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.
George M. Follett, born on February 25, 1852, near New York City, significantly contributed to the business landscape of West Plains, Missouri, as a prominent merchant. After limited education, he began his career in the lumber industry, working across several states before settling in Missouri in 1883. Follett managed various mills before co-founding Holt Follett in West Plains, which has prospered as a lumber yard. A practical engineer and electrician, he is also active in local Masonic and Democratic circles, exemplifying self-made success.
L. G. Eblen, born on July 17, 1859, in Weakley County, Tennessee, moved to Howell County, Missouri at ten. He became a prominent figure, serving as county collector and previously as sheriff and postmaster. His early career began with teaching, and he was notable for being the youngest sheriff in Missouri at age 23. A committed Democrat, Eblen is involved in his community and church, holding stock in local banking and owning real estate. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have two daughters.
Levi Smith, born in 1838 in Surry County, North Carolina, became a prominent farmer in Howell Township, Missouri. After moving with his family around 1860, he established a successful agricultural operation. Despite limited formal education, he excelled as a farmer and local justice of the peace. Smith served in the East Missouri Militia during the Civil War, later settling on a 163-acre farm. He married twice, raising a total of nine children. Known for his temperance values, Smith built a well-respected legacy in his community.
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.
Lewis Harvey De Priest, born in 1865 in Jefferson County, Illinois, is the sheriff of Shannon County, Missouri. He spent his youth managing his father’s livestock before pursuing a career in mercantile. De Priest served as assistant postmaster and deputy sheriff before being elected sheriff in 1890, a position he was re-elected to in 1892. He is married to Josie Boyd and has three sons. De Priest is involved in the Odd Fellows and aligns politically with the Democratic Party.
W. F. Cook, born on February 2, 1868, in Lewis County, Missouri, is the prominent cashier of the Willow Springs Bank, noted for its financial stability. He graduated from La Grange College and briefly attended law school. In 1889, Cook established the bank after assessing various locations. He has actively contributed to local governance, serving on the town and school boards, and has participated in community improvement projects. Married to Lulu Sturgeon, they have one daughter and Cook is also engaged in various business ventures, including the lumber company and real estate.
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.
John Goldsberry, born on February 25, 1839, in Pulaski County, Missouri, was the son of William H. and Elizabeth Goldsberry, North Carolina natives who settled in various Missouri locations before establishing themselves in Howell County. Goldsberry served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War before returning to farming. He played a significant role in local commerce, establishing the first store in Mountain View and later engaging in the sawmill business. He married twice and became a well-respected figure in his community, known for his farming, hunting, and contributions to local politics.
D. S. Ferguson, born on May 13, 1853, in Greene County, Tennessee, is a significant figure in Howell County, Missouri, known for his agricultural expertise and as a prominent fruit-grower. His 220-acre farm, located near Willow Springs, is well cultivated, featuring both general farming and stock-raising. Ferguson, who established his own life following his marriage to Martha I. Young in 1876, has earned respect from the community and is engaged in local politics and religion. They have three children and are valued members of their community.
Thomas Livingston, a prominent pioneer of southwest Missouri, was born on April 2, 1831, in Indiana. After moving to Missouri in 1855, he farmed in Howell County and later settled in Douglas County. Married to Susan J. Alsup, they had ten children, with three surviving. A Republican and active community member, Livingston serves as postmaster at Falling Springs and is known for his honorable character. His family has deep roots in American history, with connections to the Revolutionary War and significant local contributions.
J. A. Truex, born on November 6, 1843, in Marion County, Ohio, was a prominent editor of the Journal and postmaster of West Plains, Missouri. A member of a Dutch Colonial family, he received education in Indiana and Illinois before becoming a successful teacher. After moving to Kansas, he served as county superintendent of schools and founded the Davis County Republican. In 1884, he purchased the Journal and became its editor. Truex was also elected mayor of West Plains and was active in local governance and church affairs. He was married to Addie M. Merriam, and they have one son.
Henry Dixon Green, born in 1851 in Kentucky, is a prominent attorney in Howell County, Missouri. Following his admission to the bar in 1878, he quickly gained recognition for his legal talent and eloquence in the courtroom, becoming one of the state’s leading trial lawyers. Green had partnerships with notable figures like A. H. Livingston and has served as probate judge. His advocacy and dedication have established him as a respected member of the bar, with a reputation that extends throughout southern Missouri.
J. W. Garman, born on June 30, 1858, in Akron, Ohio, is an accomplished businessman serving as the cashier of the Citizens Bank of Willow Springs, Missouri. After early ventures in the drug business and medical studies, he became the bank’s cashier in 1892, overseeing significant growth. Garman is active in local organizations and has held various political offices, showcasing his commitment to public service. He is a self-made man with various business interests and a family, including two daughters with his wife, Rose E. Coughlin.
R. V. Lasater, born on November 28, 1858, in St. Francois County, Missouri, is a notable figure in the livery stable business in West Plains. He inherited a legacy of public service from his father, Reuben Lasater, a Union soldier and respected local figure. R. V. began his livery business in 1885, later re-establishing it in 1891. A member of the K. of P. and a Republican, he is a family man, married to Alice Henry, with five children.
Dr. J. C. B. Dixon, born on August 20, 1823, in Tennessee, is a distinguished physician and influential figure in Howell County, Missouri. The son of a farmer and a Revolutionary War descendant, he overcame early hardships to pursue medicine, studying under Dr. Miles and at Louisville Medical College. Practicing since 1850, he held various public offices, including mayor of West Plains. A Mexican War veteran and Masonic leader, Dixon is recognized for his contributions to the community and charity, witnessing Howell County’s growth firsthand.
George Haden Thompson, born February 24, 1849, in Monroe County, New York, is a notable resident of Shannon County, Missouri. He is the son of Robert and Susan Thompson, both immigrants from Scotland. After apprenticeship as a blacksmith, he worked in various states before settling in Missouri in 1881. Thompson eventually established a successful fruit farm with 2,500 trees. Married in 1885 to Emma Sopper, they have one daughter, Annie. He is active in the A.O.U.W. and identifies as a Republican.
Edward Coker, born on August 30, 1856, in Boone County, Arkansas, became a prominent stockman and citizen in West Plains, Missouri. After starting a successful merchandising venture in Isabella, Missouri, he transitioned to the stock business, gaining a reputation as a leading businessman. Coker, a Mason and active in politics, particularly in the Democratic Party, faced personal tragedy with the death of his first wife, Jennie Wofford, but later married Jennie Noe. He is recognized for his contributions to the community and his entrepreneurial success.
C. M. Pease and George A. Pease own the Enterprise Roller Mills in West Plains, Missouri, one of the largest mills in the region. Established in 1889, they increased the mill’s capacity and adopted innovative milling technology. The mill processes local grain and produces high-quality flour brands. Clinton M. Pease, born in Rhode Island in 1852, has a diverse family history in milling and has been married three times, with children from each marriage. He is active in his community and affiliated with several fraternal organizations.
J. B. Thomas, born in Mason County, Kentucky on August 27, 1859, is a prominent figure in Willow Springs, Missouri, where he has lived for five years after moving from southern Iowa. Initially involved in merchandising, he switched to the insurance sector in 1890 and has held multiple civic roles, including notary public and alderman. Active in local politics and various organizations, Thomas is a successful businessman and property owner, married to Lizzie Power, and recognized as a respected community leader.