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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Willis T. Ball, revenue collector, was born in this county in 1840, the son of James T. and Margret P. (Smith) Ball, the former of Scotch origin, born in Virginia in 1810, and married in 1831. He was a farmer, moved to this county, and bought 240 acres of land. He was killed at La Grange by a militiaman, during the war. His widow, of French and Scotch descent, was born in 1816 in Virginia, and now lives on the old homestead. Our subject and John T. (living on the home place) are the only children living of six born to her. Willis attended common schools, and lived at home until of age. In July, 1861, he joined Company B, of Greene’s regiment, and served at Athens, Lexington, Pea Ridge and other places, being discharged in 1862 at Abbyville, Miss. March 22, 1866, he married Hannah F. Snapp, who was born in this county August 18, 1844. Their children are Margret D., James M., Lulu, John T. and Charles. After marriage he began farming, the following year went to Knox County, and began his career as a merchant. In 1872 he established a drug store at La Belle, but was burned out December 27, 1884. The May following he began again, but in February, 1887, sold out. He is a Democrat, and first voted for Greeley. In November, 1886, he was elected to his present office. He is a Mason and an Odd Fellow. His wife is a Methodist.

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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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