My Genealogy Hound

JAMES P. SELSOR. Though his residence in Lamonte covers a period of comparatively few years only, Mr. Selsor has already become well and favorably known to the people of the locality, and as a business man he has established a reputation second to none for sound integrity, fair dealing and the intelligent management of his affairs. He has a large establishment here, well stocked with a modern and varied assortment of furniture, wall paper, carpets and window shades. In addition thereto, he is engaged in the undertaking business.

Born in Russell County, Va., December 29, 1831, the subject of this notice is a son of George W. and Americus (McCullough) Selsor, also natives of Virginia, where the father engaged in farm pursuits principally, though at one time he practiced law. The wife and mother died, leaving an only son, our subject, then less than five years old. Soon afterward he was brought to Missouri, and was taken into the home of his uncle, Richard Perry, of Shelby County, with whom he remained until he was eighteen years of age. In the mean time his father had married again, having six children by his second union, and at that time he was living in Paintsville, Ky. Thither James went and remained with his father until he established a home of his own.

The father and step-mother of our subject removed from Kentucky to Missouri, settling in Shelby County, and a few years later James followed them here, embarking in farm pursuits and remaining thus engaged for about nine years. He then entered the patent-rights business, in the interests of which he made a trip to Pennsylvania, Immediately after the war he came to Sedalia, where for nineteen years he was engaged in the sewing-machine business. Later, making his headquarters in St. Louis, he traveled for the Wheeler & Wilson Sewing-machine Company, then for the American, and finally for the New Home. Returning to Sedalia after a short sojourn in that city, he came to Lamonte in May of 1891, and has since made his home here.

The family of which Mr. Selsor is a member has been identified with the history of America, more particularly with that of Virginia, for many generations. It was also early represented in Missouri, whither the paternal grandfather of our subject, Larkin Selsor, came from Virginia many years ago. He settled upon a farm, to the improvement of which he gave his attention. At the time of his death he was about eighty years of age. He had a large family, and trained his children to habits of industry and honesty, preparing them for useful positions in the world.

On the 14th of February, 1852, Mr. Selsor was united in marriage with Miss Tilatha Ferguson, an estimable lady, a devoted wife and mother, and a faithful member of the Methodist Church. Her mother’s maiden name was Nancy Owens. By their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Selsor became the parents of three sons and four daughters, namely: George, Henry, Jefferson Davis, Julia, Dollie, Americus and Fannie. A heavy affliction came to Mr. and Mrs. Selsor in the loss of all their children but one, Henry, the only surviving member of the family, makes his home in Kansas City being in the employ of the Moline Plow Company. He married Ruth Rector, by whom he has three children, James, George and Grace.

While he has never taken an active part in politics, Mr. Selsor is a stanch Democrat, and is always willing and able to give a reason for his advocacy of that party. Any measure having for its object the promotion of the welfare of the people, or the progress of the town, receives his cordial encouragement. As a citizen he is liberal-spirited and progressive. In religious belief he is a Universalist. It has been his aim to live an honorable, upright life, observing in his daily actions and in his intercourse with others the principles of the Golden Rule.