My Genealogy Hound

J. P. O’Bannon, the popular and efficient circuit clerk and recorder of Dallas County, Mo., is a native of the county, born July 3, 1858, and is a son of John and Nancy (Proctor) O’Bannon, who were Kentuckians by birth. They immigrated to Dallas County, Mo., in 1840, and located eight miles south of Buffalo, in Jackson Township, where they entered several hundred acres of Government land, on which they reared their family. The country in that region is still called O’Bannon Prairie in honor of the family, and here the father died in 1878. His widow is still living, and resides with her children. J. P. O’Bannon, whose name heads this sketch, is deserving of more than ordinary mention for the interest he has manifested in all movements tending to the material progress and welfare of the locality in which he has always made his home. Commencing in life for himself under circumstances which, it might seem, were not the most fortunate, he has improved to the utmost the opportunities with which he has come in contact, and by an upright, honorable course has gained the esteem and respect of a wide circle of friends—his life-long residence in the county contributing largely to his extensive acquaintance. In youth he received a common-school education in this county, and remained at work on the farm until the fall of 1882, when he was elected to the office of circuit clerk and recorder, and was re-elected in 1886 on the Republican ticket, a fact highly complimentary to his efficiency and esteem. In 1876 Louisa E. Robbins, of Dallas County, Mo., am estimable lady, became his wife, and their union has resulted in the birth of four children: Howard, Lillie, Roswell G. (deceased) and Gertrude. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. In his political views he has always been a stanch Republican, which party has been greatly benefitted by the interest he has taken in the development of the principles upon which it is founded; he is a member of the State Republican Central Committee of his district, chairman of the Twentieth District Senatorial Committee of Missouri, and is also chairman of the County Republican Committee. He owns considerable real estate in Dallas County, and is always ready to give material aid to advance its interests. His position as a substantial, representative citizen of the community is well established. He is a member of Buffalo Lodge No. 430, I. O. O. F., and a Mason.