My Genealogy Hound

George Gallaher was born in West Virginia, and is the son of James Gallaher, a native of Pennsylvania, who moved to Virginia at a very early day, where he followed merchandising and milling. He always took an active part in the affairs of the county, and during his stay there built several large grain and saw-mills. In politics he ever espoused the Whig cause. He was the father of five sons and three daughters, all but two of whom are now living. The subject of this sketch and his brother William (living within a mile of him) came to this county in the spring of 1857, and were here during the turmoil preceding the war. When hostilities broke out they took their stand for the Union, and when the call for men was made by the State George Gallaher recruited a company among his neighbors. The first company was the Enrolled Missouri Militia, under Col. Morvin, of Henry County, which rendered service for two years in and about Benton County, acting as minute men. His orders were to preserve peace and prevent thieving, also to quiet disturbances of all kinds, and to hold themselves in readiness to be called out at any time. This regiment was dissolved in the latter part of 1863, and a new regiment was formed out of a part of the old, Col. Henry Neil commanding. George Gallaher was commander of Company G, same regiment, until after the surrender of Richmond. During the war Capt. Gallaher moved his family to Sedalia to have the advantages of a school. He remained there until 1872, then returning to his farm. Shortly afterward he was elected county judge, much against his inclination, which position he occupied for seven or eight years. His term covered the time when the county bond question was being settled, and not believing the bonds were legal he fought them through all the courts to the United States Supreme Court, where the bonds were decided valid; and when a mandamus came from the supreme court to the county court to make a levy to pay interest on bonds, Judge Gallaher being in favor of levy, and the people opposed, he sent in his resignation, which was received. Mr. Wisdom, of Warsaw, was appointed in his place, and carried the same policy that his predecessor was censured for advocating, Since that time he has resided on his farm, enjoying quiet life, having no compunctions of conscience for any act done during the great struggle. Mr. Gallaher married a Miss Simmons, of West Virginia, and to them were born seven children, five girls and two boys. One son and daughter reside in California and one in Newton County, this State; the remainder reside in Benton County. Mr. Gallaher is a member of the Baptist Church, and Republican in politics.