Biographical Sketches

DAVID MERIWETHER

Is a prominent merchant of Westport and a recognized leader in business circles in this place. He has been a resident of Jackson county for more than a quarter of a century, and while he has never sought prominence in political or public life, he belongs to that class of citizens who always faithfully perform each day's duty as it comes and are the elements of true strength and stability of any community.

Our subject was born on the 24th of February 1842, in Monticello, Jasper county, Georgia, and comes of one of the old and honored families of that state. His great-grandfather, Frank Meriwether, was one of the pioneers of Georgia, locating in Oglethorpe county in 1784. Though many years the family was honorably and prominently connected with the history of that state. The grandfather, Thomas Meriwether, had accompanied his father on the removal in 1784, their home having formerly been in Virginia.

The father of our subject also bore the name of David and was a native of Georgia. He was married 4 times, his 4th union being with Mrs. Matilda A. Young, nee Pearson, who was born in the �Cracker� state. From the age of 18 years he was a resident of Jasper county, where his death occurred in January, 1867. His wife afterward came to Missouri and in 1875 departed this life. By their marriage they had 7 children, 6 of whom reached mature years, while 3 sons and 2 daughters are yet living, namely: Thomas, a resident of Monticello, Georgia, who married Miss Walker and has 3 living children; David, of this review; Sarah, wife of Clark Bailey, of Sandtown, Georgia; Charles Matthews, who was named in honor of his grandmother, a daughter of Governor Matthews, of Georgia, and is now living with his family in Social Circle, that state; and Lucy M., wife of John W. Lewis, of Marietta, Georgia, by whom she has 2 children. Her husband's father reared and educated Governor Brown and James Brown, of Georgia, 2 of the most prominent characters in that state.

Mr. Meriwether, of this review, the 3rd in order of birth, was reared in the county of his nativity and remained at home until after the civil war was inaugurated, when, true to the principles and interests among which he was reared he offered his services to the southern cause and became a member of company D, 10th Confederate cavalry, which he joined on its organization. The regiment was commanded by Colonel C. C. Good and operated principally in east Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia. For 3 years he followed the standard to which he had pledged his loyal service, experiencing all the difficulties and hardships of war, and demonstrating his bravery on many a battlefield. He was within a few feet of Major General Walker when he was shot from his horse near Atlanta, Georgia, July 22, 1864, and was present at the surrender of General Joseph E. Johnston in North Carolina.

The war having ended Mr. Meriwether returned home and resumed the quiet pursuits of the farm, his time being thus passed through the 2 succeeding years. His residence in Jackson county, Missouri, dates from 1868, at which time he located on a farm in Westport township. With characteristic energy he began the cultivation and development of his land, which, owing to his perservering efforts, was soon highly improved and yielded to him a golden tribute in return for the care and labor he bestowed upon it. In 1877 he came to Westport and effected the purchase of the store formerly owned by William Riley. He has since been numbered amojng the successful merchants of the city, his progressive methods, his energy and his enterprise well entitling him to be thus accounted. He carries a large and complete stock of staple and fancy groceries, flour and feed, and his courteous treatment of his patrons, his earnest desire to please them and his honorable efforts have secured to him a liberal and constantly increasing patronage.

On the 5th of December, 1865, Mr. Meriwether was united in marriage with Miss Martha J. Mastin, an estimable lady, whose social nature has made her many warm friends. She is a native of Athens, Tennessee, and a daughter of Thomas W. Mastin, now deceased, who was a very prominent man in that state. Mr. and Mrs. Meriwether now have 3 children, namely: Ada May, wife of H. F. Anderson, of Westport, by whom she has 2 children, Harry Forester and Lois; William Wheeler, who is his father's partner in business and married Miriam Klock, a native of Oneida, New York, by whom he has two children, Francis Miriam and Martha; and Lucy Anna, at home. They also lost one child, Elizabeth Mastin, who died at the age of 5 years. The family is widely and favorably know in Westport society circles and their home is a favorite resort for many friends.

In his political views Mr. Meriwether has been a long-life democrat and has been elected on that ticket to the city council of Westport, where, while serving, he acted as chairman of the public improvement committee and did much to advance the city's interests. He also served for 11 consecutive years as city treasurer and his long continuance in office as custodian of the public funds well indicates his fidelity to duty and the confidence reposed in him. He has also been a member of the school board of Westport township, and the cause of education finds in him a true and tried friend. He is a valued member of the Masonic fraternity of Westport. His name is a synonym of honorable business dealing, and in all the relations of life he has proved himself faithful to the trust committed to him, while upon his record there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. His success is attributable to his own energy and perseverance and he is esteemed by all who know him.

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This page was last updated August 2, 2006.