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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Drew County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1890.  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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J. F. Donaldson is a leading merchant and planter of Collins, Drew County, Ark., but was born in the State of Mississippi October 24, 1845, and is a son of Nathan and Amelia (Aglin) Donaldson, who were born in Georgia and South Carolina, August 28, 1814, and June 21, 1815, respectively, their marriage taking place in the month of January, 1834. The father was a farmer and mechanic by occupation, and after residing in the State of Mississippi until 1852 he removed to the State of Arkansas, and is now residing in Drew County, at the age of seventy-five years. He served in the Mexican War, also in the Rebellion for a short time, and in his political views is a Democrat, serving on this ticket as justice of the peace of his township for several years. He is a R. A. M., and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their children are named as follows: William M., Mary E., Levi W., David P., James F., Lucinda J., Anthony I., Nathan A., Amelia C., Andrew J., and John (who died in infancy). J. F. Johnson has resided the greater portion of his life in Drew County, Ark., and has followed the life of an agriculturist, being now the owner of 600 acres of land, of which 100 acres are under cultivation, besides his general mercantile establishment, which is worth about $10,000. He opened his establishment in 1889, and by his accommodating spirit and enterprise has already built up a paying trade. On January 19, 1871, he was married to Miss Pollie A. Stewart, who was born in Tennessee, a daughter of Henry and Mary Stewart. They have had three children: Nora (who died in infancy), Ida M. and John A. Mr. Donaldson is a Mason, a K. of H. and a K. of P., and has held high offices in all these orders. He has been justice of the peace in his township for eight years, is a public spirited citizen, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church.

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This family biography is one of 83 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Drew County, Arkansas published in 1890.  For the complete description, click here: Drew County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

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