My Genealogy Hound

Richard M. Ringo, cashier of the Kirksville Savings Bank, was born near Terra Haute, Ind., in the year 1834. At the age of seven years he removed with his parents to Adair County, Mo., and located on a farm about ten miles west of Kirksville. This country at that time was a wilderness, without a school, a church, or any civilizing influence within its borders, which surroundings deprived him of any educational advantages in his youth, and it was after he attained his majority before he ever attended school, or at least any worth naming, and then only a month at a time for three consecutive winters. Although his educational advantages were limited, he not only overcame all early drawbacks, but his natural ability has placed him in the first rank of the business men of this county. He remained on the farm until 1859, when he was elected clerk of the county court. After his term of office had expired he engaged in merchandising at Kirksville until he became interested in the organization of the Kirksville Savings Bank in 1873, with which institution he has been continuously engaged as cashier; and his present popularity and splendid business traits have contributed largely to the success of that banking institution. While never seeking office for himself, Mr. Ringo is a Democrat of the Jeffersonian school, and has always contributed his means and his influence to the success of that party, and for years has been looked upon as one of its truest and wisest counselors.