My Genealogy Hound

Thomas H. Whann is a member of the mercantile firm of Whann & Johnson, and was born in Lawrence County, Mo., in April, 1847, and is a son of William B. and Eliza J. (Young) Whann, who were born in Pennsylvania and Alabama, respectively. Thomas Whann, father of William B., was born in Massachusetts, and was a farmer by occupation. He removed to Pennsylvania, and died in Chester County. William B. Whann moved from Pennsylvania to Northern Missouri in 1838, and then came to Lawrence County in 1842. Here he was married, December, 1845, and reared a family of six children: Thomas, H., Cassie, Emma (wife of N. L. Johnson), Rutha (wife of E. E. Lawson), Dora (wife of J. P. Johnson), and Nora (wife of James Little). The father was one of the early school teachers of Southwest Missouri, and was one of the early and prominent citizens of Lawrence County. He was a stone mason by trade, and was a member of the Christian Church at the time of his death. His widow is still living, and resides at Marionville. Thomas H. Whann assisted his father on the farm until he was twenty years of age, when he began teaching school, which occupation he followed until 1884. He was then elected county assessor and held the office one term. While living at Marionville he served as city marshal, and also as city clerk. In 1887 he and Mr. Johnson became partners in the mercantile business, and are doing well, financially. Mr. Whann owns a good farm, besides city property in Marionville. He is a member of the Christian Church, and belongs to the I. O. O. F., of which he has been secretary and treasurer. He has been identified with the interests of Lawrence County all his life, and is a prominent citizen of the same.