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Below is a family biography included in The History of Madison County, Arkansas 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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Alexander Dorsey, one of the oldest and most prominent citizens of Richland Township, Madison Co., Ark., was born in Warren County, Tenn., in 1830, January 29, and is a son of Bennett and Ann (Dennis) Dorsey, who were natives of North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively. The father’s birth occurred January 19, 1800, and he died in Madison County, Ark., when about eighty-three years of age. He became an early resident of Tennessee, but came to Arkansas in 1838. He was a farmer, and accumulated a fine property, which was lost during the war, his houses and barns being burned, and his property being destroyed. He was a Southern sympathizer. His wife was born in 1807, and died in 1886, being a worthy and consistent member of the Baptist Church. Twelve children blessed their union, Alexander being their fourth child. He made his home with his parents until his marriage to Lavina Hillis in 1854. She was born in Tennessee, and died about 1858, leaving two children, Mary E. and Joseph. December 29, 1859, Mr. Dorsey married Eliza Boyd, and their marriage resulted in the birth of four sons and four daughters. He is a prosperous farmer, being the owner of 860 acres of fine land, and one of the most extensive stock raisers in Madison County. In February, 1863, he enlisted in Company B, First Arkansas Infantry, Federal service, and was a faithful soldier until the close of the war. He is now a member of the G. A. R., and belongs to the Republican party.

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This family biography is one of 99 biographies included in The History of Madison County, Arkansas published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Madison County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Madison County, Arkansas family biographies here: Madison County, Arkansas

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