My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in the book, The History of Knox County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1887.  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 F. Beal, treasurer of Knox County, Mo., is a native of the county, born July 18, 1854, and is a son of William M. and Sarah (McClamroch) Beal. [See sketch.] Our subject passed his youth in his native county, and received his education at the State Normal, at Kirksville. After completing his studies he engaged in the mercantile trade, being employed as a clerk for two years. He then established a business of his own at Kirksville, and in 1879 changed his place of business to Edina, where he has remained ever since, having met with good and well deserved success. At his store, on South Side Square, he carries a full and well selected stock of staple and fancy dry-goods, notions, gents furnishings, hats, caps, boots, shoes, etc., and controls a large country and city trade. In politics Mr. Beal has always been an unswerving Democrat, and in 1884 was elected on the Democratic ticket to serve as treasurer of Knox County; after serving a term of two years he was re-elected in 1886, and is now faithfully discharging the duties of his office. March 5, 1879, our subject was united in marriage to Miss Estelle V. Biggerstaff, daughter of E. M. Biggerstaff, of this city. To this union one son, Ralph H., has been born. Mr. Beal is a member of the A. O. U. W. He is also treasurer of the Fair Association, and is recognized as one of the most important and prominent citizens of Knox County.

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This family biography is one of 204 biographies included in the Knox County, Missouri portion of the book,  The History of Lewis, Clark, Knox and Scotland Counties, Missouri published in 1887.  For the complete description, click here: Knox County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Knox County, Missouri family biographies here: Knox County, Missouri Biographies

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