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Below is a family biography included in the book, The History of Adair County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1888.  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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William M. Gill, editor of the Kirksville Journal, was born August 21, 1843, in Indiana. His parents came to Kirksville in 1855. In 1861 he went to Ottumwa, Iowa, where he completed the printer’s trade. In August, 1863, he enlisted in the Ninth Iowa Cavalry and served as orderly sergeant of Company C. His first connection with the Journal was in 1866, but this was severed in 1873, and he engaged first in the book and stationery business, and afterward in the photographer’s business. His next venture was the publication of the Kirksville Graphic, which he edited until it came under its present management. In 1885 he went to Altoona, Fla., and established the Florida Index which he owned and published until May, 1886, when he returned to Kirksville. After some time spent at Ottumwa, Iowa, as an importer and assistant editor on the Daily Democrat, he and Mr. Link leased the Journal office January 1, 1887, and he once more assumed editorial charge of the paper. He was married in 1867 to Anna M. Link, a native of Illinois, and by this union has had five sons and one daughter. The father, John Gill, was born near Circleville, Ohio, in 1812, and afterward married Jane Crossen, whose death occurred in Indiana, our subject being the only child. The father afterward married Hannah Haner, nee Smith, by whom he had two children. He has resided in Kirksville ever since 1855, when he came from Indiana. The paternal great grandfather of William M. was born in England, and acted in the naval service of that country previous to his coming to America, which he did before the Revolution.

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This family biography is one of 150 biographies included in the Adair County, Missouri portion of the book,  The History of Adair, Sullivan, Putnam, and Schuyler Counties, Missouri published in 1888 by Goodspeed Publishing Co.  For the complete description, click here: Adair County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Adair County, Missouri family biographies here: Adair County, Missouri Biographies

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