My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Lawrence County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1888.  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.

* * * *

Granville Smith. Among the many progressive and successful farmers of Lawrence County, Mo., may be mentioned Mr. Smith. He is a son of John and Barbara (Holt) Smith, and was born in Bedford County, Tenn., in 1826. The father was an early resident of Indiana, but after living there about nine years moved to Missouri in 1839, and settled in Greene County, and afterward in Barry County, where he kept a public inn or way-house, where stock men and drovers made their stopping place. He died in 1864, leaving four children—three daughters and one son. Granville Smith made his home with his father until the latter’s death, when he purchased the home farm upon which he lived until 1874, then sold out and moved to Lawrence County. He located on a fine farm of 280 acres near Marionville, which, under his skillful management, has become one of the most attractive farms and pleasantest homes in Lawrence County. Besides his farm he owns a one-half interest in a large store building in Marionville, which is located on the square, and is a valuable piece of property. Mr. Smith served in the Union army during the late war, enlisting in 1862 in the State Enrolled Militia, serving two and a half years under Capt. J. M. Moore. He was taken prisoner on Crane Creek, but after seven days captivity was recaptured by Capt. Flagg at the battle of Wilson’s Creek. He then returned home and engaged in the peaceful pursuit of farming. In January, 1861, he was married to Miss Sarah Burroughs, by whom he has had ten children, seven of whom are living: Mary (Mrs. James Yoachum), Cornelia, Martha A. (Mrs. David Kimes), John (married to Mollie Gammel), Henry A., William and Helen. Mr. Smith is a Royal Arch Mason, and his wife and three oldest daughters are members of the Baptist Church.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 272 biographies included in The History of Lawrence County, Missouri published in 1888.  For the complete description, click here: Lawrence County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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

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