My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Dallas County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1889.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

Dr. Samuel J. Latimer, a leading physician of Dallas County, Mo., was born in Washington County, Mo., April 22, 1833, being the son of Samuel and Nancy (Bottom) Latimer, both natives of Green County, Ky. The father was born December 19, 1795, and died in Webster County, Mo., July 19, 1873. He had followed agricultural pursuits, and was first married to Miss Elizabeth Garrett, who died in Missouri. He afterward married Mrs. Day, who was the widow of John Day, and whose maiden name was Bottom. She was born July 18, 1797, and died in Webster County, Mo., December 15, 1885. After his second marriage Mr. Latimer and wife lived in Macoupin County, Ill., a short time, and then moved to Washington County, Mo., where they resided until November, 1837. At that date they moved to Webster (then Polk) County, Mo., settling on Niangua Creek, and while living on one farm he was a resident of three different counties. He was a Democrat in politics, and he and wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He held numerous minor offices in Washington County, Mo., and was one of the much esteemed citizens of the county. His father, Jacob Latimer, was a native of Virginia, who went to Kentucky with Daniel Boone, and helped fight the Indians at Crab Orchard. To Samuel Latimer and his second wife were born a large family of children, five of whom are now living, Dr. Samuel J. being the eldest. The others were named as follows: Margaret Ann and Martha Ann (twins), William H. and Jacob L. (twins), Lydia M. (deceased). By his first marriage Mr. Latimer became the father of one son, Dr. G. W., and two daughters, the last two only living, Adaline and Nancy G. By her first marriage Mrs. Latimer became the mother of five sons and one daughter; three are living: Edward, Allen and Hiley. Dr. Samuel J. Latimer received his education chiefly at home, and at the age of nineteen began teaching school in Dallas County. This he continued at irregular intervals for several years. From 1852 to 1856 he was engaged in teaching school, attending school as a student, or filling the place of salesman in general merchandise at St. Luke, Newburg and Breezeville, Mo. September 13, 1855, he chose for his life companion Miss Mary F. Mehaffey, who was born in Pulaski County, Mo., August 18, 1835, and who is the daughter of Dr. A. D. Mehaffey. The fruits of this union were eight children: Nancy A., born October 2, 1856, and died June 26, 1870; Wesley B., born in Dallas County, Mo., September 12, 1858; Samuel A., born May 6, 1861; Mary M. M., born January 1, 1864; Sarah E., born December 4, 1866; Nathan W., born November 25, 1869; Ida J., born August 29, 1872, and Cora B., born September 21, 1875. In the spring of 1857 Dr. Latimer purchased a farm in Dallas County, Mo., where he has since continued to reside. He is an ordained minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and has been licensed to preach since 1858. He studied medicine under Drs. A. D. Mehaffey, and G. W. Latimer, his father-in-law and elder half-brother, who were both respectable practicing physicians of Dallas and Webster Counties, Mo. Dr. Samuel J. Latimer has been actively engaged in the practice of medicine since January, 1862. His wife and five of his children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity; also of the National Grange and Good Templars organizations. He is a Democrat in politics, and believes firmly in the doctrine of “the greatest good to the greatest number.”

* * * *

This family biography is one of 74 biographies included in The History of Dallas County, Missouri published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Dallas County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

To view additional Dallas County, Missouri family biographies, click here

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.