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Below is a family biography included in the book, The History of Adair County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1888. 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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Capt. James Wilson is a native of Indiana, and was born in Dearborn County, February 27, 1829. His father, James, and his mother, Rachel (Davis), were born in the same State. James Wilson, Sr., served in the Indian War of 1812, but died a natural death on his farm in Indiana. The Captain spent his early life in Dearborn County, receiving his instruction at the common schools. In 1851 he married Miss Elizabeth J. Shephard, a daughter of Russell Shephard, of Ripley County at which place Mrs. Wilson was born and reared. After his marriage he farmed in that county for five years, but sold out in 1856, and, moving west, settled on the place in Adair County where he now resides. He has held several local offices, having been justice of the peace and postmaster at Wilson and other near places. In politics he is a Republican, and has served in the Home Militia and Home Guards. He was elected captain, and in the fall of 1862 was in service three months, but was, however in no engagements. The Captain has 320 acres in his home place, all fenced and improved, living in a substantial house, with good barns, etc., connected. He owns 130 acres in another tract, which are also well improved; and he is considered one of the well-to-do and enterprising farmers of Wilson Township. Mrs. Wilson is identified with the Baptist Church, and Mr. Wilson is a member of La Plata Lodge, No. 237, A. F. & A. M.
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This family biography is one of 150 biographies included in the Adair County, Missouri portion of the book, The History of Adair, Sullivan, Putnam, and Schuyler Counties, Missouri published in 1888 by Goodspeed Publishing Co. For the complete description, click here: Adair County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps
View additional Adair County, Missouri family biographies here: Adair County, Missouri Biographies
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