My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Polk County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1889.  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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Thomas Greer, another successful farmer, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, July 19, 1844, and is the second of six children, four now living, two sons and two daughters, born to George and Eliza (Gourley) Greer, both natives of the northern part of Ireland. The parents were married in their native country and there remained until 1849, when they sailed for America, locating at Philadelphia, Penn. The father was a dyer by trade, which occupation he followed in the old country and also in Philadelphia. In 1856 they emigrated to Boone County, Ill., where he and his sons worked out. Everything was high on account of the Crimean War, but soon however, wheat dropped to thirty-five cents, and money was loaned at twenty per cent. Wishing to find a warmer climate, Mr. Greer and family moved to Polk County, Mo., in February, 1860. He and wife were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and he was a Republican in politics. He died in 1887, but the mother is still living and is seventy-six years of age. Thomas Greer was but five years of age when he was brought to America, and he received what education he got in the public schools of Philadelphia. When about eleven years of age he began learning the manufacture of hosiery, and worked at the business for about nine months. After coming with his parents to Missouri he worked by the month for the man who owned the place where our subject is now living. In August, 1861, Mr. Greer enlisted in Company C, Fifteenth V. S. R. C, Missouri Home Guards service, and was on duty until December. In February, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Eighth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, and served three years, but never received a scratch. Returning to his home, he engaged in farming, and in 1874 was elected sheriff of Polk County and served two years. In 1882 he was elected collector, and served a term, being elected by the Republican party, with which he affiliates. He is a Knight Templar and also a member of the G. A. R. January 1, 1867, he married Miss Emaline Lower, a native of Roane County, Tenn., born January 18, 1846, and a daughter of George W. and Elvira Lower. To them were born ten children, eight now living: Charles E., Robert A., Alice, Thomas, Naomi, Emma, George, Oliver and Maud. Both Mr. and Mrs. Greer are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Greer owns 230 acres of land, with 175 acres under cultivation. He is a wide-awake citizen, and one who is highly respected.

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This family biography is one of 132 biographies included in The History of Polk County, Missouri published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Polk County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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