|
The Chiles families that emigrated from Kentucky found lush, virgin soils in Missouri. The pioneering spirit was apparent in all of
the early generations of the Chiles family. As soon as new territory was opened up for settlement, a Chiles family member ventured forward. If the prospect of a better life
and the ownership of more land was apparent, a Chiles struck out to find a new life. The sons of Henry and Sarah Ballinger Chiles did just that and prospered in the Missouri settlements. Soon the
the family that remained in Kentucky came to Missouri, too.
Many descendants of Henry Chiles still live in Missouri. They treasure their heritage and hold tightly to the memories, good and bad. Some have become guardians of the rich history that was recorded in the Missouri wilderness. Small farms still dot the countryside of Missouri and a commoradery exists that you find in no other place. This melting pot of the descendants from the first immigrants to the North America exudes a pride and understanding of liberty that one seldom witnesses in such large proportions. The Civil War played a huge role in forming the character and life events of the majority of individuals listed on this page. The years leading into the war were still peppered with memories of other wars that had been fought in far away places. Taking the men from their families and farms to fight these wars created strong willed ladies that had been left unprotected in this new frontier. Some would raise their families alone, as many husbands did not return from battle. The Chiles men served their country when called upon. The Civil War was no exception. Many Missourians were Confederate sympathizers, but some were pro Union. This caused a rift in many families and some chose to leave the area to avoid the hardships that this great war would bring. They migrated to nearby states in order to protect their families, some returning to Missouri after the war concluded. But, some chose to stay and fight, as they believed in the way of life they had created and wished to maintain it. No matter the choice, the loyalties to Missouri and its people were always present. They called it "Home". From the early immigrants, through the Civil War years and into the twentieth century, you will find a number of prominent Chiles family members and their stories on this page. It is only a small portion of the actual history the Chiles family helped to create in the Missouri wilderness. Chiles descendants continue to excel and history continues to be written.
To submit a story, please contact Webmaster |
Biographies and stories transcribed and/or written by Kriste Taylor. |
© 2005 Henry Chiles Family |
|
|
