My Genealogy Hound

Hon. James M. Ming, a prominent citizen of Franklin County, Mo., was born in Campbell County, Va., May 16, 1824, and is the son of W. and D. (North) Ming. The father was a native of Culpeper County, Va., and died in Franklin County, Mo. In 1837 he left his native county, and with his family moved to Franklin County, Mo., where he passed the remainder of his days. He followed the tanner’s trade while in Virginia, and after coming to Missouri was engaged in farming. His father was a revolutionary soldier, and was a commissioned officer. The mother of James M. was born in Campbell County, Va., and here she married the father of our subject. Nine children were the result of this marriage, only two now living. Young Ming received his education in Virginia and Missouri, at country schools, and at the age of fourteen entered the store of his uncle, William North, where he remained for about five years, or until 1843. He then purchased the stock of goods and began on his own responsibility as a merchant, and has continued the same for twenty years, being postmaster at Port William during that time. In the spring of 1864 he took a trip to the mountains of Montana, had charge of the train, and took a stock of goods, and engaged in merchandising at Virginia City and Helena. In 1866 he came back to Franklin County, Mo., and again soon after returned to Montana with another stock of goods, but in the fall of the same year returned once more to Franklin County, sold out his stock of goods and settled on his farm, near Gray’s Summit. He was elected to the Twenty-fifth and Twenty-sixth General Assemblies from 1868 to 1872. In 1881 he purchased and engaged with others in the cattle business in Colorado, and continued at the same for three years, since which time he has been farming. He was elected three times as one of the county judges, and during this time he and his associates settled the road bonds. After filling the office for six years, he declined to serve further in that capacity. During the years 1884 and 1885 he was again elected to the General Assembly. October 24, 1846, Judge Ming married Miss Jemima Osborn, a native of Franklin County, Mo., born August 12, 1824, and the daughter of William Osborn, one of the early settlers of Franklin County. The fruits of this marriage were nine children, five now living: William F., E. D., Emmet M. (who are engaged in merchandising and farming in Henry County, Mo.), Fannie F. (the wife of Dr. J. R. Wallace, of Ladue, Henry County, Mo.) and Clara W. (now at home). Those deceased are Robert P., Robena T., James M., and an infant. Mr. Ming was formerly a Whig, but is now a supporter of the Democratic party, in 1886 he, in partnership with J. H. Kinsel and J. R. Haigler, purchased a cattle ranch in Arizona, and still continues the business at the present time.