West Plains Missouri

Biography of George M. Follett

George M. Follett, born on February 25, 1852, near New York City, significantly contributed to the business landscape of West Plains, Missouri, as a prominent merchant. After limited education, he began his career in the lumber industry, working across several states before settling in Missouri in 1883. Follett managed various mills before co-founding Holt Follett in West Plains, which has prospered as a lumber yard. A practical engineer and electrician, he is also active in local Masonic and Democratic circles, exemplifying self-made success.

Biography of L. G. Eblen

L. G. Eblen, born on July 17, 1859, in Weakley County, Tennessee, moved to Howell County, Missouri at ten. He became a prominent figure, serving as county collector and previously as sheriff and postmaster. His early career began with teaching, and he was notable for being the youngest sheriff in Missouri at age 23. A committed Democrat, Eblen is involved in his community and church, holding stock in local banking and owning real estate. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have two daughters.

Biography of Lewis Harvey De Priest

Lewis Harvey De Priest, born in 1865 in Jefferson County, Illinois, is the sheriff of Shannon County, Missouri. He spent his youth managing his father’s livestock before pursuing a career in mercantile. De Priest served as assistant postmaster and deputy sheriff before being elected sheriff in 1890, a position he was re-elected to in 1892. He is married to Josie Boyd and has three sons. De Priest is involved in the Odd Fellows and aligns politically with the Democratic Party.

Biography of J. A. Truex

J. A. Truex, born on November 6, 1843, in Marion County, Ohio, was a prominent editor of the Journal and postmaster of West Plains, Missouri. A member of a Dutch Colonial family, he received education in Indiana and Illinois before becoming a successful teacher. After moving to Kansas, he served as county superintendent of schools and founded the Davis County Republican. In 1884, he purchased the Journal and became its editor. Truex was also elected mayor of West Plains and was active in local governance and church affairs. He was married to Addie M. Merriam, and they have one son.

Biography of Henry Dixon Green

Henry Dixon Green, born in 1851 in Kentucky, is a prominent attorney in Howell County, Missouri. Following his admission to the bar in 1878, he quickly gained recognition for his legal talent and eloquence in the courtroom, becoming one of the state’s leading trial lawyers. Green had partnerships with notable figures like A. H. Livingston and has served as probate judge. His advocacy and dedication have established him as a respected member of the bar, with a reputation that extends throughout southern Missouri.

Biography of R. V. Lasater

R. V. Lasater, born on November 28, 1858, in St. Francois County, Missouri, is a notable figure in the livery stable business in West Plains. He inherited a legacy of public service from his father, Reuben Lasater, a Union soldier and respected local figure. R. V. began his livery business in 1885, later re-establishing it in 1891. A member of the K. of P. and a Republican, he is a family man, married to Alice Henry, with five children.

Biography of Dr. J. C. B. Dixon

Dr. J. C. B. Dixon, born on August 20, 1823, in Tennessee, is a distinguished physician and influential figure in Howell County, Missouri. The son of a farmer and a Revolutionary War descendant, he overcame early hardships to pursue medicine, studying under Dr. Miles and at Louisville Medical College. Practicing since 1850, he held various public offices, including mayor of West Plains. A Mexican War veteran and Masonic leader, Dixon is recognized for his contributions to the community and charity, witnessing Howell County’s growth firsthand.

Biography of Edward Coker

Edward Coker, born on August 30, 1856, in Boone County, Arkansas, became a prominent stockman and citizen in West Plains, Missouri. After starting a successful merchandising venture in Isabella, Missouri, he transitioned to the stock business, gaining a reputation as a leading businessman. Coker, a Mason and active in politics, particularly in the Democratic Party, faced personal tragedy with the death of his first wife, Jennie Wofford, but later married Jennie Noe. He is recognized for his contributions to the community and his entrepreneurial success.

Biography of Clinton M. Pease

C. M. Pease and George A. Pease own the Enterprise Roller Mills in West Plains, Missouri, one of the largest mills in the region. Established in 1889, they increased the mill’s capacity and adopted innovative milling technology. The mill processes local grain and produces high-quality flour brands. Clinton M. Pease, born in Rhode Island in 1852, has a diverse family history in milling and has been married three times, with children from each marriage. He is active in his community and affiliated with several fraternal organizations.

Biography of D. F. Martin

D. F. Martin, born on December 9, 1833, in Tennessee, has been a notable figure in Howell County, Missouri, since 1851. A lawyer and politician, he served in various capacities, including circuit clerk, county treasurer, and sheriff. Martin fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War and later took on roles in local governance and education. He is also a successful businessman and active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Martin’s family includes his wife, Emma, and their six children, with deep roots in the community.

Biography of Dr. N. C. Berry

Dr. N. C. Berry, born on April 5, 1838, in Union County, Kentucky, is a renowned physician based in West Plains, Missouri. He studied medicine under his father, Dr. J. T. Berry, before completing his education at Jefferson College in Pennsylvania. Dr. Berry served as an army surgeon in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. After the war, he resumed his medical practice in Kentucky before moving to Missouri in 1871. He is active in medical associations and community organizations, holding several leadership positions.

Biography of W. L. Stowers

W. L. Stowers, born on August 2, 1843, in Marion County, Missouri, became a notable businessman as the proprietor of the West Plains Hotel, established in 1883. Orphaned at four, he was raised by relatives and pursued education until the Civil War disrupted his studies. Following a successful stint in gold mining in Montana, he returned to Missouri, married Bettie Maddox, and engaged in farming before entering the hotel industry. Stowers is also involved in local finance and community organizations, remaining a prominent Democratic figure in West Plains.

Biography of Rufus McLelland

Rufus McLelland, born May 17, 1822, in North Carolina, moved to south Missouri in 1851 after a long journey. He established himself as a successful stockman in Oregon County. During the Civil War, he served as county clerk while managing his farms. A Democrat, McLelland’s early political engagement included voting for Polk and Taylor. He had eight children with his first wife, Mira Piercey, and later married twice more. McLelland is recognized for his honorable life and contributions to the community, now retired on his 333-acre farm.

Biography of S. G. Ramsey

S. G. Ramsey, born October 20, 1836, in Franklin County, Missouri, emerged as a notable business figure in West Plains. The son of pioneer J. A. Ramsey, he faced the challenges of a limited education and the hardships of pioneer life. In the 1850s, he began a varied business career, including lumber and merchandising, overcoming multiple financial setbacks. After moving to West Plains in 1883 with modest means, he achieved considerable success, becoming involved in the local banking sector. Ramsey was also active in politics and community affairs. His family life included two marriages and eight children.

Biography of S. J. Holt

S. J. Holt is the manager of the West Plains Electric Light Company, established in 1889, and is a significant business figure in West Plains. Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, he gained experience in the lumber industry before moving to Missouri in 1883. Holt successfully transitioned from general manager roles to owning a planing mill, collaborating with G. M. Fallett. Their enterprise, which includes a milling operation generating about $20,000 annually, employs many and contributes to the local economy. Holt is a Republican and an Odd Fellow, married with six sons.

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 Marcus E. Benson

Marcus E. Benson, born on September 15, 1856, in West Plains, Missouri, is a notable manufacturer and lumber dealer. Raised in a farming background, he developed a strong work ethic early on. After moving to Missouri with his family in 1865, he pursued various business ventures, including a successful lumber manufacturing operation and managing the World’s Fair Fruit Company. He is recognized as an influential public figure and has engaged in local politics. Benson also built the Grand Opera House in West Plains and is active in real estate and banking.

Biography of S. H. Henry

S. H. Henry, born on December 9, 1836, in Coffee County, Tennessee, became a significant figure in West Plains, Missouri, where he established the first planing mill business. After moving to Missouri with his family in 1857, he transitioned from farming and stockraising to the lumber industry in 1882. Henry built a successful planing mill and a livery business, becoming a respected citizen and community leader. He was also involved in the Methodist Church and local politics, and he and his wife, Margaret Thomas, raised six children.

Biography of Capt. John Halstead

Capt. John Halstead, born October 8, 1841, in Pickaway County, Ohio, emerged as a prominent citizen of Howell County. His lineage traces back to early English immigrants in New York. After serving in the Civil War as a captain in the Eightieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Halstead transitioned to a successful career in real estate, influencing growth in West Plains. A committed Democrat, he served as mayor and contributed significantly to local governance. Capt. Halstead’s legacy includes a strong community standing and a well-established family.

Biography of O. H. P. Catron

O. H. P. Catron, born on December 27, 1842, in Lafayette County, Missouri, is a prominent figure in West Plains, where he co-owns the Daily and Weekly Gazette, the region’s only daily newspaper. After serving as a lieutenant in the Confederate Army, he engaged in farming and later entered banking and real estate. A Democratic leader, he was West Plains’ first mayor and has been active in veteran organizations. Catron is married to Martha E. Goodwin, and they have one son, Lee M. Catron, who manages the Gazette.