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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Ashley County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1890.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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William J. Ladd, planter, Snyder, Ark. Early in life William J. Ladd had instilled into his youthful nature all the duties of farm life, and this calling has ever continued to be his chosen field of labor. With care and perseverance he has attended to this occupation, and with energy and thoroughness, successful results have been reaped, until now he is the owner of a fine farm of 280 acres, and has fifty acres under cultivation. He was born in North Carolina on November 24, 1825, and is the son of Jordan and Pattie (Newberry) Ladd, both natives of North Carolina, the father born on August 1, 1796, and the mother in 1798. Their family consisted of five children: Mary A., Carrie, La Fayette (deceased), Thomas (deceased), and of these children our subject is the eldest. The father was a sturdy son of toil, and this occupation carried on all his life. He emigrated from North Carolina to Alabama in 1827, and then in 1859 he came to Arkansas, locating in Ashley County, where his death occurred on December 1, 1860. The mother is still living, makes her home with our subject, and is a member of the Methodist Church. William J. Ladd was educated in Alabama, and when grown selected as his companion in life Miss Nancy Quinn, whom he married on December, 17, 1840. She was born in Alabama, and was a daughter of John and Fannie Quinn. When Mr. and Mrs. Ladd started out for themselves their means were limited, but by economy, industry and good management, they are now in possession of a comfortable competency. To their union were born seven interesting children: Mary F., James B., Josephine (deceased), Caroline W. (deceased), George M., Frank and Willie. Five of these children are still living, and reside in this State. Mr. Ladd is a farmer by occupation, and, like his father, will follow this calling all his life.

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This family biography is one of 97 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Ashley County, Arkansas published in 1890.  For the complete description, click here: Ashley County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

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