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.
John C. Chilton was born in April 1865 in Carter County, Missouri. He was the youngest son of James Chilton, a prominent local farmer and former sheriff. John continued the family tradition of farming on their river property, achieving significant success. He married Miss Emma Bales, with whom he had three children: Bessie, James, and Benjamin H. A committed Democrat, he remains actively engaged in local political affairs. The Chilton family history reflects a strong connection to the land and community in Carter County.
George W. Legg, born in 1827 in Virginia, dedicated his life to farming before retiring in McDonald Station, Missouri. He married Charlotte Vermillion in 1852, and they had several children. After relocating to Carter County in 1877, he cultivated a fertile farm on Pike Creek, benefiting from his hard work and his wife’s support. A former Democrat turned Republican, Legg also served as township treasurer in Ohio. He now enjoys the fruits of his labor, having aimed to secure a prosperous future for his children.
Samuel D. McSpaden, born in 1847 in Gordon County, Georgia, became a prominent farmer and stockraiser in Carter County, Missouri. He moved to Missouri in 1869 with his family, overcoming financial hardships to build a successful farming business. Married to Amanda Neal, they had fourteen children. A veteran of the Civil War, he served in the First Georgia State Line Troops. Active in his community, he was a Mason and attended the Methodist Episcopal Church, contributing significantly to local agriculture and society.
Hon. Robert L. Coleman, born August 17, 1863, in Carter County, Missouri, has established himself as a prominent figure in local governance. A devoted Democrat, he was elected circuit clerk and recorder in 1890 and also served as school commissioner and state representative. A well-educated individual, Coleman began his public service early and has held various offices, demonstrating a strong commitment to his community. His familial roots trace back to Tennessee, and he is noted for his humility and dedication to the democratic ideals.
James M. McGhee, born December 17, 1854, in Georgia, is a prominent figure in Carter County, serving as county clerk for twelve years. His family history includes early pioneers in Tennessee and a father who was a Confederate lieutenant. McGhee educated himself in business and held various positions, including county treasurer. A dedicated Democrat and Mason, he has played a significant role in local governance and community affairs. He and his wife, Zillah, have four children and own extensive real estate in Carter County.
Hon. A. S. J. Lehr is the current representative of Carter County, Missouri. Born on January 30, 1867, in Jacksonport, Arkansas, he is the son of Richard H. and Sarah J. Lehr. A farmer and teacher, he has been engaged in politics since 1889, serving as county school commissioner and representing Carter County in the Legislature. Lehr, a dedicated Democrat and Mason, is well-respected and known for his affable nature, making him a prominent figure in his community.
D. H. Allison operates a reputable livery stable in Van Buren, Missouri, where he has achieved notable success since acquiring the business in 1893. Born in Irondale and raised in Reynolds County, he grew up in a large family with a farming background. After gaining experience in farming and logging, he transitioned to the livery business. A committed family man and a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, he embodies hard work and integrity, contributing to his community and the Democratic Party.
Dr. Tolman W. Cotton, a prominent physician in Carter County, Missouri, was born on August 12, 1868, in Reynolds County. He is the grandson of Aaron Cotton, an early settler from Tennessee. After receiving his education locally, Dr. Cotton taught school while pursuing medicine, eventually graduating from Missouri Medical College in 1893. He established a successful practice in Van Buren, where he also serves as a druggist, pension surgeon, and member of several medical associations. A dedicated professional, he has earned a strong reputation in his field.
John C. Waymeyer, born on February 18, 1851, in Davis County, Indiana, is a successful merchant with a flourishing trade. The son of German immigrants, he began his career as a clerk and later worked in a sawmill before serving as sheriff of Carter County for six years. He eventually bought a store and established his own business. A Republican in politics, he holds influence in the county, is involved in local initiatives, and resides with his wife Sarah and their two surviving children.
Judge Shadrach Chilton, born in Carter County, Missouri, on February 8, 1847, is a notable figure with deep local roots, descending from pioneer John Chilton. He married Cynthia Coleman and established a successful career in farming and public service, holding positions such as county assessor and probate judge. A committed Democrat and Mason, Chilton’s life reflects a blend of integrity, community involvement, and familial dedication, with six living children and a legacy of service to Carter County.
Anderson Coleman, born on October 14, 1822, in Tennessee, was a prominent pioneer of Carter County, Missouri, who arrived in 1858. He served as a constable and worked as a farmer throughout his life. Married three times, he had eleven children from his first marriage to Martha Allen. Coleman’s lineage includes soldiers from the Revolutionary War and War of 1812. Now retired, he is respected in his community for his contributions and for raising honorable descendants.
William W. Coleman, born on January 4, 1848, in North Carolina, is a notable figure in Van Buren, Missouri, recognized for his energetic approach to business and community service. After a background in farming, he transitioned to successful mercantile endeavors in 1892. Active in local politics, he held several offices, including county collector, assessor, and treasurer, while supporting Democratic principles. A family man and a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, Coleman is regarded as a respected citizen and community leader.
A. K. Oliver, born in 1825 in Smith County, Tennessee, dedicated his life to farming and established a prominent estate in Pike Creek Valley, Missouri. The son of Bluford and Polly Oliver, he experienced limited education but achieved success as a farmer. Married twice, first to Mary Jane and later to Malinda and Margaret, he had numerous children. Oliver became a resident of Oregon County in 1871 and later moved to Carter County, where he became known for his integrity and support for the Democratic Party and Missionary Baptist beliefs.
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.
Harrison A. Holland, born in 1854 in Lawrence County, Tennessee, is a prominent merchant and farmer in McDonald, Missouri. The son of Thomas and Catherine Holland, he moved to Carter County in 1871. Holland received minimal education due to family circumstances and married Lucinda Larimore in 1878, with whom he had seven children. He owns a 300-acre farm and has been involved in business with his brothers for nine years. A Democrat, he also serves as postmaster in Peggy and McDonald and is an active church member.
Dr. James Snider, born September 14, 1808, in Blount County, Tennessee, was a significant early settler of Carter County, Missouri. He came to the area in 1836, witnessing its development over decades. Initially a blacksmith and farmer, he became a self-taught physician, practicing medicine until his later years. Active in community affairs, he served as probate judge and helped establish a local Baptist church. A Democrat, he has been respected in his community and is the father of two, with many descendants.
Hon. Joshua Sholar, born on January 8, 1845, in Washington County, Missouri, ascended to prominence through his self-reliance and determination. The son of Whitmel and Mary Ann Sholar, he faced challenges early in life, receiving limited formal education. After teaching and farming in Missouri, he held various public offices, including school commissioner and county clerk. He also ventured into publishing a local newspaper. Sholar married twice, with his second wife being Laura P. Wetzell. A Democrat, he remains active in the Masonic fraternity.
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.
Zimri A. Carter, born on March 30, 1794, in South Carolina, settled in Carter County, Missouri, in 1813. As a prominent farmer and stock-raiser, he contributed significantly to the region’s development and was a public-spirited leader, holding various local and state offices. Carter County was named in his honor upon its organization in 1869. He and his wife, Clementine Chilton, had fifteen children. Zimri Carter passed away on February 3, 1872, leaving a legacy in both agriculture and local governance.