Adair County, Missouri, is a genealogically significant jurisdiction in northern Missouri that was officially organized on January 29, 1841 from territory formerly attached to Macon County, with Kirksville selected as the county seat; the first permanent European-American settlement in the area began around 1828 at a site known as the “Cabins” along the **Chariton River,” primarily by migrants from Kentucky and other states, and the county was named (like its Kentucky namesake) for John Adair of Kentucky. Before settlement, the region was used as hunting and travel grounds by Native peoples of the Eastern Woodlands (including Sac and Fox and Ioway, involved in documented conflicts such as the Big Neck War of 1829), and formal cession of tribal claims occurred in the early 19th century before white settlement. The county’s geography is defined by the Chariton River and its tributaries, with township formations and communities such as Benton, Wilson, and Richland emerging through the 1840s; archival records relevant to genealogy include early land entries, court and tax records dating from the 1840s and church and cemetery records from the mid-19th century onward, held locally in Kirksville and at state archives.
198 online plat books and atlases organized by county and ordered by date for the State of Missouri. At the bottom of the page are two items that can help you use these documents in your genealogy research. The first is a blog post Plat Books Revealed: Mapping Generations of History and the second a video where Ben Clark explains what plat maps are used for, how to navigate them, and pulls out a few interesting stories from them.
Joseph A. Knight, born on September 19, 1838, in Caswell County, North Carolina, is a prominent figure in Union County’s development. After spending his early years in Missouri, he moved to the Grande Ronde Valley in 1865, where he acquired a 200-acre farm, later expanding to 480 acres. Knight is recognized for his diligent farming and stock-raising efforts. He married Priscilla Harris in 1863, and they had eight children. The Knights are respected community members, contributing positively to the county’s growth.
Dr. Andrew T. Still, born in 1828 in Virginia, spent over twenty years in Kansas, where he farmed, practiced medicine, and served in the Civil War. Educated in Tennessee, he followed his family’s medical tradition and contributed significantly to local healthcare and education. He co-founded Baker University and served in various capacities during the war. In 1874, Still pioneered osteopathy, establishing the American School of Osteopathy in Kirksville, Missouri, which gained international recognition for its innovative approach to medicine.
Adrian D. Nichols, D.O., represents the field of osteopathy as a successful practitioner in St. Louis, where he has worked since graduating from the Kirksville School of Osteopathy in 1907. Born on April 17, 1870, near Nashville, Illinois, he is the son of David William Nichols, a Civil War veteran, and Tabitha Ballard. Initially involved in railroading, Nichols transitioned into medicine, opening his practice in the Frisco building in St. Louis. He is actively engaged in professional organizations and has a growing family with his wife, Ethel Gray.
Dr. John D. Hayward, born on January 18, 1878, in Kirksville, Missouri, was educated at local schools before earning an M.D. from Barnes University in 1906. A prominent St. Louis surgeon, he also taught anatomy and clinical surgery there. He is a respected member of various medical associations and contributes to medical journals. Married to Lenore Gaynes, they had two daughters. Dr. Hayward, who enjoys hunting and fishing, resides in Clayton and maintains a city office in St. Louis.
Dr. Orion Smith Miller, born in St. Louis on October 7, 1865, has practiced osteopathy for seventeen years, earning a significant reputation and patient base. After completing his education at the American School of Osteopathy in 1904, he opened his office in St. Louis. Miller specializes in proctology and orificial surgery, contributing valuable insights to the St. Louis Osteopathy Association. In addition to his medical career, he has engaged in business ventures and is active in community and fraternal organizations. He is married with two children.
James T. Hatfield, born July 14, 1839, in Missouri, established himself as a prominent farmer near Owyhee, owning an eighty-acre estate supported by the Owyhee ditch he helped create. After initial service in the Confederate Army, he recognized the error of his ways, switching allegiance to the Union, and served honorably until 1863. Moving westward with emigrants, he eventually settled in Nevada, where he engaged in various enterprises before acquiring his current homestead in 1890. Hatfield is a dedicated Democrat, a stockman, and a family man with five children.
A. W. Matthews, a prominent figure in Washington, Kansas, was born on November 23, 1874, in Cloud County. He built a successful real estate and loan business after starting his career in the retail meat industry. Active in local government as register of deeds, Matthews was known for his integrity and business acumen. He owned multiple farms and was deeply involved in community organizations, including the Methodist Episcopal Church and several fraternal societies. Married to Margaret Mull, they had two children, Neil and Margaret.
Pius B. Humphrey, born on April 7, 1872, in Scotland County, Missouri, has dedicated his life to education, notably serving as the superintendent of schools in Caney, Kansas, since 1911. With a solid educational background, including degrees from the Missouri State Normal School, he significantly enhanced the local school system, overseeing four schools and 1,300 students. His work is characterized by numerous improvements and new buildings. Married to Lula Bankin, they had two children, contributing to his legacy in the educational community.
Henry Ward Beecher, a pioneer in Wallowa County, Oregon, moved to Adair County, Missouri at age eight. He served in the 39th Missouri Volunteers during the Civil War, participating in various battles until 1865. In 1867, he joined General Marcia in New Mexico, facing Indian raids. Around 1872, he journeyed westward with his family, eventually settling in Wallowa Valley in 1876, where he established the first post office at Alder Slope. He was also active in the Grand Army of the Republic, serving as commander for two years.
Jonas L. Roe, born January 10, 1852, in Huntington, Pennsylvania, moved to Iowa with his family in 1854. After studying at Kirksville, he became a teacher at 21. In 1880, he relocated to Oregon, where he purchased land in Sand Ridge and achieved success in farming. Roe married Lucy C. Cochran in 1875 and had three children. He served in the state legislature from Union County and was appointed a special agent in the general land-office in 1889, known for his philanthropy and support of President Harrison.
George E. Miller, born on October 28, 1868, in Marion County, Oregon, has established himself as a prominent figure in Wallowa County’s stock industry. After moving to Oregon for health reasons, he engaged with local stockmen and acquired an 880-acre property in 1895. Specializing in sheep, he manages approximately 4,000 animals and is recognized as one of the county’s leading stockmen. Respected for his integrity, business acumen, and amicable nature, Miller enjoys a wide network of friends and associates throughout northeastern Oregon.
Henry W. Beecher, born May 17, 1849, in Ohio, became a prominent agriculturist and respected citizen of Wallowa County, Oregon. After enlisting at 15 in the Thirty-ninth Missouri Volunteers during the Civil War, he bravely faced numerous battles and skirmishes. Following the war, Beecher moved west, ultimately settling in the Wallowa Valley in 1877, where he developed a successful farm. He married Margaret Wilson in 1872 and raised a large family, earning admiration and trust within the community for his contributions and character.
William J. Beach, born on March 13, 1852, in Ohio, is recognized as a significant pioneer in Wallowa County, Oregon. Educated at Bloomfield and Smithville College, he began his career in Missouri before moving to Oregon in 1890. Upon establishing a homestead in Wallowa County, he became a leading agriculturist, known for his integrity and dedication to community development. Beach’s family includes several educators, reflecting his commitment to education. He remains a respected and influential figure in local affairs, contributing to the region’s growth.