Biographical Sketch of S. L. Doty

S. L. Doty, born on August 13, 1831, in Greene County, Tennessee, was the son of Jesse and Rebecca Doty. His grandfather, Azre Doty, served in the Revolutionary War. Educated in local schools, he trained as a cabinetmaker before transitioning to farming in 1865. Doty moved to Missouri in 1853, initially settling in Liberty, before relocating to Platte City and later establishing a farm in the county. He married Mary M. Wills on February 21, 1858, and they had three children.

Biography of Adam Hance

Adam Hance, originally from Coblin, Alsace, migrated to America in 1722, settling near Germantown, Pennsylvania, where he married and raised a family. His son, also named Adam, served in the American Revolutionary War and had six children, many of whom settled in Montgomery County, Virginia, and Missouri. They established various professions, including sheriff and merchant, while intertwining their lives with notable figures of the era, such as Andrew Johnson. The Hance family legacy continued through numerous descendants across several states.

Biography of John H. Rice

John H. Rice, born in Tennessee in 1825, established a notable career across Georgia and Kansas. A lawyer by 1845, he became editor of the Cassville Standard and a major general in Georgia’s State Militia. An opponent of secession, he served as a purchasing agent for Federal cavalry in 1865. After moving to Kansas, he successfully managed several newspapers, including the Miami Republican and the Fort Scott Monitor. Active in public affairs, he promoted railroads and flood control, passing away in Fort Scott in 1904.

Biography of T. J. Ferguson

T. J. Ferguson, born August 12, 1849, in Greene County, Tennessee, became a prominent farmer in Howell County, Missouri. He moved to Howell County at the age of 21 and married M. Harris in 1875. The couple improved their homestead near Willow Springs for eighteen years before acquiring a 320-acre farm in 1892. A respected member of the Republican Party and the Methodist Episcopal Church, Ferguson is recognized for his industrious nature and commitment to community. He and M. Harris had seven children, with several predeceasing them.

Biography of R. S. Hogan

R. S. Hogan, born September 1, 1852, in Greene County, Tennessee, is a well-respected political figure and public servant in West Plains. He began farming in 1875 and subsequently served as county clerk for multiple terms after his election in 1886. Hogan, an ardent Democrat, has also been involved in banking as vice-president of the West Plains Bank. A master Mason since 1872, he remains a significant community figure. He married Christa Minnich after the death of his first wife, Bettie Pulliam, and has six children.

Biography of William G. Barnes

William G. Barnes, born September 16, 1831, in Greene County, Tennessee, was a pioneer of Douglas County, Missouri. The son of Joshua and Susanna Barnes, he experienced the challenges of pioneer life, moving to Missouri at age thirteen. He married twice, fathering sixteen children. A lifelong farmer, Barnes acquired a 320-acre farm through hard work and dedication. He served in the Civil War and was involved in local politics and community service, leaving a legacy of education and strong values among his descendants.

Biography of James A. Ferguson

James A. Ferguson, born May 9, 1851, in Greene County, Tennessee, moved to Howell County, Missouri, in 1871. He was a prominent businessman and president of the Willow Springs Bank, as well as a member of the firm Ferguson, Lucas, Kennedy. Ferguson began his career in education and farming before establishing a successful mercantile venture. He is a Republican, engaged in local governance and community work, and an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He married Arenia P. Feathergill and has five children.

Biography of J. H. Hogan

J. H. Hogan, a prominent figure in Howell County, Missouri, was born in 1826 in Greene County, Tennessee. After his father died young, Hogan pursued agriculture, marrying Amanda Lutterall and raising eleven children. He moved to Kansas in 1872, later settling near Willow Springs, where he expanded his farm to 140 acres and engaged in local politics as a Democrat and justice of the peace. Married twice, Hogan remained active in community affairs, earning a reputation as a respected pioneer and Methodist church member.

Biography of James F. Ailshie

James F. Ailshie, a prominent criminal lawyer from Idaho, was born on June 19, 1868, in Greene County, Tennessee. He earned degrees in Philosophy and Law from Willamette University in 1891 and established his law practice in Grangeville the same year. Renowned for his legal acumen and persuasive arguments, he has built a successful practice. Ailshie is actively involved in public service, Republican politics, and community welfare, and is a respected member of various social and fraternal organizations. He married Miss Bundren in 1894 and they have one daughter, Lucile.

Biography of Basil Tonion Barber

Basil Tonion Barber, born May 27, 1885, in Tennessee, demonstrated remarkable foresight in business development. After arriving in Iola in 1910, he founded the Palace Garage, which became the city’s largest establishment. His entrepreneurial journey began at a young age, leveraging his experience in electrical work and a keen understanding of market dynamics. His success is attributed to hard work and strategic insight, showcasing the spirit of American enterprise. Barber is also known for his investments in local real estate and various business ventures.

Biographical Sketch of Alfred A. Lowdermilk, M. D.

Alfred A. Lowdermilk, M.D., was born on June 24, 1848, in Greene County, Tennessee. His family moved to Illinois in 1856, where he trained as a tinsmith. After pursuing medicine at Louisville Medical College, he began practicing in Missouri in 1870. He returned to complete his education and practiced in Illinois until health issues led him to open a drug store in Bois D’Arc. He married twice and was active in the I.O.O.F., holding various offices. He earned the community’s trust through his business acumen.