John R. Durrett, P. O., Orearville. Mr. John R. Durrett was born in Albemarle county, Virginia, February 15, 1832. His father William L. Durrett was also a native of Albemarle county, and was married to Miss Roberts, a native of the same county. They had ten children in all, only four of whom are now living: John R. William, Dr. F. R., and Mrs. Elisa Brown. About the year 1832, William L. Durrett, with his family, moved to Saline county, Missouri, and first settled three miles northwest of Saline City, and engaged in farming. He died in June, 1879, and was buried in the Lankford graveyard; his wife had died long before him, and was buried three miles west of Saline City. John R. Durrett, obtained his education in Saline county, finishing at Bethany College, Virginia. After returning home he went to Texas, traveling for a time. Returning home, he went into the mercantile business at Cambridge, in this county, continuing about two years. He then went to farming. In 1861 he enlisted under Shelby, as a private, served through the war, and was discharged 1865. He was engaged in the battles of Booneville, Big Blue, Helena, Independence, Cape Girardeau, Cane Hill, Little Rock, Springfield, Hartsville, Westport, Little Blue, Cove Creek, Coon Creek, Mark’s Mill, etc. He was wounded in the shoulder at Westport with a minnie ball. Coming home after the war, he went to farming seven miles east of Marshall, and remained there five years. He then came to the farm on which he now resides, nine miles northeast of Marshall, where he is engaged in farming, owning 140 acres of fine land, well improved. In 1869 he was married to Miss Cynthia Townsend, a native of Cooper county. They have had two children, but only one of them. John R., is now living. His wife died in 1875, and was buried at the Townsend graveyard in Cooper county.
