OLIVER P. COMPTON

From the 1887 History of Vernon County, Missouri, p. 398

Oliver P. Compton

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 26, Post-office, Katterman).

The subject of this sketch, one of the native-born citizens of Missouri, first saw the light November 30, 1846, in Morgan county, his parents being Richard M. and Martha (O’Neall) Compton, the former a native of Tennessee.  He (Richard) became located in Missouri when a young man and has since resided here engaged in agricultural pursuits; his present home is in Morgan county, where he is widely and favorably known.  Nine children were born to himself and wife and during the late war three of his sons, John W., Oliver P., and James M. were actively engaged in service under Gen Price.  John, who entered the army in 1861 and served until the war closed, was twice captured and retained as a prisoner, and from the effects of three wounds which he received he died in 1865.  Oliver P. passed his youthful days as did the other farmer’s sons in the neighborhood of his home, acquainting himself with duties about the home place; and while not privileged to attend school, his education was by no means neglected, for by close individual application he has gained side knowledge concerning the current news of the day.  May 24, 1867, he took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Thurza J. Williams, who has become the mother of six children that are now living:  John, Walter, Willard, Minnie, Claudie and Delia.  Upon leaving Morgan county Mr. Compton went to Henry county in 1873 and there followed farming six years, moving to this county in 1879.  The farm which he now so industriously cultivates and owns is one of 80 acres, on which he raises stock to a considerable extent, an industry in which he takes great interest.  The stock found upon this place is well graded.  Since 1866 he has been a consistent member of the Christian Church and at this time he is an elder in the Berea Church.  He votes the Democratic ticket usually, though he supports men and measures before party.  He is a stanch Prohibitionist and a warm friend of the temperance cause.

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