W. B. McAntire attorney at law was born in Elizabethtown, Hardin County Kentucky October 14, 1848. His parents W.S. and Elizabeth E (VanMeter) McAntire were natives of Virginia. In 1849 William’s parents went west to Missouri locating at Memphis Scotland County where they engaged in agricultural pursuits for eight years. W. B. attended the schools while there acquiring a liberal education.
W. B. McAntire came to Joplin in May 1873 and engaged in practice with J. W. McAntire under the firm name McAntire & McAntire and continued with his partner for five years. In October 1875 he was elected police judge for the city of Joplin and continued in that position for six years being reflected in the falls of 1877-79. He then commenced practice by himself. Judge McAntire was married in Joplin February 14, 1876 to Miss. Charlotte daughter of Ankrim and Marion Martin of Joplin her father native of Ireland and mother Scotland. Mrs. McIntire was born in Scotland. From the marriage there were two children William Edwin born June 26, 1877 and Arthur Benford born October 1880. Mr. And Mrs. McAntire resided in their beautiful home on the corner of Fifth and Moffet.