My Genealogy Hound

John O. Ackerson, store-keeper, Crystal City, is deserving of more than a passing notice in the present volume. He is a native of Newark, Wayne Co., N. Y., and was born October 8, 1843, the eldest son of Paul A. and Mary S. (Olmsted) Ackerson, natives, respectively, of New Jersey and Connecticut. He received but a common-school education, and since his twelfth year has found the means of his own support, having been occupied at various callings until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Sixtieth New York Volunteers, being in the service about three years, and being promoted to the rank of lieutenant in the Seventeenth United States Infantry. He was on detached service as aid-de-camp at division headquarters, and served at the siege of Port Hudson, La., being in the Department of the Gulf, going to that department with Banks’ expedition from New York. At the close of the war Mr. Ackerson secured employment with the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company, with whom he remained four years, when he engaged as book-keeper of the Second National Bank of St. Louis, which position he held over four years. He then accepted the position of cashier of the Granby Mining and Smelting Company, of Granby, Mo., where he remained some four or five years. In January, 1884, his excellent business qualifications and ability led to his being placed in charge of the large retail store of the Crystal Plate Glass Company, at Crystal City, where he has since been employed. His connection with the affairs of this company has proved highly beneficial, and it is owing largely to his management that the business has increased to such an extent. October 8, 1868, he was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Fowler, an estimable lady, daughter of William Fowler; she is of English parentage, and was born on English soil. Mr. and Mrs. Ackerson are the parents of four children, viz.: Blanche, Hersey, Neale and John O. Mr. Ackerson is a member of the American Legion of Honor, and holds membership in the Legion of Honor in St. Louis. He was at one time city treasurer of Granby, Newton Co., Mo.