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Below is a family biography included in the book,  Portrait and biographical record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, Pennsylvania published in 1894 by Chapman Publishing Company.  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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JAMES B. MORE, who combines the duties of Justice of the Peace with those of a fire insurance and conveyancing business, has held the former position for a period of twenty-five years, and is one of the best known men in this portion of the county. Mr. More was born in Lower Saucon Township, November 9, 1837, and is the son of James and Mary (Boehm) More.

The paternal ancestors of our subject originally came from England, and located in Berks County, this state, where the grandfather, Thomas More, was born July 8, 1776. The latter, who was a miller by trade, was a Democrat in polities and a devoted member of the Reformed Church. He married Miss Anna Elizabeth Geager, who was born September 11, 1775, and died May 20, 1814. By their union were born six children, three sons and three daughters. Thomas More died March 13, 1851.

James More, the father of our subject, was born in Macungie Township (at that time in Northampton County), February 1, 1802. He was trained by his father to the business of a miller, which he followed with fair success in different places until his decease, in December, 1875, in Lower Saucon Township. He married Mary, daughter of Anthony and Catharine (Geissinger) Boehm, of the above place, their marriage being celebrated October 16, 1821. By their union there were born six children, bearing the respective names of Charles, Thomas, Peter, William, Elizabeth and James. All but the eldest are living and comfortably situated. James More was a Democrat in politics and an active church worker, holding membership with the Reformed Church. He died December 25, 1875. His wife, who was born in Lower Saucon Township, Northampton County, January 14, 1802, died October 1, 1868. Both parents are buried in the graveyard of Christ Union Church, of Lower Saucon.

After spending his boyhood days on his father’s farm our subject went to Bethlehem and completed his education in the excellent schools of that place. He is a member of the Democratic party, and has always been popular in political circles. In 1868 he was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace, which position he has continued to hold in different localities since that time, a period of nearly twenty-six years. Beside his long service in the above position, he served ten years as Postmaster, three years as Deputy Coroner, was twice elected School Director and three times Assessor. He is well posted regarding the history of this section of country and its wonderful development, and proud of his connection with those who have aided in making it so flourishing a locality. His intelligence, good citizenship and fine character entitle him to the esteem of his acquaintances and his friends are many and sincere.

James B. More and Miss Emma M., daughter of Michael and Catherine Meyers, were married May 1, 1862. The son and two daughters who have been born to them are: Victor Vincent, who married Sophie Weber; Minnie M., now the wife of Albert B. Fehr, of South Bethlehem; and Mabel May, who married John J. McAndress, also a resident of the above place.

Mr. More is greatly interested in historical and biographical works, and has many volumes devoted to this kind of reading in his library. He is a member of the Reformed Church. The wife of our subject is of German and French descent, the first of the name emigrating from the Fatherland many generations ago and locating in Bucks County. Her grandfather Meyers, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, during the later years of his life was a resident of Northampton County, where his death occurred. The father of Mrs. More was born in Bucks County, whence he was taken by his parents to Northampton County. He was by trade a carpenter, but during the greater part of his life was engaged in farming and merchandising. On entering the field of politics he was successively Constable, Justice of the Peace, County Registrar, and finally was elected to the State Legislature. He departed this life in Bethlehem Township in February, 1863. He was the father of nine children, of whom those living are Angeline, Saloma, Clarissa, Oliver, Horatio and Emma M., the latter now Mrs. More.

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This family biography is one of the numerous biographies included in the book, Portrait and biographical record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, Pennsylvania published in 1894 by Chapman Publishing Company. 

View additional Northampton County, Pennsylvania family biographies here: Northampton County, Pennsylvania Biographies

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