Washington County MO Genealogy

Guion Miller Application of Isom Durham White

Isom Durham White’s application for Cherokee enrollment was rejected due to the lack of documented proof of his ancestry. Born in 1841 in Missouri, his familial roots trace back to Kentucky, well outside the recognized Cherokee territory of 1835. White’s parents and grandparents were not listed on the 1835 or 1851 Cherokee rolls, undermining any claims of descent. Furthermore, he could not provide living witnesses to attest to his lineage, ultimately resulting in the denial of his application based on insufficient evidence.

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.

The Brickey Family of Prairie du Rocher Illinois

Franklin W. Brickey was born in Potosi, Missouri, in 1819 and moved to Illinois at 19. He established a business in Fort Chartres before building a mill in Prairie du Rocher in 1858. His son, F. M. Brickey, born in 1860, succeeded him and expanded their ventures, including grain buying and land drainage. F. M. Brickey was involved in local politics and education, and his family residence is noted for its modern amenities. He was married to Emily J. Glad and had three children, emphasizing their community engagement and musical pursuits.

Biographical Sketch of Esop Lewis

Esop Lewis, an English-born blacksmith, initially resided in New York before relocating to Vermont. He had six children, including Rufus, a cooper who moved with his family to Ohio in 1816, later settling in Missouri. Rufus and his wife, Elizabeth Gilbert, had four children, including Enos W., who became a prosperous farmer in Montgomery County. Esop’s family established roots in multiple states, emphasizing their adaptability and connection to the American frontier. Enos W. is known for his jovial personality and familial ties.

Biography of Rev. John Dunbar

Rev. John Dunbar, born in Palmer, Massachusetts, on March 3, 1804, dedicated over twenty years as a missionary to the Pawnes Indians. After earning degrees from Williams College and Auburn Theological Seminary, he was ordained in 1834 and began his mission work in the West. He returned briefly to Massachusetts to publish a Pawnee language book and married Esther Smith in 1837. In 1856, he moved to Brown County, Kansas, where he became the first county treasurer. Both he and his wife died shortly after their relocation.

Biographical Sketch of Willard Sitton

Willard Sitton, born on October 14, 1856, in Washington County, Missouri, is a prominent farmer and stockman in Oregon County’s Johnson Township. He began his career assisting his father and later worked as a blacksmith in various states. After transitioning to merchandising with his brother, Sitton focused on farming, amassing 360 acres of land. In 1892, he married Mittie George, an educated member of the Missionary Baptist Church. A Mason and Democrat, Sitton is recognized for his industriousness and potential for future achievements.

Biography of D. H. Allison

D. H. Allison operates a reputable livery stable in Van Buren, Missouri, where he has achieved notable success since acquiring the business in 1893. Born in Irondale and raised in Reynolds County, he grew up in a large family with a farming background. After gaining experience in farming and logging, he transitioned to the livery business. A committed family man and a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, he embodies hard work and integrity, contributing to his community and the Democratic Party.

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 Capt. John James Sitton

Capt. John James Sitton, born July 5, 1842, in Washington County, Missouri, emerged as a prominent figure in Oregon County. After serving honorably in the Confederate Army during the Civil War, he engaged in education and held various public offices, including sheriff and county judge. Sitton amassed significant land holdings and operated a successful mercantile business with his sons. A staunch Democrat and Mason, he has served as postmaster in Garfield for fourteen years and is respected in his community for his contributions and leadership.

Biography of Hon. Joshua Sholar

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.

Biography of Robert S. Sutton

Robert S. Sutton, born in 1858 in Washington County, Missouri, is a prominent farmer and stockraiser in Eminence Township, Shannon County. The son of William J. Sutton, he grew up on a farm and received a modest education. After moving to Shannon County in 1874, he married Eva Chilton in 1882 and has five children. Sutton operates a successful 160-acre farm, focusing on stock breeding and shipping. A committed Democrat, he remains actively involved in local politics while maintaining a thriving agricultural enterprise.

Biography of Hon. Orlando B. Ficklin

Biography of Austin, Moses

Moses Austin, born in 1767 in Connecticut, was a pivotal figure in the early American colonization of Texas. After a series of business failures, he turned to Texas as a means to rebuild his fortunes. He traveled to San Antonio in 1820, initially facing legal challenges but eventually gaining support from local officials for his plan to settle American families in Texas. Upon returning home, he fell ill and died in June 1821, entrusting his son Stephen with the execution of his vision for colonization.

Biography of Samuel Henry Melcher

Samuel Henry Melcher, born on October 30, 1828, in Gilmanton, N.H., received his medical degree from Dartmouth College. He enlisted as an assistant surgeon in the 5th Missouri Volunteer Regiment during the Civil War, participating in key battles and assisting wounded soldiers. Promoted to brigade surgeon, he managed multiple hospitals and later served as colonel of the Thirty-second Regiment E.M.M. After the war, Melcher held various medical positions, including Surgeon at the U.S. Marine Hospital in St. Louis, and eventually settled in Chicago.