My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Texas 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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William J. Brown was born in Wilson County, Tenn., December 2, 1842, and is a son of William R. and Elizabeth (Bevel) Brown, a short history of whom is given in the sketch of George W. Brown. William J. Brown resided with his mother until he joined the State Militia, but afterward went with his mother to Cole County, Mo., where he lived for some time, and after a short stop in Pettis County, returned to Texas County in the fall of 1870, where he has since made his home. About 1866 he was married to Sarah G. Thons, a daughter of R. G. Thons. She was born in Guilford County, N. C., April 14, 1845, and died in Texas County, Mo., December 17, 1876, having been a consistent member of the United Baptist Church for a number of years. Their children are as follows: George W., Jr., Lily Bell, F. R., Thomas Jerry and Mary Caroline. In 1877 he married Nancy Cox, who was born in Tennessee, and died in Texas County, Mo., April 5, 1883. She was also a member of the United Baptist Church, and was the mother of three children, two of whom are living, Jimmie and Cora Bell. Mr. Brown has been a farmer and stock raiser all his life, and as such has been very successful, and is now a member of the Agricultural Wheel. He is a member of the United Baptist Church, and is a liberal supporter of religious and educational institutions, and in his political views is a Democrat.

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This family biography is one of 110 biographies included in The History of Texas County, Missouri published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Texas County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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

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