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.
John H. De Priest was born on October 5, 1844, in Thomasville, Missouri, and became a prominent local figure. His father, Isaac C. De Priest, was a lifelong farmer and held several public offices. John served in the Fourth Missouri Confederate Infantry during the Civil War and later returned to farming in Shannon County. He acquired substantial land and gained recognition as a successful farmer and community leader. Married to Lydia Gregory, they had seven children, and John was active in local politics and fraternal organizations.
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.
Levi L. Munsell, born in 1850 in Ohio, is a notable real estate dealer in Shannon County, Missouri. He is recognized for his contributions to the region’s development and for possessing the county’s only complete set of abstract records. Munsell’s background includes a distinguished lineage, with his father being a traveling Methodist minister and a veteran of the Revolutionary War. He initially pursued surveying before shifting focus to real estate in 1888. Married in 1878, he has eight children and is an active Republican.
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.
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.
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.
D. F. Martin, born on December 9, 1833, in Tennessee, has been a notable figure in Howell County, Missouri, since 1851. A lawyer and politician, he served in various capacities, including circuit clerk, county treasurer, and sheriff. Martin fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War and later took on roles in local governance and education. He is also a successful businessman and active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Martin’s family includes his wife, Emma, and their six children, with deep roots in the community.
Hon. William Alexander Ramsey, born in 1845 in North Carolina, was a prominent figure in Shannon County, Missouri. He led an industrious life as a farmer, mechanic, and skilled craftsman. After serving in the Civil War, he returned to agriculture and married Mary Siloam. Ramsey’s political career began in 1892 when he was elected associate justice of Shannon County Court, a position he held with distinction. He was an active Democrat and a member of the Southern Methodist Church, leaving a legacy through his family and community contributions.
Jefferson Beauregard Searcy, born December 30, 1858, in Boone County, Missouri, was raised by his uncle after the early deaths of his parents. He attended Kempers School and the State University, later moving to Shannon County where he worked in various roles, including operating a mill and serving as justice of the peace. Admitted to the bar in 1891, he became county clerk in 1893 and fulfilled various official roles. He married Arminta J. Holloway and had four children, maintaining active involvement in Masonic and Democratic activities.
Hon. Jacob B. Reaser, born in 1837 in Tennessee, became a prominent stockman and farmer in Birch Tree, Missouri. After his family’s move to Missouri in 1822, he eventually took over family responsibilities and became an influential community figure. Married in 1857, he improved his farm significantly over the years. Reaser served as a postmaster, justice of the peace, and prosecuting attorney, and had a notable military career in the Confederate Army. A lifelong Democrat, he is recognized for his legal knowledge and public service.
James Franklin Norton, born in 1839 in Lawrence County, Kentucky, was a merchant and farmer in Eminence, Missouri. He moved to Missouri as a child with his family, which included a prominent farmer father and a devout mother. After learning blacksmithing, Norton enlisted in the Confederate Army during the Civil War, serving as quartermaster. Post-war, he rebuilt his life, starting a general store and serving two terms as sheriff. A Democrat and community member, he and his wife, Missouri Whitworth, had seven children.
Spencer Hugh Ware, born February 10, 1851, in Licking, Missouri, is a respected circuit clerk and recorder in Shannon County known for his efficiency, capability, and trustworthiness. The son of Henry and Martha Ware, he pursued law after initially aspiring to medicine and was admitted to the bar in 1874. He has held various positions, including prosecuting attorney and superintendent of schools. Active in the Democratic Party, Ware is also involved in community organizations and is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He married Sarah C. Furling and has four children.
Franklin Marion Chapin was born in 1837 in Overton County, Tennessee, and later moved to Howell County, Missouri. Growing up in a large family, he worked on the farm with limited education but later became a knowledgeable scholar. He married Emeline Daniel in 1860 and had several children. Chapin engaged in various trades, including farming and railroading, and was involved in the Civil War as part of the Missouri State Militia. A respected citizen of Winona, he was a dedicated Democrat and actively supported community causes.
Judge Hezekiah Weaver, born in 1832 in Laurel County, Kentucky, was a prominent figure in Shannon County, known for both his judicial acumen and community involvement. After marrying Catherine Brock and having eleven children, he engaged in farming and blacksmithing. He served in the Civil War and returned to Missouri post-war, where he became a respected leader, elected as presiding judge. Weaver remained active in politics, supporting the Democratic Party, and was a member of the Christian Church and the I. O. O. F.
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.
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.
Hon. Joshua Sholar, born on January 8, 1845, in Washington County, Missouri, ascended to prominence through his self-reliance and determination. The son of Whitmel and Mary Ann Sholar, he faced challenges early in life, receiving limited formal education. After teaching and farming in Missouri, he held various public offices, including school commissioner and county clerk. He also ventured into publishing a local newspaper. Sholar married twice, with his second wife being Laura P. Wetzell. A Democrat, he remains active in the Masonic fraternity.
Capt. Charles M. Richards, born in 1834 in Pennsylvania, is a notable real estate dealer in Shannon County, known for his significant contributions to the area’s development. After serving as captain in the Ninth Regiment New York Cavalry during the Civil War, he engaged in various businesses including farming and freighting before establishing himself in real estate in Missouri in 1890. A Democrat and an Odd Fellow, Richards has a legacy of improving the community, supported by his family, including his second wife, Mariam Cooper, and their son, Harsen.