My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in the book, The History of Clark County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1887.  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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David Hand was born in Marion County, Ind., April 2, 1838, the son of Frazie and Margaret (Ferguson) Hand, natives, respectively, of New Jersey and Virginia. The father came to Clark County in 1843, and followed farming in this part of the State until his death in about 1854. The mother afterward married a John Morris, but died during the late war. The parents had three sons and five daughters born to them, and those living are Eliza (the wife of W. Morris) and our subject. David received little education in his youth on the farm, but has made up for it by his habits of observation. He was married in 1858 to Hannah La Masters, a native of Keokuk, Iowa. He at once moved to Alexandria, and was engaged as a laborer until he bought land. In 1872 he moved to Dr. George Jenkins’ place, near there, and in 1881 bought 150 acres from that gentleman. This is his present home, and is one of the best improved in the township. His residence was built in 1886. The following are his children: William, Robert, Henry, Margaret, Asbury, Emma, Samuel, Thomas and Florence. Our subject is a Republican, and since his conversion to the Methodist faith has been active in church affairs. He was converted in 1874. He is a total abstainer from spirits and tobacco. In 1886 he bought the Methodist Church, of Alexandria, which he rebuilt and refitted for all sects who worship God.

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This family biography is one of 232 biographies included in the Clark County, Missouri portion of the book,  The History of Lewis, Clark, Knox and Scotland Counties, Missouri published in 1887.  For the complete description, click here: Clark County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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

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