Dallas County, Missouri
Dallas County, Missouri
a USGenWeb/MOGenWeb site
Dallas County was originally organized as the county of Niangua on January 29, 1841. The word Niangua is from an old Indian phrase meaning "I won't go away." Because this name was somewhat difficult to pronounce and spell, on December 10, 1844 the name was changed to Dallas County in honor of the current Vice-President of the United States, George M. Dallas, Vice-President to President James Knox Polk. On March 28, 1845 more accurately defined boudaries between adjoining counties were made as there was some concern about the western border of Polk and Dallas, but no changes were acually made. Then, on December 7, 1855 a change in the southern boundary of the county was made moving parts of Dallas County to Webster County. Apparently this was about a 7 or 8 mile strip of land.
Prairie land abounds in Dallas County although it lies on the northern slope of the Ozark Mountain Range. Bounded on the north by Hickory and Camden Counties, on the south by Webster and Greene Counties, on the East by Laclede County, and on the west by Polk and Hickory Counties, Dallas County is one of the 24 counties that make up Southwest Missouri. The first settler in the area was Mark Reynolds in 1831 who moved his family from near Nashville, TN and settled on a claim on the Pomme-de-Terre River near what is now Pleasant Hope. About 1833, Mr. Reynolds moved his family further north to Buffalo Head Prairie. Mr. Reynolds found a stake on one of the Blue Mounds that had been left there earlier by some unknown traveler and he placed the nearby skull of a buffalo on the stake. Hence the name, Buffalo Head Prairie.
Buffalo, named for the prairie on which it is situated, is the county seat for Dallas County. The land originally was owned by Martin Randleman and William E. Williams. It was surveyed about 1841, although the first buildings were erected about 1838 by Mr. Williams and Joseph F. Miles. Other early inhabitants were brothers Samuel and Caswell Williams, William L. and I.N. Morrow, Alf Moore, Mr. Florence, William M. Lovan and sons Marshall G. and James R. Buffalo now has a population of approximately 2217 residents.
Urbana has a population of about 329 residents (zip code 65767) and is located northwest of Buffalo very near the Hickory-Polk borders. Originally named Andersonville in honor of a local physician; after his death it was changed to Urbana. Early families and residents were Stephen Burris, who opened the first store, L. J. Slavens, C. C. Lightner, J.S. Thurston, Jeremiah Vaughan, Silas Dillon, J. S. Thurston, J. M. Fowler, J. A. Bonner, the Davis', T.M. Turner, and R. Howard.
Louisburg is located about 9 miles northwest of Buffalo and has a population of about 140 residents. Its zip code is 65685. It has a post office listing in the 1860 census. Early residents include the Vaughans, Darbys, Bass, Fowler, Wilson, Padgett, Atchley, Pare, and Persel families.
Long Lane (zip code 65590) had early families named Kelley, Ball, Roberts, Holman, and Hutchinson.
Charity has also been called Hog Eye. Early inhabitants of this small community included the families of Herd, White, Calk, and Legan.
Small places that still exist are Tunas (zip 65764), Lead Mine, Celt, Plad, Pumpkin Center, Wood Hill, Windyville, Cedar Ridge, Wall Street, March (also called Dog Town), Spring Grove, Foose, Olive, Redtop, Thorpe, and Handley.
Small places that are no longer on the map are Tilden, Earnestville, Greasy and the Friendship Community. Greasy was a post office located on Greasy Creek, named such because an early settler lost some bacon when his wagon turned over while crossing the creek.
Friendship Community has a rather interesting history. Founded by Alcander Longley March 15, 1872, this community was located a few miles west of Buffalo. Mr. Longley was editor of the Communist, a paper dedicated to social reform. The community owned about 500 acres of land and lived as one family with men and women having equal rights, owning all things in common, voting on their affairs. Apparently, the community was left alone to do as it would, but disbanded in the 1880's as members became disillusioned and left. It no longer exists. Mr. Longley's Communistis on file at the Missouri State Historical Society.
The Bennett Spring area is a beautiful place to visit about 22 miles northeast of Buffalo in Dallas and Laclede Counties, primarily Laclede, but mentioned here as well. Acquired in 1924 by the State of Missouri, great scenery, camping sites, hiking, picnicking areas, and trout fishing make it one of the most popular parks in Missouri. It was first settled in 1844 when James A. Brice came from Illinois and camped by a big spring which emptied into the Niangua River. Mr. Brice homesteaded this land and built a mill. The post office of Brice, Missouri was established and named for Mr. Brice. Later, another mill was built by another Illinois man named Bennett. Both mills washed away. Peter Bennett and Anna Brice, James Brice's only daughter married; they built another mill called Bennett's Mill. Anna inherited her father's land upon his death, combining the two families properties. When the Bennett Mill burned in the late 1800's, the family leased the property out. Peter and Anna's two children, Sherman and Josie, sold the property in 1924 allowing this scenic area to become one of Missouri's first state parks. Motels, camping sites, canoe rentals, and restaurants are easy to find. Bennett Spring's address is Lebanon and the Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce includes Bennett Spring. Visit the Bennett Spring State Park web site.
Original townships are Green, Miller, Jasper, Washington, Jackson, and Benton. Green was later divided into Lincoln and Grant in 1868. Sheridan, North Benton and South Benton, Wilson and Sherman townships have been added in recent years.
The Dallas County Courthouse is located on the public square in Buffalo, MO. The original courthouse was built in 1846-47 by Levi Beckner. It was destroyed, along with all records, during the Civil War. Most records begin about September, 1867.
The Circuit Clerk's office has marriage and land records. They are open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Central Time Zone). Copies are $1.00 per page (send a SASE) unless you need a certified copy of a marriage record then they are $7.00. Marriage records and some deed and land records are on computer thanks to a local training program. Will records are in the probate office. Early probate files (with receipts, etc.) are at the Historical Park. Some courthouse offices are open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They are closed weekends and holidays. Missouri celebrates Truman's Birthday on May 8 of each year and offices are closed on that date (Friday if it falls on Saturday, Monday if it falls on Sunday.)
Courthouse phone numbers are:
County Courier
208 West Main
Buffalo, MO 65622
417-345-2323
Buffalo
Courier (weekly)
July 7, 1876
Dallas County Courier
December 18, 1975 - (unknown)
Dallas County Republican (weekly)
Jan. 3, 1963 - May 31, 1979
Record (weekly)
April 13, 1899 - Jun 7, 1900
Dec 27, 1901 - Nov 13, 1902
April 30 - Aug 27, 1908
Jan 14, 1909 - Oct 6, 1910
Jan 8, 1914 - March 31, 1921
Reflex (weekly)
Aug 21, 1869 - Aug 22, 1873
Jun 1, 1876
Feb 8, 1878 - Jan 31
April 18, 1879 - Feb 27, 1880
May 27, 1881 - Dec 31, 1884
May 7 - July 30
Sep 3 - Oct 8, Dec 31, 1885 - Feb 3, Mar 10, 1887
Jun 28, Aug 2, 1888 - Dec 24, 1896
May 19, 1898 - May 31, 1979
Reflex and Dallas County Republican(weekly)
Jun 7, 1979 to - (unknown)
Register (weekly)
April 17, 1879 - March 18, 1880
Jan 25, - Dec 27, 1883
Friendship Community
Communist(weekly)
Dec 1872; Jan 1873; Jan, Aug - Dec, 1876; Jan - May, July, Aug, 1877
Montgomery-Viets Funeral Home
303 N. Maple Street
Buffalo, MO 65622
417-345-2233
Cantlon Funeral Home
Broadway Street
Urbana, MO 65767
417-993-5133
Holt Monument Company
Hwy 73
Buffalo, MO 65622
417-345-6114
(Although this isn't a funeral home, Mr. Holt has a great deal of
knowledge about the area cemeteries and monuments and can be helpful if
your more conventional sources aren't panning out.)
The Dallas County Historical Society was established in June, 1966. Their address is PO Box 594, Buffalo, MO 65622. Dues are $5.00 per year and this includes a bulletin in the spring and fall. Lifetime membership dues are $50.00. Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month, except January and February and the yearly business-election meeting is held the first Monday in December. Meetings are held at 2:00 p.m. at the Buffalo Head Prairie Historical Park. You may send queries to the above address.
The Buffalo Head Prairie Historical Park is located on 65 Highway on the south end of Buffalo. This nice park is home to the Dallas County Museum, dedicated to the memory of our ancestors and their way of life. The Eberhart Cabin (built about 1861) and Crescent School (built in 1887) also are located in the park. It may be visited by appointment. Call 417-345-8694 to make arrangements.
Items other than publications available from Dallas County Historical Society:
Dallas County, MO, census records are available from the Ozarks Genealogical Society. All books postpaid; all books indexed. Order from:
Ozarks Genealogical Society, Inc.
PO Box 3945, Dept. 3-96
Springfield, MO 65808-3945
Dallas County, Missouri 1850 Federal Census Compiled by Hazle Tyler $10.00
Dallas County, Missouri 1860 Federal Census Compiled by Hazle Tyler $10.00
Dallas County, Missouri 1870 Federal Census Compiled by Hazle Tyler $14.00
Dallas County, Missouri 1880 Federal Census Compiled by Hazle Tyler $22.00
1890 Special Federal Census - Revised: Union Soldier and Their Widows: Book 1: Christian, Dade, Dallas, Polk, and Taney Counties. 110 pages. $10.00
Marriage Records
A 1867 - 1873, Book B 1873 - 1880 Compiled by Audrey Woodruff. Boyd Publishing Company, P. O. Box 367, Milledgeville, GA 31061, Information & Orders 912-452-4020 after 6:00 PM EST; Orders only to answering machine 800-452-4035 anytime. Web Page: http://www.hom.net/~gac
Volume 12 of Missouri Pioneers also compiled by Mrs. Woodruff contains Dallas County Marriage Records, Books 3 & 4, 1880-1886.
$8.00 Dallas County, Missouri Marriage Records, Book 5: 1887 - 1894. Compiled by Leni Howe. Available for purchase through:
Dallas County Historical Society, Inc;
PO Box 594
Buffalo, MO 65622
Various Histories from the Dallas County Historical Society
$22.50 soft cover, $27.50 hard cover: Dallas County History Book: 1841 - 1971
$2.50 Church History (chapter 3 of history book)
$17.00 Rural Schools, Volume 1 (ABCD)
$17.00 Rural Schools, Volume 2 (E-K)
$17.00 Rural Schools, Volume 3 (M-P)
$17.00 Rural Schools, Volume 4 (Q-Z)
$2.00 Newsletter 1982 (excerpts from county newspapers in the 1800's).
Cemetery and Death Records
Also available through Dallas County Historical Society
$12.00 Dallas County Cemetery Book, Volume 1 (Northern part of County) Includes AB, Berry Family, Fowler/Hurst, Melton Prairie, Stauffer Mennonite, Kirk Chapel, Turner, Barclay, Corkery, Pleasant Hill, Hopewell, New Liberty, Montgomery, Howard Chapel, Harmon, Bowers Chapel, Mission Ridge/Lone Post, Barbor/Barbour, Bartlett, Louisburg, Crudgington, New Hope, Mahaffey.
$17.00 Dallas County Cemetery Book, Volume 2 (Center part of County) Includes Ginnings/Jennings, Bennett, Morgan, Phillips, Pepper, Hildebrand, Scrivener, Plad, Barclay, Mellenger, Lone Rock, Williams, Benton Branch, McKee, Edingfield, Riverview/Sweaney, Knighten, Edmond Powell, Union Home/Twin Churches, Buffalo City, Johnson, Oak Lawn, Garden of Memory, Maple Lawn, Lindley, Reynolds, Haynes, Phillip Bennett.
$ 8.00 Dallas County Cemetery Book, Volume 3
Includes Prairie Grove, Walker Graveyard, Pleasant View Amish Mennonite, Macedonia, Fraker, Church Grove, Antioch, Maddux, Cooksey, Mt. Pleasant, O'Bannon/Bennett, Cline, Center Point, Hardison, Penn, Atteberry Shed, Carter Graveyard, Charity, Bethel, George Graveyard, Wollard, Seaton/Mead/Old Pisgah, Hill, W.W. Bennett, Four Mile, Cedar Ridge, Pisgah, Liberty, Harmony, New Hope, Randleman, Ownby/Finley, Community K, Potter, Camp, Cedar Bluff.
$12.00 Dallas County Cemetery Book, Volume 4 (Southern part of County)
Includes Red Top, High Prairie, Mallard, Olive/Free Will Chapel, Joshua Davis, Potter, Mt. Olive, Union Mound, Elias Powell, Moses Bennett, March, Creek/Indian, McGee Chapel, Randles, Jones/Cannon, Thorpe, Deckard, Patterson, Gann, Graham, Moore Farm, Tindall/Harryman/Beckner, Harris.
$10.00 Obituaries of Dallas Co. People
$4.00 Death Records Registry (1883 - 1893)
Goodspeed's History
"History of Laclede, Camden,
Dallas, Webster, Wright, Texas, Pulaski, Phelps and Dent counties, MO".
Goodspeed, 1889. This book is available through Boyd Publishing Company
(no known relation!) PO Box 367, Milledgeville, GA 31061. Information:
912-452-4020, Orders to machine: 1-800-452-4035. My Spring, 1995 catalog
lists this as MO-6, 1326 pp, $55.00. Can't find my newer catalog to doublecheck
the price. Postage and Handling is $2.75 for the 1st book. They accept
MC & Visa.
Other Books About the County
Dallas County Plat Book, 1983
This small library contains a good collection of early microfilm and complete records of Dallas County. There are several family histories available, as well as several publications from neighboring counties. Their hours are 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m during Daylight Savings Time and 8:30 to 5:30 during Standard Time (Central) Monday through Friday. They are also open Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to noon. No e-mail or modem access to their catalog - yet!
Ozarks Genealogical LibraryThis is the library of the Ozarks Genealogical Society and is housed in it's own building, although some holdings are at the Main Branch of the Springfield/Greene County Public Library. Current hours are Tuesday evening 6:00 - 8:30 (3rd Tuesday 6:00 - 6:45 p.m.; monthly meeting follows), Wednesday afternoon 1 - 4, Saturday 10:00 - 4:00. Staffed by volunteers. Closed holiday weekends, bad weather. Any genealogist can appreciate this fine library with lots of information on Southwest Missouri, including Dallas County and Dallas County families, as well as lots of information from other states. Visit their homepage.
Springfield-Greene County Public Library
397 E. Central
Springfield, MO 65806
417-837-5000
Visit their home page. Notice that you can pick genealogy and get started!
The Shepard Room of the Main Library is devoted to Missouri and Genealogy. Many census records, books, and family histories are housed here. A genealogy librarian is on staff. An OGS representative is in the Shepard Room on Wednesdays from 9:30 - 12:00 and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Lena Wills CollectionUnfortunately, this wonderful collection is accessed by appointment only and times are limited. Contact SMSU at 417-836-4525 for information. Lena was a local genealogist for years and had the genealogy column until her death.
As of August 17, 1998, the Dallas County MOGenWeb site is maintained by
Gary Swift.
Many thanks to previous coordinators Carmen Boyd and Megan Zurawicz.
Last updated:
17 August 1998