Wayne County, Missouri Historical Society

10/24/2026

1945 St. Francis River Flood. This is the highway 67 bridge at Old Greenville.

10/24/2026

Construction of the Wayne County Courthouse in 1941, some 85 years ago. The Dick McCollister house can be seen in the background to the left.

10/23/2026

Just wanted to remind everyone that the Luna Museum and Payton Memorial Library will be closed tomorrow, Saturday October 17, 2026. We will reopen on Wednesday, October 24, 2026.

10/22/2026

Oscar Cleveland Ward (1884-1970), son of James Pinkney Ward and Mary Sophronia (Braden) Ward, was married to Eliza Ellen (Bess) Ward (1888-1955), a daughter of Albert Bess and Mary Josephine (Kelley) Bess. Both Oscar and Eliza were born in the Cowan Township of Wayne County. They were a well loved couple there for many years, and later moved to Puxico in Stoddard County.

10/22/2026

10/20/2026

The Luna Museum and Payton Memorial Library will be open Tomorrow , Wednesday, October 21, 2026 Between 2pm & 6pm. Come and see the interesting Artifacts of Wayne County, Missouri’s Past. We are located at 108 West Elm Street in Piedmont, Mo 63957.

10/20/2026

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to our weekly engagement list! 🎉

Mark Hopkins, Bonnie Kanell Taormina, Ruth Tremaine-McPherson, Shelby Stroup, Jackie Frymire

10/19/2026

Pictured is the Rhodes family of Old Greenville and Kime— The patriarch is John F. Rhodes (1856-1937), seated, front row, second from left. Rhodes served as Wayne County Clerk from 1882-1890 and as the Wayne County Representative to the General Assembly in 1890-1892. He married Sarah A. “Sally” (McGhee) Rhodes (1857-1940) (front row 3rd from left). The couple is pictured with six of their seven children. In back, Ira L. “Cap” Rhodes, Matthew F. “Matt” Rhodes, Mrs. Stella Wagner and Dr. J.C. “Carl” Rhodes. In front (far left), Walter L. Rhodes and (far right), Charles F. Rhodes. Another daughter, Nellie Rhodes, had previously passed away in 1911.

10/19/2026

Here is a photo taken ca. 1915 - 1917 of William Pinkney White and some of his family, at the famous "rock house" on Frazier Creek. Sadly no names are listed. My copy of this photo is a photograph of the original photograph, given to me by the late Shirley White of Piedmont. I would love to find an original and scan it, as I believe there are others pictured here that have been cut off to the right. One man for sure, and possibly others. From left I can identify, Nellie (Luttes) Atnip-White, William Pinkney White and his first wife Sarah (Russell) White. Standing is Samuel White and Mollie (White) Waltman. The lady to the right I believe is Cora (White) Levart. The gentleman beside her is unknown to me, but possibly one of Cora's sons, Cebert or Ervin Levart. The children are unknown. But judging from the adults, those pictured could possibly be Rosetta Jane Waltman, Gusta Atnip, Pauline Levart and Jannette White. Any help with this photo is welcome. Much has been written about W.P. White. There are past posts on this site dedicated to his community and church achievements.