Biographical Sketches
RODERICK MAY
Is the proprietor of the only cooperage works in Independence, Missouri, and is a gentleman of sterling worth both as a business man and a citizen. He learned his trade in Stornowway, a fishing port in the northern part of Scotland, serving an apprenticeship of 3 years, and this trade he has followed all his life.
He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, September 15, 1850, and was reared in Stornowway. In 1870 he returned to Glasgow, where he made his home until March 15, 1873, when he embarked for America, believing that the opportunities for advancement were better on this side the Atlantic than in the crowded countries of Europe; and his hopes and aspirations in this direction have been realized. He came to this country without money. His first location in America was at London, Canada, where he resided until 1879. That year he came into the �states� and took up his abode at Wyandotte, Kansas, where he was employed in work at his trade until 1884, the time of his coming to Independence, and since then, as already stated, he has been at the head of the only cooperage works in this city and has been doing a thriving business. His present establishment had its inception in 1884, since which time he has been sole proprietor, carrying on an extensive business. In addition to his cooperage works in Independence, he has shops at Lee's Summit, Sedalia, and Golden City, all in Missouri, and has in his employ no less than 20 men.
Mr. May takes a commendable interest in the affairs of the town, and especially with church work is he prominently identified. He is a member of the church of the Latter Day Saints, is financial agent for the general church for the Independence district, of which district he is president. To this work he contributes freely of both his time and means.
While in London, Canada, September 27, 1877, Mr. May was married to Miss Sarah J. Lively, daughter of Joseph Lively, of Chatham, Ontario. They had had 6 children, of whom 4 sons and 1 daughter are living, namely: Nephi, John Charles, Alvin R., Elizabeth Pearl and William Henry. Their eldest, Barbara J., died in Wyandotte, Kansas, when 10 months of age.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.