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.
Charles F. Debrunner, born on May 16, 1882, in Billings, Missouri, is the local manager of the United Iron Works Company’s plant in Independence. His business career began at a young age, leading to significant roles in various manufacturing companies. Educated in Billings and Springfield, he contributed actively to civic and business affairs in Southern Kansas. Married in 1903, Debrunner’s family includes a son, Daniel. He is also involved in multiple organizations, reflecting his engagement in both community and business sectors.
Fenton T. Stockard, born December 16, 1867, in Gibson County, Tennessee, is a prominent attorney in Billings, where he has practiced law since 1891. He began his legal career after studying under Hon. H. E. Howell and has gained recognition for his skills. The son of C. H. and Patience E. Stockard, he grew up in a family of six children and has roots in both Irish and French heritage. Mr. Stockard married Mignonette Gregory in 1893 and is known for his Republican advocacy and public spirit.
E. G. Friend, born August 29, 1833, in Christian County, Missouri, is a notable farmer and stockraiser. The son of William Friend, a prominent early settler and Indian war veteran, E. G. assisted on the family farm before venturing west to California during the gold rush. He served in the Civil War and returned to farming, accumulating 440 acres. Married to Charlottie Tyndall, he fathered several children and became involved in local Masonic lodges and community affairs, embodying the pioneering spirit of his county.
Robert P. Lawing, born on August 4, 1825, in Rutherford County, Tennessee, was a respected pioneer and farmer. The son of Robert and Mary A. Lawing, he moved to Christian County, Missouri, with his family in 1843, where he initially engaged in the sawmill business. In 1847, he married Margaret B. McDaniel and later became a successful farmer and stockraiser. Lawing, a Democratic supporter, witnessed significant changes in the community, raised a large family, and left a lasting legacy through his contributions to the region’s development.
Dr. Wesley B. Wasson, a promising physician and surgeon, was born in 1862 in Stone County, Arkansas. He combines medical proficiency with strong ethical character and integrity. After receiving his education, including two years at Marionville College and graduating from the University of Louisville in 1890, he began his medical practice in Crane, Arkansas in 1888. Additionally, he serves as president of the Crane Milling Company. Dr. Wasson married Ella Keltner in 1890 and they have two children, Blanch and Carl.
A. C. Crain, born October 2, 1833, in Tennessee, served as sheriff of Christian County and now lives in retirement in Sparta, Missouri. He enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War, rising to the rank of first lieutenant. Post-war, he married Martha Kershner and farmed before his election as sheriff. Crain actively participated in community service, including education and local governance. He has eight children and is involved in the Christian Church and local fraternal organizations. Crain is recognized as a self-made man and a respected citizen.
William Bain, born in 1821 in Tennessee, is a respected farmer in Finley Township, Missouri. He hails from a family with a strong work ethic; his father was a hatter and his mother was of Irish descent. Bain received little formal education but became a successful farmer with a 200-acre property. He served in the Missouri State Militia during the Civil War and is an active member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Bain’s character is noted for honesty and integrity. He married Mary Ann Anderson in 1842, and they had nine children.
William Thompson, born on May 10, 1832, in Tennessee, is a notable pioneer of Missouri’s development. After moving to Missouri in 1854, he actively participated in the Civil War, notably serving in the Fourth Missouri Cavalry. Thompson transitioned from farming to various businesses in Billings and became involved in local governance and organizations, including the G.A.R and masonry. A Republican, he has held multiple offices, including county assessor. Thompson remains engaged in community initiatives, including the establishment of a Women’s Relief Corps and a soldiers’ home.
Simeon P. Maples, born October 2, 1842, in Bradley County, Tennessee, is a prominent farmer in Christian County, Missouri. Descended from French immigrants who served in the Revolutionary War, he followed a family legacy of farming. He enlisted in the Twenty-fourth Missouri Infantry during the Civil War and was discharged in 1864. After marrying Mary Maples, they had six children and settled on a 120-acre farm near Boaz. A member of the Missionary Baptist Church and a Republican, Maples remains a respected and substantial citizen of his community.
Taylor Bray, born March 31, 1844, in Sparta, Missouri, descended from an Irish family that settled in North Carolina before migrating to Missouri in the early 1840s. His father, Mark Bray, was a prominent local farmer and mill operator. During the Civil War, Taylor served with the Sixteenth Missouri Cavalry, participating in various engagements. Post-war, he married M. J. Marley and became a successful farmer and stock raiser, raising ten children. He has shifted political affiliations from the Democratic party to the Labor party and remains an esteemed community member.
W. W. Scott, born on December 21, 1809, in Tennessee, is a notable pioneer of Christian County, Missouri, with a life marked by integrity and longevity. The son of Thomas and Elizabeth Jones Scott, he moved to Missouri in 1846, engaging in farming and cattle trading. A Union Army guide during the Civil War, he experienced two marriages, raising nine children. Known for his good judgment and community influence, Scott remains an active Baptist and lives a comfortable, retired life on his farm.
James K. P. McHaffie, born in Greene County, Missouri, in 1846, stems from a pioneering family that settled in the Ozark Mountains. His father, David McHaffie, a Virginia native, was an early settler in Christian County who became a successful landowner and respected community figure. James K. P. grew up on the homestead, later becoming a prosperous businessman and influential figure in the county. He served as sheriff and collector, was active in local banking, and married Amanda S. Laughlin, with whom he had four children.
Hon. J. J. Bruton, born on February 22, 1845, in Christian County, Missouri, exemplifies a successful legal career shaped by dedication and hard work. Raised in a family with deep roots in education, farming, and service, he enlisted as a bugler in the Fourth Missouri Cavalry during the Civil War. Post-war, he established a business and pursued law, holding various public offices, including a term in the Legislature. A respected community member, he actively engages in local affairs and is currently a candidate for prosecuting attorney.
Alfred H. Purdy, born on December 28, 1857, in southern Illinois, is a notable produce merchant in Billings, Missouri, where he has conducted business since 1880. After a brief clerking career, he initially engaged in milling before transitioning to grocery, and then to produce. Purdy is highly regarded for his integrity and civic involvement, having served in various local offices, including city clerk. He is married to Minnie M. Scott and has two children, gaining respect as both a businessman and community leader.
Robert A. Smith, also known as Mac Smith, was born on January 1, 1846, in Christian County, Missouri. A prominent farmer and stockraiser in Taney County, he began his agricultural career after serving as a flag bearer in the Civil War. Smith acquired substantial land, totaling 270 acres, and became well-regarded in the farming community. He married Permelia Roberts in 1865, and they had several children. Smith was also active in the Masonic fraternity and is recognized as a leading agricultural authority in his region.
William Roberts, born on February 15, 1823, in East Tennessee, became a prominent farmer in Christian County, Missouri. He moved there in 1843, establishing a successful farm spanning 740 acres. A veteran of the Civil War, Roberts was a Republican and active member of the G.A.R. He married twice, first to Mary Berkhardt, with whom he had nine children before her passing, and later to Miss Wrightsman. Roberts is recognized for his contributions to the community and his extensive landholdings.
Washington M. Wade, born January 21, 1858, in Carroll County, Arkansas, became a notable banker and public figure in Christian County. The son of Joseph and Nancy Wade, he pursued education at Marionville College before teaching in Christian and Stone Counties. Elected clerk and recorder of Christian County, he later founded the Taney County Bank in Forsyth in 1891. A lifelong Republican and prominent Mason, he was deeply involved in community affairs. He married Alice Maxwell and was active in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Charles B. Swift, born on July 31, 1851, in Weakley County, Tennessee, has been a prominent figure in Billings, Missouri, since 1870. As treasurer of the Billings Mercantile Company, Swift exemplifies successful entrepreneurship, starting his career as a clerk before establishing his own business in 1879. He served as county collector and postmaster, actively supporting the Republican Party. Married to Martha E. Dye, they have five children and are involved in their local Christian Church, where Swift serves as an elder.
James Hildrith, born in Pennsylvania in 1842, moved to Christian County, Missouri, in 1877, where he became a respected farmer and community member. Orphaned at a young age, he began working early, eventually enlisting in the Civil War. After marrying Harriet Carrier in 1867, they had eight children. Hildrith developed a successful farming operation and later retired to Billings, engaging in local business and politics, while remaining active in educational and religious affairs. He is recognized for his hard work and contributions to the community.