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Below is a family biography included in The History of Jasper County, Missouri published by Mills & Company in 1883.  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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ROGER BURGESS, baker and confectioner, Joplin, was born in Cambridgeshire, England, May 8, 1828. His parents, James and Susan (May) Burgess, were also natives of England. His father was born in 1797, and died Aug. 2, 1861. His mother was born in 1799, and died Jan. 3, 1861. The subject grew to manhood in England, and was educated liberally in the English school. When fourteen years of age he commenced to learn the trade of baker and continued at it until 1846, when his parents moved on a farm and he left the confinement of his trade for the more healthful pursuits of agriculture. He immigrated to America in 1851, sailing from Liverpool Oct. 29, on the Vanguard, and after a voyage of about five weeks, arrived at New York City. Came west to Chester county, Pa., and learned the trade of augur-maker at New London. He went to Wilmington, Del., in 1854, and continued in same business for three years. He returned to England in the spring of 1857, and for two years engaged in agricultural pursuits; also, was local correspondent of the London Times. Then returned to the United States and came west to Chicago, Ill., and shortly after to Kansas, and engaged at farming in Labette county. Came to Joplin in 1881 and engaged in present business. Mr. Burgess was married in Cambridgeshire, England, Dec. 25, 1860, to Miss Sarah, daughter of John and Marian Beck. Mrs. Burgess was born April 5, 1843. There are from this union four children: James, born Feb. 27, 1862; John Roger, born Nov. 4, 1863; Arthur W., born Jan. 3, 1869; and Herbert E., born Aug. 31, 1870. While in England Mr. B. was frequently honored with positions of public trust and always proved a worthy and efficient officer. Business on Main Street, between Sixth and Eighth. He is a practical baker of years of experience, also a confectioner.

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This family biography is one of more than 1,000 biographies included in The History of Jasper County, Missouri published in 1883.  For the complete description, click here: Jasper County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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

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