My Genealogy Hound

Nathan K. Pope is one of the prominent citizens of Hickory County, and is one who commands the respect and esteem of all who know him. He was born in Allen County, Ky., July 20, 1843, and is a son of John C. and Sarah (Lightfoot) Pope, who were also born on Kentucky soil, the father in Allen County, in 1822, and the mother in Simpson County about 1820. She died in Polk County, Mo., in 1874. They were married in Simpson County, but shortly after removed to Allen County, where they resided until coming to Missouri, in 1853. The father has been a farmer all his life, and is now a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Nathan K. Pope is the eldest of their nine children, six of whom are living, and received his education in the common schools of Polk County. He assisted his father in tilling the home farm until 1861, when he joined the Home Guards, and in September, 1862, enlisted in Company M of the Eighth Missouri Cavalry Volunteers, U. S. A., and served until August, 1865, when he was mustered out of service at St. Louis. He participated in the battles of Prairie Grove, Little Rock, Grand Prairie, Pumpkin Bend and many others, and, at the battle of Little Rock, was holding the rank of brigade orderly. After the cessation of hostilities he returned to the peaceful pursuit of farming and stock raising, and in 1876 came to Hickory County, and purchased his present farm, which consists of some of the best land in the county, and is well improved. November 15, 1866, he wedded Miss Mary J., daughter of Gideon Creed. She was born in Hickory County, February 5, 1843, and has borne eight children: Louella, wife of Jacob Edde; John G., Oliver, Walter, Stephen, Ivy A., Frank, and an infant son. Mr. and Mrs. Pope are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he is a Republican in his political views, and in 1879 was elected by that party judge of the Eastern district of the county, and served until 1882.