Pettis County, Missouri
History, Records, Facts and Genealogy

Court Records | Vital Records | CENSUS Records | TAX Records | Military Records | Church & Cemetery |
Maps & Atlases | Genealogy Addresses | Genealogy Related Sites |
Pettis County Missouri Map

Pettis County was organized January 26, 1833, from Cooper and Saline counties and named for Spencer Pettis, Missouri congressman. The County Seat is Sedalia. See also County History or Courthouse History for more historical details.

Pettis County has records of genealogical interest available: Recorder of Deeds: Index to deeds, 1833-1885; Deed records, 1833-1888; Index to marriage records, 1833-1922; Marriage records, 1833-1916; Negro/colored marriage records, 1865-1874. Clerk of the County Court: Permanent record of births, 1883-1885. Clerk of the Circuit Court: Index to circuit court records, 1838-1890; Circuit court records, 1833-1886; Naturalization records, 1903-1906; Declaration of intents, 1891 -1906. Clerk of the Probate Court: Index to probate records, 1834-1 934; Probate records, 1837-1886; Administrator’s/executor’s letters, bonds and records, 1833-1882; Inventories, appraisements and sale bills, 1868-1887; Settlement records, 1868-1887; Guardian’s/curator’s records, 1868-1882; Will records, 1835-1921. The Health Department has Birth & Death Records from 1910-Present. See Court Records for more details on whats available from the courthouse.

Counties adjacent to Pettis County are Saline County (north), Cooper County (east), Morgan County (southeast), Benton County (south), Henry County (southwest), Johnson County (west). Cities and Towns include Green Ridge, Houstonia, Hughesville, Ionia, La Monte, Sedalia, Smithton, Windsor

  • Pettis County, Missouri History Books at Amazon.com
  • Search Historical Newspapers from Missouri (1808 - 1922) - Quickly find names and keywords in over 450 million articles, obituaries, marriage notices, birth announcements and other items published in over 2,800 historical U.S. newspapers. New content added monthly!
  • Family History Library - The largest collection of free family history, family tree and genealogy records in the world.
  • Stories, Memories & Histories - Stories and histories compiled by others researching a person or area can be an amazing source of information about your ancestors. Not only do they generally contain dates and places of vital events like birth, marriage, and death, but they often relate stories and memories that help you really get to know the character of your ancestors.
  • Search Missouri Historical Records - Databases include Court, Land, Wills & Financial Records; Birth, Marriage & Death Records; Voter Lists & Census Records; Immigration & Emigration Records; Obituary Records; Military Records; Family Tree Records; Pictures; Stories, Memories & Histories; Directories & Member Lists and much more....

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Pettis County Court Records

See Also Missouri Land Records, Marriage Records, Court & Probate Records

Researchers often overlook the importance of court records, probate records, and land records as a source of family history information.

All Departments below are in the Pettis County Courthouse located at 415 S. Ohio Ave., Sedalia, MO 65301; Telephone: (660) 826-1136 , unless otherwise noted below. The Official County website is located at http://www.pettiscomo.com/ . See also Courthouse History.

PLEASE READ FIRST: Please call the clerk's department to confirm hours, mailing address, fees and other specifics before visiting or requesting information because of sometimes changing contact information. The record dates below are from the earliest date to present time.

Pettis County Clerk of the Court has Birth & Death Records from 1883-85. In this office in each county is located an index to common pleas, records of all extant proceedings, chancery minute books, records of births and deaths, county court records, right-of-way and road records, as well as surveyor's records (including field notes and plats made by the county surveyor). This office usually holds the county treasurer's notes, bonds and commissions, records of marks and brands, wolf scalps, stray notices, real estate assessments, and tax books. In some counties, early terms for this court included “Chancery” or the “Court of Common Pleas.”

Pettis Register of Deeds / Recorder has Marriage Records from 1833 and Land Records from 1833. The Office of Recorder of Deeds records and files instruments of writing affecting real property or personal property, subdivision plats, federal and state tax liens, and other instruments of writing. Also, the Recorder’s Office issues marriage licenses, and in accordance with the Uniform Commercial Code files termination statements. All recorded instruments are available for public research.

Pettis County Probate Court Clerk has Probate Records from 1833 . In the smaller counties, probate matters are handled in the same office as the associate circuit court office. (In larger counties, there will be a separate probate court clerk's office and separate probate judges/commissioners).

Pettis County Circuit Court Clerk has Court Records from 1833. This office holds the direct index to records such as divorces, debt, dissolution of partnerships, adoptions, judgment, and tax fee books including direct and indirect indexes. They also retain the index to criminal records and criminal files of the circuit court. Adoptions are under the jurisdiction of the circuit court. Naturalization records, including petitions, declarations of intention, certificates, and certificates of allegiance, and granting of citizenship are also located in the clerk's office, as well as an index to civil case files. Some naturalization records have been found with the deeds.

Below is a list of online resources for Pettis County Court Records. Email us with websites containing Pettis County Court Records by clicking the link below:

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Pettis County Vital Records

See Also Vital Records in Missouri

Birth, marriage, and death records are connected with central life events. They are prime sources for genealogical information.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Vital Records, P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102, Please allow up to approximately 6-8 weeks for processing of all type of certificates when ordered through the mail. They have the following records:

  • Birth & Death Certificates: Birth records maintained by Bureau of Vital Statistics, Dept. of Health since 1903 through the present. For births that occurred within the past 75 years, copies can be requested only by the immediate family of the person whose name is on the birth certificate.
    • Cost: The cost of a birth record is $15 per record, $15 for each additional copy. The cost of a death record is $13 per record, $10 for each additional copy. If no record is found or no copy is made, state law requires that we keep $22.00 for a searching fee. Please do not send cash in the mail.
    • Processing Time: 6-8 weeks when ordered by MAIL or 2-5 Days when you order ELECTRONICALLY
    • Click Here to Search the Social Security Death Index for FREEicon
  • Marriage & Divorce Certificates: To request a certified copy of a marriage license contact the Recorder of Deeds in the county where the license was obtained.To request a certified copy of a divorce decree contact the Circuit Clerk in the county where the decree was granted.
  • Order Online: You can also order Order Electronically Online to obtain a certified copy of a birth, marriage, death or divorce record with a credit or debit card and get the certificates within 2-5 days by ordering from VitalChek Express Certificate Service.

Order In Person:To request a birth or death certificate from a local health department, you may download the application and submit it in person or by mail to the nearest local health department.

Order By Mail: Make check or money order payable to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Checks must be drawn on a United States bank. A money order must be drawn on a United States bank or issued by the United States Postal Service. Do not send cash. Mail to the following address:Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Vital Records, P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Please include return address on envelope and application form.

Below is a list of online resources for Pettis County Vital Records. Email us with websites containing Pettis County Vital Records by clicking the link below:

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Pettis County Census Records

See Also Research In Census Records & Statewide Records that exist for Missouri

Few, if any, records reveal as many details about individuals and families as do government census records. Substitute records can be used when the official census is unavailable

Countywide Records: Federal Population Schedules that exist for Pettis County, Missouri are 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920 and 1930. Other Federal Schedules to look at when researching your family tree in Pettis County, Missouri are Industry and Agriculture Schedules availible for the years 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. Slave Schedules exist for 1850 & 1860. The Mortality Schedules for the years 1850, 1860, , 1870 and 1880.There are free downloadable and printable Census forms to help with your research. These include U.S. Census Extraction Forms and U.K. Census Extraction Forms

Below is a list of online resources for Pettis County Census Records. Email us with websites containing Pettis County Census Records by clicking the link below:

  • Missouri Census, 1830-70: This collection contains the following indexes: 1830 Federal Census Index; 1830-39 Census Index; 1840 Federal Census Index; 1840 Pensioners List; 1850 Federal Census Index; 1850 Slave Schedules; 1860 Federal Census Index; 1860 Slave Schedules; 1870 Federal Census Index; Early Census Index.
  • Pettis County, Missouri Census Books at Amazon.com
  • Census & Voter Lists - A census is an official list of the people in a particular area at a given time, while voter lists show those who were registered to vote in a certain area. The valuable information found on census records helps you to understand your family in their time and place. Voter Lists serve as a confirmation of residence in between the years that the census was taken.
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Pettis County Maps & Atlases

See Also Research In State Map Collections

Genealogy Atlas has images of old American atlases during the years 1795, 1814, 1822, 1823, 1836, 1838, 1845, 1856, 1866, 1879 and 1897 for Missouri and other states.

You can view rotating animated maps for Missouri showing all the county boundaries for each census year overlayed with past and present maps so you can see the changes in county boundaries. You can view a list of maps for other states at Census Maps.

You can view rotating animated maps for Missouri showing all the county boundary changes for each year overlayed with past and present maps so you can see the changes in county boundaries.

Below is a list of online resources for Pettis County Maps. Email us with websites containing Pettis County Maps by clicking the link below:

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Pettis County Military Records

See Also Military Records in Missouri

Military and civil service records provide unique facts and insights into the lives of men and women who have served their country at home and abroad.

The uses and value of military records in genealogical research for ancestors who were veterans are obvious, but military records can also be important to re-searchers whose direct ancestors were not soldiers in any war. The fathers, grandfathers, brothers, and other close relatives of an ancestor may have served in a war, and their service or pension records could contain information that will assist in further identifying the family of primary interest. Due to the amount of genealogical information contained in some military pension files, they should never be overlooked during the research process. Those records not containing specific genealogical information are of historic value and should be included in any overall research design.

Below is a list of online resources for Pettis County Military Records. Email us with websites containing Pettis County Military Records by clicking the link below:

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Pettis County Tax Records

See Also Research In Tax Records

The Missouri Historical Society has some original tax records; others can be found in the Western Historical Manuscript Collection at the University of Missouri, but most extant records remain in the office of the clerk of the county court. The Missouri State Archives has microfilmed some tax records for the counties of Boone, Callaway, Cape Girardeau, Chariton, Clay, Cooper, Franklin, Howard, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, St. Charles, St. Francois, and Ste. Genevieve.

Prior to 1850, purchasers of the federal lands in Missouri were exempt from land taxes for five years after purchase. If one finds an ancestor on a Missouri tax list with livestock, etc., but no land being taxed, the individual may have purchased his land from the government within the preceding five years.

Some early delinquent tax lists were sent to the state auditor's office and are now located in the Capitol Fire Documents held by the Missouri State Archives

Below is a list of online resources for Pettis County Tax Records. Email us with websites containing Pettis County Tax Records by clicking the link below:

  • Pettis County, Missouri Tax Books at Amazon.com
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Pettis County Genealogical Addresses

See Also Other Missouri Genealogical Addresses

The Repositories in this section are Archives, Libraries, Museums, Genealogical and Historical Societies. Many County Historical and Genealogical Societies publish magazines and/or news letters on a monthly, quarterly, bi-annual or annual basis. Contacting the local societies should not be over looked. State Archives and Societies are usually much larger and better organized with much larger archived materials than their smaller county cousins but they can be more generalized and over look the smaller details that local societies tend to have. Libraries can also be a good place to look for local information. Some libraries have a genealogy section and may have some resources that are not located at archives or societies. Also, take a special look at any museums in the area. They sometimes have photos and items from years gone by as well as information of a genealogical interest. All these places are vitally important to the family genealogist and must not be passed over.

Below is a list of online resources for Pettis County Genealogical Addresses. Email us with websites containing Pettis County Genealogical Addresses by clicking the link below:

  • Pettis County Historical Society, c/o Sedalia Public Library, 311 West Third Street, Sedalia, MO 65301-4399
  • Katy Railroad Historical Society , P.O. Box 1784, Sedalia, MO 65301
  • State Fair Community College Library, 3201 W 16th Str, Sedalia, MO 65301; Ph: (660) 530-5800
  • West Central Missouri Genealogical Society and Library
    705 Broad Street, Warrensburg, MO 64093-2032; Phone: (660) 747-6264, [EMAIL
  • Missouri State Archives, Missouri State Information Center, [EMAIL]
    P.O. Box 1747, 600 West Main Str, Jefferson City, MO 65102; Phone:(573) 751-3280, Fax: (573) 526-7333
  • State Historical Society of Missouri, 1020 Lowry Str., Columbia, MO 65201-7298; (573) 882-7083, [EMAIL]
  • Missouri State Genealogical Association, P.O. Box 833, Columbia, MO 65205-0833
  • Newspapers & Periodicals - The Newspapers & Periodicals Collection lets you discover a wealth of information about your ancestors from many historical newspapers, magazines, and other periodicals. These types of sources can often supplement public records and provide information that is not recorded anywhere else. Here, you can learn more about your ancestor's possible daily activities by placing them in the context of their time.
  • Directories & Member Lists - Directories and member lists are typically compilations of information about people who belonged to various associations and groups or lived within city boundaries. They can be thought of as the predecessors to the modern-day phone book and usually list names, addresses, and sometimes the occupations of your ancestors.
  • See the Society page for more statewide Societies and archives
  • Missouri Genealogical Society Books at Amazon.com
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Pettis County Church & Cemeteries

See Also Church & Cemetery Records in Missouri

Obituaries can vary in the amount of information they contain, but many of them are genealogical goldmines, including information such as names, dates, places of birth and death, marriage information, and family relationships.

There are many churches and cemeteries in Pettis County. Some transcriptions are online. A great site is the Pettis County Tombstone Transcription Project.

The Missouri State Archives has published A Brief Guide to Church Records on Microfilm which is a county by county listing, but it is currently out of print. The available church records can be located by using the Archives' Manuscript Register. Church microfilm rolls are not available for purchase, without written consent of the individual church, and must otherwise be used at the Missouri State Archives. The Western Historical Manuscript Collection on the University of Missouri-Columbia campus holds some church records. These can be located by using their descriptive catalogue or microfiche guide. Most church records in Missouri are scattered and remain in private hands

There is no central registry for cemeteries located in Missouri. The following national cemeteries are located in Missouri:

  • Springfield National Cemetery, 1702 E. Seminole Street, Springfield, Missouri 65804. All known soldiers buried there, including those transferred from towns throughout southwest Missouri were published in Ozar'kin
  • Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 101 Memorial Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63125. There is a card file reference to persons interred there. Inquiries may be made by phone or mail.
  • Jefferson City National Cemetery, 1024 E. McCarty Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65101. The researcher may phone or write the Jefferson Barracks for information.

Below is a list of online resources for Pettis County Cemetery & Church Records. Email us with websites containing Pettis County Cemetery & Church Records by clicking the link below:

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Family Trees & Genealogy Tidbits

 

The use of published genealogies, electronic files containing genealogical lineage, and other compiled sources can be of tremendous value to a researcher.

When view family trees online or not, be sure to only take the info at face value and always follow up with your own sources or verify the ones they provide. Below is a list of online resources for Pettis County Family Trees, web forums and other family type information. Email us with websites containing Pettis County Family Trees, web forums and other family type information by clicking the link below:

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County History

(History of Pettis County Towns 1919)

  • Beaman is the only town in Bowling Greentownship. It is a smallvillage, located on the main line of theMissouri, Kansas and Texas railway and is an excellent shippingpoint. It has railway and rock roadconnection with Sedalia. While a good agriculturalcountry surrounds it,Sedalia is too close to it to permit of muchgrowth. Its business menare few, still they are wide awake and aresuccessful, and for the numberof inhabitants, the volume of business donehere compares favorablywith any other village in the county. Thefollowing gentlemen represent the business intereststhere: L. B. Stuart, L. L. Stuart, G. W.Cathey and B. Houchin.
  • Georgetown.-This village, which was a flourishing trading place in ante bellum days, is in section 16, and was laid out in 1835, by David Thomson, father of Martin Thomson. The name was given it by David Thomson, who came here in 1883 from Georgetown, Scott County, Kentucky. David Thomson and his two brothers-in-law, George R. Smith and Lewis R. Major, were camped on the Lamine River, on the night of November 12, 1833, and witnessed the meteoric showers, which produced great consternation among the ignorant classes of those times. The land on which the town is built is high and rolling, and was a beautiful place when the town was in its glory. The old brick court house stood on the public square. The following streets appear on the plat: Pin Oak, Flint, Boonville, Post Oak, Franklin, Walnut, Saline and Cedar. The additions were known as Ramey and Wasson's, David Thomson's, George R. Smith and Hughes. The first lawyers of this village were William H. Field, Reese Hughes, John F. Philips, George G. Vest, Alda A. Glasscock, William Ford, Curtis Field and Charles A. Hardin. The postoffice was established here co-existent with the town. For several years the mails were weekly and monthly. In those days there was but little correspondence, and the great power of the press did not weigh upon the people then as now. The following is the list of the early postmasters: Albin Robinson, Amos Fristoe, Samuel A. Lowe, James P. Walker, William W. Cross, Thomas Hill, M. Hunt, James Austin, John E. Rector, Charles W. Barrick. For several years Georgetown was the center of trade for many miles around, but when the line of the Missouri Pacific railroad was laid out, the people all came to Sedalia to trade and to worship. E. J. Erskine and Frank Simmons are the business men of the village.
  • Green Ridge is a beautiful town. It is incorporatedas a city ofthe fourth class, is the Principal town inGreen Ridge township and hasmade a steady growth since its foundationin 1870 and 1871, when theMissouri, Kansas & Texas railway came throughthe county. It is locatedin the northeastern part of the township,on the prairie, in a prosperousand fertile farming district. Its dwellingsand streets are well keptand its business men are up to the minute.The town has a populationof about 500.
    One of the oldest Masonic lodges of thecounty flourished in theearly days here.
    The following are the business interestsof the city: Ed Johnston,James S. Ream and Sons, W. T. Brim, R. H.Nelson, Thomas Closer, ThePeoples' Bank, Ora Nicholson, N. G. Woods,G. R. Shelly, Andy Raines,Ed Rene, L. B. Ream & Sons, The Farmers'and Merchants' Bank, E. R.-Grinstead, Joe Donaldson, Muir Drug Company,Hite & Dysart Drug Company; G. L. Bennett & Son,John Osborne, W. L. Martin, Green RidgeLocal News, James Hurley, A. N. Baker, C.D. Claybourn & Sons andDoctor Hite.
    Municipal Officers are: William T. Brirn,chairman village board;J. E. Bagby, C. D. Rayburn, J. H. Donaldsonand H. A. Hite, members;John Bradfield, marshal; E. E. Durand, treasurer;T. J. Close, collector;Fred E. Ream, clerk; George Shelley and JosephElliot, justice of thepeace. Mrs. Alberta S. Brirn, postmistress.
    Green Ridge has two banks, either of whichwould be a credit to atown much larger than this one. The Farmers'and Merchants' Bankwas organized in March, 1890, and openedfor business on April 1, of thatyear. J. E. Bagby is president; B. F. Stephensis vice-president; E. E.Durand is cashier, and E. D. Bagby is assistantcashier. Its board ofdirectors consists of the following gentlemen:J. E. Bagby, B. F. Stephens, E. E. Durand, C. D.Rayburn, S. A. Kendrick, J. D. Helman, R.H.Nelson, James McCampbell, D. R. Elliot,H. M. Brown and E. B. Helman. The total resourcesof this bank is over $300,000. Its capitalstockis $11,000. Deposits are $250,000 with surplusand profits of $35,000.
    The People's Bank of Green Ridge was organizedApril 5, 1904,and opened its doors for business on June27th of that year. Its president is Andrew Habecker and its vice-president,Charles W. Denny. J.E. Ream is cashier. The following gentlemanconstitute the board ofdirectors: Andrew Habecker, Charles W. Denny,James 0. Truel, Robert Ewers, V. H. Bary, Herbert S. Gregory,W. A. Habecker, E. W. Doherty,H. A. Hite, E. F. Ream, M. A. Ream, F. E.Ream, J. E. Ream.
    Statement at the close of business September17, 1918: ResourcesLoans and discounts, $40,693.91; overdrafts,$254.57; bonds and stocks,$4,854.09; real estate (banking house), $2,725;furniture and fixtures,$785; due from other banks and bankers, subjectto check, $26,882.70;cash items, currency, and specie, $4,467.72.Total, $80,662.99. Liabilities Capita! stock paidin, $14,000; surplus and undivided profits,$1,744.28; individual deposits, subject tocheck, $51,431.41; time deposits,$13,487.30. Total, $80,662.99.
    The board of education is C. D. Rayburn,president; L. L. Ream,vice-president; E. E. Bagby, secretary; E.R. Reno, F. E. Ream, G. D.Rayburn.
  • Green Ridge Township.-The name Green Ridge,as applied to thistownship, is appropriate. In it is the watershedbetween the watersof the tributaries of the Missouri and thetributaries of the Osage rivers.It is a ridge covered with beautiful greenprairie, interspersed withtimber along the few water courses that breakthe monotony of thephysical features of the township. GreenRidge was formerly a part ofElk Fork township as the county was subdivided,up to 1844. The subdivision of the countythenmade it a part of Washington township, andit remained thus until 1873, when in thetownship organization of thatyear it became the southwestern townshipin the county, with the nameof Green Ridge. Its northern extremity touchesElk Fork township;its eastern, Washington; its southern, BentonCounty, and its western,Johnson and Henry counties. It contains 30,720acres of land. The township has the samestyle of configurationof land as that of the balanceof Pettis County. The headquarters of FiatCreek and Elk Fork Creekare within its bounds.
    The Missouri, Kansas & Texas railroad runsfrom section 1, southwest through the township,leaving it at section 31. The Rock Islandrailroad runs through sections 6, 7, 8, 9and 10.
    The early settlers of this and Washingtontownship are the same,or nearly so. Both these townships were apart of Elk Fork and beforethe townships were divided the pioneers hadopened up their homes andlaid out their claims for future farms. The earliest settler of the section of countynow occupied by GreenRidge township, was Robert Means, who camehere in 1832. Mr. Meanscame from Christian county, Kentucky, to HowardCounty, Missouri,where a part of his family were born. Heremoved with his family inNovember, 1832, to what is now Green Ridgetownship, Pettis County. He died in 1844, and is buried in the southwestcorner of the township.Squire Robert D. Means came with his fatherfrom Howard county.Missouri, to Pettis County, in 1832, and settledin the township. John L.Hawkins came between 1835 and 1838, fromHoward county, Missouri.In 1857, Washington Starke came to the townshipfrom Pike County,Missouri. Daniel Ramey came in 1842, fromGeorgetown, Mo. Duringthe war he was killed by guerrillas nearRose Hill, Johnson County. JohnS. Cole came between 1850 and 1855 from Illinois.W. H. Hammondscame in 1855 from Cooper County. During theCivil War he espousedthe cause of the South, and died in defenseof what he believed to beright at the battle of Little Rock, Ark.,in 1862. William and BenjaminHawkins came in 1856, from Cooper County,Missouri. Thomas Owenscame from Georgia, and died in 1862. HiramRichardson came about1844 from Tennessee, and died at his homein 1866. Thomas Richardson,the former's father, came in the same yearfrom Tennessee and residedin this county twenty years. Absalom andJohn Elliott came with theirfather in 1836, and settled in Washingtontownship. James C. Hattoncame at an early day and settled in this township,but died at his homein the spring of 1861. Nathaniel Parberrycame from Virginia at anearly date. Thomas N. Ireland came in 1858 fromIllinois, and died in1860John D. Majors came from Calloway County in 1855. M.M. Lampton came from Christian County, Kentucky,in 1855. O. W. Withers camein 1854 from Kentucky. He was killed whileserving under Price, inthe Confederate Army, at Iron Mountain.Thomas F. Parazetle camein 1854 from Henry County. He was formerlyfrom Virginia, and hedied in this township in 1881. George Bellcame in 1854 from Paris,Illinois. Lapsley Bell came in 1854 fromParis, Illinois. Henry Woodwardcame in 1854 from Henry County.
    The principal industry in this township isfarming and stock raising. They raise thestaple crops,corn, wheat and oats, some flax andconsiderable broom corn. Many of the farmershave fine flocks of gradedsheep, cattle, hogs and mules. Land in thistownship sells from $60 to$100 per acre.
    The Congregational Church of Green Ridgewas organized on thefirst day of January, 1871, by J. B. Turnerand J. 3d. Bowers. J. WI.Bowers was its first minister and servedfor two years. J. G. Baileyserved as pastor then until 1881. The originalmembers of the churchwere Geo. D. Hicks, Abigail Hicks, J. H.Knapp, Lydia S. Knapp, HarryC. Knapp, Thomas Ashton, Mrs. Thomas Ashton,Charles Ashton, NellieAshton, Mrs. Sarah Fowler, Mr. Labaw, PhilipWilliams, Mrs. PhilipWilliams, Miss Wilbur, Robert McCormick,Miss Amelia McCormick.
    The Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of GreenRidge, was organized January 9, 1876, byRev. R. A. Cole, of Otterville, assistedby Rev.William House. The incumbents of the pulpithave been C. W. Weeden.George W. Mathis, Rev. McBride. In theorganization on January 9,1876, the elders elected and ordained wereDr. G. W. House, W. C.Wells and Benjamin Melvin; deacons, ElijahPhillips and Tipton Edwards.
    The Church of Christ of Green Ridge townshipat Green Ridge, wasorganized by Elder S. K. Hallam, April 25,1880. In the spring of 1882,a commodious frame house twenty-eight byforty-eight was erected ata cost of $1,000, and was dedicated in thesame year by Elder S. K.Hallam. The original members are: ThomasClose, Catherine Close,Sarah J. Martin, Nannie Martin, R. D. Rains,Lou J. Rains, Cassie Edwards, Aaron Dunfeeand wife, R. H. Nelson, F. A. Logan, D. E.J. Logan,Melinda Rains, Wm. Dunfee and wife, LectaDunfee, Mariah Dunfee, G.W. Womach, Phoebe Womach, James Neal, JohnA. Logan, Mary Womach,Columbus Parks, Eliza Neal, Alice Womach,Mattie Womach, Emily D.Womach.
    The Methodist Episcopal Church of Green Ridgewas organized in1872 by the Rev. W. W. Powell, with GeorgeAnderson, James Anderson,Mary and Jane Anderson, S. Johnson and Mentezee,as members of theclass. In 1878 the congregation erected ahouse of worship, at a cost of$700. In 1880 Rev. J. N. Pierce dedicatedthis building. The earlyE. H. Smith. J. H. Nelson. F. Oechsli. A.P. Salaway. J. H. Gillispie andE. H. Smith, J. H. Nelson, F. Oechsli, A.P. Salaway, J. H. Gillispie andJohn Lutz.
    Green Ridge Baptist Church, located in thetown of Green Ridge, Isone of the older churches of the county.It was organized with onlyfourteen members in 1887. Its present membershipis forty. The churchbuilding is a good, substantial wooden structure,thirty by sixty feet.
    The Green Ridge Christian Church is locatedtwo blocks south ofhe Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway Station,on Main street. Thechurch building is a good substantial frame,thirty by forty feet. Thebuilding is well kept and nicely furnished.This church was organizedin 1882 and erected on its present site.Church membership is seventy,with a Sunday school attendance of fifty.
    Prairie View Methodist Church, South, islocated four miles northof Green Ridge. The church building is agood substantial frame, thirty-six by fortyfeet. The church,at present, has eighty members and theSunday school, for the past year, has averagedan attendance of forty.Rev. Samuel E. Brooks is the minister incharge.
    The Green Ridge Methodist Church, South,in Green Ridge, is onegrowing churches of Pettis County. It wasorganized about theyear 1884 and since that time has been presidedover by some of theablest ministers of the Conference. The presentminister is Rev. Samuel Brooks. Present membership is sixty-four,with a Sunday school attendance of fifty.The building is a substantial frame in goodcondition.
    The Methodist Episcopal Church, situatednear the center of the town of Green Ridge, was organized in 1872, byRev. W. W. Powell. Rev. Powellwas killed by lightning a short time later.The first church building waserected in 1878 and dedicated in 1880. Thisbuilding was destroyed byfire in 1898 and rebuilt in 1899. Buildingwas again destroyed by fire in1911 and the present building erected in1912. The present building isa frame. Membership is 100, with an averageSunday school attendanceof sixty. Rev. D. E. Fields is the presentminister. The first membersof this church were, George Anderson andwife, James Anderson andwife, Shed Johnson and wife and AlexanderMentzer and wife. Presenttrustees of the church are: Joseph Upton,chairman; L. B. Ream, secretary; F. A. Lowe,treasurer; D.S. Crissman and J. E. Helman.
    The Green Ridge Congregational Church, locatedat Green Ridge,is one of the substantial churches of thecounty. It has a membershipof 175, with a Sunday school attendance ofeighty-five. The church building is a good,substantialframe and this summer it was improved andadded to until it now represents a propertyvalue of $5,000. It is heatedwith furnace, equipped with oak pews, lightedwith acetelyn gas. Rev.L. R. Spooner is the present minister. S.D. Haight is senior deacon,and John B. Kyd is junior deacon. The followingare trustees: E. R.Wilson, Wm. Baker and Mrs. Belle Evans.
    The first school in the township was in schoolDistrict 2. Emma Wellswas the first teacher. Green Ridge townshipis second to none in thecounty in her schools. They have eight publicschools and a secondclass high school, at Green Ridge, whichwould be a credit to most anycity of 20,000 inhabitants. Lida Hale issuperintendent, with Anna Hiattas principal. Attendance this year is forty.The public schools are asfollows: Elm Branch, with an enrollment oftwenty-five pupils and Mildred Thomas isteaching this winter. MapleGrove has an enrollment oftwenty-one pupils and Irene Kilburn is teaching.Swisher has an enrollment of twelve, andM.Sue Clark is the teacher. Wadleigh hastwenty-seven pupils, and Moro Anderson isthe teacher. Rodelia hasthirty-seven pupils, and Mrs. D. O. Herndonis the teacher. Hope Daleenrolled twenty-six this September, and GertrudeRidsour is the teacher.Knapp has an enrollment of twelve, and AnnaP. Funk is teaching. GreenRidge has an enrollment of forty, and ElizabethDonaldson, Lena Shelleyand Charlotte Kyd are the teachers.
    The first marriage in the township was JosiahNelson, from LafayetteCounty, to Miss Sarah Means, in the year1840.
    The first birth was in the winter of 1832,and was a colored child,who was named Julia Ann. Her mother belongedto Robert Means, Sr.,and she still lives in the county north ofWindsor. She has been marriedtwice and had children and grandchildren.
    The first death was that of a colored mannamed Solomon Cofer, inthe family of Robert Means, Sr., in 1840.
    The first minister: For years there was noresident minister. Thefirst circuit rider was Rev. Jackson Whitsett,of the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination,andhis first visit was in 1833, with Rev. Dr.R. D.Morrow of the same church, who held theirmeetings in the house ofneighbors.
    The first camp meeting was held on the farmof Robert Means in 1838.It was continued yearly for four or fiveyears. R. D. Morrow died atColumbus, Johnson County, Missouri. The first physician was Dr. James Hogan,from Calhoun County.He came prior to 1840.
  • Heath's Creek Township.-This township derives itsname from its principalcreek, Heath's Creek, which flows throughit. The creek was named after two brothers, John andRobert Heath. In 1809 the Heaths built aplant,a kind of salt works, at the mouth of thiscreek where it empties intoLamine River in Cooper County. John Heathwas a member of the firstConstitutional Convention of Missouri. Hewas a delegate from FranklinCounty to the convention, which was calledtogether in St. Louis onJune 12, 1820, and continued in session untilJuly 19, when the constitution was adopted.
    The creeks and their branches were all namedby the earliest settlers.Some were named from the settlers themselves,others again were namedfrom some incident that occurred at thattime. Cedar Creek was thusnamed from the large cedar tree which grewat its mouth, near MuddyCreek. Panther Creek was thus named becausethe first panther killedin this region was taken on that branch.Cold Neck derived its namefrom the fact that one William Bryant, anearly settler of this county,while hunting a bear at this place becamevery cold and remarked to acompanion that it was a “cold neck." MuddyCreek is said to have received its name from thefollowing incident: Hiram Jenkins and JohnHeath, while on a hunting expedition, campednear what is now knownas Farmer's City Ford, on a little island.During the night there came upa heavy rain, and in the morning they foundthat their horses were gone.They hung up their blankets and went in searchof their horses. Whenthey returned they found the island submergedin water. The remark wasmade that "this is muddy," and the creekhas since and from that incidentretained the name Muddy.
    Heath's Creek township is one of the oldestorganizations of townships in Pettis county.It originally embraced its own present limitsand also that of Longwood and part of BowlingGreen, and continuedby this name until 1844, when the townshipswere rearranged, and Bowling Green was cut down and Heath'sCreek given the northeastern partof the county, which contained the northernpart of Longwood and itsown township. In this shape it continueduntil 1873. In that year thecounty adopted the township organization,and Heath's Creek still retained the northeastern portion,but was separated from Longwood, andas it is now organized, it is nine milesnorth and south by six east andwest, and contains 34,560 acres of land.It is bounded on the north bySaline County, on the east by Cooper County,on the south by BowlingGreen township, and on the west by Longwoodtownship, and is one ofthe two largest townships in Pettis County.
  • Houstonia - In the center of a broad expanse of beautiful table land, extending back as far as the eye can reach in any direction, is situated the town of Houstonia. It was named in honor of Col. Thomas F. Houston. It is not the purpose of the writer to attempt to give a detailed or exhaustive description of this locality, as it must be seen to be appreciated. Suffice it to say, that here is a section of country that is seldom equaled, and never surpassed, in point of beauty or productiveness, by any county in the State. It is the most important shipping point of the county. The town suffered a severe calamity on the 23rd of February, 1875, by the long-to-be-remembered cyclone of that date, an account of which is given in connection with this chapter. It built up rapidly, and now contains a number of beautiful and comfortable residences, and several business houses of more than ordinary pretensions. Its business interests are represented by a number of live, energetic business men, who are fast becoming widely and favorably known throughout the surrounding country.
    The present population of the town is about 430 and in consequence of its close proximity to the famous McAllister Springs, is destined in the near future to become a popular resort and an important distributing point. The following gentlemen represent the business interests of Houstonia: Longan & Sewell, druggists ; Voight and Brothers, hardware; Westbrook & Staples, plumbers; C. H. Houchin & Son Mercantile Company; Z. C. & E. D. Kongan Mercantile Company.
    The municipal officers are: H. C. Brown, chairman village board; L. L. Crews, James Cooper, H. C. Upton and Nathan Harris, members; Morgan Pummell, marshal; A. Bender, treasurer, collector and clerk; John Rissler and H. C. Brown, Justices of the peace. J A. Williams, postmaster.
    Farmers' Bank of Houstonia was organized April 27, 1915, and opened for business June 28, 1915. C. H. Houchen is president, and M. P. Tuck, vice-president. Oscar Rothrock is cashier. The following comprise the board of directors : C. H. Houchen, E. S. Smith, M. P. Tuck, R. C. Finely, Z. R. Higgins, Louis King, Oscar Rothrock. The bank has: Loans and accounts, $27,564.26; loans on real estate, $400; bonds, certificate of Ind., War Savings Stamps, $7,400 ; due from banks, subject to check, $37,508.54; time certificates of deposit $9,302; deposits $56,177.75; capital stock, $15,000.
    The Houstonia Bank was organized and opened for business in the year 1855. The following gentleman constitute the officers and directors of the bank: F. C. Hayman, president; G. H. Tevebaugh, vice-president; D. E. Longan, cashier; H. A. Longan, assistant cashier; J. T. Patterson, E. B. Gibson and C. D. McConnell, directors. Houstonia Bank, at Houstonia, State of Missouri at the close of business on the 28th day of June, 1918: Resources-Loans and discounts, undoubtedly good on personal or collateral, $148,209.45; loans, real estate, $24,319.13; overdrafts, 1,257.09; bonds and stocks, $900; real estate (banking house), $1,000; furniture and fixtures, $500; due from other banks and bankers, subject to check, $38,305.63; cash items, $83.60; currency, $844; specie, $637.20. Total, $216,056.10. Liabilities-Capital stock paid in, $25,000; undivided profits, net, $2,978.82; due to banks and bankers, subject to check, $1,922.39; surplus fund, $14,000; individual deposits subject to check, $102,395.09; time certificates of deposit, $64,155.70; bills payable and rediscounts, $5,000; other liabilities, $604.10. Total, $216,056.10.
  • Hughsville is the only village in the township.It was a townbefore the organization of the township waslaid out and platted byReece Hughes, named in his honor, and islocated twelve miles northand-west of Sedalia, on the Lexington Branchof the Missouri Pacificrailway. It is surrounded by the most fertileand productive agricultural district found anywhere in thecounty and for the past thirtyyears has been the best livestock shippingpoint along the LexingtonBranch, between Sedalia and Independence,the McClures, the McAninchBrothers, the Durleys, Hesses and McCurdyBrothers being knownthroughout the State as leading cattle men.This little village has apopulation of 250 and has kept pace withthe development of the county.
    Robert Bealert, Cuthbert D. Mockbee, RollieE. Bealert, Looney P.Bruce Lumber Company, W. S. Baltzelle, JohnMcNees, Ray Bealert,P. Bruce, of the Bank of Hughesville, DoctorsBishop and Mitchell andHarry Stober are in business there.
    Hughesville has one bank and the institutionis a credit to the townand the community. The Bank of Hughesvillewas organized and openedfor business on December 8, 1904. S. W. McClureis president and Dr.W. T. Bishop, now serving in the United StatesArmy as a captain ofMedical Corps, is vice-president; P. Bruceis cashier and has been sincethe opening of the institution. The followinggentlemen constitute theboard of directors. S. W. Mcclure, Dr. J.E. Mitchell, Dr. W. T. Bishop,J. L. MceCurdy, W. F. Kraft, W. V. McClure,and P. Bruce. The following is the financial statement of July10, 1918: Resources-Loans anddiscounts, undoubtedly good on person orcollateral, $84,585.81; loans,real estate, $6,780; bonds and stocks, $5,499;real estate (banking house),$1,800; furniture and fixtures, $1,700 ;due from other banks and bankers,subject to check, $38,969.03; currency, $1,385;specie, $1,042.35; WarSavings Stamps, $1,879.58; gold coin, $10.Total, $143,650.77. Liabilities-Capital stockpaid in, $10,000; surplus fund, $10,000;undividedprofits, net, $4,803.39; individual depositssubject to check, $76,949.59;time certificates of deposit, $16,893.79;bills payable and rediscounts,$25,000; dividends unpaid, $4. Total, $143,650.77.
  • LaMonte is one of the live towns of the county.It was laid out in1866 by Col. Frank Hickox and J. R. McConnell.This place, in the earlydays, was called "Boomer," in honor of arailroad construction foreman by that namewho was quite popular among his workmen.Thepostoffice, however, has always borne thename of the present town.The first house built in the town w-as erectedby a man by the nameof James and the first store house was builtby George H. Hardley. Inthe year 1862 the Missouri Pacific railwayroadbed-. was graded andworkmen began to lay the rails. Cars wererun through the town In1864.
    Situated in the northwestern partof the township isthe pleasant little village of Longwood,with 125 inhabitants. Fromthis place the township takes its name.It has several stores, shops,Church buildings and a good school. Mailis received daily from Sedalia.The town has no railroad, but had it onegiving rapid communicationwith its neighboring towns, it would beone of the most pleasant little place in which to make a home, that it hasbeen the writer's privilegeto visit. It is just at the edge of a splendidstretch of timber, and onhigh, rolling ground, and everything in theway of pleasant sceneryround it to make it attractive.
    Its businessmen are: W. E. Taylor,J. W. Currey, A. H. O'Rear, E. D. O'Rear,W. H. Nichols, William Hoffman, W. M. Hoffman,Dr. J. D. Prowell, D. F. Settles, T. J. Armstrong,F. M. Chaney, H. S. Patterson, Ferry Patterson,C. W. Swope, O. D.Jenkins, Rev. Lenox Crockett, Rev. H. C.Green and Grover Thomas.
  • Longwood has one bank and it is in flourishingcondition. The Bankof Longwood was organized in 1910 and openedits doors for businessin April of that year. R. N. Lower is president;Clement Jones, vice-president, and E. D. O’Rear is cashier.Mrs. Louise O’Rear is assistantcashier. This institution has a capital stockof $10,000, deposits of$150,000 with surplus and profits of $14,918.Its board of directorsconsists of the following gentlemen: R. N.Lower, Frank Hieronymus,W. E. Taylor, T. J. Raines, Clement Jones,E. D. O’Rear and J. B. Greer.
Courthouse History

Pettis County Courts met first in St. Helena (also known as Pin Hook), 1833-37, at the home of James Ramey. The county seat moved in 1837 to Georgetown, where the county built a $4,000, square courthouse with cupola. They used this courthouse until the county seat moved to Sedalia in 1865. The Georgetown courthouse was destroyed by fire June 22, 1920.

It was agreed that Sedalia should be responsible for building the next courthouse. Citizens cleared almost enough money from an elaborate 4th of July celebration to finance the new building.

In 1865 they built a large, frame building near Ohio Street between Main and Second streets for about $900. No known photographs exist of either building.

It was common practice for attorneys' offices to be in the courthouse. This provided the court additional revenue from rent. But, in 1882 a group of disgruntled attorneys considered the facilities in the Pettis County courthouse so unsatisfactory that they removed their offices and initiated the movement for a new courthouse. After a year of arduous campaigning, which appealed to public pride, citizens of Pettis County generously and overwhelmingly voted $100,000 for their new courthouse in December 1883. This strong support inspired a tribute:

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow that Pettis County is not swayed nor likely to be by old fogey notions and antedeluvian ideas as to expenditures of public funds for the public good.

The committee responsible for selecting a plan went to Nodaway and Buchanan counties to view their recently built courthouses, then crossed over the state line to see Leavenworth County in Kansas. They stopped at the Jackson County courthouse in Kansas City, Missouri, on the way back.

Architects came to Sedalia, bringing their courthouse plans. Among them were J. Oliver Hogg, Hannibal; Lynch and Masters, Sedalia; Mr. McPherson, Omaha, Nebraska; Mr. Nichols, Atchison, Kansas; George Mann, of the firm Eckel and Mann, St. Joseph; and Parsons and Son, probably a Topeka, Kansas, firm. The court selected the proposal from J. G. Cairns and J. S. McKean of St. Louis in May 1884.

W. B. Larkworthy, who built and was credited as architect for the courthouse in Clark County, Missouri, and who constructed the Quincy and Adams counties' courthouse in Quincy, Illinois, received the $100,000 contract. A local reporter regarded the $248,000 courthouse at Quincy, designed by architect McKean, as one of the finest public buildings in the west, and described the Pettis County version as a smaller scale counterpart. McKean, who was from Quincy, collaborated with Cairns on this project.

The dimensions were 100 by 145 feet, with a 22-foot tower. This basic form, a high tower decorated with classical motifs and topped by a lantern, rising from the center of a base featuring four corner pavilions, remained a popular design to the end of the century. Carthage stone was used for the base; the upper portion had stone veneering. Crossing halls and public offices were tiled; two courtrooms occupied the second floor. Walls of the courtrooms were frescoed, and the ceilings were painted with allegorical scenes by Italian artists. The oak furniture was hand carved. This fine courthouse of the 1880s was destroyed by fire June 16, 1920.

After rejecting three bond issues, voters authorized $350,000 in April 1923 for constructing a new courthouse. Above public protests, the court accepted plans of William E. Hulse, Hutchinson, Kansas, who was associated with a firm specializing in public buildings. Objections were raised because: the court made an arrangement with the architect before the committee or superintendent had been appointed, raising a question of legal procedure; the architect catered to the court; and the architect did not provide an appropriate plan with conveniently arranged space. Attorneys criticized the third-floor location of the Circuit Court room without elevator service; others questioned placing the most important county offices on the second floor, rather than the more convenient first floor.

Western Construction Co., of Des Moines, Iowa, received a contract in October 1923 for $285,500, which did not include heating, ventilating, plumbing or electrical work. The three-story building measures 136 feet long, 96 feet wide and 55 feet high. The building was completed in 1925. Open house was held in April, and the courthouse was formally dedicated in May 1925.

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