My Genealogy Hound

William L. Longan, one of the pioneers of Moniteau County, and a prominent and enterprising citizen of that county, was born in Cooper County, Mo., June 22, 1820. His parents, John B. and Mary (Weber) Longan, were born near Richmond, Va. The Longan family were originally from the Emerald Isle, and the Weber family from England. The great-grandfather Longan emigrated from Ireland and settled in Virginia; the grandfather passed his life in that State, and the father of our subject lived there for many years. The latter moved with his family to Kentucky, stopped there a short time, and then, in 1818, came on to Cooper County, Mo., where he remained a few years. He was one of the first settlers of Cooper County, was a Baptist minister by profession, and followed his ministerial duties the principal part of his life. He was one of the first ministers of Moniteau County, organized some of the first churches in the surrounding counties, and became quite a distinguished minister. In early life he was very wicked, was a man of extraordinary physical power, and when excited created terror in the breasts of all. After attending church a few times, he became cognizant of the fact that he was a very wicked man, soon after professed religion, joined the Baptist Church, and was baptized by the great preacher, Jeremiah Vanderman. His early ministry was begun in Kentucky, and he formed several organizations, which were soon flourishing. He was elected moderator of the Green River Association, and presided over that body until he removed to Missouri, in about 1816. He located near Chariton, Howard County, and soon afterward moved to Cooper County, where he labored hard in his ministerial duties. His influence for good was felt for many miles around, and in 1834 the Central Society was formed, now called the General Association, which he presided over for many years. He was Calvinistic in his views, but by no means an extremist. All denominations loved him. He was an honest, upright man, and a loving husband and father. He died in Moniteau County at quite an early day. He was the father of nine sons and two daughters, only five now living, viz.: Jessie B., Augusta, William L., Jacob, and Mary, wife of P. H. Rowland, of Kansas. William L. Longan was reared principally in Moniteau County, Mo., and remained with his parents until his marriage, in 1847, to Miss Mary Yows, a native of Missouri. To this union were born six children: Josephine, wife of George Williamson; George W., Columbus C. A., who is married to Miss Nannie F. Meredith; James P. H., John W. and Edward E. In March, 1850, Mr. Longan moved to his present property, and now owns 360 acres of well-improved land. He has always followed farming, and he also followed the teacher’s profession in early life. He has witnessed many ups and downs in life, but has enjoyed existing as well as the majority. He was a member of the militia during the war. He and Mrs. Longan are members of the Baptist Church.