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Below is a family biography included in The History of Sebastian 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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Thomas J. Keener, merchant, was born November 23, 1859, in Denton County, Tex., his parents being Miles and Alcy (Lenley) Keener. The father was born in Lincoln County, N. C., and is now engaged in farming, milling and ginning at Waldron, Ark. During the Civil War he served three years in the Union army, participating in numerous engagements, and was discharged at Holly Springs, Mo. The mother is a native of Jasper County, Mo., and when about grown she moved to Texas, where she was married. She is the mother of ten children, the following now living: Thomas J., Lizzie, Fannie, Grant, Sarah and Dora. Thomas J. passed his youth, after becoming ten years of age, in Scott County, Ark. He received a good education for those days, and after leaving school taught ten terms. He now holds a first grade certificate. In February, 1883, Mr. Keener embarked in the mercantile business at Waldron, procuring his stock on credit, as he had no capital, but a good name. He continued business successfully at that place until 1866, and then sold out and came to Lavaca. Here he has the largest stock of general merchandise in town, and does a thriving business on the general supply plan. October 16, 1883, he married Lulu Bell, daughter of J. C. Bell, of Waldron. Mr. Keener was left a widower December 19, 1885. In politics he is a Republican, and while at Waldron served the town as postmaster. He belongs to the I. O. O. F. and the Masonic fraternity, and is a much respected citizen.

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This family biography is one of 217 biographies included in The History of Sebastian County, Arkansas published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Sebastian County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Sebastian County, Arkansas family biographies here: Sebastian County, Arkansas

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