Howell County MO

Biography of Hon. Matthias Kenaga

Hon. Matthias Kenaga, born in 1842 in Ohio, is a prominent figure in the lumber industry, recognized for his extensive and successful business in West Plains, where he has thrived since 1875. After serving in the Civil War, he settled in Indiana, later marrying Miss Malindah Crider. Notably, Kenaga has held public offices, including township assessor and associate judge in Howell County. A self-made man, he is a member of the local G. A. R., an esteemed community leader, and a lifelong Republican.

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 S. W. Wilkinson

S. W. Wilkinson, born on January 6, 1856, in Alton, Illinois, is a notable general merchant in Willow Springs, Missouri. The son of English immigrants, he started his career in retail at age thirteen. After establishing his business in Leesburgh, he moved to Willow Springs in 1884 and built a prominent commercial house by 1890. A successful and respected businessman with a Republican political affiliation, he has held various local offices and is a director at the Citizens Bank. Wilkinson and his wife, Miss Phoebe Elizabeth Knight, have six children.

Biography of David M. James

David M. James, born in 1833 in Henry County, Kentucky, is a prominent figure in West Plains, Missouri, known for his well-regarded livery stable. He was raised in Jeffersonville and had a diverse career, including work in store clerkship, confectionery, and mining across various states. After marrying Mariah J. Morris in 1868, he farmed in Clay County until relocating to West Plains in 1881, where he established his livery business. A respected and active community member, he is associated with the K. of P. lodge.

Biography of John W. Garrett

John W. Garrett, born in 1845 in Overton County, Tennessee, moved with his family to Howell County, Missouri, in 1852. Raised on the family farm, he received minimal education and served as a teamster during the Civil War. After the war, he married Laura Daniels in 1875 and settled on a 903-acre farm, becoming a successful grain and stock farmer. Active in local development and a staunch Republican, Garrett preferred business over politics and is noted for his resourcefulness, exemplified by his daring retrieval of a flag during wartime.

Biography of Rev. Thomas Wright Carpenter

Rev. Thomas Wright Carpenter, born in 1824 in Scott County, Missouri, was a notable minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and a dedicated farmer in Howell Valley. He grew up under modest conditions with limited education but developed a deep commitment to religious work. Rev. Carpenter became a significant figure in the region, known for preaching countless sermons and organizing numerous churches. He married four times and had several children, embedding himself as a vital community leader in southeast Missouri.

Biography of Hugh K. Chapin

Hugh K. Chapin, born on September 10, 1852, in Howell County, Missouri, is a notable farmer and stockraiser. The eldest of seven siblings, he received a practical education and began farming independently at twenty. In 1874, he married Celia A. Martin, with whom he has three children. Chapin has served as sheriff and county collector in Howell County and is an active member of the I.O.O.F. lodge. A supporter of the Republican party, his first presidential vote was for Ulysses S. Grant in 1872.

Biography of John E. Ball

John E. Ball, born in 1850 in Abbeville District, South Carolina, is a notable progressive farmer from Howell County, Missouri. The son of James Wilburn and Mary Ball, he moved to Clay County, Arkansas, in 1859. Educated primarily through experience, he married Nancy C. Nutt in 1876, with whom he had eight children. In 1883, Ball relocated to Howell County, where he managed a productive 168-acre farm. He is active in local organizations and a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, aligning politically with the Democratic party.

Biography of John Thomas Pool

John Thomas Pool, born in 1833 in Tennessee, moved to Howell County, Missouri, as an infant. Raised in a farming family, he had limited formal education but started working as a farmhand at 15. Pool acquired land through hard work and became a successful farmer and stock dealer, owning a 357-acre farm. He married twice, with several children surviving him. An influential member of the community and the Masonic Lodge, Pool contributed significantly to the region’s development from wilderness to a thriving area.

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 James Chilton

James Chilton, born on April 3, 1854, in Shannon County, began farming at a young age after the death of his father. He acquired a 200-acre farm and later moved to Willow Springs before returning to Shannon County. In 1890, he purchased land along Current River and became known as a diligent and knowledgeable farmer. Chilton married Mary E. De Priest in 1876, with whom he had four children, and after her death, he remarried Anna Laura McCaskill in 1891, with whom he had two more children.

Biography of H. M. Watchorn

H. M. Watchorn, born on May 27, 1862, in Ireland, is a prominent figure in Willow Springs, Missouri, where he has lived since 1883. Initially a foreman in the lumber industry, he became manager of the South Missouri Land Company before purchasing his own mill in Douglas County. A successful businessman and property owner, he was elected mayor in 1893, serving effectively while supporting local development. Watchorn is a Democrat and a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, married to Sue Myers with two children.

Biography of Jacob L. Walker

Jacob L. Walker, born in 1847 in Phelps County, Missouri, is a notable figure in agriculture and commerce. The son of a farmer and Baptist minister, he had limited education but served as a teamster during the Civil War. After various jobs, he established a successful mercantile business in Mt. View in 1869 and expanded his wealth through farming and stock dealing. Walker has been married three times and held local political offices, demonstrating his commitment to community service and leadership.

Biography of Webb Summers

Webb Summers, born on March 3, 1854, in Fannin County, Georgia, was a notable stockman in Howell County, Missouri. After moving from Georgia to Missouri in 1874, he established a successful farm near West Plains. Overcoming initial hardships, he became a prosperous landowner with 122 acres of cultivated land. Besides farming, he engaged in various business ventures, including a grocery firm and livery business. A Democrat and a member of the Knights of Pythias, Webb has a family of four children with his wife, Florence N. Livesay.

Biography of Daniel Jefferson Lance

Daniel Jefferson Lance was born on February 21, 1842, in Madison County, Missouri, to Anthony and Rosina Lance, who were pioneers in the region. Following his father’s death, he joined an older brother in business before enlisting in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. After the war, he worked various jobs and ultimately became a successful farmer, accumulating significant land holdings. He married Nancy Emily Johnson in 1867 and had ten children. A respected community member, he has declined political office but remains active in local organizations.

Biography of James W. Riley

James W. Riley, born in 1847 in Franklin County, Missouri, is a prominent farmer in Spring Creek Township, Howell County. His parents, Lewis and Ann Riley, migrated through several counties in Missouri, and Lewis died in the Civil War. Following the war, James settled in Howell County with his mother, marrying Martha Corrico in 1867. A skilled farmer and stock dealer, he has improved his 230-acre farm significantly. Politically active, he supports the Populist party and has held roles as a justice of the peace and notary public.

Biography of M. B. Clarke

M. B. Clarke, born November 12, 1857, in Connecticut, is the esteemed cashier of the West Plains Bank, known for his integrity and business acumen. After clerking and practicing law, he joined the bank in 1889, significantly contributing to its growth. The bank, established in 1883, is recognized for its prudent management and solid public trust. Clarke, involved in local politics and a member of various fraternal organizations, married Attie M. Ald and has one son, Edward. His family heritage traces back to Revolutionary lineage.

Biography of Thomas Moore

Thomas Moore, a prominent farmer and stockman in Howell Township, Missouri, was born in 1840 in Coshocton County, Ohio. His parents, immigrants from Ireland and Pennsylvania, significantly influenced his industrious spirit. After serving in the Civil War, he focused on agriculture, moving to Howell County in 1869, where he cultivated a 160-acre farm. Moore was an active member of the Methodist Church and engaged in local politics as a Republican. He contributed to the community and had a large family, with many children, some of whom predeceased him.

Biography of Hon. A. H. Livingston

Hon. A. H. Livingston, born December 24, 1850, in Kentucky, was a prominent lawyer and politician in Missouri. He began his career after studying law while working as a blacksmith, gaining admission to the bar in 1871. His professional trajectory included roles as circuit attorney and prosecuting attorney, as well as a state legislator. Initially a Democrat, he later joined the Populist party. He was married to Elizabeth Gully and had eight children. Livingston is recognized for his significant contributions to law and public service in Missouri.

Biography of William W. McLelland

William W. McLelland, born on October 9, 1848, in North Carolina, moved to Missouri with his family at a young age. He was raised primarily in Oregon County and faced limited schooling. He married Mary Jane Stogsdill in 1868, and together they had twelve children. McLelland established a prosperous 360-acre farm near West Plains and engaged in livestock trading. He served as sheriff of Howell County from 1884 to 1886 and is a respected member of the A.F. A.M. and the Missionary Baptist Church.