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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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William B. Kerby, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Adair County, Mo., September 11, 1839, and is a son of A. C. Kerby, who was born in Warren County, Ky., in 1801, and Elvira (Blew) Kerby, also a native of that county and State. The family moved to Missouri about 1827, locating first in Randolph County, where they resided a few years and then moved to Macon County. In 1842 they moved to Liberty Township, Putnam County, where the father entered and improved land. In 1872 he sold out and moved to Carroll County, but six months later removed to Lawrence County, where he died in 1875. His family of four sons and six daughters all grew to maturity, the sons and two daughters still living. Mr. William Kerby is the only one who resides in Putnam County. He grew to manhood upon the farm in Liberty Township, Mo., and was married in Grant Township, upon the farm where he now lives, on April 3, 1862, to Miss Mary M. Rhoades, daughter of Jacob and Jane (Terrel) Rhoades, who came to Putnam County from Pennsylvania. Mrs. Kerby was born in Van Buren County, Iowa, and reared in Putnam County. After his marriage Mr. Kerby managed the Rhoades farm until 1873, when he moved to Carroll County. In 1876 he returned to the old place, in Putnam County. He now owns 160 acres of land, 135 fenced and well cultivated. After twenty-five years of wedded life Mr. Kerby lost his faithful and devoted wife, September 2, 1887. To them eight children were born: Elmas (a county teacher), Florence and Joanna; five died in infancy. Mrs. Kerby was a member of the Baptist Church, to which Mr. Kerby is united. He is a Republican in politics.
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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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