My Genealogy Hound

H. W. Chalfant, circuit clerk of Camden County, and one of the prominent men of the county, was born in the city of St. Louis April 28, 1855, being the son of Louis P. and Maria (Russell) Chalfant, both natives of Pennsylvania, the father born in Montgomery County and the mother in Philadelphia. Louis P. Chalfant when nineteen years of age went on the river to learn engineering and boating, which business he followed for a number of years, principally on the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. He continued boating until about sixty years of age, and located in Camden County, Mo., in July, 1855, at Linn Creek, where he followed boating on the Osage River. He served three years in the State troops during the late war, and after cessation of hostilities he purchased a farm on the Wet Auglaize River, which he still owns and where he is now living. The mother of our subject came to St. Louis with her parents when there were but few families living there, and purchased a farm on which a part of the city is now standing. Her father was a pilot on the Mississippi River, and was in the United States navy employ at the time of his death, running a Government vessel. He was aboard the gun-boat “Essex” when she had her battle with the “Arkansas,” at the time she ran the blockade. H. W. Chalfant was but an infant when he came to Linn Creek with his parents, and here he grew to maturity, receiving such education as the schools of those days afforded. He was reared to farm life, and followed this occupation until elected to the office of sheriff in 1884, which position he held one term. In 1886 he was elected to the circuit clerk and recorder’s office, which position he now holds. He is also engaged in farming, and is one of the substantial and enterprising citizens of the county. He was justice of the peace two terms before elected sheriff. He was married December 27, 1877, to Miss Sarah A. Smith, a native of Camden County, who bore him four children: Ida M., Sarah M., Fred G. and Florence G. Mr. and Mrs. Chalfant are members of the Christian Church.