My Genealogy Hound

J. W. MELUGIN. Prominent among the pioneer settlers of Jasper county is the subject of this sketch. Mr. Melugin was born in Dixon county, Tenn., Nov. 22, 1818. His father, Joseph Melugin, was a native of North Carolina, born near Guilford Court-House, in 1773, and died March 11, 1845. His mother was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Philadelphia in 1775, and died in December, 1838. His grandfather on both sides participated in the Revolutionary War. His grandfather Melugin was a native of Scotland. When twelve years of age our subject moved with his parents to Sangamon county, Ill., and there engaged in farming for a half decade. In 1835 they came to Missouri, locating in what was then Barry county, near where he now resides. Our subject was raised on a farm and educated in the common schools. His experience during the war was somewhat varied. He proposed to be neutral, but neutrality on the field of revolting sections was difficult to maintain. He was taken prisoner and held as a hostage by Col. John M. Richardson, but subsequently released. Mr. Melugin was married in Jasper county, Mo., Oct. 23, 1843, to Miss Eliza A. C., daughter of Hugh and Sarah Allison, natives of North Carolina. From this union there have been five children: William Benton, born Oct. 15, 1844; John Thomas, born Feb. 11, 1846, and died Dec. 28, 1870; James Albert, born Jan. 30, 1850; Franklin, born Oct. 28, 1855; and Samuel Joseph, born July 22, 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Melugin are members of the Christian Church. They have a very pleasant home, situated about seven miles east of Carthage. Their farm consists of about 300 acres of improved land, well fenced and watered; also about the same number of acres unimproved adjoining. They have a splendid residence, situated in a natural grove; also a large barn and other out-buildings, orchard, etc. The farm is largely situated on the celebrated Spring River bottom, the most fertile land in the Southwest. Our subject is a man of good business qualifications, energetic, enterprising, and is always ready to aid pecuniarily and otherwise in every effort to promote the interest of state, county, and particularly the community in which he lives. He is considered one of the most practical and substantial farmers, not only of Jasper county, but of southwest Missouri.