My Genealogy Hound

Benjamin F. Waggener, circuit court clerk, is a native of Missouri, born in the year 1851, and is the son of Herbert G. and Louisa A. (Thompson) Waggener, natives of Kentucky and Virginia, respectively. Herbert G. came to Missouri with his father, Alexandria Waggener, in 1833, and was among the first settlers of the county. The mother also came to this county at an early day. It was called Lewis County at that time. The father of our subject was a farmer, but taught school through the winter months. He supported a family of seven children, five of whom are yet living. He died in Clark County in 1865. The mother was a devoted member of the Baptist Church, as was also her husband, and followed him to the grave in 1874. Our subject remained on the farm until eighteen years of age, when he began teaching school, which occupation he followed until his appointment to the office of deputy sheriff in 1883. Since that time he has served as deputy in several offices until 1886, when he was elected to his present responsible position. In 1872 he married Miss Mary E. Sweet, a native of Clark County, Mo., born in 1854, and the daughter of Philander and Lucinda Sweet. Two children were born to our subject’s marriage: Berton F. and Minnie Lee. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., is a Democrat in politics, and his wife is a member of the Baptist Church. Philander Sweet was born in the State of New York in the year 1833, and was a blacksmith by trade. Lucinda Sweet was born in the State of Iowa in the year 1837. Her maiden name was Duty. She died in Clark County, Mo., at the age of thirty-two.