My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE T. GALLAHER, whose home is on section 9, township 46, range 24, Johnson County, is one of the most extensive land-owners of the county, and no one perhaps is better or more favorably known within its limits. He has made a specialty of growing hay and raising stock, and has invested the large sums of money he has realized from these sources in improved farm land. For many years he was numbered among the leading educators of this county, but ultimately his other interests required his entire attention.

George Gallaher, Sr., was a native of Tennessee, and was a life-long agriculturist. For one term he served as County Judge of Johnson County, his decisions being always rendered with fairness and impartiality. He was called to the home beyond in 1876, and his loss was felt to be a public calamity. His faithful companion and helpmate, whose maiden name was Sarah Robinson, was likewise a native of Tennessee, and passed the days of her girlhood in that state. The couple were married there, but settled in this county in 1833, and were therefore among its early pioneers. Mrs. Gallaher lived to a ripe old age, dying in 1881.

George T. Gallaher is a native of this county, born July 6, 1840, and is the youngest in his parents’ family. He attended the country schools, and, being assiduous in his pursuit of knowledge, managed to acquire a fair education. For a time he attended a select school taught by his cousin, James Gallaher, and later studied higher mathematics, civil engineering and surveying. His instruction in the latter branches was of a practical nature, as he was taught by the surveyors of the Missouri Pacific Railway. When in his twenty-first year, he obtained a certificate and engaged in teaching school, being thus employed until the tocsin of war was sounded.

July 4, 1861, Mr. Gallaher enlisted in Company E, Twenty-seventh Missouri Mounted Infantry, and was mustered in as First Lieutenant of his company at Jefferson City, Mo., being engaged in active service for two years. At Lexington most of the command was captured, and the regiment was thoroughly disorganized. The young Lieutenant’s health was failing, and he returned to the peaceful avocations of life. Shortly afterward he was elected County Surveyor, and satisfactorily filled the position for six years. On the termination of his public service, he resumed teaching during the winter months, and was employed at farming during the remainder of the year. He now owns seven hundred and twenty acres of desirable land, all of which is located within the boundaries of this county.

January 7, 1864, Mr. Gallaher wedded Mary C., daughter of Jacob and Sophia (Prigmore) Knaus, who were pioneer settlers of this region. Mrs. Gallaher was born here, and has spent her entire life in this community. Four children came to bless the marriage of our subject and his wife. The eldest died in infancy, and the others are as follows: Henry L., born May 17, 1868; James T., January 15, 1870; and Fannie M., July 10. 1873. They are all living at home with their parents, and James is conducting a jewelry business in this place.

For some fourteen years past Mr. Gallaher has been Surveyor of Johnson County, and has ably acquitted himself of the responsibilities resting upon him. Politically he uses his ballot in favor of the Democracy. In the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of this place our subject and his estimable wife are numbered among the leading members and active workers.