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Below is a family biography included in The History of Newton 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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Rev. Marquis T. Robb, of Talmage, Mo., is the son of Milton Robb, who was born in Bartholomew County, Ind., and the grandson of one of the pioneers of the county, who settled here when Indians were plentiful, and wild game was on every hand; on the maternal side, the grandmother shot a bear. Milton Robb learned the cooper’s trade, and secured an education under great difficulties. He cleared land during the day, and studied at odd times, often by the light of a brush fire. He began teaching school, and became one of the most successful teachers and singing masters of his day. He married Mrs. Mary E. Gregg, a widow, formerly Miss Mary E. Evans, daughter of Jesse and Peggie (Russell) Evans. To Mr. and Mrs. Robb were born five children: James, Marquis T., John N., Nancy A. and Alice. Mr. Robb was married at the age of thirty-two, and after that event he purchased a farm. In 1850 he moved to Montgomery County, Ill., and remained here until his death; he died in 1874, at the age of sixty-four. He was in easy circumstances, and his property he left to his children. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, well educated for his day, and one who commanded a great deal of respect. His son, Marquis T. Robb, was born in Bartholomew County, Ind., in 1849, and was reared on a farm. He received a good common school-education, and finished at McKendall College, in St. Clair County, Ill. In 1869 he married Miss Sarah M. Umphres, daughter of Silas H. and Lucinda (Russel) Umphres. To Mr. and Mrs. Robb were born seven children, five now living, as follows: Willie H., Freddie E., John H., Nina E. and Thomas S. After marriage Mr. Robb engaged in farming on land given him by his father in Montgomery County, Ill., and there remained four years. In 1873 he moved to Newton County, Mo., settled on his farm of eighty acres, near Talmage Station; he now owns 337 acres, and also owns a grist-mill. He has been postmaster and railroad agent at Talmage, and is a much respected citizen. Being a very religious man he began to exhort in the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1873; in 1881 he became a preacher in the Holiness Church, and has followed his ministerial duties since. The Holiness denomination claim to adhere to the original doctrines of John Wesley, and to the true Methodists, believing in conversion and sanctification, taking the Bible as a guide. Mr. Robb is a Republican in his political opinions, and stands high in the estimation of all who know him. He leads a Christian life, devoted to true and earnest work; is a regular ordained minister in his church, a pastor of the church at Granby, and he travels and preaches the Gospel without any remuneration, sometimes going hundreds of miles. None of the members of this church receive any given salary.

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This family biography is one of 220 biographies included in The History of Newton County, Missouri published in 1888.  For the complete description, click here: Newton County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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

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