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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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Uriah W. Poss’ connection with the commercial interests of Grant County has proven of advantage to himself and the citizens hereabouts. He was born in Madison County, Ga., on May 10, 1850, and is the son of Elijah and Catherine (Black) Poss, also natives of that county. In 1865 the family moved to Williamson County, Tenn., and four years later to Gibson County, coming, in 1874, to Arkansas, and settling in Jefferson County, moving thence one year later to Grant County. Here the father died, in 1883, at the age of sixty-five years. His wife survives him, living with her children, at the age of sixty-three. He and wife were members of the Missionary Baptist Church. He was a Democrat, and served six months in the Confederate army, in the last years of the war, participating in several battles in South Carolina. He was a farmer all his life, accumulating considerable money, but lost most of it by his readiness to go security. He was of French descent, his grandfather coming from France and settling in Georgia. A family of ten children was born to Elijah Poss, seven now living: Henry B. and Benjamin B. (farmers of this county), Mary L. (wife of W. B. Hale, farmer of this county), Sarah E. (wife of J. Lee Harrington, farmer of this county), Laura B. (wife of W. A. Lites, farmer of this county) and Uriah W. (who was the third child). He received his education in Georgia, and Williamson County, Tenn., and when twenty years of age went into the livery business, at Union City, Tenn., where he continued for one year. He then joined the family in Gibson County, farming for himself one year. Coming thence to Arkansas, he located in Grant County, turned his attention to his former occupation, and rented land for three years, then purchasing a tract of 120 acres. After selling and buying at several different times, he finally became the owner of the Ellis farm, containing 160 acres. In 1885 he went into the mercantile business, at Grapevine, and has continued in it up to the present time, in connection with farming. He was elected justice of the peace in 1882, holding the office for four years; and was elected in 1883 school director, holding that position for some time. For the past three years he has acted as deputy postmaster. He began life with no means, giving his father the first money he earned, and his present prosperity is due solely to his business ability and industry, he having been very successful. August 15, 1872, Mr. Poss was married to Mary E. Herrington, daughter of Hardy H. Herrington. She was born in Mississippi, on September 20, 1850. By this marriage there were four children, all now living: Alvarado (at home), Charles Woodson, Oscar G. and Grover E. Mr. and Mrs. Poss are both members of the Missionary Baptist Church, he officiating as deacon. He is a member of the Masonic order and the Democratic party. At all times he is found on the side of educational and religious matters, ever advocating whatever improves the condition of the locality.

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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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