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Below is a family biography included in The History of Wright 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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Rufus L. Henderson, postmaster, grocer and druggist of Norwood, Mo., has been a resident of Wright County since 1883, and was born in Laclede County April 14, 1852. His father, Joseph Henderson, was born in Pennsylvania February 15, 1801, but was reared to manhood in Kentucky, and was there married to Miss Mary C. Williamson. About 1848 they removed to Missouri, locating in Laclede County, where the father worked as a farmer and mechanic until his death, June 3, 1874. His wife was born in Kentucky April 8, 1808. His father was born in Scotland, and was brought to America by his father, and located in Pennsylvania. He afterward moved to Caldwell County, Ky., being one of the pioneers of the State. Rufus L. Henderson is the youngest of ten children, and grew to manhood in Laclede County, Mo., receiving a common-school education. On the 1st of November, 1874, he was married to Miss Sarah I. McFarland, who was also born in Laclede County, but was a descendant of one of the old pioneer families of Kentucky. Her birth occurred on the 1st of November, 1857, and her union with Mr. Henderson resulted in the birth of six children: Freddie, Irvie, Burtie, Bessie, Jewel and Nellie. Previous to his arrival in Norwood, April 8, 1883, he was engaged in farming and blacksmithing, but has since been occupied in his present business. He also owns a one-half interest in a tract of 320 acres. He is a Democrat, and in 1885 was appointed postmaster of Norwood. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and he and wife belong to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

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This family biography is one of 90 biographies included in The History of Wright County, Missouri published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Wright County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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

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