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.
Dr. John Martin, born on February 15, 1819, in Morgan County, Kentucky, moved to Tennessee as a child, where he received most of his education. After relocating to Illinois and marrying in 1839, he settled in Missouri in 1845, engaging in medicine and business, particularly in grain and lumber in Jamesport. A Civil War surgeon, he was elected to the State Senate in 1865 but denied his seat due to electoral irregularities. He and his wife have eight children and are active in the Baptist Church and local Masonry.
Joseph A. Knight, born on September 19, 1838, in Caswell County, North Carolina, is a prominent figure in Union County’s development. After spending his early years in Missouri, he moved to the Grande Ronde Valley in 1865, where he acquired a 200-acre farm, later expanding to 480 acres. Knight is recognized for his diligent farming and stock-raising efforts. He married Priscilla Harris in 1863, and they had eight children. The Knights are respected community members, contributing positively to the county’s growth.
John M. Newman, born on August 10, 1851, in Sullivan County, Missouri, moved to eastern Oregon at thirteen and later settled in the Willamette Valley. He married Isabel Forgey and had eight children. In 1878, he claimed land in the Kittitas Valley, Washington, where he farms 190 acres, operates a blacksmith shop, and contributes to the community as justice of the peace and school director. Newman is known for his progressive spirit and commitment to public improvement initiatives.
John Thomas Bartley, born in Kentucky in 1865, has had a significant impact on ranching and agriculture in Kansas. After moving to Missouri as a child, he later became a pioneer rancher in Kansas and Texas. Bartley managed a large ranch in Pottawatomie County before establishing his own farm. He is active in local governance and Masonic organizations and married Addie Stauffer in 1898. Their son, John Thomas Jr., is currently enrolled in Fostoria schools, continuing the family legacy in the region.
Thomas Higginbotham, born on March 17, 1856, in Wayne County, Kentucky, has been a prominent resident of Union County for over twenty years. His family moved through several states before settling in Union County in 1881, where he acquired a 360-acre farm. He married Amelia Gent in 1879, and they had six children. A respected member of the community, he is known for his integrity and industriousness, operating the farm alongside his brother George.
Edward B. Morelock, born on May 25, 1845, in Sullivan County, Missouri, was a significant pioneer in the Grande Ronde Valley. His parents were also pioneers, with his father serving as the county’s first sheriff. Morelock enlisted in the Civil War, serving with distinction under Generals Lyons and Sherman. After relocating west in 1865, he engaged in farming, stage transportation, and real estate. He held various public roles, including justice of the peace, and was active in community affairs, gaining respect as a prominent citizen. He married Rebecca J. Harris and had several children.
Orlando (Landy) Ward passed away from a heart attack on December 26, 1969, while visiting his son in Paradise, Oregon. Born on November 22, 1895, in Milan, Missouri, he spent 69 years in Wallowa County, served in World War I, and retired as a logger. He is survived by his wife, Nellie Maud Fisher, son Jay Clifton Ward, sister Iva Williams, and six grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Bollman Funeral Home, with interment at Enterprise Cemetery.
Mrs. Philanda Bechtel passed away on March 5, 1941, at her son Joe’s home in Wallowa. Born in Missouri in 1856, she lived most of her life in Elgin, where she was a respected member of the community. Predeceased by her husband, she is survived by three sons, Dan and Homer of Elgin, Joe of Wallowa, and a daughter, Mrs. Stella Witty of Elgin. Funeral services took place on Friday in Elgin, attended by family and friends from Enterprise.
Mrs. Philanda Bechtel passed away on March 5, 1941, at her son Joe’s home in Wallowa. Born in Sullivan County, Missouri, in 1856, she spent much of her life in the Elgin area. Her husband predeceased her, and she is survived by three sons—Dan and Homer of Elgin, and Joe of Wallowa—as well as a daughter, Mrs. Stella Witty of Elgin. Funeral services were held in Elgin, attended by family from Enterprise.
Mrs. B.C. (Frances) Terry of Lostine passed away on June 17, 1974, after battling health issues. Born on December 15, 1896, in Missouri, she married B.C. Terry in 1916 and settled in Wallowa County in 1917. She was an active member of the Stitch and Chatter Club. Frances is survived by her husband, three sons, a daughter, two sisters, a brother, 14 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. Memorial services were held at Bollman Chapel, with interment in Enterprise Cemetery.
Henry Weaver of Enterprise, Oregon, died in a car accident on August 22, 1920, while en route to Wallowa Lake with driver Hugh Campbell. Witnesses reported the vehicle was speeding when it overturned, dragging Weaver under the car before he succumbed to his injuries shortly after reaching the hospital. Born on March 27, 1888, in Missouri, he had lived in Oregon since 1902 and was a devoted family man, survived by his wife, two daughters, and father. His funeral took place in Enterprise.
Sarah J. Fisher, a pioneer of Oregon, passed away at her home on February 9, 1937, at the age of 77. Born in Sullivan County, Missouri, she crossed the plains to Oregon in 1864. She married Enos Fisher in 1876, raising seven children on their farm near Summerville until 1926, when she moved to La Grande. Following a prolonged illness, she is survived by five children, nine grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. Funeral services are scheduled for February 11 at Summerville chapel.
Frances Marie Tubbs, 98, of La Grande, passed away on September 7 at her home, surrounded by family. Born on September 17, 1908, in Reger, Missouri, she moved to La Grande as an infant. Frances married Willard A. Tubbs in 1937 and raised their two daughters after his passing in 1939. A community member and animal lover, she served in various local organizations and retired from the Union County Assessors office. She is survived by her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Amanda Elizabeth McDannald Layton, 76, passed away on June 29, 1943, at her daughter’s home. Born on October 9, 1866, in Missouri, she moved to Napavine with her family as an infant. Amanda married Henry C. Layton in 1881, who predeceased her in 1921. She is survived by her son Roy R. Layton, daughter Amanda Prince, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Funeral services will take place at Sticklin Chapel, with burial at Layton Prairie Cemetery.
Hon. R.S. Strahan, born in 1835 in Kentucky, is a respected member of the Oregon Supreme Court, esteemed for his integrity and popularity. After moving to Missouri, he pursued law studies and successfully established his practice. Strahan served as probate judge before relocating to Oregon, where he held various roles including district attorney and state senator. Elected to the Supreme Court in 1886, he is recognized for his effective work. A descendant of notable public figures, he continues to exemplify vigor and dedication in his judicial duties.