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.
In 1830, the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek initiated the relocation of the Choctaw Indians to territories between the Canadian and Red rivers. However, the Choctaw faced threats from Comanche, Kiowa, and Wichita tribes, who attacked traders and settlers. In May 1833, Colonel Arbuckle sent a military expedition to protect the traveling Choctaw and assert U.S. power. Despite efforts, the expedition suffered losses, including ranger George B. Abbay, who was captured, and ultimately failed to achieve its objectives, highlighting the challenges of westward expansion.
Greene County, established in 1833 in southwest Missouri, was originally part of the Osage Country, known for its Native American heritage. The region transitioned through various territorial designations before becoming its own county, named after Revolutionary War figure Nathaniel Greene. Springfield serves as the county seat and commercial hub, surrounded by several smaller towns. The area’s history is enriched by numerous biographies of prominent 19th-century citizens, offering insights into the lives that shaped Greene County’s development.
Julia Theresa Patton, born December 29, 1867, in Walker County, Georgia, was educated at Drury and Vassar Colleges. She married Francis Bartow Fite on November 13, 1889. Dr. Fite, a renowned surgeon and civic leader in Oklahoma, had five children: William Patton, Frances, Francis Bartow Jr., Edward Halsell, and Julian Bixby. The family boasts a legacy of education and military service, with children graduating from prestigious institutions and participating in World War I, reflecting a commitment to both professional and civic engagement.
Nellie Katherine McLeod, known as Lyuka, was born on February 8, 1872, in Tahlequah. She received her education from local Cherokee institutions and Drury College in Missouri. Nellie married George Starr Ross in 1891, who passed away in 1894, leaving her with two sons, Wayne and Roy. Nellie’s father, Murdock McLeod, hailed from Nova Scotia, and her mother, Annie Henry Brown, was from Tahlequah. A Presbyterian, she was also active in the Quest Club.
Callie Elliott, née Whatenberger, was born on March 15, 1868, in Springfield, Missouri. She received her education in Texas. On January 7, 1892, she married Hiram Thompson Elliott, with whom she had eight children: Hiram Jr., Samuel, Vera, Lucullus, Lucien, Flossie, Ruth, Robert, and Glenn. Hiram passed away on July 1, 1915. Callie’s life reflects a deep commitment to family amidst the challenges of her time.
Adrian D. Nichols, D.O., represents the field of osteopathy as a successful practitioner in St. Louis, where he has worked since graduating from the Kirksville School of Osteopathy in 1907. Born on April 17, 1870, near Nashville, Illinois, he is the son of David William Nichols, a Civil War veteran, and Tabitha Ballard. Initially involved in railroading, Nichols transitioned into medicine, opening his practice in the Frisco building in St. Louis. He is actively engaged in professional organizations and has a growing family with his wife, Ethel Gray.
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.
Dr. John Ross Newman, a prominent surgeon in Fort Scott, Kansas, has distinguished himself through specialization in surgery, unlike many of his contemporaries in smaller cities. Born in Dade County, Missouri, in 1881, he graduated from Central Medical College in 1905 and initially practiced general medicine. However, he pursued surgical training in major hospitals across the U.S. before returning to Fort Scott in 1910. Known for his exceptional surgical skills and approachable demeanor, he has become a respected figure in the medical community. Dr. Newman is also a devoted family man and active community member.
William L. Clark, born on April 3, 1845, in Indiana, moved with his family to Oregon in 1853 after a challenging journey across the plains. A Civil War veteran, he served in the First Oregon Volunteers. After various trades, he homesteaded near Lawen in 1885, where he raised cattle and hay. In 1900, he opened a successful general merchandise store in Lawen and also acted as a mail contractor until 1902. Clark and his wife Nancy had six children, contributing to the community’s growth.
Marion C. Early, son of George G. and Mary A. Early, was raised in Missouri after his family’s relocation from Tennessee. He attended various educational institutions, earning his LL.B. from Washington University in 1894. Early established a successful law practice, contributing to legal scholarship and serving the St. Louis community through the Legal Aid Bureau. He was president of the St. Louis Bar Association in 1918, advocating for revisions in Missouri’s election laws. He remained active in legal associations and higher education throughout his career.
Professor Henry Jackson Waters, born on November 23, 1865, in Center, Missouri, is a prominent figure in agricultural science. He earned a Bachelor of Agriculture from Missouri State University in 1886 and held key positions in various agricultural institutions, including professor and dean at the College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts of Missouri. Waters contributed significantly to agricultural literature, focusing on nutrition in farming and livestock, and held leadership roles in several agricultural societies. He served as managing editor of the Weekly Kansas City Star and was influential in agricultural education and policy.
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.
Dr. Leonidas Kirby, born on December 1, 1850, near the Greene and Polk County line in Missouri, is a distinguished medical practitioner in Boone County, Arkansas. A graduate of St. Louis Medical College in 1876, he is recognized for his skill and commitment to his patients, notably saving a child’s life through a tracheotomy. His family has a rich history of military service and contributions to medicine, with both his father and grandfather being respected physicians. Dr. Kirby is actively involved in the medical community and local education, with a large and successful practice.
Maj. R. B. Weaver, born on October 9, 1829, in Maury County, Tennessee, became a prominent figure in Arkansas after serving in the Confederate army during the Civil War. Following the war, he engaged in stock dealing and farming, acquiring a successful 320-acre farm in Boone County. Weaver was active in politics, serving in the Arkansas General Assembly and as State Senate president. He was recognized for his integrity and legislative contributions, while also being involved in community and social organizations.
Oscar L. Duemler, born February 8, 1891, in Springfield, Missouri, is a respected lawyer known for his eloquence in court. He graduated from Washington University in 1912 and has focused on general and corporate law. Duemler comes from a family with deep roots in Missouri; his grandfather served in the Civil War, while his father worked as a blacksmith. He is active in St. Louis, married to Dorothy Schwarz, and father to John Julius. Duemler also has interests in music and archaeology.
W. C. McBee, born August 25, 1848, in Missouri, became a prominent merchant and community leader in Marion County, Arkansas. After early business experiences, he established a successful general store at McBees Landing in 1885. McBee also engaged in livestock trading, boating, and farming, managing extensive lands and operating local businesses. A dedicated Democrat, he served as county assessor and held various civic roles. He had two marriages, resulting in several children, and was recognized for his public spirit and contributions to the region.
George W. Stone, born in 1848 in Ozark County, Missouri, is a prominent farmer in James Creek Township. After moving with his family to Marion County, Arkansas, he faced challenges that limited his education. Stone married Marinda Jane in 1873, with whom he had two children, and later wed Lucina, with whom he had seven more. Successfully developing a 152-acre farm, he has contributed to his community as a school district director and a supporter of the free-school system, while remaining active in the Christian Church and the Democratic Party.
John May, born November 7, 1825, in Washington County, Tennessee, was the son of Adam and Elizabeth McGinnis May. After a brief stay in Greene County, he moved to Taney County, where he farmed and served in the Mexican War and briefly in the Confederate Army. Married twice, first to Amanda Morgan and later to Mrs. Fraker, he had several children. Known for his integrity and public spirit, May became one of the largest landowners in Taney County and was an active member of the Baptist Church.
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.