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.
Jacob Jackson Muskrat, born September 30, 1885, in the Delaware District, was educated in Saline District. He married Perry Lee on August 8, 1908, in Southwest City, Missouri, and they had two children, Howard M. and Lottie T. Muskrat. A dedicated farmer near Bernice, Jacob is the son of Jacob Muskrat and Elizabeth Emily McAllister, linking him to a familial legacy that stretches back to the 19th century.
William Leslie Porter, elected commissioner of parks and public properties in Topeka, utilized his office to enhance community welfare despite lacking prior political experience. His tenure saw the establishment of nine playgrounds, substantially improving children’s recreation, and the implementation of a successful milk inspection program that elevated the city’s milk quality. Under his guidance, the health department saw improvements that resulted in reduced contagious diseases and lower infant mortality rates. Porter’s ambition for public service and determined leadership shaped significant advancements in Topeka’s municipal history.
Dr. David Stainrook Booth, born April 6, 1863, in Missouri, is an esteemed physician, educator, and author based in St. Louis. A descendant of a long line of medical practitioners, he graduated as valedictorian from high school and pursued medicine at St. Louis Medical College. Notably involved in railway hospitals, he excelled in neurology, serving as editor of the *Alienist and Neurologist*. An active member of various medical societies, Dr. Booth’s significant contributions to medicine include educational lectures and extensive writings on nervous disorders.
William T. Lamkin, born on June 15, 1848, in Linn County, Missouri, became a distinguished attorney and influential citizen in Christian County. He was educated in common schools and taught for eight years before pursuing law, being admitted to the bar in 1891. A Democrat and active community member, Lamkin supported temperance and served as a justice of the peace and in many public roles. He married Mary E. Perkins, and they had one daughter, Nora, who sadly passed away at sixteen. Lamkin remains an esteemed figure in local history.
W. F. Burns, born on February 25, 1859, in Missouri, has been a notable merchant in Nampa since 1893. Raised on a farm, he moved to Idaho in 1881, where he began with modest labor before opening a successful hotel in Boise. In Nampa, he established a well-regarded general store, gaining the trust of the community through his industrious and honest approach. Married to Fannie W. Morrison, they have four children. Burns remains an active citizen and trustee in Nampa, embodying the values of determination and hard work.
Art Harris, born December 31, 1876, in Missouri, is the president of the Art Harris Transfer Storage Company in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He began his career in the teaming business at a young age and later expanded into transfer and storage. After years of successful entrepreneurship, he has established a prominent business employing twenty-two people. Married to Florence O. Burnett in 1897, they have two daughters. A community leader, Harris is active in various fraternal organizations and dedicated to the welfare of Muskogee.
Owen M. Thomas, born on February 4, 1883, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, rose to prominence as the vice president of the Citizens State Bank of Bronson, Kansas, an institution that has prospered since its founding in 1907. With a decade of banking experience in Oklahoma and Kansas, Thomas’s swift accomplishments reflect his dedication and skill. He also engaged in various business ventures, including oil interests and farming. A family man, he married Florence Ford in 1909 and has one son, Owen Ford. Active in local politics and Masonic organizations, he is well-regarded in his community.
David Nicholas Fink, born August 4, 1868, in Ohio, became a notable banker and oilman in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Lacking formal higher education, he relied on hard work and ambition to achieve success. His career began in hardware before transitioning to banking, where he held leadership positions at several institutions, including the First National Bank of Grove and Commercial National Bank of Muskogee. Fink was also involved in various business interests, including oil and land companies, and contributed significantly to local education and community development through his extensive civic engagement.
A. M. Whorton was born on January 8, 1879, in McDonald County, Missouri, to C. O. and Isabelle Whorton. He pursued his education in Missouri and Oklahoma, becoming a dedicated educator since 1896. After teaching in various counties, he became the Superintendent of Delaware schools in 1917, significantly improving student enrollment and academic success. Married to Agnes Womack, they have two accomplished sons. Whorton is also active in community service, holding memberships in several organizations, and owns productive farmland in Jackson County.
John M. Darr, a longtime resident of Union County, Oregon, passed away at home at age 86 after a decline in health. Born in Missouri in 1859, he moved to Union County in 1881, being part of one of the early settler groups. Darr was a member of the Orion Lodge No. 73, Knights of Pythias, which conducted his funeral services. He is survived by eight children, along with grandchildren and siblings. His contributions and character were deeply valued in the community.
Obediah Roberts Bean, born February 2, 1830, in Liberty, Missouri, succumbed to injuries from an accident on March 11, 1890, at Acme. A gold-seeker in California, he moved to Oregon in 1852 and settled in Lane County. Bean, a former county commissioner and Masonic lodge member, was known for his kindness and work ethic. He was married to Julia A. Sharp and fathered ten children. His funeral took place on March 16, 1890, at Point Terrace.
Bessie A. Hickman, aged 97, passed away on November 15, 2005, at St. Elizabeth Health Care Center. Her funeral is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Friday at Coles Funeral Home, with Pastor Jon Privett officiating. Born on March 10, 1908, in McDonald County, Missouri, she married Daniel Hickman in 1927 and was preceded in death by her husband and several family members. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice.
Calvin Logan Thomas, born January 5, 1837, in Bledsoe County, Tennessee, was raised in Missouri before journeying to California with his family in 1852. Settling in San Bernardino County, he became a respected rancher and citizen until his death in 1874. Thomas married Salome Wells in 1866, and they had four children. A Democratic Party member, he served as deputy assessor for ten years and was also a constable. He was affiliated with the I.O.O.F., demonstrating his community involvement.