The Inman family has been known in Moniteau County for many years as
bricklayers.
James Inman came to this vicinity from Tennessee and was among the very
early settlers in Moniteau County. James was a farmer, but had a son John who was the
first of a long line of bricklayers. John was born in Moniteau County, November, 1827. he
volunteered in 1848 in a Missouri Company and was in active service during -- the Mexican
War, participating in a number of noted battles of that war. John had two sons who also
became bricklayers, Deck Inman and Benjamin Inman.
Benjamin was born California, September 16, 1860, and was a leading
figure in the building and building constructing industry in California and Central
Missouri. Benjamin built many structures in Tipton, Sedalia, Warrensburg, Versailles,
Eldon, Jefferson City, and numerous towns. For many years he contracted or worked on
practically every brick building that went up in California. Those including the
California High School, the Eitzen Mansion, the manholes for the sewer system, all the
older churches except the Methodist church, which was done by his son Virgil Inman. For a
number of years he owned and operated his own brick Yard near the east end of Main Street.
When the Rock Island Railway was built, he did the brick work on all the depots from
Belle, Missouri, to Raytown, Missouri. Benjamin also had sons who chose to follow their
father's trade and became bricklayers. They were Virgil Inman, Roy Inman, who died at 25
years of age, and Albert Inman. Albert and Virgil Inman built many buildings and homes in
California and central Missouri.
Albert joined the Army during World War I, serving with Battery D, 12th
Field Arty. which engaged in battles in France and Germany.
A few buildings Albert worked on were: Municipal Light Plant,
Elementary School, Assembly of God Church, and the Masonic Temple in Eldon including the
laying of the stone of that building. Written by -- Granddaughter Carol
Wallenneyer.