James W. Garner

As printed in 1881

JAMES W. GARNER.

James W. Garner was born in Richmond, Ray county, Missouri, on the 4th day of March, 1851. His father is the Honorable Christopher T. Garner, Sr., of Richmond. His mother, E. B. Garner, is the daughter of James Mosby, Sr., and sister of W. W. Mosby, M. D., also of Richmond. The subject of this sketch graduated from the Richmond College in the class of 1870 and '71. Immediately after graduating, he entered upon the study of law, in the office of his father, Honorable C. T. Garner, and General A. W. Doniphan, who were then co-partners in the practice of law at Richmond, Ray county. He was a close, careful and persevering student, and being naturally of superior intellect, his comprehensive mind thoroughly mastered the theory of law in all its intricate fundamental branches; and on the 6th day of March, 1873, was admitted to the bar. Though the Richmond bar was exceptionally able, and many of its members distinguished for their learning and ability, our subject, by dint of his pluck, energy and many department, entered at once upon a paying practice, which has ever since continued to increase, till he now enjoys a reputation as a lawyer second to few men in the fifth judicial circuit of Missouri. Mr. Garner is a young man, scarcely yet in the prime of life, and an honorable and successful career, both professionally, and as a private citizen, is undoubtedly before him. November 4, 1873, James W. Garner was married to Miss Leonora Snoddy, of Howard county, Missouri, daughter of Samuel W. and Susan F. Snoddy. After his marriage with Miss Snoddy, he formed a co-partnership with his father for the practice of his profession, under the firm name of C. T. Garner & Son. This partnership existed till James W. Garner was elected prosecuting attorney for Ray county, (see list of county officers) which position he now holds. Mr. Garner is a democrat, and on the democratic ticket has been twice elected by the people of his county as their prosecuting attorney. During his first term of office, a great many important cases were tried, among others the noted case of the State of Missouri vs. J. T. Keyes. The trial of this case occupied fourteen days, and was conducted by our subject with singular ability and energy. There was also much litigation arising from the issuance of certain municipal bonds, in aid of the St. Louis & St. Joseph railroad, involving several hundred thousand dollars; all of which he attended faithfully, without assistance, and without causing the county additional expense. Mr. Garner has held several important and very responsible positions, and in the discharge of all his duties, official and private, has been honest, faithful and capable. He was one of the local attorneys for the St. Louis, Kansas City & Northern railway company, and in 1878 was a member of the city council of the city of Richmond. As an officer, James W. Garner is entirely equal to the trust the people have conferred upon him; their confidence is in nowise misplaced. As a gentleman he is genial and obliging, and in every department of life, honest, honorable and reliable.

As printed in History of Ray County, Mo. (1881). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.