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.
Dr. Newton W. Amos, born January 26, 1867, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, pursued a career in medicine after initially teaching for seven years. He graduated from St. Louis Medical College in 1897 and has since engaged in general practice and hospital work, earning community respect and professional recognition. Married to Ids May Holtzman in 1908, they have two sons. A member of multiple medical associations, Dr. Amos balances his professional life with a passion for home and family, along with an interest in baseball.
Arthur Lee Oliver, born January 5, 1879, in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, pursued a successful legal career as an attorney and United States attorney in St. Louis. Educated at the University of Texas, he contributed significantly to Missouri’s legislature as a Democratic leader, authoring over one hundred bills. He married Mary Esther Roberts in 1907, and they had two children. A Mason and active community member, Oliver’s public life reflected a commitment to social progress and the welfare of his constituents.
Edward C. Stuart, born on March 2, 1879, in Powhattan, Arkansas, began his banking career as a clerk at the First National Bank of Cape Girardeau. After significant advancement, he became vice president of the First National Bank of St. Louis, illustrating his expertise in banking and financial management. Educated at Cape Girardeau State Normal School and Eastmans Business College, Stuart’s career reflects a commitment to mastering his profession. Married to Lucy Gentry, he has three children and is actively involved in community affairs without holding a political office.
Dr. George W. Haverstick, born January 8, 1866, in De Soto, Missouri, pursued a career in medicine after initially teaching. He graduated from Beaumont Hospital Medical College in 1896 and specialized in pediatric care, earning a reputation for effectively gaining children’s trust. He married Julia Burgess and has one daughter, Waynetta. Active in politics and Masonry, Dr. Haverstick also supported government efforts during World War I, reflecting his civic commitment. His family lineage includes early Missouri settlers and ties to the Mayflower.
William Franklin Minton, born on November 25, 1856, in Missouri, dedicated his life to the development of Malheur County and the broader frontier. After moving with his family across several states, including Colorado, New Mexico, and Washington, he settled in Nyssa, where he improved his land and initiated the Owyhee Ditch project, contributing significantly to the region’s agriculture. A Democrat involved in local politics, he faced personal losses but continued to thrive, leaving a legacy of progress and community service.
John Morgan Atkinson, born on September 14, 1870, in Hickman County, Tennessee, is a Democratic candidate for clerk of the Ripley County Court. He moved to Ripley County with his family in 1873 and pursued education at local schools, excelling academically. A dedicated educator, he has taught in his district and harbors aspirations to enter the legal profession. Atkinson, known for his industrious nature and abstinence from intoxicants, is involved in community and church activities. He is the son of a Confederate veteran and is set to assume office on January 1, 1895.
Hon. Thomas Mabrey, born June 2, 1835, in Williamson County, Tennessee, was the eighth of nine children. His parents, early settlers in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, influenced his agricultural background. Educated locally, he briefly taught before enlisting as a lieutenant in the Confederate army during the Civil War. After the war, he faced legal obstacles in Missouri and Texas before establishing a successful law practice in Ripley County. Mabrey served as prosecuting attorney and state legislator. He married Sallie J. Carter, with whom he had twelve children.
Theodore H. Polace, born on March 12, 1860, in Illinois, has been a prominent lawyer in Marysville for over thirty-five years. Initially a teacher, he transitioned to law after studying at the University of Michigan. His father, Rev. Gustav W. Polack, was a dedicated Lutheran minister who immigrated from Germany. Married in 1887 to Florence McKee, Theodore and Florence had five children, contributing to both education and agriculture in their community. He remains active in legal practice, with a strong connection to his Lutheran roots.
Lyman Roy Kasinger passed away on Sunday due to a heart attack at his home in Oregon City. Originally from Millersville, MO, he lived in Imbler and La Grande for several years. He is survived by his daughter Gertrude Persyn, three grandchildren, and several siblings across California, Washington, and Oregon. His funeral service took place in Oregon City. Kasinger’s contributions to his community and family will be remembered by those he left behind.
Bessie G. Ruckman, aged 81, passed away on May 3 in Oakland, California. Born on November 4, 1903, in Jackson, Missouri, she moved to Imbler in 1912. She married Virgil Audmer Ruckman in 1922 and worked at the Pacific Telephone Co. until her retirement in 1957. Mrs. Ruckman is survived by two daughters, grandchildren, and other extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1975. Private family services were conducted at Summerville Cemetery.
H. C. Watson, born on July 27, 1827, in New Madrid, Missouri, was the son of a pioneer Scotchman. Educated at various institutions, including Bethany College, he engaged in merchandising until the Civil War disrupted his business. In 1865, he began working as a clerk and timekeeper for the St. L. A. T. H. R. R. Following a move to Mattoon in 1870 with the railway shops, he also served as a School Director on the East Side. He married Sarah C. Post and had five children.
Thomas Adiel Sherwood was born on June 2, 1834, in Eatonton, Georgia. He was educated at Mercer University and Shurtleff College, later graduating from Cincinnati Law School in 1857. Sherwood practiced law in various Missouri towns before becoming a prominent jurist, serving as Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court from 1876 to 1888. Renowned for his legal expertise and dedication, he was recognized for his progressive views and impactful published opinions, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in American jurisprudence.