My Genealogy Hound

Capt. James B. Homan is a son of Jesse Homan, who was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., August 29, 1801, and at an early day removed to Washington County, Mo., where, October 19, 1825, he married Miss Elizabeth Edgar, a daughter of James Edgar, and a native of Russellville, Ky. Jesse Homan was a carpenter by occupation, and assisted in erecting many of the best constructed dwellings and business houses of that period, among others the old Breton Hotel. He made his home in Washington County until about 1831, when he removed to Boonville, Cooper County, which was his home until his death. He died in St. Louis, December 30, 1881, whither he had gone to benefit his health. He had long been a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and few men are more respected in life or mourned in death. Mrs. Homan died January 22, 1888, leaving four sons: James B., Charles, Jesse and William. James B. was born in Washington County, April 11, 1828, and was reared and educated in Boonville. At the age of eighteen he commenced his steamboat experience, which calling he has continued until the present time, and a more competent pilot never navigated the water of the Lower Mississippi. For years he has been connected with the Anchor line of boats, running between St. Louis and New Orleans, having made nearly 1,100 trips between the two points. He has been twice married; first, February 24, 1854, to Miss Mary L. Wallace, a native of Washington County, who died in 1869, leaving one son and five daughters: Jesse W., who died in March, 1886; Ida, now Mrs. J. L. Smith; Ella, wife of Percy Smith; Lillie, now Mrs. Reppy, of New Mexico; Alice and Daisey. Mr. Homan’s second marriage occurred April 16, 1877, to Mrs. Elizabeth Arney, nee Huddleson, who was born in Arkansas, but reared in Washington County. By this union there are five children: Carter, Bertie, Edna, Archie and Charlie.