My Genealogy Hound

JAMES S. REAM, the leading druggist of Green Ridge, was born in Pettis County, March 4, 1847, being next to the eldest in the parental family of Absalom and Mary V. (Biggs) Ream. His parents were both natives of this state, the father having been born in Cooper County, and the mother in Pettis County.

The father of our subject, who followed the occupation of a farmer during his lifetime, was in turn the son of Absalom Ream, Sr., who emigrated from his native state, Ohio, to Missouri, very many years ago and died when his son was young. The latter was sent to Ohio in order to complete his education and did not return to this state until twenty years of age. He was prosperous in his various undertakings and well deserved the success which he enjoyed, for he had risen almost entirely through his own well directed efforts and sterling characteristics. He departed this life May 16, 1892. His good wife, the mother of James S., is still in the enjoyment of good health, although now past threescore years and ten.

Our subject obtained his education in the schools of Georgetown, and spent his vacations upon the home farm. This continued until attaining his nineteenth year, when he was married, and three years later came to Green Ridge, where he engaged in the drug business. His establishment is well stocked with a full line of pure drugs and medicines, toilet articles and perfumes, in fact everything usually found in a store of this kind. In addition to this business, he has for the past twenty years been interested in shipping grain and stock from this point, and is one of the most extensive buyers in the county.

Mr. Ream has been instrumental in the organization of two building and loan associations at Green Ridge, and is now President of one of these enterprises. He has been of great benefit to his community in many ways, and by its best citizens is regarded as an upright and thoroughly good man, and well does he deserve the high esteem in which he is held.

The marriage of James S. Ream and Miss Ellen F. Melvin was celebrated March 4, 1866. This lady was the daughter of Benjamin and Isabella (Cockrell) Melvin, natives of the Old Dominion, while Mrs. Ream was born in Ohio. Her union with our subject has been blessed by the birth of four children, of whom Minnie F. is deceased. The others are, J. Ed, who is associated with his father in the drug business; Maude Alma; and Frederick E., who is also connected with the drug business. Mrs. Ream and her daughter are members of the Congregational Church at Green Ridge.

In his political relations our subject is a strong Democrat, and is consequently opposed to monopolies. Almost ever since the town was incorporated he has been a member of the City Council. He is Chairman of the Board of Village Trustees and is also a Notary Public, his commission being signed by five different Governors of Missouri.