My Genealogy Hound

John Van Hooser. Among all classes and in every community there are those who excel in whatever they undertake, whether of a professional, commercial or agricultural nature, and such a man is Mr. Van Hooser, who, although commencing life as a poor boy, has now a good farm and a comfortable home. He was born in Jim Henry Township, Miller Co., Mo., in 1849, and is the younger of two children born to Bluford and Deborah (Jenkins) Van Hooser. The parents were natives of Kentucky, and the father came to Miller County about 1838, settling in Saline Township, entered land, but later moved to Jim Henry Township, where he died in 1858. John Van Hooser was reared to farm life, and received his education in the public schools of Moniteau and Miller Counties. He commenced business for himself in Moniteau County at the age of nineteen years, by engaging in agricultural pursuits. In February, 1874, he was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Russell, a native of Miller County, Mo., and the daughter of Buckner and Martha (Clark) Russell, natives of Missouri and Illinois, respectively. After marriage Mr. Van Hooser settled in Saline Township, purchased land, but later sold it, and in March, 1880, purchased 160 acres in the timber. This he commenced immediately to improve, and in 1885 erected a good frame residence, put out 100 apple trees, besides small fruit, and at the same time added to his land until he is now the owner of 290 acres of good arable land, with 125 under cultivation. He raises considerable stock, and this year shipped a car-load of cattle and two car-loads of hogs, all of good grade. Mr. Van Hooser is not very active in politics, but votes with the Democratic party. He has been a member of the school board, and takes an active interest in all matters relating to education. He is a member of the Agricultural Wheel. To Mr. and Mrs. Van Hooser have been born four children: Hiram Buckner, Martha Leona, Nancy Meek and Debby Jane. Mr. and Mrs. Van Hooser are members of the Christian Church at Olean. Henry Van Hooser, a brother of our subject, is now residing in Cole County, Mo.