Biographical Sketch of J. D. Gepford - Andrew County, Missouri

>From "History of Missouri, Andrew & DeKalb County" Published 1888

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Transcribed by: Penny Harrell (Incog3678@aol.com)

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J. D. Gepford, a citizen of Platte Township, Andrew County, MO., was
born near Harrisburg, Dauphin County, PA., September 3, 1834.  He is
the son of John Gepford, a native of Lancaster County, PA., born in
1793 of German parentage.  John was reared on the farm, and in early
life followed canal boating in Pennsylvania.  In 1822 he was united
in marriage with Barbara Damuth, also a native of Lancaster County, PA.
born in 1803.  They removed to Macon County, IL., in 1842, where they
both died, the father in 1849, and the mother on October 7, 1882.  She
lived to see two sons and three daughters grow to maturity, of whom
three are living, viz.: George W. and Margaret, who live in Macon 
County, IL., and the subject of this sketch.  He was reared at home, 
and was educated in the common schools.  He has followed farming as a
vocation, atr which he has made a decided success.  He immigrated to
Andrew County, MO., in the fall of 1865, and now owns two good farms,
one consisting of 100 acres situated in Nodaway County, MO., and the
other containing 320 acres in Andrew County, MO., also 50 acres of
timber in Gentry County, MO.  In 1861 he was united in marriage with
Margaret E. Averitt, daughter of Nathan G. Averitt, of Macon County,
IL.  One son, John F., and two daughters, Martha E. and Emma F.,
blessed the marriage.  In 1871 the mother of these children died.  In
1872 he chose for his second wife, Minerva J. Meeker, daughter of
M. J. Meeker, of Gentry County, MO.  They have two daughters:  Katie M.
and Octa M.  On August 2, 1862, Mr. Gepford enlisted as a private in
Company E, One Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry; was
mustered out of the United States service on June 7, 1865.  He 
participated in the battles of Chicksaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Champion's
Hill, Black River Bridge, the siege of Vicksburg and the battles before
Nashville.  He is a member of the G.A.R., and also a member of the
Christian Church.  In politics he is a Republican.