St. Clair County Missouri
Biographies

E

EDWARDS, D. N.
D. N. Edwards, section 3, was born in Casey County, Kentucky, March 10, 1837, being the son of William and Maria (Bledsoe) Edwards. When D. N. was about six years old his father moved to Johnson County Missouri, where the family remained four years. After this they went to Benton County, where our subject was reared and educated. In 1854 he settled in Henry County, and was engaged in farming until 1860, when he came to St. Clair County. His farm contains 400 acres of as good land as there is in the township. In 1861 he enlisted in Company C, Missouri State Militia, and served until the close of the war. Mr. E. is a member of the Christian Church. December 3, 1859, he married Miss Mary Rothgib, a native of Ohio. They have six children: Carrie E., William B., Lewis, Laura E., Elsa and Cora. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

EGGER, Fredolin
Fredolin Egger, Appleton City. Fredolin Egger was born June 5, 1827 in the canton of Glarus Switzerland. He is the oldest of five children born to John B. Egger and his wife, Anna Elmer. During the persecution of the followers of Martin Luther in 1530, the Egger family emigrated from Austria to Switzerland, where for many years they organized a prominent position in the history of that country. Fredolin Egger, grandfather of Fredolin, was a leading citizen of the canton of Glarus, one of the first manufacturers of Switzerland and very prominent in the state, until his accidental death in 1817, in the fifty-sixth year of his age. His son, John Balthasar Egger was born June 5, 1794 in the canton of Glarus where he was engaged until his death in the manufacture of paper. Confining himself to business, he took no part in politics. He died in 1870, aged seventy-six years. The maternal great grandfather of Fredolin Egger was John Henry Elmer, a prominent politician of Switzerland, at one time Ambassador to Sardinia, and representative of his canton in the Swiss Congress. His son, Jacob Elmer, also represented the canton of Glarus in Counsel until his accidental death about the year 1818. Fredolin Egger attended the high school of his canton until sixteen years old, when he was sent to the University of Lausanne, Switzerland. On leaving college he traveled for one year through France. Returning home, he became salesman and traveling agent for his father, and was thus engaged until 1850. In that year he came to America, traveled through the Mississippi Valley and located in the Swiss colony of New Glarus, Wisconsin. At that place he was engaged in merchandising until 1853, when he returned to Switzerland. The colony in Wisconsin was founded by the Emigration Society of the canton whose name it bears. In the spring of 1854, having been appointed agent for the colony, he returned to Wisconsin and for 2 years performed acceptable work as such agent, collecting debts, settling accounts and discharging other duties. He received high commendation from his employers in the form of a written certificate as follows: “The undersigned Emigrant Committee certify by these presents that Messrs. Fredolin Egger and Fred Streiff, of New Glarus, Wisconsin appointed by power of attorney dated 1854, as our representatives, have as such, effected a complete liquidation of the interests of our society in the colony of New Glarus, to our entire satisfaction, and that we have found their accounts with us in perfect conformity, as well as duly received the ultimate balance in favor of this society. The undersigned regard it further as their duty to testify their sincere thanks to said Messrs. Egger and Streiff, for the intelligent and energetic manner in which they have conducted our affairs in the colony, relieving them herewith of all and every responsibility in this manner.
At the same time, and in conclusion, the undersigned cannot help expressing their deep regret at the ungrateful behavior of part of our former countrymen who have enjoyed our protection, have blamed themselves by the continual vexation of ourselves and of our said representatives. Done in Schwanden, Canton of Glarus, Switzerland,
The President of the Emigration Committee. Seal Peter Jenan, Counselor and Member of Government.” He acted as agent for the colony for two years, and at the end of that time, engaged in mercantile and private banking business. He also served as postmaster and justice of the peace until 1874, when not liking the condition of the country and wishing to change his business, he settled in Appleton City, St. Clair County, Missouri, engaging in the banking business with a capitol of $5,000. He increased his capitol to $15,000 and by judicious investments acquired considerable property in St. Clair County as well as in the state of Wisconsin. He dealt extensively in real estate also. In politics he is independent, affiliating with the Republican party. He took an active part in Wisconsin politics. He is a member of the Swiss Reformed Church. Also a member of the Knights of Pythias. He was married April 22, 1854 to Miss Anna Streiff, daughter of Thomas Streiff and Anna Elmer, of the canton of Glarus, Switzerland, by whom he had eleven children, only six of which are living. She died December 21, 1865. He was married June 10, 1866 to his second wife, Mrs. Catharine (Zweifel) Walcher. She has borne no children. Mr. Egger is a business man who commands the respect of the community, and is known for his activity, honesty and fair dealing. -- Missouri Biography Dictionary

EGGER, Fredolin
Fredolin Egger, was born June 5, 1827, in canton of Glarus, Switzerland, being the oldest of five children. born to John B. Egger and his wife, formerly Anna Elmer. During the persecution of the followers of Martin Luther in 1530, the Egger family emigrated from Austria to Switzerland, where for many years they occupied a prominent position in the history of that country. Fredolin Egger, grandfather of Fredolin was a leading citizen of the canton of Glarus, one of the first manufacturers of Switzerland, and very prominent in the state until his accidental death in 1817 in the fifty-sixth year of his age. his son, John Balthasar Egger was born June 5, 1794. in the canton of Glarus, where he was a manufacturer of paper. He died in 1870. The maternal grandfather of Fredolin was John Henry Elmer, a well known politician of Switzerland, and at one time ambassador to Sardinia, and representative of his canton in the Swiss Congress. His son, Jacob Elmer also represented the canton of Glarus in council. Fredolin Egger attended the high schools of his Canton until sixteen years old, when he was sent to the university of Lausanne, Switzerland. On leaving college he traveled for one year through France. Returning home he became salesman and traveling agent for his father, and was thus engaged until 1850. In that year he came to America, traveled through the Mississippi valley, and located in the Swiss colony of New Glarus, Wisconsin. At that place he was occupied in merchandising until 1853, when he returned to Switzerland. In the spring of 1854, having been appointed agent for the colony he returned to Wisconsin and for two years performed duties pertaining to his position. He received high commendation from his employers in the form of a written certificate, as follows: The undersigned emigrant committee certify by these presents that Messrs., Fredolin Egger and Frederick Streiff, of New Glarus, Wisconsin, appointed by power of attorney, dated 1854, as our representatives, have as such affected a complete liquidation of the interests of our society in the colony of New Glarus, to our entire satisfaction, and that we have found their accounts with us in perfect conformity, as well as duly received the ultimate balance in favor of this society. The undersigned regard it further as their duty to testify their sincere thanks to said Messrs. Egger and Streiff, for the intelligent and energetic manner in which they have conducted our affairs in the colony, relieving them herewith of all and every responsibility in this matter. At the same time, and in conclusion, the undersigned cannot help expressing their deep regret at the ungrateful behavior on the part of our former countrymen who have enjoyed our protection have blamed themselves by the continual vexation of ourselves and of our said representatives. Done in Schwanden, Canton of Glarus, Switzerland. To the President of the Emigration Committee. [Seal] Peter Jenny, Counselor and Member of Government. Mr. E. acted as agent for the colony for two years and at the end of that time started in the mercantile and private banking business. He also served as postmaster and justice of the peace until 1874 when not being suited with the condition of the country and wishing to change his business he settled at Appleton City, St. Clair County, Missouri, and engaged in the banking business. He is a member of the Swiss Reformed Church and also belongs to the Knights of Pythias. He was married April 22, 1854, to Miss Anna Streiff, daughter of Thomas and Anna (Elmer) Streiff, of the Canton of Glarus, of Switzerland. They had eleven children, six of whom are living: John B., Thomas, Fredolin, Catherine, Fannie and Anna. Mrs. Egger died December 21, 1865, and Mr. E. was married June 10, 1866, to his second wife, Mrs. Catharine (Zweife) Walcher. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

ELGAN, J. J.
J. J. Elgan, farmer, section 15, was born in Greene County, Indiana, September 10, 1855, and is the son of James M. and Leah (Guthrie) Elgan. The subject of this sketch came to this county in 1876 and now owns a farm of 300 acres. He married Miss Rebecca J. Doyal in 1878. They have a family of three children. Mrs. Elgan's father was H. L. M. Doyal, a native of Illinois, who moved to this county in 1866, and he became one of the large farmers of St. Clair County. In 1882 he moved to Texas, where he now resides. He married a Miss L. Copeland, of Tennessee. To them were born seven children. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

ELLETT, William H.
Dr. William H. Ellett was a native of Sullivan County, Missouri and attended Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. He served his internship and surgical residency at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. His wife, Dorothy Hawkins Ellett, was a native of Cass County, Missouri. She graduated from Archie High School before attending St. Lukes Hospital School of Nursing in Kansas City, Missouri where she received her RN certification. Dorothy and Dr. Ellett were married in February 1940. Dorothy assisted Dr. Ellett in the clinic and as a surgical nurse until their retirement in 1976. In 1932, Dr. Ellett moved to Appleton City and began his practice in the building that had been the Merchants Bank on the corner of 4th and Hickory. In 1937, he purchased the Durley Hotel and converted it into a hospital. The hospital continued to operate until 1943 when Dr. Ellett volunteered to enlist in the Army Medical Corps. He served for 17 months at the Winter General Hospital in Topeka, Kansas before being sent to Hawaii, where he was Assistant Chief of Surgery at the 219th General Hospital on Oahu. In April 1945 Dr. Ellett received his honorable discharge as Major from the army Medical Corps. Doctor and Dorothy then returned to Appleton City and reopened the hospital. February 2, 1952 was Dr. Ellett’s last day as owner of the hospital. At that time, he and his wife presented to the City of Appleton City, a gift of the hospital and most of the equipment.
The City reopened the hospital on July 1, 1952, with Dr. R.H. Slickman and Dr. R.O. Olson from Research Hospital as resident medical doctors. Hospital administrator was George Wiley. On March 24, 1952, Dr. Ellett and his wife, Dorothy, were honored by the citizens of Appleton City, with more than 200 present to pay homage to this couple “in appreciation for their service to Appleton City and the community” as recorded in the Appleton City Journal that week. Dr. and Dorothy then went to Chicago where he took additional medical training before returning to Appleton City to continue his private practice. He was one of the organizers of the Colonial Manor Nursing Home and served as Vice-President of the board. They were members of the Trinity United Methodist Church where he served on the Church Administrative Board. He was a member of the Optimist Club. Dorothy, a member of the Appleton City Restoration Association. After retirement in 1976, Dr. Ellett enjoyed gardening, overseeing his farm and traveling. He spent a number of winters in Scottsdale, AZ where he passed away on March 18, 1986 and was laid to rest in the Appleton City Cemetery. Dorothy continued to live at their farm home just west of Appleton City. -- Appleton City Quasquicentennial Book 1870-1995

ELLIOTT, James
 James Elliott, who for a period of twenty-five years has been a resident of St. Clair County, owes his nativity to Ireland, from which country he emigrated at an early day and settled in Carroll County, Ohio. In 1855 he removed to Linn County, Iowa, and lived there until 1858, when he came to this county. During the late war he served three years in the state militia. He owns nearly 1,500 acres of land and is one of the large tax payers of the county. His homestead on section 22 is noted as being the place where the first county court was held, it then being in the possession of Ebenezer Gash. Mr. Elliott holds the office of justice of the peace. He was married in 1855 to Miss Mary Scott, of Linn County, Iowa. By this union there are eleven children living: Jane, John, Josey, James, Abraham L., Sarah, Richard, Scott, Millie, Celia and Rebecca. Three are deceased. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

EMERSON, Thomas Addison
Thomas Addison Emerson, blacksmith and wagonmaker, was born in Cumberland County, Kentucky, in 1849. His father, Samuel R. Emerson was born in Green County, Kentucky, in 1801. His grandfather came from Ireland. Thomas' mother, Elizabeth H. Bledsoe was born in Cumberland County, Kentucky. Her father was Benjamin B. Bledsoe, of England. Samuel Emerson came to Missouri, and settled in Georgetown, Pettis County, in 1851, making a claim on the land where Sedalia now stands. He was an attorney for many years, and after living in Taney, Benton, and Johnson Counties, he finally located in Bolivar, Polk County, and bought a farm, and for a while divided his time between farming and his profession. He subsequently devoted his time to the farm until his death in 1865. His widow died in 1871. He was the third son of a family of seven, all of whom were attorneys. The subject of this sketch is the eighth of nine children, of whom but three sons survive: Samuel F., W. B., and Thomas A., and all are blacksmiths. In 1869, Mr. E. came to this city and is now doing a good business at his trade. He married Miss Sally E. Prock, October 26, 1874. She is the daughter of Ambrose Prock. They have two children: Ralph, and Rosa Bell. Politically he is a Greenbacker. He was deputy sheriff of this county and jailor for five years. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

ENGLISH, Joseph L.
Joseph L. English, was born in St. Louis, February 12, 1830. His father, E. English, who was born in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1788, was a carpenter by trade, and came to St. Louis in 1816. He married Miss Catherine Foulks, born in Pennsylvania, March 18, 1800. Her father was Christopher Foulks, originally from Germany, and a tobacconist by calling. Mr. English died in St. Louis, August 14, 1866, and his wife died November 28, 1882. They raised a family of twenty-one children, twelve boys and nine girls, Joseph L. being the seventh. He learned the tinner's trade at his birth place, and when twenty-one years of age went to Chester, Illinois, and open a tin and stove store. In one year he sold out, and returned to St. Louis, and commenced the brewing business, which he continued for four years. In 1853, he came to Warsaw, and resumed the tin and stove business. In 1860, he came to Osceola, and conducted a drug business with Washington Dorrell. In 1862, Osceola was burned, and his stock shared the fate of the city. After remaining here for a year, he returned to St. Louis, entering into work for the government at his trade, and continuing it until the close of the war. After one year's residence in Sedalia, he came to Osceola, and in 1867, formed a partnership with William Shelton, and they, built the first tin and stove store in town, and one of the first buildings erected in the town. Since 1870, he has been alone, doing a very successful business. In 1883, on account of poor health, he disposed of his stock of goods and stoves and retired from business. In 1855, he married Miss Mary Dorrell, the daughter of Dr. W. Dorrell. She died in 1870, leaving two children, Alonzo and Lillie. His second wife was Sarah M. Stovall, of Franklin County, whom he married in 1873. Her father was Thomas Stovall. They have two children, Thomas and Maud. Mr. English votes the Democratic ticket. Mrs.E. is a member of the Baptist Church. He belongs to the I.O.O.F. and the A.O.U.W. fraternities. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

ESTES, Bird
Bird Estes, farmer, section 10, was born in St. Clair County, Illinois, September 6, 1841. His father, Jackson Estes, was a Kentuckian by birth, while his mother, whose maiden name was Abigail Jackson, was a native of Illinois. When Bird was but a child his parents moved to Benton County, Missouri, where he grew to manhood, there being engaged in farming till 1867, when he went to Henry County. In 1869 he came to St. Clair County. and here has since resided. His farm contains 120 acres. In August, 1862, he joined the Enrolled Militia, and in December, 1863, he re-enlisted in the state militia under Colonel Philips, being mustered out July 11, 1865, as sergeant. September 3, 1865, he was married to Miss Lucy A. Bradley, of Henry County, Missouri, born December 15, 1845. They have four children: Eugenie B., Nellie D.. Agnes D., and Harry C. Mr. and Mrs. E. are members of the Baptist Church. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

ESTES, George W.
George Washington Estes was born September 11, 1843 in either St. Clair or Ray County, Missouri. He was the son of Spencer Estes and Mary Massengill, who both died in St. Clair County, Missouri. He and Mary E. Lasater were married in St. Clair County in 1872. Mary was born in Arkansas to Hesikias L. and Elender Bottom Lasater. She came to Missouri with her parents in 1871. In 1905 George and Mary Estes moved to Lead, North Dakota. In 1908 they went west to Aberdeen, Idaho where they lived on a farm one mile north of town. -- George & Mary Estes Bible

EVANS, S. M.
S. M. Evans, farmer and stock raiser, section 3, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, December 11, 1834. His father, James Evans, a native of Pennsylvania, married Miss Hulda Morris, who was born in New Jersey. When S. M. was two years old his parents moved to Hancock County, Illinois, where he was brought up and educated. He followed farming there until 1857, when he came to St. Clair County, Missouri. His present farm contains 110 acres. In 1874 Mr. E. was elected justice of the peace. He is a member of the Christian Church, October 21, 1859, he married Miss Margaret Hilliges, a native of Ohio. They have six children: Sarah P., David W., Joseph H., Michael H., Christina and Ella May. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

EVERETT, John Nathaniel
John Nathaniel Everett was born in Henry County, Missouri, February 28, 1858, his parents being Simeon and Ann Rebecca (Thornton) Everett, Virginians by birth. The father of the former was Nathaniel Everett, also of Virginia, his wife being a daughter of J. F. Thornton, of Virginia, born in 1800. Simeon Everett came to Missouri and settled in Henry County in 1842, John T. Thornton having located there in 1839. He owned the ferry across Grand River in Osage Township. Mr. Thornton is now eighty-three years of age and has been deaf for thirty years. He now lives with his daughter, Mrs. A. R. Everett, in Brownington. The subject of this sketch worked hard on the farm from the time he was a small boy until 1870, when the family moved to Clinton, and he entered the Democrat office and learned the printer's trade. He worked in that office eleven years. He came to this city in October, 1882, and is now foreman of the Voice printing office. Mr. Everett married Miss Maggie Schrewsberry April 3, 1881. They have one child, Nellie May, born September 14, 1882. Politically, he is a Democrat. He belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

EWIN, Charles S.
Deepwater Township - Charles S. Ewin, section 34, is a native of Missouri and was born in Howard County October 1, 1850. He is the son of W.D. and Abigail H. (Bridges) Ewin, both of whom were born in Howard County, the former on April 13, 1819. Charles S. divided his youth between working on a farm and attending the common schools. When seventeen years old he commenced to learn the blacksmith trade. In the fall of 1874 he moved to Appleton City and worked at his trade there for some six years, after which he was engaged in the grocery business for about one year. He came to his present farm in December, 1881, and now owns 140 acres of land, with 120 fenced and in cultivation and a young orchard. Besides carrying on his farming operations, Mr. Ewin has a shop and works to some extent at his trade. He was married here, December 17, 1874, to Miss Alice A. Newberry, a daughter of Hon. John B. Newberry. She is also a native of Missouri and was born in Bates County. They have one child, Everett N., who was born June 9, 1878. (History of Bates County, Missouri, 1883)

EYE, Jacob J.
Jacob J. Eye, section 4, is a native of Pendleton County, West Virginia, and was born October 20, 1840. he was brought up in the occupation of farming, and continued it at his birthplace till March, 1870, when he came to Missouri, locating in Henry County, near the St. Clair County line. In 1872, he settled on his present farm. He has a fine tract of 282 acres, well improved. Mr. Eye was married May 10, 1862, to Miss F. Davis, who came originally from West Virginia. They have eight children: Mary P., Floyd D., Ulra C., Jacob F., Robert L., James V., Gertie M., and an infant. Mr. E. was a soldier in Company K, Twenty-fifth Virginia Regiment, and served through the war. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

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