Greene County MO

Biography of John Short

John Short, born in 1826 in Roane County, Tennessee, moved to Stone County and became a respected farmer and stockraiser. He was raised in a hardworking family, with roots in early Tennessee settlement. Married to Lydia Coleman in 1850, they had multiple children. After an arduous journey to Missouri, where he faced significant challenges including a cyclone and guerrilla attacks during the Civil War, Short persevered. His wife Lydia, a devoted partner, died in 1886. A Methodist, he is regarded as a valued community member.

Biography of F. M. Richards

F. M. Richards, born on March 31, 1836, in Monroe County, Tennessee, became a prominent merchant in Rome, Missouri, after moving to the state in 1856. A Civil War veteran, he enlisted in the Twenty-fourth Missouri Infantry, serving commendably until his discharge in 1865. In 1867, he opened a successful general store in Rome, complemented by his ownership of a 350-acre farm and interest in local roller mills. An active community member, Richards held various public offices and was involved in church and fraternal organizations. He and his wife had several children.

Biography of Capt. Jared E. Smith

Capt. Jared E. Smith, born on October 8, 1826, in Tennessee, was a prominent merchant and community leader in Missouri. After moving to Texas before settling in Springfield, he established the region’s first steam-powered mill in 1858. Smith served in various capacities, including captain in the State Militia during the Civil War and as a legislator in Missouri. In 1883, he moved to Roy, where he managed a successful dry goods store and farm. Smith was actively involved in local politics and community organizations until his death.

Biography of Col. S. H. Boyd

Col. S. H. Boyd, born on May 28, 1828, in Tennessee, rose to prominence as a lawyer and military leader. After returning from California in 1855, he practiced law before organizing the Twenty-fourth Missouri Volunteer Regiment during the Civil War. He served in Congress and was appointed minister to Venezuela, though he never took the position. A successful lawyer and public official in Springfield, he was known for his integrity and service in various capacities, including mayor and circuit judge. Boyd’s legacy is marked by his civic contributions and dedication to public service.

Biography of Andrew J. Coffey

Andrew J. Coffey, born in 1833 in North Carolina, played a significant role in the agricultural development of Ozark County, Missouri. After moving with his family to Tennessee, he settled in Missouri in 1854. A farmer and soldier in the Civil War, Coffey served in various military capacities for the Union. Following the war, he held positions such as sheriff and was elected to the Missouri Legislature. He experienced two marriages and fathered numerous children, becoming a prominent community member and political figure in Ozark County.

Biography of Joseph L. Weaver

Joseph L. Weaver, born on November 20, 1828, in Marshall County, Tennessee, to John and Barbara Weaver, embodies the progressive agricultural spirit of his native state. After moving to Missouri in 1840, he became a successful farmer and businessman, eventually settling near Ozark. Weaver married Sarah Garrison, with whom he had eight children. A member of the Christian Church, he actively supported the Union during the Civil War and transitioned from a Whig to a Democratic political stance. He is known for his substantial landholdings and community respect.

Biography of James K. P. McHaffie

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.

Biography of Hon. J. J. Bruton

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.

Biography of David B. Pratt

David B. Pratt, born on September 10, 1828, in Maury County, Tennessee, is a prominent figure in Douglas County, Missouri’s agricultural community. His father, a War of 1812 veteran, instilled values of hard work. After farming and a stint in California during the gold rush, he settled in Missouri, participating in the Civil War as a soldier. Married to Sarah Hartin, he raised nine children, many of whom continued the family legacy. Pratt is recognized for his contributions as a farmer and community member.

Biography of R. N. Gray

R. N. Gray descends from Robert Gray, an Irish immigrant and soldier in the Revolutionary War, who settled in America before the conflict. Robert’s son, Daniel G. Gray, was a wheelwright in Kentucky and fathered several children. R. N. Gray, born in Greene County, Missouri, in 1858, became a successful druggist and is known for his well-stocked pharmacy. In 1887, he married Nora Collier, and they have two children. Gray is a respected Republican and Mason, and his family maintains strong local ties.

Biography of A. S. Layton

A. S. Layton, born on January 11, 1843, in Greene County, Missouri, is noted for founding the Bank of Yellville, Arkansas. Raised in a family involved in medicine and business, he served in the Civil War, sustaining injuries and being captured. After the war, he successfully operated a sawmill and later a general store in Yellville. Layton opened the Bank of Yellville in 1892, engaging in various successful business ventures while being active in community affairs and local education. He married M. Wilson, and they had seven children, contributing to the community’s development.

Biography of John S. Phelps

John S. Phelps, born December 22, 1810, in Connecticut, came from a prominent family with a history of public service. He studied law, practiced in Missouri, and became a notable attorney and statesman. Elected to the U.S. Congress from 1844 to 1863, Phelps was a staunch Union supporter and held various significant positions, including military governor of Arkansas. He served as Missouri’s governor twice, emphasizing integrity and public duty. His wife, Mary Whitney, was equally remarkable, actively aiding in wartime humanitarian efforts and supporting their community.

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 James Small, M. D.

Dr. James Small, born on October 28, 1841, in East Tennessee, is a well-respected physician in southern Missouri, residing in Smallett. His medical career began after serving in the Civil War with the 16th Missouri Volunteer Cavalry. He studied medicine under Dr. W. M. Noe and graduated from the American Medical College in St. Louis in 1880. Dr. Small has practiced in various locations, including Yellville and Oakland, and is known for his political involvement and community service. He was married to Mary Noe and had several children.

Biography of John L. Cook

John L. Cook, born in 1841 in Taney County, Missouri, is a prominent figure in Swan Township, recognized for his achievements as a farmer and stockraiser. The son of early settlers James and Catherine Cook, he grew up amid the challenges of pioneer life. Married in 1863 to Mary J. Clemens, Cook had seven sons and served in the Civil War. He later became the sheriff of Taney County, earning reelection for his effective leadership, and remains an active supporter of the Democratic Party.

Biography of D. R. Riggs

D. R. Riggs, born on May 20, 1832, in Maury County, Tennessee, has been a significant figure in Douglas County, Missouri. A descendant of Revolutionary War soldiers, he moved to Missouri with his mother after his father’s death. He married Lucinda McQuerter and engaged in various businesses, including running a hotel and farming. Riggs is recognized for his success in stock dealing and is actively involved in the community and the Methodist Church. He and Lucinda have four children, continuing their family’s legacy in the region.

Biography of John Kintrea

John Kintrea, born on February 28, 1852, in Woodstock, is a prominent merchant in Taney County, operating a successful store in Kirbyville. He is the son of Scottish immigrants and gained experience in the retail industry by clerking and eventually managing his own businesses. Kintrea has expanded his operations to include a cotton gin, a corn mill, and extensive wholesale trade, achieving significant financial success. He is politically aligned with the Democratic Party and is known for his community involvement, including co-owning a major drug company in Springfield. He is married to Narcissa Smith and has four children.

Biography of Hon. J. W. McClurg

Hon. J. W. McClurg, born on February 22, 1818, in St. Louis County, Missouri, was a notable political figure, serving as governor of Missouri from 1868 to 1870. Raised in Pennsylvania and educated in Ohio, he pursued a legal career after moving to Missouri. McClurg served in the Civil War and held congressional office before his governorship. Following his political career, he engaged in various businesses. A respected community leader and member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he remained vibrant and influential in Springfield, Missouri, well into his later years.

Biography of J. S. Cowdrey

J. S. Cowdrey, born in Yellville, Arkansas, on July 15, 1846, is a notable businessman celebrated for his integrity and industriousness. He served in the Confederate Army and later engaged in various mercantile ventures. Since 1890, he has operated one of the largest dry goods stores in Northwest Arkansas and successfully manages a 400-acre farm with an apple orchard. A member of the local Masonic lodge and the Methodist Episcopal Church, Cowdrey leads a commendable personal and professional life, enriched by a supportive family.