My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Franklin 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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John A. Blanton, a blacksmith and wagon-maker, of Sullivan, Franklin Co., Mo., was born in Monroe County, Tenn., May 1, 1830. He is the fourth of fourteen children of Joshua and Bethanie (Harmon) Blanton, and in 1842 immigrated to Missouri with his parents, who settled in Scott County and engaged in agricultural pursuits. He received a very limited schooling in his native State, and alone mastered the English language sufficiently to engage in business for himself. He was married August 10, 1851, to Sarah A., daughter of John Pratt, an old and honored citizen of Tennessee. Fifteen children were born to this union, seven sons and eight daughters, of whom two sons and two daughters are deceased. Those living are: Charles H., Alexander, Susan, Nancy, Virginia, Bethanie, John W., Phoebe and Edward (twins), Fred, and Emily J. After marriage Mr. Blanton settled on a farm of ninety acres, which he worked, and followed smelting lead ore for a number of years. In 1861 he began the trade of a blacksmith, which he has since followed. When the war broke out he enlisted in the Southern army under Gen. McBride, and participated in the battle of Pea Ridge, a number of skirmishes, and was discharged in 1862. He returned to his home and resumed his trade in Sullivan, where he now owns a good shop and tools, two houses and lots, and has an enviable reputation as a first-class workman. He is a stanch Democrat, and lends hearty support to his party. Mrs. Blanton is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

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This family biography is one of 305 biographies included in The History of Franklin County, Missouri published in 1888.  For the complete description, click here: Franklin County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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

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