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Below is a family biography included in The History of Madison 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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David M. Boydstun, merchant and postmaster at Suggs, King’s River Tp., Madison Co., Ark., was born in that county August 15, 1855, and is the son of David C. and Caroline C. (Chote) Boydstun, native of Tennessee and Alabama, respectively. The father was born February 15, 1813, and is now a resident of Madison County, Ark. He came to Madison County, Ark., about 1837, and was one of the very first settlers of that county. He has been a farmer all his life. The mother was born in 1818, and both she and her husband have been members of the Baptist Church for many years. He is a Democrat in politics. Twelve children were the fruit of their marriage, four now living: Mrs. Martha Cecil, Mrs. Rachel M. Whettley, Mrs. Nancy Suggs and David M. The latter has remained with his parents until the present time, and followed agricultural pursuits until 1881, when he engaged in merchandising at Marble. He was a partner of Jacob Owens for a short time, or until the latter’s death four months later. He then formed a partnership with E. a. Walls, and sold goods the remainder of the year, after which he dissolved partnership, moving to his present location, where he has sold goods ever since. He carries a stock of goods valued at $2,000, and the annual sales amount to from $8,000 to $10,000. Mr. Boydstun started with little means, but by industry and unusual business ability he has been quite successful. He has had a post-office established at Suggs lately, and has been appointed postmaster. September 18, 1874, he married Miss Minerva E. Wilkerson, daughter of Charles Wilkerson, and a native of Madison County, Ark., born April 13, 1860. Five children have been born to this union: Ellar M., Charles D., Eva C., William F. and Robert M. Mr. Boydstun is a member of the Free Will Baptist Church, is a member of the I. O. O. F. at Marble, and is Noble Grand, and is Democratic in his political views.

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This family biography is one of 99 biographies included in The History of Madison County, Arkansas published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Madison County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Madison County, Arkansas family biographies here: Madison County, Arkansas

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