My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in the book, The History of Scotland 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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Maj. Henry M. Gorin was born in Christian County, Ky., October 14,1812, the son of John D. and Martha (Thomas) Gorin, natives of Virginia and South Carolina, respectively. The father was a farmer and sheriff of Todd County, Ky., and in 1828 went to Vandalia, Fayette Co., Ill. He there held various county offices, and for several years was judge of the probate court. He died in 1846. Our subject was reared on a farm, and educated at Cumberland College, Princeton, Ky. In Illinois he was engaged as clerk in mercantile pursuits, and afterward studied medicine under an elder brother. He then went to Macon County, Ill., where he was both county and circuit clerks for about eight years. In 1841 he came to Scotland County, and settled on a claim near Memphis about six miles to the north. The following year he was made judge of the county court, and in 1843 was appointed both circuit and county clerks. He served by re-election until 1854. He had begun merchandising in Memphis in 1849, and continued with success until 1861. He was a member of the constitutional convention of that year. In 1872 he was elected county tax collector, and served four terms. Before the war he was a Whig, and was opposed to secession, but was in sympathy with his State. Since the war he has been a Democrat. April 23, 1835, he married Mary A. Love, a native of Pike County, Mo. She died February 1, 1884. Their children are Martha E., the wife of Dr. J. T. Crow; Maria E., the wife of G. L. Evans; Mary J., the widow of D. Stith; Catherine M., the wife of G. T. Collins; and Helen M., the wife of D. F. Shipman. He has been a Mason for about forty years, and he and his wife hold to the Presbyterian faith. He is now leading a retired life, after years of successful living. He served in the Black Hawk war. Very much of the history of the county has been derived from his memory.

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This family biography is one of 140 biographies included in the Scotland 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: Scotland County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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

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