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Below is a family biography included in The History of Spencer County, Indiana published by Goodspeed, Bros. & Co. in 1885.  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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JOSEPH GENTRY, a pioneer of Indiana, was born October 12, 1812, in Kentucky, and is one of eleven children born to James and Elizabeth (Hornback) Gentry, who were natives of North Carolina. In April 1818, the family removed to Spencer County, Ind., and settled near the present site of Gentryville, which was named in honor of James Gentry, who for many years carried on merchandising at that place in conjunction with farming. He became a large land-owner, and died in June 1840, preceded by his wife about the year 1824. Joseph Gentry, subject of this sketch obtained his early education in the old-fashioned log-schoolhouse of that day, and for a good many years Abraham Lincoln was his playmate. September 26, 1833, Rebecca Romine be came his wife, and by him is the mother of four children, only one, Margaret (now Mrs. Jacob Oskins,) yet living. Mrs. Gentry was born April 13, 1813, and died October 13, 1839. His second wife, to whom he was married November 25, 1841, was Mary Ann Oskins, who was born March 6, 1824, and by her is the father of nine children, these yet living: Jacob, Lydia, Hannah, Louisa, Mary Ann, Allan, John and Joseph W. The mother died January 27, 1876. Mr. Gentry has been a prosperous farmer and an indulgent father, now owning a farm of 200 acres and having given to his children 900 acres. He is well-known and esteemed by many, is a Democrat in politics and an honorable, upright citizen.

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This family biography is one of 344 biographies included in The History of Spencer County, Indiana portion of the book: History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties Indiana published in 1885 by Goodspeed, Bros. & Co.  For the complete description, click here: Spencer County, Indiana History and Genealogy

View additional Spencer County, Indiana family biographies here: Spencer County, Indiana Biographies

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