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.

* * * *

Henry J. Hewitt was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., in the year 1831. His father, Don C. Hewitt, also a native of New York, was of Scotch descent, as was also the mother, who was born in the State of Connecticut. They were married in the State of New York, where they passed the principal part of their days. The father was a farmer and merchant. In 1836 he immigrated to Michigan, where he followed agricultural pursuits. He also held the office of sheriff. Eleven years later Mr. Hewitt moved to Northeast Missouri, settled in Knox County, where he followed merchandising, farming and stock raising. In 1853 he moved to Canton, and after merchandising there for some time, moved to Schuyler County, where he again engaged in commerce. He died in Adair County. He was a thrifty, industrious man, and was universally respected. He was originally an old line Whig, but later a Democrat, and was a member of the Baptist Church. He left a widow and two sons, having lost two children some time before. Mrs. Hewitt has made her home with her son, Henry J. Hewitt, since the death of her husband; and, although she has seen eighty-one summers, is yet vigorous and hearty. Our subject made his home with his parents until he reached his majority. He received a good education, and began working on an excellent farm in Knox County, which was given him by his father. Just previous to locating on his farm, our subject was united in marriage to Miss Virginia O. Staples, a daughter of William and Julia (Bufford) Staples, both natives of Virginia. Our subject farmed for one year, and then clerked in a general merchandise store one year, and rented his farm. He then went to Canton, and engaged in the livery business, in which he met with excellent success. He then gave up this business, and came to Fairmont, Clark County. He afterward went to Schuyler County, and engaged in the mercantile business, where he remained for six years, and then commenced staging, which business he followed all through the war In 1878 our subject moved to his farm in Clark County, and later sold that farm, and moved to Fairmont, where he has ever since made his home, living in the house he first built for a tavern, in which business he is now engaged. To our subject and wife were born six children, three of whom are living: Bettie (widow of W. W. Smith), Charles T. and Carrie C, now attending school. Mr. Hewitt keeps a first-class tavern, and is a well-respected citizen. He, like his father, is a Democrat in his political views, and a member of the Baptist Church.

* * * *

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

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.