Springfield-Greene
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HIRAM H. WESTMORELAND. The lamented subject of this sketch, now sleeping the sleep in God's quiet acre, as the old Saxons referred to their burying grounds, was in life one of the best known agriculturists in North Campbell township, Greene county, he having been one of that worthy class of men who have fought their way to success through unfavorable environment; and a study of Mr. Westmoreland's life record reveals the intrinsic worth of a character which not only can bravely endure so rough a test but gain new strength through the discipline. He was not favored by inherited wealth or the assistance of influential friends, but in spite of this, by perseverance, industry and wise economy, he attained a comfortable position in life and left behind him what should be and is prized by his descendants--a good name.
Hiram H. Westmoreland was born on July 16, 1848, in Tennessee. He was a son of Henry Westmoreland and wife, who were born, reared and educated in the South and there resided until they removed with their two children from Tennessee to Greene county, Missouri, when the subject of this sketch was seven years of age. The father devoted his life to general farming and buying and handling live stock. He lived in Oklahoma for twenty years. His death occurred in 1909.
Hiram H. Westmoreland grew to manhood on his father's farm, where he assisted with the general work when a boy and he received his education in the common schools and in Boonville College; however, his higher education was interrupted by illness which compelled him to return home. After his recovery he resumed work on the homestead and for some time engaged in buying and selling cattle. He was still a young man when he took rank among the well-known stockmen of his community, and prior to the breaking out of the Civil war he frequently drove mules overland to Illinois and sold them. Finally he purchased a farm of his own in Campbell township, Greene county, on which he raised much stock, including brooded horses. About thirty years ago, Hiram H. Westmoreland, with several other Springfield men, went to Kentucky and purchased a thoroughbred horse known as General Duke. This horse proved a wonderful sire and from him sprang some of the best horse stock known in this part of the state. While there he also purchased Denmark King. This horse was a grand breeder and noted show horse. Most of our readers residing here remember a coal black saddle stallion, greatly admired by every one. He also purchased on the same trip a highly bred trotting stallion (Star Wilkes). That was the sire of some of the best road horses ever raised in Greene county, Missouri. Another stallion brought to this county by the subject was Diamond Denmark, who was high bred and had many admirers among our stockmen. These are names of but a few of noted horses Mr. Westmoreland owned and at that time his reputation as a breeder of fine horses was well established over all this part of the state. In later life he removed to Mountain Home, Arkansas, where he operated a stage line between that town and West Plains, Missouri, maintaining a station at Bakersfield where his drivers met and teams were changed. The stage line covered a little over fifty miles. Our subject also owned and operated a two hundred acre farm in Arkansas. Mrs. Westmoreland owns a fine farm, which now comprises three hundred and eighteen acres of productive and well improved land, the place being known as the "Model Dairy Farm," an extensive dairy business being carried on, for which the place is well equipped and adapted. This department is kept very sanitary and a high grade of cows are kept. A very ready market is found for the products in Springfield. A general farming business is carried on by our subject's widow, who is a woman of rare business ability. The old residence here was burned in September, 1896, but was immediately rebuilt, and a fine, modernly appointed and attractive home is now to be seen on the old site, about four miles northeast of Springfield. The dwelling is surrounded by a spacious and well shaded lawn and a generally attractive environment.
Mr. Westmoreland was married on November 13, 1873, to Susie E. Morton. She was born in Greene county, August 8, 1851, and is a daughter of the late Hon. John and Margaret (Logan) Morton, a well known and highly respected old family of this locality, Mr. Morton being now deceased, but his widow resides at the home of H. B. McDaniel in Springfield.
Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Westmoreland, named as follows: Joseph H born November 1, 1876, resides on a part of the old home place in Campbell township, engaged in general farming, raising and feeding live stock; he married Eva Litton and they have four children, Austin, Belle, Pauline and Robert: Lucinda W., born February 21, 1879, married Lee Hopper, a farmer in Campbell township, and they have five children, Fay, Donnie, Rolland, Louise and Ralph; Susie, born November 14, 1884, married Edward Baker, deceased, formerly of Mountain Home, Arkansas, and she makes her home with her mother; Ida, born November 24, 1889, married Blond Gurley, a well known dairyman of Campbell township; Hiram H., born September 19, 1894, is single and is living at home, assisting his mother operate the farm.
Mrs. Westmoreland is a woman of hospitality, kind and neighborly, well, read and she is an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal church, South, of which her late husband was also a member, in fact, the entire family are loyal in their support of this church. Fraternally, our subject was a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, also the Knights Templar. Politically, he was a Democrat and active in public affairs. He was a school director for some time, both in Arkansas and Greene county. He was a man of fine character and was honored by all who knew him. He was called to his eternal rest on March 1, 1903, his loss being deeply deplored by the entire community in which he was so well and favorably known.
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