Hiram Ramsey Jameson, a Gentry County pioneer and former judge of County Court, now living retired on his farm in Jackson Township, is a native of Tennessee. He was born in McMinn County, east Tennessee, June 18, 1835. He is a son of David Finley and Eliza (Patten) Jameson. David Finley Jameson was also a pioneer settler of Missouri; he was born in Blount County, Tennessee, Dec. 2, 1797. He came to Missouri in 1853 and his first home here was a log cabin. He followed farming and spent the remainder of his life in Gentry County after coming here. He died at Gentryville, Dec. 25, 1889, at the ripe old age of 92 years. He was a Whig during the existence of that party, but later identified himself with the Democratic party. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

David Finley and Eliza Ann (Patten) Jameson were the parents of eight children as follows: Mary Jane, Francis, Jacob Patten, David Finley, Jr., and Elizabeth Ann, all of whom are deceased; and William Alexander, born Feb. 9, 1838, lives at McFall; Samuel Huston, born Dec. 3, 1841, lives at McFall; and Hiram Ramsey whose name introduces this review.

Hiram Ramsey Jameson was about 19 years old when he came to Missouri with his parents and settled in this section of the state. This was an early day in the settlement of western Missouri. Mr. Jameson remembers when the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad was built which was several years after the family settled here. When he came here there were no railroads and he has lived to see and take part in the great transformation from the pioneer days to the present age of improvement and conveniences. Mr. Jameson began life as a farmer and made that occupation his life's work. He settled on his present place after a few years. He is the owner of 200 acres which he has improved and which is under a high state of cultivation.

Mr. Jameson was married to Elizabeth Fore, a daughter of Jacob J. and Anna Fore. She was one of nine children born to her parents, three of whom are living: Frances, married C. O. Patten, who is now deceased, and she lives at Albany; Clara, married Charles Owen, a retired farmer and stock raiser, Franklin, Neb. To Hiram R. Jameson and wife were born the following children: Francis, deceased; Samuel Warren, born in Gentry County, Oct. 12, 1865, a farmer and stock raiser near Kansas City; Olive L., born in Gentry County, Aug. 16, 1869, lives on the home place; Hiram Mitchel, born in Gentry County, is operating the home place; Anna C., born Aug. 29, 1880, married Oliver Bean and lives in Gentry County; David K., born in Gentry County, Oct. 1, 1866, a farmer and stock raiser.

Mr. Jameson is a Democrat and has always taken a commendable interest in political matters and public affairs. He served as County Judge of Gentry County for four years and gave the people a good administration. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and one of the dependable old pioneer citizens of Gentry County.
Source: History of Daviess and Gentry Counties p620-621, publ. 1922