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Below is a family biography included in The History of Barry 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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James Montgomery, a prominent farmer of Liberty Township—Barry County, Mo., is the second son and sixth child of Samuel and Jemimah (Little) Montgomery. Samuel Montgomery was born in 1805 in Virginia, and when a young man went to Tennessee, in which State he followed farming until 1842, when he removed to Barry County, Mo., locating on Shoal Creek two and one-half miles south of James Montgomery’s farm. The former was one of those who came to the wilderness of Southwest Missouri to make a home for themselves and families and to lend a helping hand in developing the wonderful resources of this region. He became a prominent citizen, and followed agricultural pursuits until his death on May 27, 1885. His wife was born in Georgia in 1808. She died about 1886. They were both consistent members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and were the parents of twelve children, eight daughters and four sons, of whom one is deceased. All the others reside in Barry County. James was born on February 3, 1835, in Rhea County, Tenn., and came with his parents to Missouri in 1842. Before the war he pursued the trade of cabinet-making and carpentering, but since has been engaged in farming. He served during the war in the Confederate army, as captain of Company I, Eighth Missouri Infantry. In 1870 he married Agnes A. McCary, a daughter of Lindsey McCary, I, a prominent farmer and mechanic of the county. Mr. Montgomery has a very desirable farm consisting of 300 acres of Woodward Creek Valley land, on which are two fine springs. He and wife have five children: Albert, Lydia, Finis, James and Joseph T. Politically Mr. Montgomery is a Democrat, and takes an active interest in public affairs. Both he and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

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This family biography is one of 103 biographies included in The History of Barry County, Missouri published in 1888.  For the complete description, click here: Barry County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

To view additional Barry County, Missouri family biographies, click here

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