My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of McDonald County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1888.  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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George W. Smith, of the firm of Smith & Seabourn, general merchants of South West City, Mo., was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, on January 26, 1858, and is a son of Benjamin F. Smith, now a resident of South West City. The latter immigrated to Southwest Missouri in the spring of 1867, and located at Neosho, where he remained but two months. He then came to McDonald County, and settled on a farm one mile north of South West City. George W. Smith was reared at the home of his father, and secured his education in the common schools of the county and Neosho city schools. Upon attaining his majority he commenced farming for himself, and continued until 1883, when he and Gen. J. C. Seabourn formed a part­nership, and engaged in their present business. On May 30, 1879, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Cynthia A. Shields, a daughter of George R. Shields, of McDonald County. Their union has been blessed by the birth of one child, Mary E., who was born on March 5, 1880. In poli­tics Mr. Smith endorses and supports the principles of the Republican party. For two years he served as postmaster of South West City.

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This family biography is one of 82 biographies included in The History of McDonald County, Missouri published in 1888.  For the complete description, click here: McDonald County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

To view additional McDonald County, Missouri family biographies, click here

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