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.
This page represents 37 free historical newspapers spread out over the state of Missouri since its founding into the 1900’s. All of them have at least a partial online representation.
Col. James Montgomery, born in Ashtabula County in 1814, emerged as a prominent free-state leader during the Kansas conflict and later an officer in the Civil War. After teaching in Kentucky, he moved to Missouri, then to Kansas in 1854, where he became a key figure among anti-slavery settlers. He led a Self-Protective Company to defend against pro-slavery forces and later commanded the Second South Carolina colored regiment in the Union army. Montgomery passed away in Linn County, Kansas, in 1871.
Waller W. Graves, born December 17, 1860, in Lafayette County, Missouri, served as a distinguished judge on the Missouri Supreme Court. After initially pursuing a career in teaching, he was admitted to the bar in 1885 and practiced law until his judicial appointments began in 1906. Graves’ tenure included notable cases and was marked by fairness and impartiality. He married Alice M. Ludwick and has three sons, one of whom served with distinction in World War I. Judge Graves is also known for his poultry breeding hobby and is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
John L. Ganz, born on March 5, 1884, in Sprague, Missouri, served as treasurer of the Union Electric Light & Power Company. He was educated in local schools and specialized in electrical engineering at the University of Missouri. Starting his career as a draftsman in 1906, he progressed through various roles, becoming the company’s attorney in 1917 and treasurer in 1920. Married to Emma M. Bueneman, he maintains an independent political stance and is involved in several fraternal and professional organizations related to electrical engineering.
Walter E. Pierce, born January 9, 1860, in Texas, emerged from a challenging background to become a prominent businessman and ex-mayor of Boise. A self-taught individual, he engaged in various enterprises before moving to Boise in 1890, where he established a leading real estate firm that significantly contributed to the city’s development. Elected mayor in 1896, Pierce implemented key urban improvements, including the city’s first street paving. He is recognized for his impactful contributions to Boise’s growth and prosperity.
Joseph M. Youncs, born on May 1, 1846, in Kentucky, demonstrated integrity and business acumen throughout his life. After his family moved to Missouri, he served in the Confederate army under his father before transitioning to civilian life post-Civil War. Youncs traveled through Texas and New Mexico before settling in Union County, Oregon, where he improved 280 acres of land. A respected member of his community, he is recognized for his contributions as a business person, neighbor, and citizen.
Isaac W. Pfost, born on January 21, 1846, in Jackson County, Virginia, epitomizes the spirit of American perseverance. After moving through Missouri, he settled in Boise, Idaho, in 1878, where he initially thrived as a freighter and farmer. In 1898, he purchased the Bancroft Hotel, significantly contributing to its success. A dedicated family man and community member, Pfost has been actively involved in various fraternal organizations and has had three marriages, producing a large family. He remains a respected figure in Idaho.
S. J. Miller, born June 4, 1884, in Butler, Missouri, is a notable resident of Rogers County, Oklahoma. After a successful career in the oil business, he moved to his wife’s 76-acre farm northwest of Chelsea in 1921, practicing general farming and livestock raising. He married Ada G. Thompson in 1917, and they are parents to twelve children. An engaged community member, Mr. Miller is recognized for his contributions to local development and is esteemed as a prominent citizen of the area.
S. B. Ward, born January 21, 1860, in West Virginia, became a prominent farmer and stock raiser in Oklahoma. After moving to Missouri in 1881, he later settled in the Indian Territory, managing various farms and eventually acquiring significant acreage in Washington County. Married to Ida Farrell, they raised eight children while exemplifying the resilience of pioneer life. Known for his executive ability and progressive farming methods, Ward’s hard work culminated in prosperity, and he remains a respected figure in his community by 1921.
C. H. Fortner, M. D., a prominent physician in Coffeyville, Kansas, was born on July 16, 1872, in Howard County, Indiana. His lineage traces back to early German settlers in America. After completing his medical education at the Medico-Chirurgical School, he practiced in Western Kansas and Kansas City before establishing his reputation in Coffeyville. Active in community and professional organizations, Fortner also amassed significant property holdings. He married Jessie Wintermute in 1902 and has served as city physician, demonstrating his commitment to both medicine and civic engagement.
S. J. Miller, born on June 4, 1884, in Butler, Missouri, is a prominent resident of Rogers County, Oklahoma, where he operates a well-maintained farm seven and a half miles northwest of Chelsea. After a successful career in the oil business, he settled on this farm in 1921. He married Ada G. Thompson in 1917, and together they have contributed to the local community. Mr. Miller is recognized for his active involvement in community development and is considered a representative citizen of the area.
Mary Eliza Wood Conley, an early settler of the Flora district, passed away on February 26, 1940, at a nursing home in Milton. Born on December 6, 1859, she married Jesse Monroe Conley in 1878 and migrated to Oregon in 1888, where they homesteaded. After farming for 20 years, they settled in Flora until 1926. She is survived by five children. Funeral services were held in Milton, attended by family. Mr. Conley preceded her in death in 1936.
Mary Eliza Wood Conley, an early settler in Flora, Oregon, passed away on February 26, 1940, in a nursing home in Milton after years of declining health. Born on December 6, 1859, she married Jesse Monroe Conley in Missouri in 1878, later homesteading in Oregon in 1888. They lived on their farm for 20 years before retiring to Flora. Mary is survived by five children. Funeral services were held in Milton, attended by family.
Eula Sartain, age 56, passed away at her home in North Powder on Tuesday evening. Originally from Crescent Hill, Missouri, she had resided in North Powder for six years. Eula is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Fred Ingram of Tulsa, Oklahoma; her son, Fred Sartain of North Powder; and two brothers, Charles and O.C. McCraw. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday afternoon at the local Methodist church.
Hugh Gerald Erwin, 95, passed away on June 21 in Union, Oregon. Born on October 25, 1910, in Missouri, he worked in ranching and with the Oregon Highway Department, retiring in 1973. He married Fern Baxter in 1936, and they lived in Union for many years. An active member of the United Methodist Church, Erwin enjoyed outdoor activities and family time. He is survived by his children, 12 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. His funeral is scheduled for June 26 at the Union United Methodist Church.