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.
This page represents 37 free historical newspapers spread out over the state of Missouri since its founding into the 1900’s. All of them have at least a partial online representation.
Jasper N. Ray, born in 1846 in Maries County, Missouri, is a self-made man whose success stems from diligent work and perseverance. He served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War, participated in numerous battles, and showed commendable bravery. After his father’s death, he assumed family responsibilities until marrying Nancy David. The couple had ten children and eventually settled on a 280-acre farm in Taney County, where they achieved significant prosperity through hard work. Ray was actively involved in his community and held various positions in local organizations.
Hon. George Washington Shedd, born on April 17, 1847, in Shannon County, Missouri, is a prominent lawyer and successful farmer. He grew up in a family dedicated to public service and education. After working in various occupations, he was licensed to practice law in 1882, building a strong clientele. Shedd has been active in local politics, serving as associate justice of the Shannon County Court. A lifelong Republican, he is well-respected in his community and involved in the Masonic Lodge.
Thomas F. Williams, born December 6, 1859, in Polk County, Missouri, has been a dedicated farmer in Taney County, owning 280 acres with 100 cultivated. He moved to Taney County at age seven and later married Mary E. Stuart in 1882. They have two children. Williams has held political roles, including deputy county and circuit clerk, and is a member of the Republican Party. Renowned for his farming and stock-raising skills, he actively participates in community affairs and maintains his farm meticulously.
Hon. Richard P. Bland, born in Kentucky in 1836, rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent figure in Missouri politics. After receiving his education and practicing law in various locations, he was elected to Congress in 1872, serving for twenty years. His commitment to public service and integrity earned him respect among peers and constituents alike. A dedicated family man, he married Virginia E. Mitchell and fathered five children. Throughout his career, he remained focused on his duties, avoiding intrigue and prioritizing the welfare of his country.
William A. Maples, born in 1842 in Tennessee, emerged as a prominent farmer in Christian County, Missouri. He, alongside his family, demonstrated dedication to agriculture, resulting in significant property accumulation. An educator and former justice of the peace, Maples served in the Home Guards and joined the Twenty-fourth Missouri Infantry during the Civil War. Married to Martha Maples, he fathered ten children and remains respected in his community for his industriousness and good character, actively participating in the Missionary Baptist Church and local politics.
Hon. Joshua Chilton, born September 28, 1818, in Tennessee, was a prominent figure in Shannon County, Missouri, known for his pioneering efforts in the region. An influential politician, he represented the county in the Legislature thirteen times and was elected State senator in 1860. Although he faced setbacks during the Civil War, he made significant contributions as a natural speaker and committee leader. Chilton, a Mason and Democrat, passed away on August 26, 1862, leaving behind a legacy of community service and a large family.
Capt. George Fry, born in 1817 in Franklin County, Ohio, is a notable figure from Shannon County, Missouri. He began his career in farming and later managed iron works before engaging in railroad contracting across several states. In 1861, he raised Company 1 of the Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving as captain during key battles, including Bull Run. Fry, married to Miss Melvinia Myrick in 1892, has four children, including his son James, who also served in the war.
Dr. H. C. Shuttee, born March 24, 1858, in Huntington County, Indiana, was the son of the esteemed Dr. C. H. E. Shuttee. Following his medical education at Missouri Medical College, he began his practice in West Plains, Missouri, where he gained renown as a physician and surgeon with a focus on otolaryngology and surgery. An active member of various medical associations, he also served as the Gulf Railroad’s surgeon and contributed to the community as a Mason and a Democrat. He was married twice and fathered three children.
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.
Bradford Norbury, born on February 5, 1835, in Dane County, Wisconsin, moved to Greene County, Missouri, in 1862 and gained recognition in the community. Following the death of his parents, he was raised by friends and educated locally. He learned blacksmithing, working in various locations before settling in Greene County. After serving as master mechanic during the Civil War, he became a successful farmer, owning a 143-acre farm. Active in politics and his church, he married Victoria A. Maupin in 1864, raising six children together.
Col. Homer F. Fellows, a prominent figure in Springfield, was deeply involved in the city’s public enterprises and established the Springfield Wagon Company, a leader in manufacturing farm wagons. Born in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, he shifted from various business ventures and military service to become a significant industrial contributor. A staunch advocate for education and community development, he held multiple public offices, including mayor, and was instrumental in establishing the first telegraph and telephone lines in Springfield. He was married three times and had several children.
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.
John S. F. Norman, born on July 22, 1855, in Oregon County, Missouri, is a respected circuit clerk known for his bipartisan popularity. Son of Hon. Matthew G. Norman, a Civil War major, he grew up in a politically active family. After serving as deputy clerk, he was elected circuit clerk and recorder, a position he has held since. Married to Maggie J. Wilson, they have five children. A Mason and prominent Democrat, he is also involved in his local Baptist church.
William Lenley Goheen, born July 25, 1866, in Moweaqua, Illinois, has had a storied career as the publisher of the Holyrood Banner and the Galatia Register in Kansas. His diverse experiences include working as a press agent for various circuses across the United States and serving as a journeyman printer. Goheen’s newspaper ventures began in 1905, and he has held various roles, including city clerk. A veteran of the Second Nebraska Infantry, he has been influential in local journalism and politics while maintaining strong ties to his family and community.
William Henry Hite, born on March 20, 1869, in Wheatland, Missouri, demonstrated exceptional business acumen from a young age. After the early death of his father, he was raised by his grandmother and left school at twelve to work. He gained experience in retail before co-founding the Globe Clothing Store in Cherryvale in 1902. By 1909, he became the sole proprietor, leading the store to prominence. Active in politics and fraternal organizations, Hite is recognized as an astute businessman dedicated to community service and his family.
Claude A. Niles, born on November 5, 1882, in Missouri, is a distinguished attorney in Checotah and a senior partner at Niles Staley. He graduated from the State University after attending local schools and began law practice in 1906. Niles served as the city attorney and assistant county attorney while contributing to community development. Married to Elva Barton, he has two daughters. A Presbyterian and a Democrat, he is also active in the Masonic Lodge and local bar associations, emphasizing his commitment to law and civic engagement.
Judson Wheeler Mitchell, born on July 2, 1863, in West Damascus, Pennsylvania, was a prominent Kansas businessman and manager of The Emporia Ice Cold Storage Company for over 15 years. Descended from a notable lineage, he spent his early life in Pennsylvania before moving to Kansas in 1891. His career included stints in general merchandise and grocery businesses before taking on his managerial role. Married to Henrietta MacKenzie, they had two daughters, Margaret and Christine, further continuing the family’s legacy.