Springfield Missouri

Biography of John S. Phelps

John S. Phelps, born December 22, 1810, in Connecticut, came from a prominent family with a history of public service. He studied law, practiced in Missouri, and became a notable attorney and statesman. Elected to the U.S. Congress from 1844 to 1863, Phelps was a staunch Union supporter and held various significant positions, including military governor of Arkansas. He served as Missouri’s governor twice, emphasizing integrity and public duty. His wife, Mary Whitney, was equally remarkable, actively aiding in wartime humanitarian efforts and supporting their community.

Biography of John L. Cook

John L. Cook, born in 1841 in Taney County, Missouri, is a prominent figure in Swan Township, recognized for his achievements as a farmer and stockraiser. The son of early settlers James and Catherine Cook, he grew up amid the challenges of pioneer life. Married in 1863 to Mary J. Clemens, Cook had seven sons and served in the Civil War. He later became the sheriff of Taney County, earning reelection for his effective leadership, and remains an active supporter of the Democratic Party.

Biography of D. R. Riggs

D. R. Riggs, born on May 20, 1832, in Maury County, Tennessee, has been a significant figure in Douglas County, Missouri. A descendant of Revolutionary War soldiers, he moved to Missouri with his mother after his father’s death. He married Lucinda McQuerter and engaged in various businesses, including running a hotel and farming. Riggs is recognized for his success in stock dealing and is actively involved in the community and the Methodist Church. He and Lucinda have four children, continuing their family’s legacy in the region.

Biography of J. S. Cowdrey

J. S. Cowdrey, born in Yellville, Arkansas, on July 15, 1846, is a notable businessman celebrated for his integrity and industriousness. He served in the Confederate Army and later engaged in various mercantile ventures. Since 1890, he has operated one of the largest dry goods stores in Northwest Arkansas and successfully manages a 400-acre farm with an apple orchard. A member of the local Masonic lodge and the Methodist Episcopal Church, Cowdrey leads a commendable personal and professional life, enriched by a supportive family.

Biography of Hon. J. W. McClurg

Hon. J. W. McClurg, born on February 22, 1818, in St. Louis County, Missouri, was a notable political figure, serving as governor of Missouri from 1868 to 1870. Raised in Pennsylvania and educated in Ohio, he pursued a legal career after moving to Missouri. McClurg served in the Civil War and held congressional office before his governorship. Following his political career, he engaged in various businesses. A respected community leader and member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he remained vibrant and influential in Springfield, Missouri, well into his later years.

Biography of Col. J. C. Cravens

Col. J. C. Cravens, born February 18, 1838, in Saline County, Missouri, was a distinguished soldier and attorney in Springfield, Missouri. He pursued education in medicine before joining the Confederate Army during the Civil War, where he rose to lieutenant-colonel, actively participating in numerous significant battles. After the war, Cravens graduated from law school and became a prominent lawyer, known for his successful practice and civic involvement as a Democratic city attorney. He and his wife, Annie, had seven children and were active members of the community.

Biography of Judge Austin Brown

Judge Austin Brown was born in Ray County, Missouri, in April 1835. Orphaned at ten, he overcame a lack of education through determination, ultimately becoming an accomplished miller and community leader. He served in the Confederate Army and was a dedicated public servant, becoming the first Democrat elected county judge post-Civil War. Brown had three marriages, fathered several children, and held various roles, including postmaster and justice of the peace, while remaining active in his community and church.

Biography of Joseph S. Homan, M.D.

Dr. Joseph S. Homan, born in January 1882 in Buchanan County, Missouri, is a distinguished physician and surgeon in St. Louis. He graduated from St. Louis University in 1917 after completing studies at Missouri State University and served as an army lieutenant during World War I. With a strong background in teaching and extensive professional affiliations, he has maintained a successful medical practice. Dr. Homan is married to Fannie Pearson, with whom he has a daughter. He balances his career with interests in outdoor activities and independent political views.

Biography of B. C. Burgess

B. C. Burgess, born on June 8, 1833, in North Carolina, is a prominent miller at the historic Watkin Mill in Missouri. After moving to Indiana and then Springfield, Missouri, he transitioned from carpentry to milling in 1891. His mill, equipped with modern machinery, produces high-quality flour and has a capacity of twenty barrels per day. A Republican and Mason, Burgess is married to M. C. Macon and has three children. He is known for his integrity and has successfully built a significant trade in Greene County.

Biography of Charles R. Fulbright

The genealogy of Charles R. Fulbright traces back to German roots, with his great-grandfather, William Fulbright, settling in Greene County, Missouri, in 1830 after moving from Tennessee. A successful farmer, he became a well-known figure among early settlers. William’s son, Ephraim R., continued the family legacy as an industrious farmer in Greene County. Charles R. Fulbright, born in 1863, established a successful hardware business in Sparta, Missouri, contributing to local politics and community. He is involved in various fraternal organizations and is recognized as a prominent citizen.

Biography of George F. Elam, M. D.

Dr. George F. Elam, born April 15, 1847, in North Carolina, is a prominent physician in Marion County, Arkansas. After serving in the Civil War, he began studying medicine in 1867 and graduated from the Little Rock Medical College in 1887. Known for his dedication to patient care and continuous learning, Dr. Elam has earned a respected reputation as a physician and surgeon. He is active in the medical community, a Republican, and involved in local affairs, while also managing a successful farm with his family.

Biography of A. T. Yoachum

A. T. Yoachum, born on February 7, 1827, in Arkansas, emerged from a lineage of pioneers in Missouri. His family played a significant role in early settlement and agriculture. After a limited education and a year in the Civil War, he managed a mill and became a successful farmer and store owner in Ozark. Yoachum held various public offices, including county treasurer, and was a prominent businessman, owning a mill and serving as president of the Christian County Bank. He was well-regarded for his public spirit and contributions to local agriculture and community.

Biography of G. B. Thomas

G. B. Thomas is the manager and bookkeeper of S. H. Henry & Co., a prominent lumber business in West Plains established in 1882. Born on March 7, 1848, in Greene County, Missouri, he came from a family with deep local roots. Thomas began his career in merchandising and later held significant political roles, including clerk of the county court. Married to Mary E. Lasater, he had four children. An active member of the community, Thomas is also a Master Mason and owns substantial real estate.

Biography of Henry C. Thomas

Henry C. Thomas, born in December 1848 in Monroe County, Tennessee, was a prominent farmer in James Township, Stone County, Missouri. He was the son of George W. and Sarah A. Thomas, who moved to Missouri in 1854. Educated in local schools, Henry married Almeda M. Surber in 1869 and had six children. He moved to his current farm on White River in 1871, where he improved 173 acres. Notably involved in local politics, he served as deputy sheriff and collector in Galena, identifying as a Republican.

Biography of William L. Woody

William L. Woody, born on September 9, 1866, near Stockton, California, has made significant contributions to the livery business in Ozark, Missouri, over the past eight years. A well-equipped livery stable under his management has become a vital service for residents and travelers. Aside from livery, he briefly partnered in a hardware business. An enterprising individual, he owns two livery barns and real estate in Ozark. Active in the community, he participates in the I.O.O.F. lodge and supports local movements. He is married to Effie Lawing, and they are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Biography of Jesse O. Martin

Jesse O. Martin, born on October 17, 1843, in Hot Spring County, Arkansas, is a prominent farmer in Stone County, Missouri, where he has lived for twenty years. The son of John W. and Hannah Martin, he faced early hardships, including the loss of his father during the Civil War. Martin married Eliza Cutburth and had six children. He initially owned 117 acres, later expanding to 165 acres. A self-made man, he is respected for his agricultural success and community involvement, aligning with the People’s party.

Biography of Samuel G. McCracken

Samuel G. McCracken, a prominent grain dealer and grocery merchant in Ozark, Missouri, is noted for his business integrity and community contributions. Born in Hickory County in 1851 and of Scotch-Irish descent, he was involved in various enterprises, including grain, milling, and real estate. Educated at Drury College, he began his career as a shipping clerk before co-founding a business with J. M. Doling. With a notable reputation, McCracken also engages in public affairs and serves as secretary of the Schmook Milling Company. He and his wife have raised two orphaned boys.

Biography of Granville H. Vaughan

Granville H. Vaughan, born in 1831 in Rutherford County, Tennessee, became a prominent farmer in Finley Township. The son of James and Nancy Vaughan, he grew up learning farming duties and eventually married Mary E. McGaugh in 1858. The couple had seven children and cultivated 130 acres of land on their farm. Vaughan was politically active, initially a Whig, later aligning with Democratic principles. His family is noted for their community contributions, with Mrs. Vaughan being involved in the Missionary Baptist Church.

Biography of John A. Gideon

John A. Gideon, born on March 4, 1837, in Greene County, Missouri, was a notable figure in Galloway Township. His parents were early settlers from North Carolina, establishing roots in Missouri in the 1830s. Gideon grew up on a farm, later becoming a farmer and a respected community leader. He served as a soldier in the Civil War and held various local political positions, including county judge. A dedicated Republican, Gideon was influential in local politics and active in organizations like the G.A.R. and I.O.O.F.

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.