Christian County MO

Biography of John McCoy

John McCoy, born in Virginia in 1799, moved to east Tennessee with his family as a child. In 1841, he journeyed to Christian County, Missouri, where he established a farm and distillery, contributing to the local community until his death in 1875. A respected figure and Union supporter during the Civil War, he raised six children with his wife, Barbara Wolf. The McCoy family, integral to the county’s early settlement, remains well-regarded today, with descendants continuing to manage the family farm.

Biography of A. T. Yoachum

A. T. Yoachum, born on February 7, 1827, in Arkansas, emerged from a lineage of pioneers in Missouri. His family played a significant role in early settlement and agriculture. After a limited education and a year in the Civil War, he managed a mill and became a successful farmer and store owner in Ozark. Yoachum held various public offices, including county treasurer, and was a prominent businessman, owning a mill and serving as president of the Christian County Bank. He was well-regarded for his public spirit and contributions to local agriculture and community.

Biography of George W. Adams

George W. Adams, born in 1841 in Letcher County, Kentucky, was an influential agriculturist and stockraiser in Marion Township, Christian County, Missouri. His family relocated to Missouri in 1854, where he later established a successful farm after serving in the Missouri State Militia during the Civil War. Married twice, he fathered eleven children with his second wife, Jane Nance. Adams became noted for his contributions to local agriculture and livestock, achieving a prosperous life through hard work, while remaining politically active as a Republican and a Mason.

Biography of O. W. Anderson

O. W. Anderson, born on November 18, 1850, in Erie County, Pennsylvania, became a prominent blacksmith and businessman in Billings, Missouri. He learned the blacksmith trade after initially working as a saw miller and opened his first shop in 1875. After several business ventures, including a hardware store, he returned to blacksmithing, forming Anderson Keightley. Active in the community, he held minor political offices and was involved in fraternal organizations. Married in 1873, he and his wife raised four children and are respected members of the local Methodist Episcopal Church.

Biography of Henry H. Stone

Henry H. Stone, born on February 12, 1845, in Johnson County, Illinois, is a successful figure known for his industriousness and perseverance. The son of Thomas and Esther Stone, he was raised in Jackson County and educated at Carbondale College. After marrying Amanda E. Purdy in 1874, he established the first mill in Billings and later ventured into various businesses, including lumber and paving brick. A Republican and a deacon in the Christian Church, Stone has held community roles, including associate judge and school director, and is respected in his community.

Biography of M. V. Gideon

M. V. Gideon, born on February 22, 1860, in Christian County, is a prominent circuit clerk and recorder of deeds known for his integrity and intelligence. Coming from a respected family of early Missouri pioneers, he lost his father, William C. Gideon, to violence during the Civil War. M. V. received his education at local schools and Marionville College before entering public service. A Republican and active in the community, he is also involved in local business ventures and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Biography of Joseph Lebow

Joseph Lebow was born in 1833 in Hawkins County, Tennessee, to Isaac and Sarah (Gray) Lebow. Following a modest education, he worked as a farmer and served in the Civil War with the Eighth Tennessee Infantry and the East Tennessee Battery. After his first wife, Rebecca Harris, died, he remarried around 1867. In 1870, he relocated to Christian County, Missouri, where he acquired a successful farm. Joseph had a significant family background, with both his parents and maternal grandfather being notable figures in their communities.

Biography of Isaac Adams

Isaac Adams, born in 1850 in Letcher County, Kentucky, moved to Christian County, Missouri, at a young age. Amid limited educational opportunities due to the Civil War, he began farming at nineteen and later married Sarah Garrison, a local farmer’s daughter. The couple had ten children and eventually transitioned to merchandising in Garrison Post Office in 1893, where Adams also served as postmaster. He remains a respected community figure and retains a 201-acre farm with valuable lead deposits.

Biography of Wiand Tunnell

Wiand Tunnell, born on September 8, 1853, in Macoupin County, Illinois, is a prominent figure in Linden as a manager and co-owner of Linden Roller Mills, one of the county’s first mills established circa 1840. After acquiring the mill in 1886, Tunnell significantly contributed to its modern operation, producing acclaimed flour brands such as Imperial Snow Flakes and Gold Dust. He is actively involved in local business, is a Mason, and a Republican, and is married to Susan A. Chestnut, with whom he has two children.

Biography of J. C. Woody

J. C. Woody, born in Tennessee in 1834, moved to Christian County, Missouri, at six. His parents were early settlers, and they faced the challenges of pioneer life. J. C. became a successful landowner and stockraiser, owning up to 600 acres. He briefly ventured to California for mining before returning to Missouri, where he served as sheriff, earning re-election for his effective leadership. A Mason and church member, Woody raised several children with his wife, Rebecca, and they contributed significantly to the community’s development.

Biography of James F. Adams

James F. Adams, born on April 21, 1861, in Christian County, Missouri, is a notable figure known for his intelligence and strong character. As the youngest child of pioneer settlers, he was educated locally before embarking on a teaching career. In 1886, he was elected county clerk, representing the Republican party, and has since made significant contributions to his community. A dedicated family man, he resides in Ozark with his wife, Mattie A. Crain, and their two children. Adams is active in local governance and educational initiatives.

Biography of Jasper N. Farmer

Jasper N. Farmer, born on July 2, 1855, in Christian County, is a notable figure in the pharmacy field in Sparta. He began his business career in 1878, primarily focusing on druggery, though he explored other ventures briefly. Farmer married Eliza Smith, with whom he has four children. A Democrat and respected community member, he owns a successful pharmacy known for its quality products and considerable real estate in Sparta. He hails from a prominent Tennessee family, largely contributing to his reputation and friendships in the area.

Biography of John D. Forbis

John D. Forbis, born in 1848 in Lincoln Township, Christian County, Missouri, is a notable farmer and stock dealer known for his integrity and industriousness. He comes from a lineage of early settlers, with his father, Joseph G. Forbis, contributing significantly to local agriculture. John served in the Civil War and married Sarah Lucy O’Bryant in 1873, with whom he had eight children. Over the years, he has successfully managed a 335-acre farm and is a stockholder in the Bank of Billings, though he avoids political office.

Biography of Leroy Adams

Leroy Adams, born around 1812 in Wilson County, Tennessee, is recognized as a pioneering figure in his community. Orphaned young, he moved to Missouri in 1833 with his mother and sisters. Adams transformed a wilderness farm into a thriving property through hard work, later marrying Mary Ann Cummings and raising six children. An active community member, he shifted from Whig to Republican and was involved in various local businesses. His legacy is marked by his character, contributions to society, and commitment to family and faith.

Biography of John Moseley

John Moseley, born March 14, 1825, in Shelby County, Illinois, has been a respected resident of Taney County since 1840. He is the son of Len S. Moseley, a Kentucky native and veteran of the Black Hawk War. John began farming on Beaver Creek in 1849, expanding into various agricultural ventures. A committed Democrat, he served as county judge and sheriff. Married to Parnecie E. Wommack, they had twelve children. Despite hardships, including losses during the Civil War, Moseley has become a prominent landowner and contributor to the county’s development.

Biography of Z. A. Johnson

Z. A. Johnson, born February 16, 1851, in Owen County, Indiana, is a prominent businessman in Ozark and a former sheriff of Christian County. His family moved frequently, eventually settling in Ozark in 1873. With a strong work ethic and tenacity, Johnson succeeded in various ventures, including mining and retail. Elected sheriff in 1885, he was respected for his integrity and dedication. He also holds positions in local banking and furniture businesses. Johnson is a family man, married to Maggie Boyd, with three children.

Biography of Prof. J. M. Johnson

Prof. J. M. Johnson, a prominent figure in Christian County, Missouri, has established himself in the drug industry while also maintaining a strong commitment to education. Born in Webster County on February 24, 1862, he grew up in a family with deep historical roots in the region. After studying at Missouri State Medical College, he transitioned from teaching to medicine and pharmacy. A successful businessman, he has engaged in various educational roles and held the position of county superintendent of schools, actively contributing to his community.

Biography of Samuel G. McCracken

Samuel G. McCracken, a prominent grain dealer and grocery merchant in Ozark, Missouri, is noted for his business integrity and community contributions. Born in Hickory County in 1851 and of Scotch-Irish descent, he was involved in various enterprises, including grain, milling, and real estate. Educated at Drury College, he began his career as a shipping clerk before co-founding a business with J. M. Doling. With a notable reputation, McCracken also engages in public affairs and serves as secretary of the Schmook Milling Company. He and his wife have raised two orphaned boys.

Biography of William L. Woody

William L. Woody, born on September 9, 1866, near Stockton, California, has made significant contributions to the livery business in Ozark, Missouri, over the past eight years. A well-equipped livery stable under his management has become a vital service for residents and travelers. Aside from livery, he briefly partnered in a hardware business. An enterprising individual, he owns two livery barns and real estate in Ozark. Active in the community, he participates in the I.O.O.F. lodge and supports local movements. He is married to Effie Lawing, and they are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Biography of C. P. Gibson

C. P. Gibson, a prominent businessman in Ozark, is the senior partner of Gibson Bros., a successful tobacco manufacturing firm. Born in Tennessee to John A. Gibson, he became adept in the tobacco industry from a young age. After schooling, he started manufacturing with his father and later ventured into farming and milling. Elected sheriff of Christian County in 1890, he served honorably. Gibson was married to Lou Spivy, who passed away in 1891, leaving two children. He is also active in local fraternal organizations.