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.
Richard L. C. Isherwood was born on December 6, 1856, in Gloucestershire, England. He immigrated to the United States at fourteen, later apprenticing in the tinner’s trade in Missouri. In 1875, he partnered with Mr. Miller in Jamesport, where they established their business in 1879, specializing in hardware and agricultural implements. Isherwood married Mary Gillilan on October 18, 1878, and was actively involved in local organizations, including the I. O. O. F. lodge and A. O. U. W.
John W. Burton, born on November 29, 1842, in Lawrence County, Indiana, was raised on a farm by his father, Eli Burton. He received early education in a local log cabin school before graduating with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Michigan in 1868. During the Civil War, he enlisted in the Indiana Volunteer Infantry and served for three years. After briefly practicing law, he transitioned to dentistry and established a successful practice in Gallatin, Missouri, where he remained active in local politics and community affairs.
Hon. Henderson Massie, born in 1833 in Jackson County, Ohio, grew up on his father’s farm, receiving limited education. After marrying Margaret Evans, he had eight children. Following her death, he married Sarah E. Stevenson and had four more children. He moved to Missouri, where he farmed and worked in iron production. A prominent community member, Massie served on the Carter County Court for fourteen years, eight as presiding judge, while remaining politically reserved. He was active in the Methodist Episcopal Church and was a Mason.
Francis Marion Youngblood, born around 1838 in DeKalb County, Missouri, exemplified the American spirit through his integrity and dedication. Growing up in Boone County, he received limited education due to his responsibilities on the family farm. Married in 1861 to Elizabeth Hulsey, they had ten children. Youngblood served in the Federal Army during the Civil War and was captured briefly. After the war, he continued his successful career in farming and stockraising, becoming a notable figure in his community and a lifelong Republican.
William Edward Davis, born on July 14, 1875, in West Virginia, became the youngest state auditor in Kansas at the age of 35, elected in November 1910. Known for his efficient and economical administration, he significantly improved public expenditure scrutiny and resolved issues related to school land sales. Having moved to Kansas in 1896, he held various roles, including a traveling salesman and owner of the Globe-Republican newspaper. A member of the Elks and United Commercial Travelers, he married Ellen Mary Wiley in 1899 and has one son, William Edward Jr.
William D. Casey, born on November 19, 1871, in Carroll County, Missouri, became a prominent lawyer in Atchison, Kansas, after being admitted to the bar at a young age. Originally from a hardworking family, he pursued law studies and built a successful career while holding various public offices including city judge and postmaster. He was active in community and state bar associations and was involved in several fraternal organizations. Married to Ella Scott, he and his wife raised three children in Atchison.
The Lewis and Clark expedition documented the remains of the ancient village of the Missouri Tribe on June 13, 1804, noting its destruction and the subsequent displacement of its people due to conflicts with the Sauks and other tribes. Once a populous settlement, it was reduced to about thirty families, who sought refuge with neighboring tribes. The expedition’s account highlights the significance of the village site near Grand River, offering insight into the architecture of the Missouri’s mat and bark-covered lodges.
Mrs. W.T. Knapp, born Maggie Irene Bridwell on October 19, 1868, in Norborne, Missouri, passed away on January 1, 1939, at St. Anthony hospital in Pendleton following a significant operation. She was a pioneering settler in Wallowa County, marrying William Thomas Knapp in 1887, with whom she had five children. A dedicated member of the Hermiston Townsend Club, Mrs. Knapp is remembered for her ambition and kindness. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and many friends. Funeral services were held in Hermiston.
H. L. Kinnaman, born February 1, 1852, in Indiana, is a prominent resident of Chautauqua County, Kansas, where he has made significant contributions as a county treasurer and community leader. After moving to Kansas in 1874, he became a successful farmer and held several local offices, including county commissioner. Kinnaman is the descendant of German colonial settlers and has a rich family history in American agriculture. He was married to Laura Wiley and had four children. He continues to engage in community service and local governance.
Mark A. Leftwich, born in May 1852 in Virginia, is a prominent newspaper figure in Oklahoma, owning the Coweta Times-Star. He learned the printing trade in Texas, eventually publishing several newspapers in Missouri and Nebraska before establishing the Coweta Times in 1905 and merging it with the Coweta Star in 1918. Leftwich, a Democrat and Mason, has five children and contributes to his community through his work and influence. His reliability and integrity are widely recognized.
Dr. Benjamin Franklin Strong, born in 1861 in Sabula, Iowa, is a notable physician and surgeon currently practicing in Chautauqua, Kansas, after a diverse career spanning retail and traveling sales. He graduated from Rush Medical College in 1896 and initially practiced in Howard, Kansas, before moving through various locations, including Kansas City and Norborne. Strong is of English and Scottish descent, with family roots in Massachusetts, and has contributed to his community through various civic roles and medical associations. He has two marriages and an adopted daughter.