Other Daviess Countians You Should Know

Others You Should Know...

Gov. A.M. Dockery

Governor of Missouri – A.M. Dockery: Born near Gallatin, MO, practiced medicine at Chillicothe, returned to help start The Farmers Exchange Bank in 1874. Served 8 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives (16 years). Elected governor (1900-04). Served President Woodrow Wilson as Assistant Postmaster General throughout both terms of Wilson's administration.

U.S. Speaker of the House – J.W. Alexander, Gallatin, MO: Elected to U.S. House of Representatives (1881) and became Speaker of the House (1886). Known for his efforts on behalf of veterans of the Mexican, the Civil and the Spanish wars. Judge of the 7th Judicial Circuit (1901-07). Elected to the 60th Congress and chaired the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee. Drafted many important laws, including the original act controlling wireless telegraphy. Appointed Secretary of Commerce by President Wilson (1919) and was succeeded by Herbert Hoover when Warren G. Harding was president.

Judge J.W. Alexander Mary Edna Cruzen

New Deal Leader – Mary Edna Cruzen, Gallatin, MO: In 1935, Mary Edna Cruzen served on the state labor commission and was director of the Missouri State Employment Service. When Washington set up the job creation program Civil Works Administration (CWA) authorized by the New Deal, all placements in Missouri were made through the state agency led by Mrs. Cruzen. From offices in Kansas City she personally supervised the placement of over 9,000 men and women in gainful employment during the Great Depression. She did much to increase the efficiency of industrial inspection which reduces to a minimum industrial accidents and loss of life. She also was the mother of Admiral Richard H. Cruzen of Antarctic Expedition fame.

U.S. Senator Conrad Burns (with Bob Dole, 1991)

National Politician – Conrad Burns, Gallatin, MO: An agriculture radio personality elected as a county commissioner in Montana, Burns vaulted into national politics when elected to the U.S. Senate in 1989. He received support from such nationally prominent political leaders as Republican presidential nominee Bob Dole.

Pioneer Nutritionist –

Gallatin native Icie Macy Hoobler was among the first to recognize the role of nutrition in human reproduction and growth (1923-1984).

Missouri’s Newspaper Martyr – Wesley “Uncle Wes”

Robertson, Gallatin, MO: Shot in 1919 for his written account and remarks concerning a Daviess County public servant. One of four scenes selected by the Missouri Press Foundation to be featured in a Missouri Press Heritage Collection.

Award-winning Novelist – John Selby, Gallatin, MO: A journalist and music critic for the Kansas City Star. Music and arts critic in New York for the Associated Press. Author of 10 novels, including “Island in the Corn” which many readers believe he mirrored his hometown of Gallatin, MO. All-Nations fiction prizewinner for “Sam” and author of best sellers “Starbuck” and “Time Was.” Lecturer at Columbia University where he taught courses in short story writing. Editor-in-Chief at Rinehart & Company until his retirement in 1965.