R. V. Tillman, a native of St. Louis, born January 21, 1851, is the son of Charles and F. (Jarrot) Tillman. The father was born in Strasburg, France, where he was reared to manhood, and at an early age came to America, located at St. Louis and engaged in the steamboat business. He was one of the originators of the Anchor Line, and was connected with it at the time of his death. He died in 1865. His widow, who was a member of the Jarrot family, one of the oldest in the State, is still living and is a resident of St. Louis. R. V. Tillman was reared and educated in St. Louis, and afterward finished his schooling at Notre Dame, Md. He then engaged in merchandising at Coffman, Ste. Genevieve County, and continued the same at that place four years, when he removed to Scott County, Mo. Here he followed agricultural pursuits and stock-raising for seven years. He then went to St. Louis, and at this place was bookkeeper for A. G. Brauer, two years. He then removed to Liberty Township, St. Francois County, where he now resides. Mr. Tillman was married December 2, 1873, to Miss Ida M. Coffman, who was born in Ste Genevieve County, and who is the daughter of Judge John Coffman. Her father was a native of Virginia, who came to Missouri in 1832 and located in Ste. Genevieve County, and engaged in farming. He was married in St. Francois County to Miss Jane Smith, who was born and reared in St. Francois County on the farm where Mr. Tillman resides. Mr. Coffman was a prominent man, and was several time elected judge of Ste. Genevieve County. His death occurred in October, 1887. His wife had died seven years previous to this. Mr. and Mrs. Tillman are the parents of five children--Robert Lance, Felicete J., Jesse Ralph, Genevieve Ida and J. Smith. Mr. Tillman is a member of the Catholic Church, and is an excellent citizen.