My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Benton County, Missouri 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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J. W. Rolstin came from Ontario, Canada, in June, 1865, and left that country with the intention of going to Memphis, Tenn. He proceeded as far as Louisville when he found affairs in an unsettled condition, and also that a pass was necessary from the Federal authorities to enable him to go farther south, so he concluded to look for a location near where he was. Himself and brother, Henry, who was looking for a location to settle as a practicing physician, and who had graduated from the Buffalo (N. Y.) Medical College, arrived at St. Louis, and went from there to Sedalia, where they hired teams and went over the country searching for a location. They found Missouri, and especially Benton County, the most delightful spot ever seen. Here Mr. Rolstin invested in land and bought the farm known as the Bowman place, situated four miles west of where Lincoln now stands. In 1870 Mr. Rolstin bought the place where he now lives, and afterward built one of the finest residences in the county. Two years after coming here he returned to his native country and brought back a bride—Miss Eliza Clark, daughter of William Clark, of St. William, Ontario. This happy union resulted in the birth of three daughters and one son: Brittie, Belle, William and Louise. Mr. Rolstin is a member of Veritas Lodge No. 379, I. O. O. F., located at Lincoln. He is a supporter of the Democratic party.

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This family biography is one of 86 biographies included in The History of Benton County, Missouri published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Benton County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Benton County, Missouri family biographies here: Benton County, Missouri Biographies

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