My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Dallas 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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John O’Bannon, dealer in furniture and undertaking goods at Buffalo, Mo., is a native of Dallas County, and was born on the 10th of February, 1845, his parents being John and Nancy (Proctor) O’Bannon, a short history of whom is given in the sketch of Hon. George W. O’Bannon. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch was reared in Dallas County, and until seventeen years of age was engaged in tilling the soil on his father’s farm, but when the late Civil War broke out he left the plow to enlist in Company I, Sixteenth Missouri Cavalry, and was a faithful soldier until peace was declared. He participated in a number of hard skirmishes, and while on duty, commanding a squad of men, was thrown from his horse and had his left leg broken. He was taken to the Lebanon Hospital, where he remained two months, when he was able to rejoin his command, and was given the office of first duty-sergeant, which position he held until the spring of 1865, when he received his discharge. The first year after his return home he was engaged in teaching school, being then engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1868, when, in the fall of that year, he was elected to the office of county sheriff and collector of Dallas County, being re-elected to both offices in 1870. Two years later these offices were divided, and Mr. O’Bannon was re-elected collector, and after holding the position one year, resigned on account of failing health, and engaged in the mercantile business, which he carried on for about three years. He then sold drugs until 1885, when
he engaged in his present business, in which he is commanding a large and lucrative trade. He owns a valuable farm near Buffalo, and gives much of his attention to raising stock, especially mules. On the 16th of September, 1866, he was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Mary E. Lovan, by whom he has the following named children: William, Effie, Minnie and Roscoe. Mr. and Mrs. O’Bannon are consistent members of the Christian Church, and he is also a member of the Masonic fraternity and the A. O. U. W. of Buffalo, Mo.

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This family biography is one of 74 biographies included in The History of Dallas County, Missouri published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Dallas County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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

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