My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Wright County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1889.  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.

* * * *

Judge Marion Ward, associate judge of the Southern District, Wright County Court, of Missouri, was born in Jefferson County, Tenn., in 1843, and is the son of James and Nancy (McKinney) Ward. James Ward was born in Virginia, and moved from that State to Tennessee, where he passed his last days. His father, John Ward, was one of the early settlers of Tennessee, from Virginia, and was of Irish descent, his father having been born in Ireland. Nancy (McKinney) Ward was born in Tennessee, and by her marriage to Mr. Ward became the mother of eight children, three now living. She died in Jefferson County, Tenn. Judge Marion Ward, the youngest of the above mentioned family, received a common-school education, which he increased materially by individual study in later years. He moved to Missouri in 1860, locating in Wright County, and although only seventeen years of age, began working for himself, first by farming. When the war broke out he abandoned that business and joined the Federal army, Company H, Eighth Missouri Cavalry, and was with this company one year. He was wounded at the battle of Lone Jack, being shot five times, and was disabled from duty from 1863. He ran a confectionery house in Rolla until August, 1864, when he joined the Sixteenth Missouri Cavalry, and served until the close of the war. He was mustered out at Springfield, Mo., in June, 1865, and still has both of his discharges. He received his pension about 1879—$6 per month. Mr. Ward settled in Wright County after the war, and made his home in Gasconade Township, where he has remained ever since. He was elected judge of the county court in 1886, and after serving two years was re-elected in 1888. He was married to Miss Margaret L. Newton in September, 1864. She was born March 27, 1843, and by her marriage became the mother of eleven children, all now living: Ira E., Sarah (wife of E. C. F. Hickman), Jasper N., Robert N., Nancy M., John M., Bedie I., Ora V., Addie, Ollie and Otis E. Mrs. Ward is the daughter of Nevels Newton, one of the earliest settlers of Wright County, Mo., and a native of Indiana. Judge Ward is the owner of over 244 acres of land, and lives six miles due west of Hartville. He is a Republican in his political views, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 90 biographies included in The History of Wright County, Missouri published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Wright County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.