Mabrey

Biographical Sketch of Cornelius Mabrey

Cornelius Mabrey, a millwright from Pittsylvania County, Virginia, had two marriages, the second to Polly Chaney, with whom he had six children. The family moved to Tennessee before settling in Logan County, Kentucky, where he tragically drowned. In 1828, his widow and children relocated to Lincoln County, Missouri. Their children married into local families, creating deep ties in the community. Philip, one of the sons, became a carpenter and shared cherished memories of his youth with friend Dr. McFarland at local dances.

Biography of Hon. Thomas Mabrey

Hon. Thomas Mabrey, born June 2, 1835, in Williamson County, Tennessee, was the eighth of nine children. His parents, early settlers in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, influenced his agricultural background. Educated locally, he briefly taught before enlisting as a lieutenant in the Confederate army during the Civil War. After the war, he faced legal obstacles in Missouri and Texas before establishing a successful law practice in Ripley County. Mabrey served as prosecuting attorney and state legislator. He married Sallie J. Carter, with whom he had twelve children.