My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in the book, The History of Putnam 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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J. P. Vandevort was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1814, and is a son of James and Rachel (Peters) Vandevort, natives of Virginia. The father served in the War of 1812, as sergeant of his company, and was a son of Charles Vandevort, a native of New Jersey, and a soldier in the Revolutionary War. The mother was a daughter of John Peters, a native of Pennsylvania, and a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Mr. and Mrs. Vandevort were of English and Dutch descent, respectively. J. P. Vandevort remained in his native county until about 1839, when he went to Morgan County, Ill., a year later removing to Louisa County, Iowa. About 1856 he came to Putnam County, where he has since resided. He has devoted his attention to farming since his boyhood, and at the age of twenty began life for himself. By good management and industry he has amassed a comfortable competence, and is the owner of 180 acres of good land, under good cultivation. In 1837 he married Miss Sophia Beck, a native of Pike County, Ohio, by whom five children have been born-James Milton, William Asberry, John C., Elizabeth and Phoebe. Mr. Vandevort lost his first wife in 1849, and in 1853 was married to Mrs. Adaline Snyder, whose maiden name was Ritew. This lady was born in Lancaster County, Penn., and is the mother of the following children: Winfield Scott, George R., Albert, Addie and Jane. Mr. and Mrs. Vandevort belong to no church, but sympathize with the doctrines of the Universalist and Methodist Churches, respectively. Mr. Vandevort is always interested in the welfare of his county and country, and during the late war served in Company I, Third State Militia Cavalry, from 1862 until the fall of 1863, when he was wounded in a severe skirmish at Newtonia, and returned home. He is a Republican, and, although he has served his township in various socia1 capacities, is no aspirant for honors.

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This family biography is one of 139 biographies included in the Putnam County, Missouri portion of the book,  The History of Adair, Sullivan, Putnam, and Schuyler Counties, Missouri published in 1888 by Goodspeed Publishing Co.  For the complete description, click here: Putnam County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Putnam County, Missouri family biographies here: Putnam County, Missouri Biographies

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