The Montgomery County Historical Society (MCHS) is a 501(c)(3) corporation. The Society owns two buildings in Montgomery City that house an extensive genealogical library and a museum of artifacts and antiques. All research requests replies, building staffing/maintenance and website management are donated by volunteers.
If you like what you find here, please become a member and/or make a donation to help us continue our mission. We also welcome contributions of your own research, be it family history or documented historical articles that would interest other visitors.
Pioneer Days, a 96-page illustrated history of the County, has been well-received by both those new to our history as well as long-time residents.
Thank you, Chris, for your service!
 The MCHS Secretary, Chris K., is retiring after 10 years of service. She has been a stalwart presence on the MCHS Board, taking thorough and timely notes at the monthly meetings. Chris has contributed various articles to the website, and you have perchance benefited from her research.
Chris, your volunteerism is appreciated and we wish you much enjoyment as you spend more time near family.
Volunteer - Join the MSCH Board
 Two positions are open on the MSHS Board and qualified persons are urged to volunteer. By “qualified,” it is suggested that you have a passion for history and sharing it with the community. Responsibilities include physical attendance at the ten monthly meetings (4 th Saturday, 9am) and the April annual meeting. Board Members assist with fundraising, research, building care, etc. as their skills allow.
- The Board Secretary creates and publishes monthly meeting minutes.
- The Upper Loutre Township (Wellsville) Representative may share news from that area.
If interested, please reply to webmaster@mschmo.org or contact President Jamie Hemeyer. Thank you for sharing your time and skills.
Missouri Conference on History
The Missouri Conference on History brings together teachers of history and other professional historians to share in the presentation of the results of research, to exchange information on teaching and curriculum, to consider ways to promote interest in history and the welfare of the profession, and to discuss other concerns common to all historians. All persons interested or involved in the teaching of history, historical research, historical preservation, or any other professional application of history are welcome. The 68th Annual Conference (sponsored by) will be March 11-13, 2026, at Old Kinderhook at the Lake of the Ozarks. Click here for schedule and registration.
Provost Marshal Papers: 1861 - 1866
The Missouri State Archives is a wonderful resource  with an extraordinay collection, including 484 entries for Montgomery County Provost Marshall records. The database can be searched by name, county, and subject. The collection details how the provost marshal affected the lives of citizens who came into contact with the Union Army. It offers a unique look at a state divided, informing about the role of women, its effect on slavery, and the difficulties experienced by refugees.
The documents include correspondence, court papers, orders, passes, paroles, oaths of, transportation permits, and claims for compensation for property. Citizens could be arrested simply on suspicion; charges could be initiated by anyone, civilian or military. Statements by accusers or witnesses were taken down as evidence. The first entry is a letter stating someone “is a dangerous and low lied dog.”
County Poor Farm
Click here for full article. Poor farms were rural institutions that cared for indigent people in the 19th and 20th centuries. Funded by county governments, the farms provided housing, clothing, medical care, and sustenance for the poor. Residents who entered a county farm surrendered personal money/property and their rights as citizens, including forfeiting the right to vote. For more general information, see Over the Hill to the Poor Farm: Rural History Almost Forgotten.
In Montgomery County, the County Poor Farm was located west of New Florence. See map in article. The 1900 census reported 16 inmates, including 11 females, 5 males, 3 blacks, and 13 white persons. Newspaper articles on “Receipts to Pauper’s Fund” illustrate while it was not a profitable operation, neither was it a total fiscal drain. By 1920, the land was shown to be private property. Residents were likely relocated to a Montgomery City house that was likely less costly for the County. to maintain.
Many thanks to a volunteer/member for providing the research for this article. What can you share with website visitors?
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March 21
MoSGA - Back to Basics: Genealogy Skills
Click here to register.
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March 28
MCHS Board Meeting
The MCHS Board meets monthly on the fourth Saturday at the MCHS building.
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April 18
St Louis Gen Society Conference
Link to registration.
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April 25
MCHS Board Meeting
The MCHS Board meets monthly on the fourth Saturday at the MCHS building.
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April 26
Annual Meet & Dinner
Hold the date - details to follow!
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