OLIVER DUCK

From the 1887 History of Vernon County, Missouri, p. 726-727:

Oliver Duck

(Schell City).

   No history of Vernon county since 1873 would be complete without at least an outline of the life of Oliver Duck, whose birth occurred in Massillon, O., September 20, 1831.  At an early age he was deprived of the care of father and mother, who had been removed by death, and while still young commenced battling with the world un-aided and alone.  Entering actively into the duties of every-day life he passed his time without any remarkable event until 1851 when a desire to see something of Western life led him to cross the plains to California, where he remained until 1853, meeting with good success.  Upon returning East he became connected with the feed yards of the Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati Railroad, remaining so occupied for nine years, also with the yards of the Bellefontaine and Indianapolis Railroad.  Later he became connected with the yards on the line of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad, removed to Parsons, Kas., in 1871, and at one time had the yards at Gainesville and Denison, Tex., Vinita, I. T., Parsons, Kas., Hannibal and Brunswick, in Missouri, and Decatur, Ill., but in subsequent years he has disposed of all these interests except in the three last named.  In 1873 Mr. Duck came to Schell City and erected the hotel and dining hall which now forms such a well known hostelry.  In every respect this establishment surpasses any along the entire line of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad.  No pains or means are spared in supplying the table with the best the market affords, and, indeed, everything is conducted in a manner which pronounces him a most successful landlord.  Before locating here he had purchased a large tract of land, and this has since been well improved and stocked, special attention having been given to the raising and growth of fine Polled Angus, Hereford and Jersey cattle.  All his stock is of the best grades.  Besides the interests already mentioned he has banking interests in Gallia, O., and Wichita, Kas., and may well be accounted a man of sound substantial standing.  His landed possessions embrace over 1,000 acres, suitably sheltered and fixed for feeding stock.  Though of a retiring, and, perhaps, reticent disposition, Mr. Duck has proven to be a valuable man to Schell City, aiding in many ways to its development and progress.  He is at this time a member of the town board.  In 1856 Miss Sarah J. Sig, of Ohio, became his wife.  They have three children: William L. and Harry, in Wichita, Kas., and Alena, wife of Dr. Hackadorn, of Maryville, Mo.  As will be seen by the above brief and imperfect sketch of Mr. Duck his life has been one of unusual success.  From a poor orphan boy he has reached a place in commercial circles which any one might be glad to occupy – a position of worth, influence and esteem.

[Transcribed by Becky Siple]

 A - B    C - D     E - G     H - L     M - N     O - R     S - T     U - Z

Please contact the County Coordinator if you have family information or photos that can be displayed on this page.