William Nicholas Meriwether [
TMSI #2814]
William N. Meriwether was born in Bedford county, Virginia, May 12, 1840, where
he grew to manhood. While finishing his education at the Virginia Military
Institute the rebellion broke out, and he enlisted in the Thirty-eighth Virginia
Infantry, where he served as first lieutenant for 2 years, when he was promoted
to captain in the Twenty-first Virginia Cavalry, where he served 2 years longer,
until the close of the war. In 1866 he came to Pike Co., Missouri, where he
remained a short time. He then went to Kentucky, remaining there about 4 years.
In 1871 he returned to Pike Co., where he has since made his home. He first
engaged in teaching school for one year. He then turned his attention to
farming, stock-growing, and stock-dealing, which avocation he has since followed
extensively. In connection with his farming he has taken large contracts with
railroad companies to furnish ties and bridge timber for several years, in which
occupation he has been exceedingly successful. On reaching Missouri our subject
had limited means, and by his own exertions has accumulated a large property. He
was married November 4, 1869, to Miss Mary E., daughter of John W. and Alice T.
Davis, who were among the early settlers of the county, and settled the farm
where our subject now lives. They are the parents of 8 children: William N. Jr.,
Alice, Davis, Louise, Frank, Sallie, Mabel, and George. Mr. Meriwether has a
fine farm of 900 acres of good land under a high state of cultivation, with
large and commodious barns and stables and out-buildings. His residence is a
fine brick house, built on an eminence, commanding a fine view of the
surrounding country. Mrs. M. is a member of the Episcopal
Church.
Source:
History of Pike County, Missouri, Mills & Co., Des Moines,
Iowa, p. 871