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Below is a family biography included in the book, Portrait and Biographical Record of Johnson and Pettis County Missouri published by Chapman Publishing Company in 1895.  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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ALBERT NATHAN is the proprietor of a clothing and gentlemen’s furnishing goods store in Warrensburg, where he keeps a full line of ready-made suits, hats, caps, etc., and commands a large and increasing trade. He deserves great credit for the success which he has achieved, for he landed on the shores of the New World a few years since a stranger, unacquainted with the country and language, and possessing only a few dollars. Though he met with many difficulties in his upward struggle, he was industrious and not easily discouraged, and in time met with prosperity.

Mr. Nathan was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1848, his parents being Joseph and Sarah Nathan. The paternal grandfather bore the name of Nathan Nathan, and the eldest brother of our subject was so named in his honor. All of the brothers and sisters emigrated to the United States, and are now located in various parts of the country. The parents, however, never left their native land. The father survived until 1893, dying at the good old age of seventy-nine years.

In his early years Albert Nathan had meager school advantages, for as soon as possible he was obliged to make his own livelihood. In his youth he learned the butcher’s business and also bought and sold cattle for his employers. Believing that the New World afforded better opportunities for a young man of energy and good business ability, he bade good-bye to his old home and friends in 1866. After arriving at New York City, he at once proceeded to Chicago, in which city he dwelt about two years. Not knowing what was best for him to do, he went to a merchant, and after telling him the situation, took a small supply of goods and started out as a peddler. In this way he managed to make a comfortable living, and at length obtained a place as a clerk in a retail clothing store, where he remained for a few years. In 1886 he went to Ipswich, S. Dak., and embarked in business for himself as a retail clothier. Five years later he sold out and moved to Warrensburg, where he has built up a good trade.

While a resident of the Garden City, Mr. Nathan was married, June 13, 1879, to Annie Brodia, who was born while her parents were on the ocean en route for America. Mr. and Mrs. Nathan have two children, a son and daughter, both born in Chicago, Charles, January 10, 1881, and Sadie September 29, 1883. Mr. Nathan was brought up in the faith of the Hebrew Church, and meets with the congregation twice a year. Soon after reaching Chicago he took out his naturalization’ papers, and has since been a supporter of the Democratic party. He is kind, and often lends a helping hand to the poor and needy, for he has a vivid recollection of the days when he would have been glad of friendly aid. At Ipswich he became a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and on his removal here was transferred to the local lodge.

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This family biography is one of the numerous biographies included in the Johnson County, Missouri portion of the book,  Portrait and Biographical Record of Johnson and Pettis County Missouri published in 1895 by Chapman Publishing Co.  For the complete description, click here: Johnson County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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

View a map of 1904 Johnson County, Missouri here: Johnson County, Missouri Map

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