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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Grant County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1889.  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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James A. Shell, an extensive farmer and business factor of Madison Township, Grant County, Ark., was born in that neighborhood August 11, 1853, the son of John and Margaret (Benson) Shell. He remained at home till twenty-six years of age, managing his father’s farm as soon as competent, and upon leaving home took up his residence where he now lives. He owns 1,250 acres of as good land as can be found in Grant County, this vast accumulation being the result of hard work and able management. From 1882 to 1886 he served his township as notary public, has been school director for ten years, and since 1878 has acted as pension attorney, performing in addition to pension business, other Government affairs. He received a very liberal education in Grant County, and has taught school to some extent. June 15, 1879, Mr. Shell was married to Sarah L. Johnson, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Johnson, who was born in this county November 22, 1861. By this marriage there were two children: John D. and Willie J. Mr. and Mrs. Shell are active members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, he being ruling elder. He votes the Democratic ticket, and is one of the county’s most enterprising and respected citizens. All educational and religious matters pertaining to the elevation of the church and State receive the warmest support at the hands of Mr. Shell. In addition to the interests mentioned he is a real estate agent and general surveyor, and is also engaged in the timber business, having sold over 8,000 pipe staves. The rafting business also occupies his attention, he shipping cypress and other timber. He buys and sells for others as agent, and examines and locates lands.

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This family biography is one of 68 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Grant County, Arkansas published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Grant County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

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