My Genealogy Hound

Alexander M. Cantrell, a well-to-do farmer and stockman of Webster County, Mo., was born in McMinn County, Tenn., December 4, 1836, being a son of Gabriel and Nancy (Smith) Cantrell, both of whom were Tennesseeans by birth. The father was a teacher by profession, and served several years as sheriff of McMinn County, and died there in 1849. In 1853 his widow and family moved to Missouri, locating in Dade County, and two years later in Webster County, settling on what is known as Cantrell’s Creek. Alexander M. remained with his mother until about twenty-five, years of age, and in November, 1861, he enlisted at Rolla in Col. Phelps’ regiment for six months, and at the end of that time went to Illinois, where he was engaged in farming for three years. In July, 1862, he was married, in Webster County, to Miss Harriet Manry, who was a daughter of Edward Manry, of Alabama. He became a resident of Webster County in 1860, and is now deceased. Mrs. Cantrell was born in Tennessee. In October, 1867, they moved back to Missouri, and purchased their present farm of 360 acres, which was then in a very wild state. About half of his farm consists of bottom land, and 200 acres are cleared and under cultivation, and furnished with excellent buildings. He also has another tract of 119 acres well improved. He is a member of the Agricultural Wheel, and has always supported the principles of the Republican party. His children’s names are as follows: Elmina, wife of Alexander Hall; Hezekiah, who is married and resides in Webster County; John D., Mary, Dora, Martha, Clementina, Edward, Charles, Elva and A. Logan. Mr. and Mrs. Cantrell are members of the Protestant Methodist Church.