My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Jefferson 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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G. W. N. Elders, M. D., was born in Ste. Genevieve County, Mo., May 11, 1842, and is a son of Jesse and Elizabeth (Vandiver) Elders, of Scotch and German descent, respectively, and natives of America. He was reared on a farm, where he remained until his nineteenth year, receiving his literary education in the common schools and by private instruction. He enlisted (as G. W. Elders) in Company K, Thirty-fifth Regiment Missouri Volunteer Infantry, Union army, and served ten months, being discharged on account of disability. In May, 1863, he entered upon the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. E. N. Jennings, of Victoria. After taking one course of lectures, in 1865-66 he commenced the practice of medicine as an undergraduate, at Cedar Hill, Jefferson County, continuing the same for about six years, after which he attended the Missouri Medical College, at St. Louis, where he graduated in 1872-73. He removed from Cedar Hill to Hematite in the fall of 1881, where he has since been engaged in active practice. July 4, 1866, he married Amanda M. Null, who was born August 12, 1849, and is a daughter of John W. Null, Sr., of Jefferson County. To Dr. and Mrs. Elders have been born ten children, nine of whom still live. Nina E. E., born August 7, 1867, died August 26, 1868; Rosa A., born March 24, 1869; Louisa M., born October 3, 1870; George W. N., Jr., born May 31, 1872; William H., born April 2, 1874; Ellena M., born October 5, 1875; Lucy L., born March 8, 1878; Francis C. born April 11, 1880; John W. N., born September 2, 1883; Jessie M., born March 10, 1887. The Doctor is a member of the A. O. U. W., and he and wife and two eldest daughters are connected with the Christian Church. In political matters he is a Democrat. He is the owner of three houses and lots in the village in which he resides. His medical education was acquired by his own exertions, his sole capital being a suit of clothes and $40 in money. He now enjoys a good practice, and has considerable money drawing interest.

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This family biography is one of 224 biographies included in The History of Jefferson County, Missouri published in 1888.  For the complete description, click here: Jefferson County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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