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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Jefferson County, Arkansas 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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Frank Silverman, sheriff and collector, Pine Bluff, Ark. The public services of Mr. Silverman since his election to his present position have been characterized by a notable devotion to the welfare of this county, and his ability and fidelity in this position of public trust, have made a lasting impression upon the sphere of public duty. He was born in Wooster, Wayne County, Ohio, January 6, 1843, and is the son of Lyon and Mary (Troutman) Silverman, the father a native of Germany and the mother of Berks County, Penn. The maternal great-grandfather, Jacob Troutman, was a Revolutionary patriot, and could not speak a word of English. Lyon Silverman came to America when thirteen years of age and stopped at Philadelphia, where he became apprenticed to the mercantile business. He subsequently went to Mansfield, Ohio, where he engaged very extensively in merchandising, and later moved to Wooster, where he was married and remained for several years. He is now a resident of Rockaway, N. Y., being retired in his seventy-second year. The mother died at Little Rock, Ark., in 1885. They were the parents of eight children, seven now living: Frank Caroline (who resides in New York City), Emma (resides in Little Rock), Samuel (resides in St. Louis), Ida (resides in Portland, Ore.), Belle (resides at the same place), and Georgia (also there). Frank Silverman was reared and educated in Wisconsin, having graduated at Racine (Wisconsin) College. In 1859 he started out to travel, visiting the principal cities of Europe, and was abroad about one year. In 1861 he enlisted in the three months’ service, and at the expiration of that time joined the regular service, but being under age his father got him out much to the disgust of the young hero. In 1871 he went to St. Louis for a short time, and subsequently to Pine Bluff, Ark., where he became editor of the Jefferson Republican, purchasing the outfit and running the paper for two years. He next engaged in the mercantile business, but was quite unfortunate in this venture and became entirely bankrupt. In 1876 he was elected on the Republican ticket as county and probate judge, holding the position two years. He then became land commissioner of the Little Rock & Texas Road, held this position a short time and next became deputy sheriff, discharging the duties of this place until elected to his present office, in 1886, being re-elected in 1888. He has conducted the official affairs to the entire satisfaction of all, and during this time has been twice receiver of the Pine Bluff & Swan Lake Railroad. He was married first, in 1863, to Miss Lizzie Swords, by whom he had three children: Maude, Randall and Blanche. Mr. Silverman was married the second time, in 1873, to Miss Grace Hawley, by whom he has one child, Edith. He is past eminent commander of the Knights Templar, and is the grand representative of the State of New Hampshire in Arkansas. He is a member of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Knights of Honor, Royal Arcanum and American Legion of Honor.

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This family biography is one of 136 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Jefferson County, Arkansas published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Jefferson County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

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