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Below is a family biography included in The History of Jasper County, Missouri published by Mills & Company in 1883.  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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JOHN M. BALLARD. Prominent among the old settlers of Preston township is the subject of this sketch. He was born in Morgan county, Ind., Jan. 16, 1827, and spent his boyhood days on the farm, remaining at home, in Morgan county, until 1870, with the exception of one winter, which he spent in Iowa, 1853-54, and then returned to Indiana. In 1856 he was married to Margaret Greeson. In 1870 he moved to Lawrence county, Mo., farming one season. He then came to Jasper county, locating on his present farm of 160 acres, all improved, 100 under cultivation, and has a good spring of water near the house. He has five children living: Addie J., Sylvester and Sylvanus (twins), Olive, and Effie. Mr. Ballard and family are members of the Society of Friends, or Quaker denomination, and are held in very high esteem by their friends and neighbors.

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This family biography is one of more than 1,000 biographies included in The History of Jasper County, Missouri published in 1883.  For the complete description, click here: Jasper County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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

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