Taney County MO Genealogy – Access Genealogy

Guion Miller Application of Elijah Eaves

The application of Elijah Eaves, rejected under the Guion Miller Roll, involved claims from descendants of Alexander Brown, who was recorded on the 1835 Cherokee roll. Evidence presented indicated complications regarding the applicants’ heritage, including conflicting testimonies about Brown’s residency and tribal affiliation. No descendants were enrolled or received government benefits, raising doubts about their connection to the Cherokee. Despite claims of descent through Alexander Brown, all applications were ultimately rejected due to insufficient proof of lineage and tribal membership.

Missouri Atlases and Plat Books

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.

Biography of Benjamin F. McKinney

Benjamin F. McKinney, born in 1838 in Smith County, Tennessee, was raised on a pioneer farm. The eldest of six children, he moved with his family to Cedar County, Missouri, and later settled in Taney County. A carpenter and farmer, he served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. After the war, he established a considerable 300-acre farm and was known for his industriousness and integrity. Married to Belveretta C. Casey, they raised six children and became respected members of their community.

Biography of Jasper N. Ray

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.

Biography of Prof. G. M. Siler

Prof. G. M. Siler, born on July 28, 1864, in Holt County, Missouri, has established a distinguished career in education since beginning his teaching in 1882. He educated himself at local schools and Bradleyville School and currently leads the school in Rome. Siler balances his teaching with farming on his 160-acre property. Politically active as a Republican, he served as county assessor from 1888 to 1890. Married to Rachel A. Jennings, he is a respected member of the community with two surviving children.

Biography of Albert Hodges

Albert Hodges, born on November 2, 1848, in Taney County, Missouri, is a respected attorney known for his integrity and analytical mind. The son of Edmond and Sarah Hodges, he grew up on a farm, served with the Sixteenth Missouri Volunteer Cavalry during the Civil War, and was injured in combat. After studying law under J.J. Brown, Hodges began his legal career in 1881, later serving as the prosecuting attorney of Stone County. He has contributed to local history and is actively involved in his community.

Biography of David J. Smith

David J. Smith, born in 1838 in Madison County, Illinois, became a prominent merchant and farmer in Walnut Shade, Taney County, Missouri. He exemplified qualities of energy, integrity, and public spirit. After assisting his blacksmith father and managing family affairs, he ventured to Colorado for mining and returned to Illinois before settling in Taney County in 1872. Smith owned 270 acres and was a community leader, serving as postmaster and participating in local organizations. He married Mary E. St. Clair and had five children, maintaining a steadfast commitment to the Democratic Party.

Biography of John May

John May, born November 7, 1825, in Washington County, Tennessee, was the son of Adam and Elizabeth McGinnis May. After a brief stay in Greene County, he moved to Taney County, where he farmed and served in the Mexican War and briefly in the Confederate Army. Married twice, first to Amanda Morgan and later to Mrs. Fraker, he had several children. Known for his integrity and public spirit, May became one of the largest landowners in Taney County and was an active member of the Baptist Church.

Biography of John S. May

John S. May was born in 1843 in Taney County, Missouri. He grew up on a farm and received limited education, later serving as a corporal in the Sixteenth Missouri Cavalry during the Civil War. After the war, he married Isabenne Stocksdale and became a successful farmer and stock-raiser in Stone County, where he cultivated 220 acres. Active in local politics, May served as deputy sheriff and later as sheriff and tax collector. A member of the Masonic Lodge, he has been a lifelong Republican.

Biography of J. G. Siler

J. G. Siler, an esteemed county and circuit clerk in Taney County, Missouri, is of German descent and embodies the integrity and diligence associated with his heritage. Born into a prominent family with deep historical roots, he became a teacher and later a popular elected official at just twenty-two years old. He is also a businessman, having purchased a general merchandise store in 1894. Married to Emma A. Small, they are active in their community and have one daughter, Eunice.

Biography of Jeremiah J. Wood

Jeremiah J. Wood, born in Martin County, Indiana, in 1837, is a prominent farmer and stockraiser recognized for his modern agricultural practices. He grew up in a large family and began his farming career at age twenty-three. Wood served in the One Hundred and Twenty-third Illinois Infantry during the Civil War, where he was slightly wounded. Married to Almeda Giffin, he had eleven children. After moving to Iowa and then to Missouri, he has improved several farms, maintaining his Republican beliefs and Christian faith.

Biography of James K. P. McHaffie

James K. P. McHaffie, born in Greene County, Missouri, in 1846, stems from a pioneering family that settled in the Ozark Mountains. His father, David McHaffie, a Virginia native, was an early settler in Christian County who became a successful landowner and respected community figure. James K. P. grew up on the homestead, later becoming a prosperous businessman and influential figure in the county. He served as sheriff and collector, was active in local banking, and married Amanda S. Laughlin, with whom he had four children.

Biography of Hon. Patrick C. Berry

Hon. Patrick C. Berry, born on August 22, 1830, in Virginia, became a notable figure in Stone County, Missouri, through his integrity and service. After moving to Missouri in 1844, he engaged in various roles, including merchant, county clerk, and state legislator. A veteran of the Civil War, he contributed to local governance and community initiatives. Married to Evaline Stone, Berry had five children and remained active in local affairs, witnessing significant changes in his county throughout his life.

Biography of Robert A. Smith

Robert A. Smith, also known as Mac Smith, was born on January 1, 1846, in Christian County, Missouri. A prominent farmer and stockraiser in Taney County, he began his agricultural career after serving as a flag bearer in the Civil War. Smith acquired substantial land, totaling 270 acres, and became well-regarded in the farming community. He married Permelia Roberts in 1865, and they had several children. Smith was also active in the Masonic fraternity and is recognized as a leading agricultural authority in his region.

Biography of David B. Pratt

David B. Pratt, born on September 10, 1828, in Maury County, Tennessee, is a prominent figure in Douglas County, Missouri’s agricultural community. His father, a War of 1812 veteran, instilled values of hard work. After farming and a stint in California during the gold rush, he settled in Missouri, participating in the Civil War as a soldier. Married to Sarah Hartin, he raised nine children, many of whom continued the family legacy. Pratt is recognized for his contributions as a farmer and community member.

Biography of Washington M. Wade

Washington M. Wade, born January 21, 1858, in Carroll County, Arkansas, became a notable banker and public figure in Christian County. The son of Joseph and Nancy Wade, he pursued education at Marionville College before teaching in Christian and Stone Counties. Elected clerk and recorder of Christian County, he later founded the Taney County Bank in Forsyth in 1891. A lifelong Republican and prominent Mason, he was deeply involved in community affairs. He married Alice Maxwell and was active in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Biography of Charles H. Groom

Charles H. Groom, born January 16, 1861, in Holt County, Missouri, emerged as a notable attorney in Taney County. His father, Sylvanus L. Groom, was a prominent Union soldier and physician. Charles grew up in Andrew County, working in printing before studying law and gaining admission to the bar in 1891. He became an influential figure in local politics, serving as county treasurer and engaging in real estate and law. Groom married Tremandria L. Jennings and had four children, contributing significantly to his community’s development.

Biography of Barnett P. Parrish

Barnett P. Parrish, born on September 13, 1818, in Ohio, exemplifies the resilient and industrious spirit of early American settlers. Moving with his family to Indiana and later to Missouri, he cultivated a life marked by farming and public service. Parrish fought in the Mexican War and served in the Federal Army during the Civil War. Married three times, he raised sixteen children, ten of whom survived to adulthood. Settling in Forsyth, Missouri, he became a well-respected figure, known for his commitment to the community and rich personal history.

Biography of J. A. Weatherman

J. A. Weatherman, born on December 7, 1859, in Taney County, has distinguished himself as an efficient sheriff, embodying the progressive spirit of Missouri. The eldest of six children, he comes from a pioneer family with deep roots in the area. Weatherman pursued farming before entering grocery business and later serving as sheriff after his election in 1892. A staunch Republican and public servant, he has also held positions such as city marshal. He is married to Anna Shute, who immigrated from England.

Biography of Capt. C. C. Owen

Capt. C. C. Owen, born in 1829 in Barren County, Kentucky, dedicated much of his life to farming before retiring as a notary public in Protem, Missouri. He served as a captain in the Eighth Missouri State Militia during the Civil War and held various public offices, including county judge and postmaster. A skilled farmer and later a licensed physician, Owen has been active in his community and significantly contributed to local governance, education, and public services throughout Taney County.