My Genealogy Hound

LEWIS REDMOND MAJOR, whose name opens this sketch, occupies the important position of Superintendent of the Pettis County Home, which institution is located in Cedar Township. He is the son of John T. and Mary (Wood) Major, natives of Virginia and Missouri, respectively, who after their marriage settled in this county and passed the remainder of their lives in farm pursuits in Cedar Township. They both departed this life about 1873.

The parental family included nine children, of whom Lewis R. was the fourth in order of birth, and his natal day was August 25, 1860. He was reared in Cedar Township and obtained a good education in the common schools. His father was the possessor of a good estate, and young Lewis aided in its cultivation until his marriage. This event occurred October 12, 1891, when Miss Allen Burnam Shawnty became his wife. She was the daughter of John H. and Sally (Woolridge) Shawnty, both of whom were Kentuckians by birth. In the Blue Grass State they attained mature years and were married, soon after which they made the trip to Missouri and became residents of Cooper County. They made their home in that section until 1891, when they removed to Sedalia, where they are now living in ease and comfort, retired from work of any kind. They were the parents of two sons and three daughters, of whom Mrs. Major was the youngest but one. She was born in Cooper County, Mo., December 13, 1873.

The subject of this sketch was appointed to his present position as Superintendent of the Pettis County Home in May, 1894. He has brought about many improvements in the institution since he assumed its management and is so conducting the affairs of the office as to meet with the approval of all concerned. With his good wife he is a member in good standing of the Baptist Church and lives a consistent Christian life.

Mr. Major is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres, located in Cedar Township, to which he gave his undivided attention prior to being appointed to the superintendency of the home. The place is well stocked with good grades of animals, and the buildings erected thereon stamp its owner as a man of enterprise and progressive spirit. In politics he is an influential member of the Democratic party and has the confidence and esteem of all who know him.