My Genealogy Hound

REUBEN J. GENTRY. The farming community of Pettis County lost one of its most valued residents October 5, 1881, when Mr. Gentry was called home. He was one of the largest land-owners in the state, having in his possession seventeen hundred acres, which tract is now managed by his widow, who lives in Cedar Township. Mr. Gentry was a practical, energetic and persevering farmer, using modern methods in agriculture and the latest improved machinery.

Our subject was the son of Richard and Alzira (Miller) Gentry, the latter of whom was a daughter of William Miller, of Richmond, Ky. The father came to this locality from Kentucky in 1809, locating on a part of the ten thousand acres e owned at the time of his death, which occurred January 17, 1865, and a part of which is now owned by the widow of our subject.

Mr. Gentry was given a fair education in the common schools, and later attended Kemper School at Boonville, Mo., as did also his brother, William M. When ready to establish a home of his own, he married Miss Bettie Hughes, a native of this county, who was the fifth child in a family of seven born to Reece and Sarah A. (Burch) Hughes. After receiving instruction in the schools of her home locality, she attended Forest Grove Institute. Her marriage was solemnized April 5, 1871, and of her union with our subject there were born five children. Of these, Ruby is the wife of Dr. W. J. Ferguson; Sally married T. J. Sturges; and William H., Charles R. and Reuben J. are at home.

December 2, 1885, the widow of our subject was married to his brother, William M., who died May 1, 1889, leaving her in possession of sixteen hundred acres. He, too, was a farmer of prominence in this locality and a man greatly honored and respected for the upright manner in which he lived. Mrs. Gentry is a member in exexcellent standing of the Christian Church, and uses her means where she can accomplish the most good.