R W Groves General Merchandise
Allenville, MO
The man whose name appears at the head of this article is one of the older, but very much alive, merchants of Allenville. He was born May 24, 1846, in Cape Girardeau County, the son of B. H. and Elizabeth (Cox) Groves. His education was begun in the public schools and completed in the Jackson Academy. Farming and teaching school first occupied the time of the subject of this sketch, but in 1864 he became a benedict, and settled down to farm on his own account, still continuing to teach school. During the first year of married life, Mrs. Groves died, and he contracted a second marriage and remained on the farm until twelve years ago, when he retired and bought property in Allenville, including the present business. He is still very active, and can sell as many goods as others much younger.
He first married Martha A. Kinder and, after her death, Martha J. Renfroe. They have seven children, four sons and three daughters. They are: Walther R., M. O., W. H., Andrew W., Emma, Martha and Mabel.
Mr. Groves adheres to the principles of the Democratic party, and does that from conviction, not merely because it happened so. He is also a Baptist for the same reason. He is well read and a scholar, and personally a congenial, jolly sort of man, whose greeting at all times carries with it a note of humanity and brotherly feeling so seldom found in these times when egotism and selfishness are dominant everywhere.
Being a school teacher and as such specially interested in better schools, he served on the school board many years, and still takes a keen interest in all educational problems and advantages.
-Above article from 1914 Cape Girardeau Republican Anniversary Edition
W H Coats Groceries and Notions
The W H Coats Groceries and Notions store was located in the same building as the Allenville post office. W.H. Coats was also Postmaster of the Allenville Post Office in 1914
Inside View of Kerstner Mercantile
Drug Store and Dr. office of Aza Otis Blackman
1884 Letterhead from M A Nichols & Co, Allenville, MO
M A Nichols is the former M A Courtway, my great, great, great grandmother.
Letter courtesy of Teresa Mathis - Thanks you!
