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.

* * * *

Frederick Layman, the subject of this sketch, is of German parentage, and was born in Germany in 1833. His father, William, was a shoemaker by trade, and both he and his wife, Caroline, were members of the old established church, and lived to a good old age. Our subject came to this country when but a lad of fifteen or sixteen, and then served an apprenticeship of seven years in Philadelphia, with an expert mechanic, named Charles Dean. He then worked at his trade for three years in Fairmont, Va., during which time he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Sigesteil, a native of Germany, born in 1837, and daughter of George Mike Sigesteil. Mr. and Mrs. Sigesteil are members of the Lutheran Church. Soon after his marriage our subject removed to Keokuk, Iowa, then Canton, Mo., and from there went to Knox County, Mo., at a time when wild game and beasts were plentiful, and often seen near Mr. Layman’s door. Here our subject began to work at the anvil, and by practice and close attention to business he is now one of the best blacksmiths in the county, doing a very lucrative business. Besides having a fine trade, our subject owns over 500 acres of very valuable land in Myrtle and Jeddo Townships. Mr. Layman is identified with the Republican party, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To their union the following children have been born: Mela, deceased; Carrie, wife of Mr. Hugo Durst, a painter by trade, who now resides in Quincy, Ill.; Henry, Louis, Frederick, Albert, James, Annie, Jacob, Maggie and Eddie. Our subject has been married thirty years, and is an excellent citizen.

* * * *

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

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.