My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Cole 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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J. J. Sommer, a teacher of Osage City, Cole County, was born January 25, 1847, in Covington, Ky. He is a son of J. J. and Anna M. (Bahlman) Sommer, both natives of Oldenburg, Germany, who came to America in February, 1846. They were the parents of seven sons and one daughter, of whom all are living except one son. Our subject lived at home until he attained his majority, receiving his education mostly in the schools of his native place. After reaching his majority he entered the teacher’s profession, and in 1866 or 1867 removed to Cole County, Mo., where he has ever since resided, and with the exception of one term has taught all this time at Osage City. April 6, 1874, he married Catherine R. Muller. They have two children, George J. and Octavia C. Mr. Sommer served as county school commissioner four years, and for the past fourteen years has been justice of the peace of his township. Of both offices he is the present incumbent. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and in politics is a Republican. He owns his house and lot where he resides, in Osage City, and shows in having so long held his position as instructor that he has given good satisfaction and is a capable teacher.

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This family biography is one of 127 biographies included in The History of Cole County, Missouri published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Cole County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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

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