J. W. SANDERS

The J. W. Sanders Mercantile Company, of Billings, is one of the oldest and largest institutions of its kind in southwest Missouri, and certainly is the oldest and largest of its kind in Christian County.  It was established by J. W. Sanders, in 1879, who came to Billings from Carbondale, Ill., in 1875, when a boy, and here grew to mature years, married, and his family is living here at the present time.  His death occurred in January 1890.  When he first settled in this town, he learned telegraphy at Logan, five miles from Billings, and took the Billings office on the Frisco Railraod in 1877.  In 1880 he became railroad agent at Billings, but later engaged in general merchandising and buying produce.  In 1880 he started a lumberyard, and in 1883 took in as partner M. T. Russell, with whom he continued in business until 1887, when the latter sold out and moved to Alabama.  Mr. Sanders then continued the business alone until his death.   For the first few years he carried on his business and was also agent for the Frisco Railroad, but in 1882 he found that his business had grown to such an extent that it would require his entire time, and so resigned his position on the railroad.  Mr. Sanders was born September 28, 1857, at Carbondale, Ill., son of Henry Sanders, and when he came to Billings he was only about sixteen years of age.  He was a man of excellent business acumen, and was prominent and active in all worthy matters.  In politics he was an ardent supporter of Democratic principles.  He was married at Billings to Miss Elizabeth Tipper, daughter of William Tipper, a resident of that town.

After the death of Mr. Sanders, or in 1890, the company was incorporated under the Missouri laws, with a capital stock of $12,000, while Mrs. Sanders retained the controlling interest.  She is now president and J. B. Berghaus is general manager.  The business is composed of seven distinct branches, and each is represented by a fine line of goods belonging to them.  The stock carried is valued at about $20,000, and nine hands are employed.  The building is owned by the Sanders Estate and the annex is the property of the company.  An excellent business is carried on, ranging from $75,000 upward.  This company owns its own elevator and buys and ships grain of all kinds, doing a large business in that line.  Produce is bought and shipped, and a large trade is carried on in that department.  From small beginning this concern has grown to be one of the most flourishing enterprises in the State, all owing to energy and good business management.  Mr. J. B. Berghaus, the general manager and businessman of the concern, is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, born February 2, 1853.  He received his early education in that city.  In 1883 he came to Billings and entered the store of Sanders & Russell, becoming connected with the business in 1890, when it was incorporated.  In political matters he is with the Democratic party, and he is active in all public matters.  He has a pleasant and cheerful home on Elm Street in Billings, and is a prominent young man.