Christian County MO

Biography of B. B. Melton

B. B. Melton, a prominent citizen of Christian County since 1851, was born on August 12, 1820, in Cannon County, Tennessee. His parents, Jacob and Lucy Melton, were pioneers from North Carolina. Over his lifetime, Melton has been actively involved in farming and local politics, once serving as county treasurer. He and his wife, M. C. Elkins, have eleven children, with many residing nearby. Melton remains in good health at seventy-five, dedicating himself to community affairs and the Christian Church.

Biography of David Wolff

David Wolff, born on January 2, 1852, in Ross County, Ohio, is a prominent grocery businessman who established his enterprise in 1883. After ten years in mining, he partnered with W. H. H. Miller before operating independently until 1892. Wolff later partnered with Z. A. Johnson, achieving success in Ozark. A member of local organizations and a Republican supporter, he is known for his civic involvement. Married to Callie A. Johnson, they have two children, and the family is actively engaged in the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Biography of Andrew J. Farmer

Andrew J. Farmer, born in 1824 in Roane County, Tennessee, was a key figure in his community after moving to Missouri around 1845. He distinguished himself as a public-spirited citizen and county assessor, respected for his character and agricultural expertise. Married to Nancy Preston, they had five children, four of whom survived him. Farmer’s legacy includes his contributions to local governance and agriculture, embodying the values of integrity and hard work. He passed away in 1862, leaving a lasting impression on the county.

Biography of John A. Gideon

John A. Gideon, born on March 4, 1837, in Greene County, Missouri, was a notable figure in Galloway Township. His parents were early settlers from North Carolina, establishing roots in Missouri in the 1830s. Gideon grew up on a farm, later becoming a farmer and a respected community leader. He served as a soldier in the Civil War and held various local political positions, including county judge. A dedicated Republican, Gideon was influential in local politics and active in organizations like the G.A.R. and I.O.O.F.

Biography of Hon. Steven L. Wiles

Hon. Steven L. Wiles, born in 1831 in Surry County, North Carolina, significantly enhanced the agricultural landscape of Polk Township. His family’s roots trace back to English ancestors who settled in America prior to the Revolutionary War. After moving to Lincoln County, Tennessee, and later to Missouri, Wiles became a prosperous farmer and served in the military during the Mexican-American War and the Civil War. He was an effective county judge and actively participated in local Masonic and veteran organizations.

Biography of W. H. H. Miller

W. H. H. Miller, a notable figure in Christian County, Missouri, was the son of Jesse Miller, an early pioneer from North Carolina. Born around 1848, W. H. H. received a basic education and worked on the family farm before marrying Mary J. Lassley in 1872. He transitioned from farming to merchandising and became a leading stock dealer. Highly regarded for his integrity, Miller served as deputy sheriff during a tumultuous period and was an active participant in local organizations, including the Masonic Lodge.

Biography of Joshua T. Deeds

Joshua T. Deeds, born on October 4, 1845, in Greene County, Missouri, has played a significant role in the agricultural community of Christian County. A descendant of early settlers, he grew up learning farming and served in the Sixteenth Missouri Cavalry during the Civil War. After marrying Frances E. Collins in 1866, he established a successful farm and cattle operation southwest of Ozark. Deeds, a dedicated Baptist, is recognized as a substantial contributor to local agricultural advancements.

Biography of Homer G. Gilmore

Homer G. Gilmore, born in 1844 in Wisconsin, was a significant figure in the flouring industry of Christian County, Missouri, operating the Riverdale Roller Mills, known for its high-quality flour brands. A practical miller, he entered the business after serving nearly five years in the military during the Civil War. Following the war, he engaged in farming before fully committing to milling. Gilmore married Lucy A. Lancaster in 1868, and they had ten children. He was actively involved in local organizations and community service.

Biography of Elisha E. Frazier

Elisha E. Frazier, born June 29, 1847, in Tennessee, became a notable farmer and stockraiser in Lincoln Township, Missouri. He was the fifth of nine children born to Dr. Lorenzo Lowe and Hannah Frazier. After marrying Margaret Jane Sharp in 1865, they raised twelve children. Frazier owned 880 acres, actively farming and raising livestock. He served as a justice of the peace and was a dedicated Methodist. His father established a local church, contributing to the community’s spiritual life.

Biography of D. F. Thompson

D. F. Thompson, born on October 6, 1857, in Greene County, Missouri, is the well-regarded sheriff of Christian County. Raised in a farming environment, he developed a strong sense of responsibility towards community justice. After serving as constable for five years, he was elected sheriff in 1892, demonstrating notable effectiveness in the role. An active Republican and member of the Christian Church, Thompson is married to Nancy C. Wise and has five children. He is also an engaged member of the Odd Fellows.

Biography of G. W. Nokes

G. W. Nokes, born in 1845 in Cannon County, Tennessee, is a respected merchant in Nixa, Missouri. The son of Nelson and Flora A. Nokes, he grew up on a farm and received his education primarily at home. Nokes served in the Civil War and transitioned to farming after the conflict. In 1871, he married Annis I. Keltner and later entered the merchandising business in 1888. Known for his integrity and business acumen, he has held public office and is an active member of the Christian Church.

Biography of John Welker

John Welker, born May 8, 1838, in Stark County, Ohio, has lived in Billings for over a decade. Descended from German heritage, he engaged in various occupations, including teaching and photography, before entering the produce business. A former mayor and justice of the peace, he currently focuses on notary services and real estate. Welker, a Republican and veteran of the Civil War, is married to Alice Sutton and has seven children. He is active in the Methodist Episcopal Church and local organizations.

Biography of George B. Gideon

George B. Gideon, born on October 10, 1862, in Christian County, Missouri, has lived there his entire life. After teaching in Missouri and Texas, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1885, serving with Company A, 16th Infantry Regiment, and was honorably discharged in 1890. Subsequently, he held various roles before becoming deputy circuit clerk in Ozark. He married Mabel C. Daugherty in 1892, and they are respected members of the community, actively engaged in politics and church affairs.

Biographical Sketch of L. P. Gibson

L. P. Gibson, born on October 9, 1857, in the county, is a prominent figure in the local tobacco industry as a junior member of Gibson Bros. He was raised in farming but transitioned to his father’s factory, where he gained extensive business knowledge. After exploring agriculture in Barton County, he returned to establish the family factory with his brother in 1893. A well-respected businessman and community member, he is married to Minnie F. Chapman, and they had one child who passed away in infancy.

Biography of Robert A. Thornton

Robert A. Thornton, born in 1859 in Christian County, Missouri, was a distinguished merchant and farmer in Shaver, Arkansas. He was the youngest of thirteen children and faced educational limitations due to the Civil War. Thornton began his career trading cattle at sixteen and later engaged in extensive farming and stock raising. He established a successful general merchandising business at Shaver, named after his wife. With a 500-acre farm, he became a significant figure in local agriculture, demonstrating remarkable perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit. He died in 1885.

Biographical Sketch of Waldo G. Gideon

Waldo G. Gideon, born on May 26, 1871, in Christian County, Missouri, is an emerging attorney in Springfield, with a solid educational background. He graduated from Central High School in 1890 and completed a business course at Southwestern Commercial College before studying law, first in his father’s office and then at Columbia University, graduating in 1893. Admitted to the Missouri bar in September of the same year, he began practicing with his father under the firm Gideon & Gideon. A dedicated individual, he is a Republican and a member of the Christian Church.

Biography of John O. Morrow

John O. Morrow, born on October 28, 1856, in Christian County, Missouri, is a prominent liveryman in Harrison, where he established his business in 1889. A pioneer in the stock industry, Morrow first engaged in farming before transitioning to livery after relocating. Despite setbacks, including a fire that destroyed his initial stable, he maintained a successful operation known for quality horses and vehicles. A Democrat and active community member, he has also contributed to local agriculture through breeding improvements. Morrow is married to E. J. Ball, and they have one daughter, Daisy.

Biography of John Hornbeak

John Hornbeak, born on August 12, 1830, in Warren County, Tennessee, became a prominent merchant in Sparta, Missouri. His parents, James F. and Sarah Hornbeak, were early settlers in Greene County, Missouri. Hornbeak’s business career began in merchandising in Ozark, expanding to several locations before settling in Sparta in 1883. He served in the Civil War, attaining the rank of major, and was politically active as a Republican, elected twice to the state legislature. Hornbeak was known for his strong character, community contributions, and successful business endeavors.

Biography of Thomas J. Gideon

Thomas J. Gideon, born on January 24, 1845, in Christian County, became a prominent attorney in Springfield. A Civil War veteran, he suffered significant injuries in multiple battles and served as a first lieutenant. After the war, he held various political positions, including County Clerk from 1866 to 1875, and was admitted to the bar in 1877. He practiced law successfully in Springfield, where he is well-respected for his integrity and community involvement, including memberships in local Masonic and Odd Fellow organizations.

Biography of Dr. D. F. Hedgpeth

Dr. D. F. Hedgpeth, born on December 4, 1862, in Sparta, Missouri, is an emerging physician recognized for his surgical expertise and significant contributions to the medical field. Raised on a farm, he pursued education and teaching before studying medicine at Missouri Medical College, graduating in 1886. After further postgraduate studies in New York City, London, and Berlin, he established a thriving practice in Sparta. Active in local politics and community organizations, Hedgpeth is dedicated to public service and the Republican cause.