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Below is a family biography included in The History of Dent 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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Judge William Robert Love, president of the bank at Salem, and dealer in general merchandise at that place, is a native of Lincoln County, Tenn., born in 1823, and the son of Robert King and Margaret Catherine Love. Robert K. Love was born in Wilkes County, N. C., in 1790, and is the son of John Love, who was a native of Scotland. Robert Love immigrated to Tennessee when a young man, and was living in Lincoln County when married. In 1830 he moved to Washington County, Mo. (now Reynolds County), and here passed the remainder of his life engaged in farming. He died in 1843. His wife was born in Lincoln County, Tenn., in 1801, and died in 1838. She was the mother of six children, five of whom are still living: William R., John A., Dallason S., Elizabeth J. and Sarah A. William R. Love was reared and grew to manhood on a farm, and remained with his parents as long as they lived. In 1844 he married Miss Sarah P. Larimore, a native of Tennessee, born in 1825, and the daughter of James Larimore. Six children were the result of this union: Elizabeth, wife of B. M. Hodges; Dallason, who is in the store with his father; Andrew H., Mary, wife of Lucius Judson, attorney at law; William B. and Horace J. Mr. Love lived in Iron County until 1860, when he came to Dent County, and located two miles south of Salem. In the fall of 1862 he commenced merchandising in Salem, and about 1863 John W. Livesay became a partner. They did an immense business for upward of twelve years, having stores at Salem, Rolla and St. James at the same time, and during the year 1867 Mr. Love was a resident of Rolla. He was also in partnership with W. A. Young a few years in Salem. In November, 1883, the Bank of Salem was organized, and Mr. Love was elected president, which position he has held since its organization, he being the principal stockholder and prime mover in its organization. About 1875 he erected a large, three-story brick hotel, at a cost of $10,000, including the room in which he has his general store. Mr. Love is the owner of a large estate, and is perhaps the wealthiest citizen in the county. He is a man who has always led an active life, and has made a marked success financially. He commenced in life a poor boy, but by close application to business and economy he has accumulated a good property. In 1863 Mr. Love was appointed county treasurer of Dent County, was elected and served in all thirteen years. Later he was county judge for three years, being presiding judge. Mr. Love is a member of the Masonic fraternity, has been a life-long Democrat in his political views, and Mrs. Love is a member of the Baptist Church.

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This family biography is one of 82 biographies included in The History of Dent County, Missouri published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Dent County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

To view additional Dent County, Missouri family biographies, click here

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