Early Settlers of Ralls County, Missouri

1930 Map of Ralls County, Missouri

The manuscript “Early Settlers of Ralls County, Missouri” compiled by Eunice Moore Anderson in 1951 serves as a valuable resource for those tracing their family genealogy in Ralls County. Divided into three parts, the compilation focuses on documenting early settlers prior to 1878, drawing from sources such as county atlases and historical records spanning Marion, Ralls, Pike Counties, and beyond. While not aiming to provide a comprehensive history, Anderson’s work catalogues pioneer families, offering insights into their origins, migration dates to Ralls County, and family connections. This structured approach, supplemented by an alphabetical index, aids researchers in navigating through ancestral records and locating further detailed information within related historical volumes.

William Jesse Melson

Corp. Inf., Co. H, 30th Div., 19th Reg. Born in Martin County, Sept. 21, 1895; son of W. R. and Mrs. Fannie Melson. Entered service May 29, 1917, at Williamston, N.C. Sent to Camp Sevier, S. C. Transferred to Camp Mills, N. J. Sailed for France. Promoted to rank of Corpl. Oct. 30, 1917. Fought at Meuse-Argonne. Gassed at Meuse-Argonne, Sept. 29, 1918. Sent to Hospital Fronville, No. 73. Mustered out at Columbia, S. C., April 9, 1919.

Biography of Edmund P. Melson

The magnificent structure owned by the Missouri State Life Insurance Company is the tangible evidence of the business ability and organizing powers of Edmund P. Melson, who established the corporation that finds its concrete embodiment in a building which is an adornment to St. Louis. He was for many years identified with insurance interests, his work finding its culmination in the organization and direction of what is today one of the strong and reliable insurance companies of the United States. Mr. Melson is one of Missouri’s native sons, his birth having occurred in Rails county, October 29, 1866, and be … Read more

Biography of A. T. Melson

A. T. Melson was born in the state of Georgia on the 4th of February, 1827, and grew to manhood in the home of his birth. His ancestors were old southern aristocracy, and a noble and manly set of gentlemen, while the women were unexcelled for purity and gentleness. At the age of twenty-two years Mr. Melson married Miss Martha Ransom, a daughter of Col. Samuel Ransom, a large slaveholder and planter of great prominence in the county. Miss Martha was eighteen years of age when she married Mr. Melson. Within a few years after their marriage they moved to … Read more