Charles Harvey Latimer of Texas County, Missouri

Hon. Charles Harvey Latimer (deceased) was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri Territory, February 29, 1820, his parents being natives of Kentucky. They made a settlement in Washington County, Mo., a short time before it was admitted as a State, and here Charles H. Latimer grew to manhood. He adopted agricultural pursuits as an occupation, and in 1840 came to Texas County, where he was for many years extensively engaged in the lumber interests of that State. He then abandoned this business and returned to tilling the soil, which he continued for some time. The latter part of his life was spent as a minister in the Methodist Church, South. He died in 1875, at Jefferson City, Mo., while serving as a member of the General Assembly of the State. He had joined many of the good citizens of Jefferson City in their efforts to quell the mutiny of convicts of the State Penitentiary, and while individually engaged in this constabulary work he contracted pneumonia, which carried him off to join the silent majority inside of two days. He was a man of strong force of character, magnetic in attractions as a public speaker, and esteemed by all for his sterling worth and honesty of character. He left a family of two children: Mrs. Mires, wife of Hon. J. W. Mires [see sketch], and Joseph W., a merchant of Cabool, children of his marriage to Miss Sarah Black, a native of Washington County, Mo. Her parents were natives of Tennessee, and pioneers of Washington County, Mo. Mr. Latimer was a genial gentleman, affable to all, and stood high in the esteem of all who knew him. He was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, and was the founder of Texas Lodge, No. 177, at Houston. His remains were brought home by his son-in-law, and buried with full Masonic honors at Elk Creek, and in full connection with the faith of the Methodist Church, South.