My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Camden County, Missouri 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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Ephraim Hopkins, a successful tiller of the soil, was born in Marion County, Tenn., September 1, 1829, and is the son of John and Rebecca (Phillips) Hopkins, natives of North Carolina. The parents immigrated to Tennessee at a very early date, and at a time when the Indians were still there. The father was a farmer by occupation, and passed the latter part of his life in Tennessee. The grandparents on both the Hopkins and Phillips sides were soldiers in the War of 1812, and Grandfather Hopkins died while in service. To John and Rebecca (Phillips) Hopkins were born eleven children, four now living: Elisha C., Ephraim, James F. and Elizabeth (widow of William Hicks). The subject of our sketch was reared and educated in Tennessee, and made his home in Nashville for about twelve years, and was there engaged in teaming. About 1853 he, accompanied by his brother, Elisha C., came to Camden County in search of a location, and here Ephraim settled in about 1857. He entered a portion of the land, and bought a part. He owned 881 acres, and has about 150 acres under cultivation. He has deeded this land to his children: John, Alpha, Charley and George W. He has made nearly all the improvements, and has a good farm. He was constable for two years during the war. In 1855 he married Miss Angelina Thomas, a native of Kentucky, who bore him nine children, six now living: John, Rebecca (widow of Dr. Lyon), Christopher C. (deceased), Margaret, James (deceased), Alpha, Charles, George W. and Sarah Ann (deceased). The mother of these children died in March, 1882, and Mr. Hopkins took for his second wife Miss Sarah Herald, a native of Tennessee, who came to Tennessee with her parents in about 1866. In July, 1861, Mr. Hopkins enlisted in Company B, under Gov. McClurg, and served until disbanded, in December, 1861, when he was taken sick, and remained in the hospital at Jefferson City until February, 1862. He was on scouting duty most of the time while in service, and now receives a pension, as his eyesight was affected. He is a member of the G. A. R., and an enterprising citizen.

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This family biography is one of 46 biographies included in The History of Camden County, Missouri published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Camden County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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