My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Phelps 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.

* * * *

John Simpson Livesay, treasurer of Phelps County, and hardware merchant in Rolla, a member of the firm of Livesay & Love, is a native of Franklin County, Ill., born December 16, 1852, being the son of John W. and Martha (McDonald) Livesay. John W. Livesay was a native of Maury County, Tenn., born in 1827, of Welsh descent. He went with his parents to Illinois when young, locating in Macoupin County, and afterward in Franklin County, where John W. taught school for three years. In December, 1853, he moved to Salem, Mo., and engaged in mercantile pursuits there for nine years. In 1862 he moved to St. James, in Phelps County, and in 1865 became a citizen of Rolla, where he already had a store. Besides this he had one in Salem. Mr. Livesay continued merchandising until 1878, when, owing to ill health, he was obliged to abandon it. He located on his farm one and a half miles west of Rolla, where he lived a quiet and retired life. He died August 14, 1886; was treasurer of Dent County for several terms, and was postmaster at Salem for several years. He was a man of large business capacity, and made a large amount of money. His wife was a native of Raleigh, N. C, born in 1829 and died May 7, 1887. They were the parents of ten children, five living: James D., Lewis A., John S.; Mary J., wife of Frank Beers, and Amanda M. John S. was but an infant when he was brought to Missouri; was reared as a salesman in his father’s store, commencing when he was sixteen years of age. He was educated at St. James, at Rolla, and at the State School of Mines. April 11, 1882, he married Miss Eliza E. Love, a native of Phelps County, Mo., born September 2, 1855, and the daughter of Robert A. and Amanda Love. Mr. Livesay worked for his father until 1878 or 1879, and then hired to Robert A. Love, becoming a partner in 1881. This partnership continued until 1886, when Mr. Livesay was elected county treasurer of Phelps County by a majority of 269. In 1888 he was re-elected to the same office by a large majority. In November, 1886, he and Thomas E. Love purchased a hardware store in Rolla, and have since continued that business. They carry a first-class stock of hardware, stoves and tinware, and are live, energetic men. Mr. Livesay is a Democrat in his political views, and is true to his party. In June, 1883, he was elected a member of the city council, and served four years, being the youngest member ever elected to that position. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 135, of Rolla, and of the Masonic Lodge No. 213, at this place, and Mrs. Livesay is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 71 biographies included in The History of Phelps County, Missouri published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Phelps County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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

To view a map of Phelps County, Missouri: Phelps County, Missouri Map

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