My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Miller 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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Martin Forster, well and favorably known in this vicinity, and, indeed, throughout this portion of the State, was the sixth of a large family of children born to the union of Henry and Gertrude Forster, both natives of Westphalia, Prussia. Martin Forster was born in Little Rock, Ark., on February 3, 1855, and when five years of age he was left fatherless. His mother is still living and is a resident of Little Rock, Ark. He was reared in the last-named city by a devoted mother, who gave him such educational advantages as her limited means would allow, and he may be called a self-made and self-educated man. He has “hoed his own row” well, and, besides his acquirement through personal industry supported by honest and manly purpose of all necessary competency, he stands today before the public as an educated and accomplished gentleman. He is a strong Republican in his political views, and works hard to bring his party to the front. He has filled the office of mayor two terms, and was a candidate for reelection in April, 1890. He has filled many local positions of trust, and commands the respect of all parties. He was married on November 1, 1877, to Miss Jennie C. Niermann, a native of Ashland, Penn., and a lady of pure patrician blood, from the Von Falken Beck family, of Germany, who figured there in 1806. Mr. and Mrs. Forster have three children: Robert I., Carl F. and Homer W. In running for office Mr. Forster ever commands a liberal support from the people, regardless of party lines, and this goes far to show his great personal popularity and the high esteem in which he is justly held. In his official capacity, as well as in the private walks of life, he is always the cordial, accommodating and agreeable citizen.

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