Christian County MO

Biography of Hon. William A. Lawing

Hon. William A. Lawing, born on November 17, 1818, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is a distinguished figure in Christian County, Missouri. A self-made man, he engaged in various trades before settling into farming and mill building. Married in 1847, he fathered ten children and eventually owned a substantial 300-acre farm. A Unionist during the Civil War, Lawing faced numerous challenges but provided critical support to the Union cause. He served in the Legislature and is recognized for his contributions to the community and local infrastructure.

Biography of Dr. C. B. Elkins

Dr. C. B. Elkins, born in 1862 in Tennessee, has been a prominent figure in medicine since moving to Ozark, Missouri, in 1888. After studying under Dr. I. N. Rogers and graduating from Missouri Medical College in 1885, he practiced in various locations before partnering with Dr. John H. Fulbright in Ozark. Active in medical associations and fraternal organizations, Elkins married Alice Flag, with whom he had four children. Following her death in 1882, he continued to contribute to both his profession and community.

Biography of C. H. Stockard

C. H. Stockard, born on February 25, 1835, in Gibson County, Tennessee, has significantly contributed to the prosperity of Christian County, Missouri, since 1879. A veteran of the Civil War, he overcame personal losses, including the deaths of two wives and his children, while building a successful farming career. Stockard, a self-made man, is noted for his community involvement and Republican activism. He has raised a family and prioritized their education, reflecting his commitment to both personal and communal advancement.

Biography of Hon. James D. Gideon

Hon. James D. Gideon, born in 1833 in Hawkins County, Tennessee, became a prominent farmer and stockraiser in Union Township, Stone County, Missouri. After migrating with his family to Lincoln County, Kentucky, he settled in Christian County in 1849. Gideon served in the Civil War as a bugler in the Sixteenth Missouri Cavalry. He was involved in local governance as a justice of the peace and later as a county judge. A dedicated farmer, he cultivated a 293-acre farm and raised a family of ten children.

Biography of Judge James J. Gideon

Judge James J. Gideon, born December 11, 1846, in Christian County, Missouri, is renowned for his integrity and dedication to justice. Raised in a pioneering family, he served in the Civil War before pursuing law, being admitted to the bar in 1872. Gideon held various public offices, including prosecuting attorney and judge of the Criminal Court, earning respect for his fair and efficient handling of cases. A lifelong Republican, he is also involved in several fraternal organizations and has a strong reputation in Southwest Missouri.

Biography of James W. Robertson

James W. Robertson, born May 15, 1830, in Tennessee, was a prominent figure in Christian County, Missouri. A devoted husband and respected citizen, he contributed significantly through public service, including serving as captain in the Fourteenth Missouri Cavalry during the Civil War. After the war, he established a successful general merchandising business and helped organize the Christian County Bank, serving as its first president. An active Democrat and community leader, he passed away in August 1887, leaving behind a commendable legacy, including nine children.

Biography of John A. Gibson

John A. Gibson, born on December 14, 1824, in Giles County, Tennessee, moved to Christian County at ten. His parents, early settlers, faced hardships, shaping his resilience. After marrying Sarah J. Wilks, he expanded his 40-acre farm to 354 acres and succeeded in farming and tobacco manufacturing. A self-made man and Democrat, he has seven children, embodying the pioneer spirit through hard work and perseverance despite early struggles. He engaged deeply in agriculture and his children continue the family legacy in tobacco.

Biography of Henry I. Purdy

Henry I. Purdy was born on February 19, 1823, in Vergennes, Vermont, and emigrated with his family to Jackson County, Illinois, in 1842, becoming part of Vergennes Colony. He worked on the family farm and taught school, eventually acquiring land and prospering. Purdy served in the Civil War with the Seventy-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry and died in a Kentucky hospital on January 22, 1863. He was married twice, had six children, and was known for his dedication to his community and church.

Biography of Martin V. Tyndall

Martin V. Tyndall was born on March 7, 1864, in Christian County, Missouri, to William V. and Hannah Tyndall. His family has deep roots in the region, with ancestors involved in early settlement and military service. Educated locally, he moved to Montana in 1883, becoming the first settler in Anaconda. After working in copper mining, he returned to Missouri to teach school. Since 1890, he has served as a U.S. S. G. and remains an active member of the Masonic order and Republican Party.

Biography of James H. French

James H. French, born on August 28, 1851, in Caldwell County, Kentucky, is a notable agricultural figure in Christian County, Missouri. He hails from a pioneer family and was raised on his family’s farm after they migrated overland. In 1872, he married Anna Smallwood and established his own successful farming operation on a 40-acre property. A member of the Peoples Party, French has contributed significantly to his community, raising ten children, and his well-maintained fields attest to his agricultural expertise.

Biography of Judge John P. Collier

Judge John P. Collier, born on July 15, 1842, in Warren County, Kentucky, rose from humble beginnings as the youngest of twelve in a farming family. Enlisting in the Union Army at nineteen, he served in the Kentucky Volunteer Infantry before pursuing a career in education. Moving to Missouri in 1871, he held various public offices including deputy sheriff and county treasurer. Elected probate judge in 1890, Collier is known for his legal acumen and community involvement, alongside his commitment to education and the Methodist Church. He and his wife have three children.

Biography of Walter A. Long

Walter A. Long, born on October 2, 1856, in Chariton County, Missouri, is a distinguished attorney in Christian County. With a solid education and keen business acumen, he has successfully practiced law throughout Southwest Missouri since 1885. Long, a self-made man, served as prosecuting attorney for Christian County and is noted for his thorough and conscientious legal work. He is a member of the Republican Party and the Masonic Lodge. He and his wife, Mattie, had three children, two of whom died young.

Biography of Isaac A. Tyndall

Isaac A. Tyndall, born on May 10, 1856, in Christian County, Missouri, has served as the county assessor since 1890, following his initial election. Raised in a pioneering family, he balanced farming and education, teaching in local schools before focusing solely on agriculture. He is recognized for his efficient service and popularity as an official. Tyndall, involved in community activities and a member of the I.O.O.F., manages a successful 240-acre farm, reflecting the legacy of his esteemed family in the region.

Biography of Dr. E. B. Brown

Dr. E. B. Brown, a notable physician in Christian County, was born on December 5, 1845, in Arkansas. His medical career began in 1869 after graduating from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Keokuk, Iowa. A dedicated public servant, he has served as county coroner and United States examining surgeon. Dr. Brown is recognized for his compassionate demeanor and extensive medical knowledge. He resides in Billings with his wife, Miss S. A. Clapp, and their eight children, actively contributing to local public enterprises.

Biography of Thomas L. Viles

Thomas L. Viles, born on October 3, 1850, in Roane County, Tennessee, became a prominent figure in Stone County, Missouri. Raised on a farm, he served in the Civil War at age fifteen before transitioning into public service. Viles held various roles, including sheriff and deputy county collector, before being elected as the prosecuting attorney, a position he has maintained with distinction. Active in the Republican Party and local organizations, he is well-respected in both professional and social circles, alongside his wife, Elmira Gideon.

Biography of John M. French

John M. French, born on October 22, 1853, on his father’s homestead, exhibited early talent in agriculture. Despite his potential in various professions, he became a dedicated farmer, improving his 100-acre land since 1881. Married to Sarah L. Jones, they raised seven children and were actively involved in their community, particularly in education and local governance. A Republican, Mr. French is respected in the area, with a strong emphasis on providing educational opportunities for his children.

Biography of Rev. William J. Fulton

Rev. William J. Fulton, born in Robertson County, Tennessee on November 26, 1840, dedicated his life to serving others through education and ministry, joining the General Baptist Church after teaching for six years. He has been a minister for fifteen years and significantly increased church membership while residing on a 160-acre farm in Missouri. A Union veteran of the Civil War, Fulton is active in local politics and community organizations. Married to Sarah J. Stubbs, they have nine children and are respected members of their community.

Biography of Dr. James W. York

Dr. James W. York, born March 27, 1851, in Iowa, has established a respected career in medicine over his thirteen years in Billings. A dedicated physician known for his integrity and compassion, he has garnered a loyal patient base. After graduating from Keokuk Medical School in 1874, he served as a government physician in the Indian Nation before settling in Billings in 1880. He is also successful in the drug business, having built a substantial property portfolio, and is actively involved in community affairs. York married Olive Napper, and they have two daughters.

Biography of Joseph Meyer

Joseph Meyer, born on March 6, 1852, in southern Indiana, has been a prominent figure in Billings since 1886, where he serves as manager and president of the Billings Mercantile Company. He began his career in the harness trade before transitioning to mercantile management in Tennessee and then to Billings, where he founded a general store. Under his leadership, the company grew into the largest in the county. Meyer is known for his integrity, Democratic Party affiliation, and community contributions, and he is an active member of the Catholic Church.

Biography of Judge E. F. Howcroft

Judge E. F. Howcroft, born on November 18, 1838, in Fall River, Massachusetts, is a distinguished figure in Christian County. A committed public servant and successful farmer, he has significantly contributed to the community. After spending his early years in Massachusetts and Maine, he relocated to Missouri in 1876, where he engaged in agriculture. Howcroft, a Democrat, was appointed county judge in 1893 and has held various positions of trust. He is well-respected, known for his fair judgment and pleasant demeanor. He has three children and is involved in local organizations.