My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in the book, The History of Knox County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1887.  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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David Martin, one of the farmers of Knox County, was born in Fayette County, Penn., in 1820. His father, Frederick, was a native of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. His mother, whose maiden name was Reed, was a native of Maryland, and of English descent. Frederick Martin was a stone mason by trade, which business he followed until old age caused him to retire to a more quiet life, and he consequently spent his latter days on a farm in Fayette County. He served in the war of 1812, and during the late war was in sympathy with the Union cause. He was a resolute and determined man, of remarkable constitution, and, prior to his death, was in full possession of his mental and bodily powers. He died in Fayette County at the age of seventy-seven. His widow died at the same age, and was living with her son at the time of her death. Our subject was reared and educated in Fayette County, and in 1844 was united in marriage to Miss Firestone, daughter of Joseph Firestone, a native of Pennsylvania. Five children were born to this marriage—three sons and two daughters—only one now surviving, named James, and living at home with his father. Mr. Martin lost his wife, a Christian lady, in 1855, and two years later married Mrs. Firestone, who had four children, one only, Rev. Simeon Firestone, a farmer in Southeast Kansas, is now living. Mrs. Firestone’s maiden name was Wortic, and to her union with Mr. Martin seven children were born, four of whom are living: David F., Ida, Arminda and Laura E. It was in Adams County, Ill., that our subject lost his first wife, and after his second marriage he came to Missouri, where he has lived more than twenty years, and where he now owns 124 or more acres of land, well stocked and improved, with good buildings and an orchard. In politics he is a Republican.

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This family biography is one of 204 biographies included in the Knox County, Missouri portion of the book,  The History of Lewis, Clark, Knox and Scotland Counties, Missouri published in 1887.  For the complete description, click here: Knox County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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

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