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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Joseph Wells, farmer, is a native of Nelson County, Ky., where he was born June 10, 1816. His parents, Thomas and Mary (Auskins) Wells, were natives of Pennsylvania and Kentucky They were married in the latter State, and came to Lewis County, Mo., in 1837; after renting there for about one year they became permanent residents of Clark County, where the father died in 1854 and the mother twenty years later. Our subject was educated in his native State, and began independently at the age of twenty-two; he soon married, and settled where he has since resided. His wife Elizabeth, a daughter of Hezekiah and Frances (Ford) Foree, was born December 15, 1815, in Oldham County, Ky., and came with her parents to Missouri in 1838; she was married November 17, 1839. Of their twelve children the following are living: William H., Isaac M., Mary F, Thomas, Elizabeth A., Judith, Emily C., Joseph M., Robert and Susan. Our subject s estate embraces over 330 acres, which is mostly improved and cultivated, and in a pleasant location. Our subject has been prominent in the growth of the county, and is closely identified with its history. He first voted for Harrison, and held Whig principles, but afterward became a Democrat. His entire family have been active members of the Baptist Church.

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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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