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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Polk County, Arkansas published by Southern Publishing Company in 1891.  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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William H. Stiewig, a native of Osage County, Mo., was born December 22, 1842, son of William Theodore and Mary (Dugan) Stiewig, who were natives of Germany and Osage County, Mo., respectively. The father died at the age of sixty-five years in Red Willow County, Neb., in 1878, preceded by his wife in August, 1855, when only thirty years old. From Missouri the family moved to Titus County, Tex., in 1845, where Mrs. Stiewig’s death occurred. Later Mr. Stiewig returned to Missouri, settling in Franklin County, but in 1869 located in Red Willow County, Neb., where he kept hotel, conducted a furniture store and served as probate judge. He also, in his various locations, served his calling as a minister of the Christian Church. He was an honest, industrious man, well-liked by all those who knew him intimately. After the death of his first wife he wedded Miss Nancy Ladd, of Texas, who is now residing in Colorado. The father of William T. Stiewig was a native of Germany, but immigrated to this country and died in Nebraska. William H. Stiewig was the eldest of eight children, and his early education was obtained in Texas. From early youth he manifested much interest and proficiency in mechanics, and during the Rebellion was detailed to work on machinery and engineering. He remained in Titus County, Tex., until 1878, when he came to Polk County, Ark., and has since made it his home, being engaged in agricultural pursuits. Since 1883 he has resided on his present farm, which consists of 240 acres of arable land, which he has improved and rendered more valuable by so doing. To Mr. Stiewig’s marriage with Catharine Tedford, of Titus County, Tex., six sons and five daughters have been born. He is perhaps one of the very best posted men in his county; is quite a reader, an independent and intelligent voter, a Mason, an Odd Fellow, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church.

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This family biography is one of 32 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Polk County, Arkansas published in 1891.  For the complete description, click here: Polk County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

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