My Genealogy Hound

Andrew Morgan Groff, farmer, was born in Franklin County, Mo., July 22, 1840, and is the son of Andrew and Ann (States) Groff. The father was a native of the State of Pennsylvania, born in the year 1791, March 14. His parents came from Holland. When a young man the father of our subject started West to find a home. He first stopped in St. Louis County, but afterwards located near Labaddie, Franklin County, and there passed the remainder of his days, dying in 1847. He was one of the first settlers, and, on coming to St. Louis County, was obliged to swim the Mississippi River, there being no other way to cross. When going to church he had to take his gun for protection from Indians and wild animals. His wife was a native of Kentucky, born March 17,1801, and died in Franklin County, Mo., about June 9, 1857, at an advanced age. She was a member of the Baptist Church. To their marriage were born sixteen children, thirteen of whom lived to be grown, and only five of whom are now living. Andrew M. was the thirteenth child. He received his education at home schools, and, being the youngest son, remained at home and managed his mother’s business. At the time of her death he had started to buy the shares of the others in the old homestead. In 1884 he purchased the farm that his elder brother, John, owned, and November 17, 1885, moved to it. Previous to this, October 15, 1878, he married Miss Rebecca Coleman, a native of Franklin County, Mo., born November 22, 1849, and the daughter of S. J. Coleman. Three children were the result of this union, two of whom are now living, viz.: Ella U. and Spencer Irwin. The one deceased was named Alma Rebecca. Mr. Groff is Democratic in his political views, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church.