My Genealogy Hound

S. J. Dinwiddie, one of the substantial and prosperous farmers and educators of Moniteau County, Mo., needs no introduction to the citizens of that county, for he is recognized as prominent among the leading agriculturists and teachers of the same. He was born in Morgan County, Mo., January 15, 1849, and is the son of Rev. Benjamin F. and Eliza A. (Mosley) Dinwiddie, and grandson of James and Margaret (Long) Dinwiddie, who were the parents of nine children, five sons and four daughters, three sons now living, viz.: Samuel L., James L. and Benjamin F. James and Margaret Dinwiddie came to Missouri in 1818, settling in Howard County, remained there for two years, and then, in 1820, they came to Cooper County (then Morgan County), where they remained for three or four years. They returned to Howard County, remained there for some time, and then came back to Morgan County, where the father died October 14, 1837. His son, Benjamin F., was born in Kentucky, November 16, 1814, and remained with his parents, with the exception of one year, until his marriage. He attended the subscription schools not more than six or eight months in his life, and, as a consequence, his education was rather meager. He was married February 2, 1837, to Miss Eliza A. Mosley, a native of Tennessee, and to them were born twelve children, five sons and seven daughters, seven of whom are now living: Lorinda J., James B., Lot H., Snelling J., Luthera C., Mary A. and Elizabeth P. After his marriage Mr. Dinwiddie moved onto forty acres of land, and has been living on the same all his life. He has added to that until he now has 160 acres, 120 under cultivation. His wife died November 16, 1863, and he took for his second wife, February 9, 1865, Miss Mary W. Finley, daughter of William Finley. They have no children. Mr. Dinwiddie was licensed to preach July, 1871, and was ordained May 26, 1872. He served Mount Carmel nine years, Bethlehem two years, Mount Olive five years, and now, on account of age, has retired from his ministerial duties. His wife is also a member of the same church, the United Baptist. Mr. Dinwiddie is a Democrat in politics, and always supports the principles of that party. He has married twenty-five couples since being ordained. His brother, Samuel L. Dinwiddie, has been a farmer the principal part of his life, but now, on account of age, has retired from that active pursuit. He was born in Allen County, Ky., March 3, 1816, and came with his parents, James and Margaret (Long) Dinwiddie, to Missouri the same year of his birth. The nearest settlement was five miles distant. Indians were numerous, and he and his parents took refuge in the fort at Boonville. When about thirty years of age he married Miss Emeline Thrailkill, who bore him these children: Eliza Jane, William J., Elizabeth, Patrick, Benjamin F., Martha J., Robert F., Susan A., Joseph B. and John E. Mr. Dinwiddie is a member of the Baptist Church, and a Republican in politics. He is the owner of ninety-five acres of excellent land, with fifty acres under cultivation. S. J. Dinwiddie, subject of this sketch, was reared and educated in Morgan County, Mo. He then spent some time in teaching, and in connection carried on farming. He owned a farm in Morgan County, which he carried on until coming to Moniteau County, in February, 1886, when he bought the farm where he now lives. This consists of eighty acres of well-improved land. Mr. S. J. Dinwiddie is still engaged in farming and teaching. He was married in 1874 to Miss Rachel M. Finley, a native of Morgan County, and to their union were born six children, four now living: Alice, Ida, Delia and Benjamin F. Mr. and Mrs. Dinwiddie are members of the Baptist Church, and he has served as deacon for ten or twelve years. He is enthusiastic in every department of church work, and is seldom absent from the post of duty. He is a member of the Wheel, and while living in Morgan County he was justice of the peace.