My Genealogy Hound

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

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Francis M. Adams, general merchant of Belgrade, is the son of Rev. Nelson and Rebecca (Stephens) Adams, both born and reared in Tennessee, where they were also married. They lived in that State until 1830, when they came to Washington County and settled in that portion included in Iron County. The mother died in 1881, after which the father married Mrs. Henson. He is a farmer by occupation, and is still living in Iron County, being now seventy-nine years of age. He was a Whig in politics, and is now a Republican. For about forty-eight years he has been a minister of the Baptist Church. He was one of the old-time hunters, and by his first marriage became the father of fifteen children. Francis M. was the tenth child born to his parents, his birth occurring in the Washington fraction of Iron County, in 1842. He received his education on the old slab benches of early times, and in 1862 volunteered in Capt. W. T. Hunter’s Company of Third Missouri Cavalry, and served nearly three years, being sergeant nearly a year. After the war he taught school a term, and then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. In 1868 he married Miss Martha, daughter of Rev. Isaac Eaton, and a native of Crawford County. To this union were born five children, three now living: Monta, William and Aumon. After marriage Mr. Adams settled in Belgrade, and in 1872 began merchandising in a smoke-house without a floor, the title of the firm being W. P. Adams & Co., and their stock consisting of about $ 100 worth of staples. They soon built a magnificent box storehouse, 16x16, and this was enlarged by Mr. Adams, by an addition of a room, 20x24. In 1882 he became sole proprietor, and two years later he built the commodious house he now occupies, with store room, 60x30, and a warehouse, 16x30. In connection with merchandising he deals largely in stock and carries on farming, owning nearly 1,000 acres. When he began life he had nothing, but by industry and good management he has made all his property, and is one of the successful business men of Belgrade. For eight years he was postmaster at Belgrade; is a Republican in politics and is a member of the G. A. R. Both he and Mrs. Adams are members of the Baptist Church.

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This family biography is one of 138 biographies included in The History of Washington County, Missouri published in 1888.  For the complete description, click here: Washington County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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