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Below is a family biography included in The History of Moniteau 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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J. W. Brent, M. D., one of the successful practicing physicians of Moniteau County, is a native of Lancaster County, Va., and the son of Charles S. and Sarah (McTyre) Brent, natives of Virginia, the father of English and the mother of Scotch descent. The family came to Missouri in 1838, settling in Hickory County, and here the father carried on farming until his death, which occurred in 1858, at the age of fifty-four. The mother still lives on the old homestead, and there J. W. grew to manhood. He remained on the farm until sixteen years of age, after which he attended school for one year. At the age of seventeen he commenced teaching, followed this profession for two years, when he began reading medicine, and later entered the McDowell Medical College, from which institution he graduated in 1857. He also has a diploma from St. Louis College. He located at Louisburg, Dallas Co., Mo., remained there two years, and then went to Bolivar, Polk County, where he remained until 1864, when he came to Tipton, Moniteau County, and here he has remained ever since actively engaged in the practice of his profession. He was married in 1865 to Miss Ella Johnson, a native of Boonville, and the daughter of William Johnson, a merchant of that place. To Dr. and Mrs. Brent were born three interesting children: Maggie, wife of William E. Hewey, of Wichita, Kas.; Laura, wife of Samuel Hewey, also of Wichita, Kas., and Ella, at home. Dr. Brent has taken an active part in politics, was for six years chairman of the Democratic Central Association of his county, and has held various town offices. He has been one of the most active organizers in the medical profession. He organized the Central Missouri Medical Society, and the John McDowel Medical Society, of both of which he has been president. He has also been vice-president of the State Medical Association. He is the owner of 6,000 acres of land.

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This family biography is one of 187 biographies included in The History of Moniteau County, Missouri published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Moniteau County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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

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