List of people from St. Joseph, Missouri facts for kids

St. Joseph, Missouri, has been home to many amazing people throughout history! From famous athletes and talented artists to brilliant scientists and important leaders, this city has a rich past filled with individuals who made a big difference in the world. Let's explore some of the notable people connected to St. Joseph.

Arts and Entertainment Stars

St. Joseph has been a birthplace or home for many creative individuals who shined in the arts, music, and film.

• Norbert Brodine was a talented cinematographer, which means he was in charge of the cameras and lighting for movies. He helped create the visual look of many films.
• Katherine Kennicott Davis was a composer, known for writing the famous Christmas song "The Little Drummer Boy."
• Eminem (Marshall Mathers III) is a world-famous rapper and songwriter. He was born in St. Joseph.
• Eugene Field was a popular poet. He worked for the St. Joseph Gazette newspaper and wrote a well-known poem about a local spot called Lover's Lane.
• Fred Harman was an artist who drew the popular "Red Ryder" cartoon series. He also worked with the legendary Walt Disney and had a job at Artcrafts Engraving Company in St. Joseph.
• Coleman Hawkins was a legendary jazz saxophonist. He was a very important figure in the history of jazz music.
• Jeff Morris was an actor known for his role in the movie The Blues Brothers. He was born in St. Joseph.
• Timothy Omundson is an actor who has appeared in many television shows and movies.
• Arthur Pryor was a famous trombonist and bandleader. He was known for his incredible musical talent.
• LeRoy Prinz was a choreographer and film director. He helped create dance routines for many Hollywood movies.
• Steve Walsh is a musician and the lead singer of the popular rock band Kansas.
• Ruth Warrick was an actress who starred in the classic movie Citizen Kane and the long-running TV show All My Children. She was born in St. Joseph.
• Jane Wyman was an Oscar-winning actress and the first wife of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan. She was born in St. Joseph.
• Delmer J. Yoakum was an artist.
• Olive Young was an actress and blues singer born in St. Joseph. She was a silent-film star in China before trying her luck in Hollywood.

Sports Stars

Many athletes who achieved great success in various sports have connections to St. Joseph.

• Dwayne Blakley is a former professional football player who was born in St. Joseph.
• Ryan Bradley is a talented figure skater.
• Byron Browne was a professional baseball player.
• Rob Calloway is a professional boxer.
• Jody Hamilton and Larry Hamilton were both professional wrestlers.
• Travis Partridge is a football player.
• Martin Rucker and Mike Rucker are both former professional football players.
• Bill Snyder is a highly respected college football coach, known for his work with Kansas State University.

Science and Innovation

St. Joseph has also been home to people who made important contributions in science and technology.

• Charles S. L. Baker was an African American businessman and inventor who lived in St. Joseph.
• Harold K. Forsen was a nuclear physicist, a scientist who studies the tiny parts that make up atoms.
• Benjamin F. Peery was a physicist, astronomer, and professor. He was one of the first African American people to earn a doctorate degree in astronomy.

Politics and Public Service

People from St. Joseph have also served in important roles in government and public service.

• Kay Barnes served as the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, from 1999 to 2007.
• Elijah Gates served as the State Treasurer of Missouri.
• Frank Posegate was a mayor of St. Joseph.
• Randy Railsback is a member of the Missouri House of Representatives, which is part of the state's government.
• Nellie Tayloe Ross made history as the first woman elected governor of a U.S. state. She served as the governor of Wyoming from 1925 to 1927.
• James H. Webb served as a U.S. Senator from Virginia. He was born in St. Joseph.
• Silas Woodson was the 21st Governor of Missouri. He was a prominent lawyer in St. Joseph.

Other Notable Individuals

This section includes other interesting people who made their mark in different fields.

• Walter Cronkite was an iconic television journalist, often called "the most trusted man in America." He was born in St. Joseph.
• Paul Crouch was the founder of the Trinity Broadcasting Network, a large religious television network.
• Jesse James was a famous outlaw from the American Old West. He was killed in St. Joseph.
• Henry Krug was an important businessman who founded several companies in St. Joseph, including the Krug Packing Company and the Saint Joseph Stockyards. He also gave Krug Park to the city.
• Jay Sarno was a hotel mogul, meaning he built and owned many large hotels. He founded famous places like Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
• Eddie Timanus was a five-time champion on the TV quiz show Jeopardy! in 1999, even though he is blind.