Springfield-Greene
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EDGAR E. ENNIS. The splendid success which comes to Edgar E. Ennis, president of the Ennis-Culler Lumber Company, of Springfield, is directly traceable to the salient points in his character, for he started in life practically at the bottom of the industrial ladder which he has mounted with little aid from any source, although meeting with the usual obstacles that confront most men of affairs who have ambition. With a mind capable of planning he combines a will strong enough to execute his well-formulated purposes, and his great energy, sound judgment, keen discrimination and perseverance have resulted in the accumulation of a handsome property.
Mr. Ennis was born in Georgetown, Delaware, August 21, 1873. He is a son of Aaron B. M. and Maggie A. (Jefferson) Ennis. They grew to maturity in Delaware, received good common school educations, the father also attending college, and were married there, and established their home in Georgetown, where Aaron B. M. Ennis engaged in the mercantile, business about ten years. Believing that the Western frontier held better advantages for him, he removed his family in 1878 to Nebraska and settled ten miles from Columbus, on a farm, where he remained about five years, and in the fall of 1883 came to Springfield, Missouri, and here established the family home, and here he engaged in the grocery business for a number of years and enjoyed an extensive trade. About six years ago he went to Sheridan, Wyoming, and has since been engaged in the live stock business and ranching near there. He has been a successful man of affairs in whatever he has undertaken, being a 'man of energy, good judgment and honest impulses. They are the parents of three children, namely: Argus B., who lives at Sheridan, Wyoming; Royal W. is a resident of Hillsboro, Illinois and Edgar E., of this review. The death of the mother of the above named children occurred in 1894.
Edgar E. Ennis was ten years old when he came with his parents to Springfield and here he entered the ward schools, later attending high school and received a good practical education, although he had to quit school on account of trouble with his eyes. After school days he started in as most boys of his class to earn his own way in the world. His father had purchased a grocery store on Commercial street, and he clerked in the same for about two years, then took a position as city salesman for the Gulf Roller Mills, continuing in this line for about a year, then took a position with the Bunker Bros., lumber dealers, and here gained his first knowledge of the lumber business. He liked it and studied every phase of it, mastering the various ins and outs of the business until, feeling capable of managing a yard of his own, he engaged in this line of endeavor for himself, starting, in July, 1913, the Ennis-Culler Lumber Company at 504 College street, Springfield, and this he is still conducting, being president and manager of the firm and by his industry, foresight, prompt and honest dealings has built up a large and growing business. The firm is incorporated under the laws of the state of Missouri. A large, complete and well-selected stock of various grades of lumber is carried at all times, and the slogan of the firm is "Everything to build your home."
Mr. Ennis was married on June 11, 1896, to Laura R. Culler, a daughter of John W. and Anna M. (Clatfeler) Culler. The father's death occurred in Springfield in 1904, but the mother is still living in this city. The Cullers have long been a well-known family here. Mrs. Ennis received a good education in the local schools. Our subject and wife have three children, all at home, namely: Florence Lorene, Ellen Lucile, and Anna Rebecca.
Politically, Mr. Ennis is a Republican. However, he votes independently in local elections, casting his ballot for the men whom he deems best suited for the offices sought. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic order. Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Modern Woodmen of America, also the Travelers Protective Association, United Commercial Travelers, and the Iowa State Traveling Men's Association. He and his wife are members of Grace Methodist Episcopal church. She is a member of the Sorosis Club, of which she has been president two years. This is one of the leading social clubs of Springfield. She has made a most popular and efficient president. She is a lady of culture and affable personality, and she and Mr. Ennis stand well in the circle in which they move.
[1619-1621]
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