My Genealogy Hound

John Fetters, an excellent citizen of Scotland County, and a resident of Mount Pleasant Township, was born in Stark County, Ohio, October 2, 1832, and is the son of Jacob and Mary Ann (Shoemaker) Fetters. The father was a native of Germany, born in 1804, and came to America with his parents in 1812. They settled in Stark County, Ohio, where Jacob lived until 1840, when he then immigrated to Scotland County, Mo., and remained in the same until their death in 1850. He followed the blacksmith’s trade while in Ohio, and worked some at his trade after coming to Missouri, but finally gave that up, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was a magistrate for several years after coming to Missouri, and, at the time of his death, was a candidate for representative on the Democratic ticket. The mother of our subject was also of German descent, and died in 1848, while still a comparatively young woman. They were both members of the Catholic Church, and of the eight children born to their union, seven are now living. Of this family our subject was the third. He received the rudiments of an education in Ohio, and also attended school after coming to Missouri. This, with reading and much natural ability, has made him a well-informed man. He remained with his parents until their death, and then engaged in farming until 1854, when he crossed the plains to California, and worked in the mines for two years. This venture was successful, and he returned to Scotland County, Mo., in 1856, and there married Miss Mary Jane Forrester, a daughter of William Forrester. She was born in Franklin County, Tenn., about 1835, and to her marriage were born nine children, seven now living: Mary A., William, Lizzie, Fannie, Charles, Ida and Lela. After marriage our subject purchased land, but the next year engaged in merchandising at Greensburg, and remained in business there for four years. He then sold out, and in 1864 went to Montana, and again entered the mines where he remained four years or longer. This trip was unsuccessful. He then engaged in farming, dealing in stock, and was also engaged in the saw-mill business. In 1869 he purchased the land he now owns, and has lived there ever since. He has been a magistrate since 1874. He is a Democrat in politics, and is a good citizen. Mrs. Fetters is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.