My Genealogy Hound

Hugh L. Testerman, one of the oldest, if not the oldest, settler in Pineville Township, McDonald Co., Mo., was born near the Blue Ridge Mountains, in Ashe County, N. C., on September 3, 1816. He is a son of James Testerman, also a native of Ashe County, N. C., who was a son of Thomas Testerman, a Revolutionary soldier. Hugh L. Testerman received a limited education in the subscription schools held in the rude log school­houses of those early days. In 1838 he left the “Old North State,” and went to Van Buren County, Iowa, and the following year came to McDonald County, then a part of Newton County, Mo. He lived with his uncle, Abraham Testerman, a farmer, who resided near where Galbraith’s Mill is now situated, until he settled on his present farm in 1842. His farm was then heavily timbered, except twenty acres. On September 12, 1841, he was united in marriage with Isabel Miller, a daughter of Henry Miller (deceased), and to them were born nine children. Those living are Jackson, Polk, Susan, Augusta, Henry, Rufice G, and Margaret. Mrs. Testerman died in 1883, after which Mr. Testerman married Mrs. Elizabeth Hopkins. Mr. Testerman is a prominent citizen, and is highly respected by all who know him. He is a consistent Christian, and a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. For two years he served his county as judge, and four years as treasurer. Mrs. Testerman has five children by her first marriage, viz.: Theophilus, Oscar, Hardy, Susan and Nannie.