home, and received but a limited education, not having attended over four winter terms of school. June 16, 1875, he married Miss Augusta, daughter of Daniel F. and Wilhelmina Byersdorf, natives of Germany. Mrs. Alder was born in Gasconade County, Mo., and by her marriage became the mother of two children: Jessie and John Arthur. Our subject has passed his entire life on the farm where he was born and reared, which now consists of 270 acres. He is a Republican in his political views, and cast his first presidential vote for Gen. Grant in 1872. He has been for many years a faithful and consistent member of the Christian Church. He has five sisters living—two in Callaway County, two in Franklin County, and one in Kansas. All are married.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
Transcribed by Barb Z. -2008
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Monroe Allen was born in Miller County, Mo., April 1, 1843, and is the son of Joel and Jemimah (Gardner) Allen, both of whom were natives of Barren County, Ky. The father was born August 4, 1808, and died in Franklin County, Mo., November 20, 1884. The mother was born in Miller County, Mo., and died in the same county when Monroe was but a child of four years. The family came to Missouri in 1840, and finally located in Miller County, but from there moved to St. Louis County in 1864, and one year later moved to Franklin County, Mo., whore the father died. He was a farmer by occupation, and the son of Isaiah and Rachel (Brown) Allen, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. Isaiah Allen was born April 15, 1786, and died on the farm on which our subject is now living, January 17, 1869. He came from Kentucky to Missouri when his son, Monroe's father, came and located in Miller County. He afterward moved with him to St. Louis County, and from there to Franklin County. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. His wife was born September 25, 1788, and died in Franklin County at the advanced age of ninety-two years. Joel Allen, after the death of his wife, married Elizabeth Shelton, a native of Tennessee. Monroe received the rudiments of an English education in the schools of Miller County, and, after moving to Franklin County, farmed one year with his father, after which he purchased land, and began farming on his own resources; this lie has continued ever since. September 3,1860, he married Nancy J. Reed, a native of Miller County. Mo., born April 2, 1844, and the daughter of David and Elizabeth Reed. To this union five children have been born, all of whom are now living: Frank B.. Mary O., Joseph R., Anna J. and Alice A. David Reed, the father of Mrs. Allen, was born in Cole County, Mo., in 1808, and died in Howell County, Mo., December 25, 1871. He was a farmer, and for many years held offices in Miller County, such as judge, assessor and sheriff. His wife was born in Wythe County, Va., in 1811, and died in Howell County, Mo., in 1874. The father served under Gen. Price in the late war, and was wounded at Wilson Creek. Both he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, of which he was a steward. Mr. Allen now owns 180 acres of some of the best land in Franklin County, and is a successful farmer. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church, he being deacon in the same. He is also overseer in Excelsior Lodge, No. 399, A. O. U. W., and a Democrat in politics.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
Transcribed by Barb Z. -2008
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August Altheide, farmer and stock raiser, is a native of Prussia, born March 25,1843, and is the fourth of nine children born to Philip and Hannah (Kampamarm) Altheide, who were born in 1807 and 1813, respectively. They were married in 1834, and in 1852 came to the United States, locating in Boeuf Township, where they spent the remainder of their lives, dying in 1884. The mother is still living. When a young man the father learned the trade of fine linen weaving, and followed this occupation while in the old country, where he had several men under his control a portion of the time. After coming to this country he attended exclusively to his farm. August was but ten years old when he came with his parents to the United States. He spent about three years at school in Prussia, and, after coming to the United States, only about three months in the public schools. He had a great desire to learn the English language, and availed himself of every opportunity to further his knowledge in that direction. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, Fifth Missouri Cavalry of " Benton's Hussars," which in November was consolidated with the Fourth Missouri Cavalry, serving in Company M, and afterward in Company D. He operated in Southwest Missouri and Arkansas until the spring of 1863, when he went to Columbus, Ky., spent one year, then went to Mississippi and Tennessee, and in January, 1865, was camped at Vicksburg, where he was mustered out May 24 of the same year. His first important engagement was with Gen. Forrest at Ivy Town, Miss., February 22,1864. at which place he displayed much gallantry, and had his horse shot from under him. The second important battle was at Guntown, Miss., June 10, 1864, and the third on December 28, 1864, at Egypt Station, Miss. He was in nearly all the engagements in which his command participated, entered the ranks as a private, and was mustered out as corporal of Company D. He then returned to Franklin County, remained there until 1867, when he spent one year as a clerk in a grocery store at St. Louis, but was obliged to abandon this on account of his health, and re¬turned to the farm. In 1870 he clerked for about nine months in a store at Drake, Gasconade Co., Mo., and in 1872 was elected constable of Boeuf Town¬ship, and served until the year 1876, when he was elected township collector. Since then he has been a member of the school board. March, 1877, he married Miss Anna, daughter of Christian H. and Louisa Gerding, and a native of Boeuf Township. Four children were born to this marriage: Alfred A. S., A. L. A., Frederick William Herman and Anna. Mrs. Altheide was educated in Colorado, and was for several years a successful teacher. Our subject, since his marriage, has resided on the old home place, situated five miles southwest of New Haven, and this consists of 183 acres, all the result of diligent labor and successful financiering. Mr. Altheide is an honest worker for the cause of education and the general Upbuilding of the country, and for the comfort and advancement of his family. He is a Republican, politically, and cast his first presidential vote for Lincoln in 1864. He is quartermaster of the "Capt. Blaudowsky Post" G. A. R., at New Haven. He and his wife are consistent members of the Evangelical Church.Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
Transcribed by Barb Z. -2008
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Louis A. Ambs, the subject of this sketch, is one of the young and leading business men of Union, Franklin Co., Mo., and proprietor of the leading harness and saddle establishment in the place. He was born in the city of St. Louis, Mo., August 16,1859, and is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Dotzel) Ambs, both of whom were natives of Germany, the father born in 1834, and the mother in 1822. The father immigrated to America in 1844, and located in St. Louis, Mo. He was a cabinet-maker by trade, but for the last thirty years of his life was engaged in the wholesale liquor business in St. Louis, first under the firm title of Jacob Ambs & Co., and last of Jacob Ambs Distilling Company. He was quite prominent in business circles in St. Louis, and was a highly respected citizen. His death occurred in July, 1885. The mother died in February, 1881, and was the daughter of George Dotzel, who settled in Union, Franklin Co., Mo., and carried on a boot and shoe business until his death. Our subject was reared in St. Louis, and received a good education in the common schools and in a private German institute. At the age of fifteen he learned the saddle and harness-maker's trade, serving an apprenticeship of four years. For the next seven years he was engaged as traveling salesman for his father's business, and two more years were passed in traveling for J. D. Sickle's Saddlery Company, of St. Louis. In 1880 he married Miss Rosa Spilker, daughter of August Spilker, of St. Louis, who now makes his home with his daughter. To this union one son. Lewis Jacob, was born, July 21, 1881. Mr. Ambs located in Union in the spring of 1887, and opened up his present business. He erected a large, two-story building in Oak Street, where he has a large and increasing business.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
Transcribed by Barb Z. -2008
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Valentine Anderes, a native of St. Gall, Switzerland, was born in 1838, the youngest of the eleven children born to Sebastian and Mary Ann (Mader) Anderes, the former of whom was a successful farmer. Valentine Anderes was educated in the common schools of his native country, and reared on a farm until ten years of age, when his parents died and he was thrown upon his own resources. He worked in cotton factories for the following four years, when he went to St. Gall to learn the locksmith's trade, which he followed until seven¬teen years of age. He next engaged in railroading for six years, being employed as fireman and engineer on the Union Swiss Railroad, until, on account of ill health, he was forced to give up that work. He kept a hotel in St. Gall until 1869, when he came to the United States, settling at Gray's Summit, Mo., where he engaged in peddling goods until 1871, when he opened a store, which he conducted about two and one-half years, or until December, 1873, when he lost about $5,000 by fire. He subsequently engaged in farming for four years, peddled goods one year, opened store again in 1879, and met with good success. In 1881 he purchased another farm near Pacific, which he kept improving until about three months ago, when he opened the Continental Hotel, in Pacific, under the firm name of V. Anderes & Sons. He was married, in 1861, to Miss Elizabeth Baumgartner, a native of Switzerland, who died in 1882, having been divorced from Mr. Anderes in December, 1872. They had five children: Emil, Frederic, Bertha, Frida and Ida. In April, 1873, Mr. Anderes married Miss Ida Vallmer, a native of Franklin County, of German descent. Six children blessed thisunion, viz.: Otto, "Walter (deceased), Valentia, Edgar, Henry (deceased) and Blanche. Mr. Anderes is a member of the Catholic Church. He is independent in politics, but Democratic in principle.Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
Transcribed by Barb Z. -2008
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H. Arand, the subject of this sketch, was born in Union, Franklin Co., Mo., September 21,1856, and is the son of C. and Anna E. (Wiegel) Arand, both of whom are natives of Germany. The father was born in Heiglenstadt, Prussia, August 16,1835, and immigrated to America in 1850, locating in New Orleans, from which place he removed to St. Louis, Mo. He located in Union in March, 1856, and has since resided here. He is a dealer in boots and shoes, and a shoemaker by trade. He carries a complete line of custom and hand-made boots and shoes, and is meeting with success. The mother was born in Freinhogan, Prussia, May 18, 1828, and immigrated to America in 1848, locating in St. Louis, and was here married to Mr. Arand. Their family consisted of six children, four of whom are now living. Our subject was reared in Union, and attended the public schools until his fifteenth year, securing a fair education. He was engaged with his father in business until 1885, and on July 25 of that year he was commissioned postmaster of Union, a position he now holds.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
Transcribed by Barb Z. -2008
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James Armstrong was born in Queenbrier County, Va., April 9, 1813, and when quite young accompanied his father's family to Chariton County, then Territory of Missouri, in 1819. In 1820 they moved to Labaddie Bottom, Franklin County, in which vicinity and the neighborhood of Washington young James was brought up. In 1822 his father died. In the original family of three daughters and four sons all are deceased save one daughter, now Mrs. Harvey Campbell, who lives near Washington, and the subject of this sketch. In 1840 Mr. Armstrong married Miss Cynthia Ann Hinton, daughter of Col. C. B. Hinton, a prominent citizen living near Washington. He moved to his present residence in the western part of the county (Section 34, Township 44, Range 4 west) in 1843, settling on Government land, and living on it until he had accumulated means with which to enter it. As might well be supposed, neighbors at that time were scarce, and many hardships were undergone in establishing a home amid such pioneer surroundings. Mr. Armstrong raised six children to be grown, four sons and two daughters. Two of the former are now living in Kansas City, and two sons and a daughter reside near the old homestead. One married daughter died in 1867. Mrs. Armstrong died in 1886. Mr. Armstrong has never held any office except that of justice of the peace. He was deputy collector about the year 1858. He has never taken any active part in politics, but has exercised his right of suffrage in a conscientious manner, casting his ballots only for men he believed to be pure and upright and qualified for the position they were seeking, and only for measures which had for their end the advancement of the principles of good government.Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
Transcribed by Barb Z. -2008
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Marsters B. Armstrong, a farmer of Franklin County, and a son of James and Cynthia A. (Hinton) Armstrong, was born in Franklin County, December 26, 1845. He was reared on the farm, and educated in the primitive log school-house of forty years ago. Upon reaching years of manhood he clerked in a store for about two years. In 1869 he married Miss Martha E. Walton, a native of this county and the daughter of Hamden O. Walton. After marriage Mr. Armstrong moved to Saline County, where he farmed until 1871, after which he moved hack to Franklin County, and has made it his home ever since. The same year his wife died, and three years later he married Mary E. Bridges, also a native of Franklin County, born January 28, 1855, and the granddaughter of H. O. Walton. One daughter, Martha L., was the result of his first marriage, and three sons the result of the second marriage. They are named as follows: Edwin E., Charles L., and Hamden C. After farming until 1881 Mr. Armstrong opened a store in Beemont, which he ran for about six years, having a very liberal patronage. Finding the confinement irksome he returned to farming, and now has a farm of seventy-two acres. He is a stanch Democrat, and for three years held the position of deputy assessor. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, as was also his first wife. He is a man of good business qualities, and, with the exception of about two years, has made Franklin County his home. In 1864 he volunteered in Company D, Forty-seventh Missouri Infantry (United States army), and served until the close of the war.
Source: Goodspeed's Franklin County History, 1888, Goodspeed Publishing Co
Transcribed by Barb Z. -2008
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