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Below is a family biography included in The History of McDonald 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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Moses R. DeGroff, real estate, abstract and insurance agent, of Pineville, Mo., was born in Bourbon County, Ky., on October 16, 1848. He is a son of Abram P. DeGroff, a resident of Neosho, Mo., who brought his family to Monroe County, Mo., in 1859, removing them to Newton County in 1866. Moses R. received a fair education in the common schools, and came to Pineville in 1869. For one year he wrote in the county and circuit clerk’s office, for Dr. A. W. Chenoweth, after which he traveled through Indian Territory and Texas, returning to Newton County, Mo., in February, 1871. He served as deputy sheriff and collector of that county for two years, settling permanently at Pineville in 1875. For eight years he filled the position of deputy circuit and county clerk of McDonald County, and for four years was county clerk. For the past twelve years he has been engaged in his present business. He furnishes abstracts to any land in the county, has the only set of abstract books in the county, and does a large insurance business for the following companies: “Home,” of New York; “Phoenix,” of Hartford, and “North America,” of Philadelphia. He also does a large real estate business. His marriage with Jennie LaMance was celebrated on March 4, 1875, and to them have been born five children, of whom Edgar N., William H., Bessie A. and Edna L. are living. Mrs. DeGroff is a daughter of James P. LaMance, one of the pioneers of McDonald County. Mr. DeGroff is a member of the I. O. O. F., of Neosho.

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This family biography is one of 82 biographies included in The History of McDonald County, Missouri published in 1888.  For the complete description, click here: McDonald County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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

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