Missouri Genealogy, Author at Missouri Genealogy

Biography of Adam Nelson Shelman of Union Township

Plat Map of Nodoway County Missouri 1910

Adam Nelson Shelman, born January 28, 1835, in Breckenridge County, Kentucky, was a highly respected and industrious farmer in Union Township, Nodaway County, Missouri. He moved to Nodaway County in 1856 with his wife, Sarah K. Watson, and their young son. Shelman initially settled in a modest log cabin and gradually expanded his holdings to 300 acres. Known for his integrity and business acumen, he was a member of the Predestinarian Baptist church. Shelman passed away on July 12, 1898. He and Sarah had several children, and his widow continued to manage and expand the family farm. Sarah lived to be nearly 68, admired by many in the community.

Biography of W. Taylor Brown of Green Township

W. Taylor Brown, born April 14, 1844, in Rock Castle County, Kentucky, was a respected farmer in Green Township, Nodaway County, Missouri. Son of Stephen and Barbara Brown, he moved to Illinois for three years before settling in Nodaway County in 1867. Around 1880, he purchased a farm in Monroe Township, eventually owning 160 acres there and 120 acres in Holt County. In 1875, he married Nancy Jane Kyle, daughter of James Madison and Elizabeth Kyle. They had five children: Fannie (deceased), Archie, Arthur, Floyd, and Daisy. Known for his integrity and community spirit, Brown was a model farmer and neighbor.

Biography of Charles H. Roney of Polk Township

Charles H. Roney, born November 18, 1862, in Peoria County, Illinois, was a prominent farmer in Polk Township, Nodaway County, Missouri. The son of Irish immigrants Henry and Julia Roney, he moved with his family to Nodaway County in 1883. In 1888, Roney married Annie Tobin, also of Irish descent. They had eight children: James, Edward, Julia, Fred, Roy, Earl, Blanche, and Paul. Roney developed a successful 235-acre farm in Polk Township and was active in promoting the area’s progress. A devoted member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Maryville, he was known for his integrity and community involvement.

Biography of Abraham Merrill of Polk Township

Abraham Merrill, born April 3, 1843, in Wayne County, New York, was an esteemed farmer in Polk Township, Nodaway County, Missouri. Son of Ripley and Maria (Van Alstine) Merrill, he moved to Rock County, Wisconsin, in 1847. During the Civil War, he served in the Twenty-second Regiment Wisconsin Infantry, participating in numerous significant battles. Captured at Brentwood, Tennessee, he spent three months in Libby Prison. In 1867, Merrill settled in Nodaway County, purchasing and developing a 120-acre farm. He married Sarah E. Semans in 1869, and they had seven children. A member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Merrill was respected for his contributions to agriculture and his community.

Biography of John C. Curfman of Maryville

John C. Curfman, born February 20, 1843, in Huntington County, Pennsylvania, was a notable figure in Nodaway County, Missouri. A Civil War veteran, he moved to Missouri in 1865 and established a successful hardware business in Maryville. In 1894, he was elected presiding judge of the county court, serving a four-year term marked by fairness and legal acumen. Curfman married Lenora A. Alexander in 1871, with whom he had five children. After retiring in Maryville, he remained a respected community member, involved in the Methodist Episcopal Church and local civic organizations.