Below is a family biography included in The History of Newton 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 M. Propst, contractor and builder, of Neosho, Mo., is a native of Highland County, Va., born December 28, 1847, and is the son of Leonard and Caroline (Hicklin) Propst, natives of Virginia. Of the five children born to their marriage John M. is the eldest son and second child living. The father was a carpenter by occupation, and John M. learned the trade, and grew up to the business. March 7, 1869, he left his native State and came to Shelby County, Mo., where he remained ten months, after which he moved to Lexington, McLean Co., Ill., and there remained six years. He then returned to Shelby County, Mo., and after remaining there until February, 1879, he came to Newton County in the same State, and this has since been his home. He engaged in his present business, and has secured a large patronage. September 10, 1882, Mr. Propst married Miss Abbie DeGroff, who was born in Kentucky, and who is a daughter of Abraham DeGroff. To them were born three children: Maggie P., William Leonard and Katy. Mr. Propst is a live, energetic man, and is bound to succeed in any undertaking. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., the I. O. O. F. and the A. O. U. W.
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This family biography is one of 220 biographies included in The History of Newton County, Missouri published in 1888.
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Newton County, Missouri Family Maps
Neosho West Missouri TOPO Map 24 x 29
Newtonia Missouri TOPO Map 24" x 29
The Two Civil War Battles of Newtonia: Fierce and Furious
Camp Crowder (Images of America)
Abandoned Ozarks: Southwest Missouri
Numerous Additional Books and References
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