The Life and Legacy of Elisha Elmore

Elisha Elmore: A Pioneer of Texas County, Missouri

My Elmore ancestors (starting with my with grandmother, Bertha Lawson Peterson

Elisha Elmore was a man of resilience and deep familial ties, a pioneer who left Morgan County, Tennessee, in search of new opportunities on the western frontier. His wife, Isbell Ball Elmore, was also born in Tennessee, and together they embarked on a journey that would take them westward. The couple has not been found in the 1850 census, which suggest they were still in transit at the time of enumeration.  By 1851, the couple had settled in Crawford County, Missouri, where their first child was born.  By the late 1850s, Elisha and his family had established their home in Texas County, Missouri, where he would remain for the rest of his life. Like many settlers of his time, Elisha sought land, stability, and a future for his family in the rugged yet promising landscape of the Ozarks. Over time, he became an integral part of his community, leaving behind a legacy that his descendants continue to honor today.

Early Life and Family

Elisha and Isabell starting their life in Missouri
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Born on November 11, 1820, in Morgan County, Tennessee, Elisha Elmore grew up during a time of westward expansion and increasing migration into frontier territories. His wife, Isbell Ball Elmore, was also a Tennessee native, and together they ventured west in search of new opportunities. By 1851, the couple was living in Crawford County, Missouri, where their first child, George Malon Elmore, was born. Their migration from Tennessee to Missouri likely occurred between 1850 and early 1851, as they have not been located in the 1850 census. By the late 1850s, they had settled permanently in Texas County, Missouri, where they raised a large family. Their children included George Malon (1851), Martha Angeline (1854), William Henry (1857), Dewitt Clinton (1861), Noah Francis (1863), Jesse Tennessee (1866), and Jackson Theodore (1870).

Elisha Elmore became a long-term resident of Roubidoux, Texas County, Missouri, appearing in multiple census records from 1860 to 1900. As a settler in a border state fraught with division during the Civil War, he found himself caught in the political and military turmoil of the time. In 1862, at the age of 42, his life took a dramatic turn when he became involved in the war—an event that led to his enlistment in the Confederate Army, subsequent desertion, and an eventual oath of allegiance to the Union. His decision to switch allegiance was not uncommon among Missourians, many of whom were forced to navigate shifting loyalties during the war.

Elisha Elmore’s Military Service

A fictional depiction of 10th MO Infantry
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In July 1862, Elmore enlisted in the 10th Missouri Infantry (Confederate), also known as Steen’s Regiment, at West Plains, Missouri, under Simon Harris for a term of three years. However, his service was short-lived. By November 14, 1862, he was recorded as left sick at Clarksville, Arkansas, and his name appeared on muster rolls as absent. His condition did not improve, and by January 30, 1863, he was officially recorded as a deserter at Little Rock, Arkansas.

Soon after his desertion, on February 2, 1863, Elmore appeared before a Union provost marshal in Rolla, Missouri, where he was required to swear an oath of allegiance to the United States. By taking this oath, he formally renounced his Confederate service and pledged loyalty to the Union. Whether this was a strategic decision for survival or a change in conviction remains unknown, but it marked a significant shift in his wartime journey.  Click here for more on Elisha's military story.

Life After the War

Following the Civil War, Elmore returned to Texas County, where he resumed life as a farmer and family man. Despite the challenges of war and Reconstruction, he continued to be an integral part of his community, appearing in census records through the late 1800s.

On February 18, 1897, his wife Isabell "Ibbie" Ball Elmore passed away near Roby, Texas County, Missouri. Their marriage had lasted nearly five decades, and together they had raised a large family. Her death marked a profound loss for Elisha, as they had shared the challenges of frontier life, war, and rebuilding in its aftermath. However, he remained active in his community and faith.

Later Years and Legacy

Elisha Elmore, affectionately known as "Uncle Lisha," was widely respected in his community. By the time of his passing on October 9, 1903, at the age of 84, he had become one of Houston, Missouri’s oldest and most well-known citizens. He was described in his obituary as a highly regarded man, respected by all who knew him. His legacy extended through his four sons, one daughter, and numerous grandchildren.

His final resting place is Pilot Knob Cemetery, Texas County, Missouri, where his legacy lives on in the descendants who still honor his contributions today.