My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in the book, The History of Lewis 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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Prof. Jere T. Muir, lawyer, was born in Kentucky, in 1847. He came to this county in childhood. He was educated in the Illinois State University, in the years 1871-72-73, after which he returned to Lewis County, and taught the Monticello public schools. In February, 1874, he entered La Grange College, and graduated with the class of ‘77. While at college he had charge of one or more classes, and, in 1878, taught the department of mathematics. He then organized the Windsor public schools. After spending two years there, he returned to La Grange, and has since filled the chair of mathematics in the college. He was admitted to the bar in 1882, and has practiced ever since, in connection with his other duties. He has been alderman and also city attorney. In October, 1879, he married Elma Hay, a daughter of Dr. J. A. Hay, and a cousin of Col. John Hay, one of the authors of the life of Lincoln, now appearing in the “Century” magazine. She has been a music teacher in La Grange College since 1882. The grandfather of J. T. Muir was named Robert. He was reared and married in Virginia. His wife was a relative of Valandingham. They afterward moved to Kentucky, where they lived until death. The father was born in that State in 1804, and after his marriage with Ann M. Bartlett, of Kentucky, he moved to this county, and from here to Illinois, in 1865. He died in that State in 1872. The mother is now residing with our subject. She was born in 1805. The maternal great-grandfather was born in North Carolina, and served throughout the Revolution. The maternal grandparents were also natives of North Carolina, but died in Kentucky. Our subject is the youngest son of five sons and two daughters. He had two brothers in the Confederate service, who were captured at Louisville, Ky. One escaped, but the other was in prison at Camp Chase and Rock Island, until released by President Lincoln.

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This family biography is one of 293 biographies included in the Lewis 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: Lewis County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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

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