Taney County MO

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 Anthony Casey

Anthony Casey, born in 1826 in Morgan County, Tennessee, was a prominent citizen known for his public spirit and patriotism. After moving to various counties in Arkansas and Missouri with his family, he became a farmer and a respected Primitive Baptist minister. Though he received limited education, he was an eloquent speaker. He served in the U.S. Army during the Civil War and had a successful agricultural career, accruing 200 acres of land. He married Sealey Self, with whom he had seven children before her death in 1890.

Biography of John Kintrea

John Kintrea, born on February 28, 1852, in Woodstock, is a prominent merchant in Taney County, operating a successful store in Kirbyville. He is the son of Scottish immigrants and gained experience in the retail industry by clerking and eventually managing his own businesses. Kintrea has expanded his operations to include a cotton gin, a corn mill, and extensive wholesale trade, achieving significant financial success. He is politically aligned with the Democratic Party and is known for his community involvement, including co-owning a major drug company in Springfield. He is married to Narcissa Smith and has four children.

Biography of Thomas F. Williams

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.

Biography of S. W. Boswell

S. W. Boswell, born October 15, 1860, in Forsyth, Missouri, is a prominent businessman and vice-president of the Taney County Bank. He is the son of Levi Boswell, a notable figure in local politics and farming. S.W. received his early education in Forsyth and initially engaged in agriculture before investing in a mill and a distillery. Elected county treasurer in 1886, he has remained active in Republican politics and community service, including membership in the Masonic Lodge and the school board. He married Etta Frazier and had four children.

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 William Hembree

William Hembree, born on March 9, 1836, in Dubois County, Indiana, became a notable farmer and businessman in James Township, Stone County, Missouri. He migrated to Missouri with his family in his childhood, establishing a farm in the White River area. After serving in the Civil War with the First Arkansas Cavalry, he returned to farming and later expanded into merchandising. Hembree was married twice, fathering eleven children, and was active in his community, also facing significant challenges during the war.

Biography of George W. McCarty

George W. McCarty, born February 10, 1845, in Gwinnett County, Georgia, has been a Taney County resident since 1879. The eldest of six siblings, he comes from a family with strong community ties and values. A self-educated farmer, he owns a 330-acre farm and is respected for his agricultural success. Married twice, he is a Democratic politician, a Mason, and a committed member of the Missionary Baptist Church. His contributions to the county and community reflect his dedication and hard work.

Biography of Thomas J. Stallcup

Thomas J. Stallcup descends from a Swiss immigrant who settled in Maryland before relocating to Tennessee, where the family later moved to Taney County, Missouri. Born on February 11, 1833, he worked his father’s farm and established a successful agricultural career. Stallcup served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War and was involved in local politics as a Democrat. He married twice, producing several children and grandchildren, and was active in the community, including membership in the Masonic Lodge.

Biography of Alexander C. Kissee

Alexander C. Kissee was born on November 2, 1834, in Edgar County, Illinois, to a Virginia family with deep roots in American pioneer life. He later moved to Christian County, Missouri, where he became an influential businessman, landowner, and public figure. A veteran of the Civil War, he served in the Union Army and was involved in local politics, aligning with the Republican Party. He founded Kissee Mills, established a newspaper, and held the postmaster position, contributing significantly to his community until his death.

Biography of John H. Middleton

John H. Middleton, born January 9, 1854, in Bolivar, Missouri, is a prominent figure in Omaha, Boone County, Arkansas, serving as a general merchant, farmer, and postmaster. A product of a hardworking family, he faced early challenges due to his father’s business misfortunes, but persevered to establish a successful mercantile business and acquire 170 acres of land. Married to Alice Noel, the couple has eight children. Middleton is recognized for his generosity and commitment to community advancement, and both he and his wife are active members of their church.

Biography of Reuben S. Branson

Reuben S. Branson, born in 1853 in Gasconade County, Missouri, served as the ex-county clerk and recorder of Taney County. Raised on a farm, he pursued education independently and later taught school. In 1877, he married Mary T. Cooper, with whom he had two children. Branson established a general store and served as postmaster before holding various county positions, including assessor and clerk. He engaged in several businesses over the years and remains active in his community as a Republican and Mason.

Biography of Hon. Simeon W. Bunch

Hon. Simeon W. Bunch, born in 1832 in Simpson County, Kentucky, is a prominent farmer and community leader in Christian County, Missouri. The youngest of five siblings, he experienced pioneer life in Taney County and faced significant hardships. Bunch married Martha Jackson in 1855 and had eleven children. He engaged in various agricultural endeavors and served in several local government positions, including county assessor and state legislator. A staunch Union supporter during the Civil War, he remains active in the Missionary Baptist Church and the Masonic community.

Biography of J. P. Pigg

J. P. Pigg, born on November 25, 1844, in Warren County, Tennessee, became a successful farmer in Marion County, Arkansas, with a well-developed 250-acre estate. A Confederate soldier during the Civil War, he served under Generals Price and Pemberton, participating in several key battles. Active in local government and education, Pigg was a dedicated Democrat and a member of the Methodist Church. He married Martha Robinson, with whom he had several children, continuing the legacy of his prominent family.

Biography of Judge B. B. Hudgins

Judge B. B. Hudgins, born on August 15, 1854, in Taney County, Missouri, is the current circuit judge of Arkansas’s Fourteenth District. The son of Dr. John W. Hudgins and Malinda Byrne, he grew up in Boone County. After teaching school post-Civil War, he studied law and opened a practice in Harrison. Elected to the General Assembly multiple times, he became circuit judge in 1890, known for his fair handling of cases. He is also an active Democrat and a respected community member, married with six children.

Biography of W. W. Moore

W. W. Moore, born in 1844 in Hardin County, Kentucky, became a successful general merchant in Protem, Missouri. The son of Henry and Nancy Moore, he began farming at twenty-one and married Susan Burnett in 1866. In 1880, he transitioned to business, establishing a prosperous mercantile operation and a roller mill by 1890. Moore is recognized for his integrity and business acumen, earning respect as one of Taney County’s leading entrepreneurs and a member of Cloflin Lodge No. 229 of the A.F. & A.M.

Biography of William H. May

William H. May was born on January 30, 1831, in Morgan County, Missouri, the youngest of ten children. His father, John May, an accomplished farmer and soldier, moved the family to Taney County, where William spent his youth on a farm and received little formal education. In 1872, he purchased 277 acres near Galena and thrived in farming and stockraising. A Republican and former county assessor, he participated in the Civil War, served in the Home Guards, and faced significant challenges, including property destruction. He and his wife, Nancy Stockstill, had twelve children, ten of whom are still living.

Biography of John Moseley

John Moseley, born March 14, 1825, in Shelby County, Illinois, has been a respected resident of Taney County since 1840. He is the son of Len S. Moseley, a Kentucky native and veteran of the Black Hawk War. John began farming on Beaver Creek in 1849, expanding into various agricultural ventures. A committed Democrat, he served as county judge and sheriff. Married to Parnecie E. Wommack, they had twelve children. Despite hardships, including losses during the Civil War, Moseley has become a prominent landowner and contributor to the county’s development.

Biography of Davis M. Trammell

Davis M. Trammell, born on January 19, 1856, in Searcy County, Arkansas, is a prominent farmer and community leader in Taney County, Missouri. With a 160-acre farm, he is recognized for his industrious nature and business acumen. He began his career as a teacher and later served as justice of the peace and county assessor. Married to Mary E. Burns, they have six children. Trammell is politically active as a Republican and committed to community education and welfare.