My Genealogy Hound

Burrell P. Rowland, postmaster and merchant at Sullivan, is a native of St. Francois County, Mo., and was born in 1844. He is the fourth of the eleven children of Burrell and Carolina (Isbelle) Rowland, and was reared on a farm, never having attended school more than three weeks, but, by persistent efforts and studious habits, has acquired a good business education. In 1863 he was married to Sarah, daughter of Emmanuel Riddle, and then began doing for himself. He rented a farm of about seventy-five acres from his father and engaged in agricultural pursuits. He served six months in the Confederate army during the late war, and then entered the Union army, serving in the latter only a short time, when he was captured and taken South, where he remained until the close of the war. He then followed various pursuits, farming, working on public works, as a section hand on the railroad, being promoted to the position of foreman of coal chute, etc. He was subsequently engaged as a clerk in the mercantile business for Clark & Co., for a number of years, when he was appointed postmaster, July 14, 1885. In connection with his position as postmaster he has established a small business of his own, and carries a stock of confectionery and fancy groceries, valued at about $300. He is the father of eleven children, three of whom are deceased. Those living are Malinda, James W., Pet W., Walter A., Minnie L., Lilbern C, Charles C. and Bertie. Cynthia C, Ora A. and Lorena B. are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Rowland are worthy members of the Baptist Church, of which he is clerk. He is a member of the Masonic and A. O. U. W. lodges in Sullivan, and has held offices in both. A stanch Democrat, his first presidential vote was given to Horace Greeley. Malinda, the eldest daughter, is now the wife of John Shaburg, a telegraph operator. James W. is married, and a resident of Texas; also a telegraph operator.