My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Texas 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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James A. Craven, merchant at Licking, Mo., was born March 28, 1848, in Randolph County, N. C, and is the son of John W. and Henrietta R. (Johnson) Craven. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and received a very limited education in the old-time schools. At the age of nineteen he began clerking for Dr. D. T. Collier for $13 per month, and two years later he became a partner of his father in the store at Licking. In all he was in partnership with his father for about twelve years, and with the exception of about six months he has been engaged in merchandising in this town since, keeping a general store. The firm has changed names several times, his last partner being Joel Sherrill. In 1888 Mr. Craven became sole proprietor, and now runs one of the most extensive stores in Licking. He was married September 8, 1879, to Miss Mary E. Sherrill, daughter of Joel Sherrill. Ten children were born to this marriage, eight now living: Rosa D., Joel W., Elbert E., Wesley H., James M., Eunice, Helen and Alfred F. July 23, 1888, Mrs. Craven died. Both he and wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He is a Mason, being Chaplain of Latimer Lodge No. 395, and is a Democrat in politics. In connection with merchandising he also runs a farm, and is the owner of 262 acres. As a business man he has been quite successful, having made most all he has by his own efforts. He has never aspired to any official position, but for eight years he has been notary public.

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This family biography is one of 110 biographies included in The History of Texas County, Missouri published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Texas County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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

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