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Absalom Newton BRIDGES was born in Dade County, Mo., March 29, 1844, and is the son of William BRIDGES, who was born in Cumberland County, Ky., July 19, 1811, and Mary COLLINS, who was born in Middle Tennessee April 2, 1819. William Bridges was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Tennessee until 1836, when he came to Missouri. Three years later he was married to Mary Collins, and to them were born seven children, all of whom are now living, viz.: Nancy E. (Mrs. C. A. HOWARD), Margaret J. (Mrs. F. M. GRIGGS), Tabitha E. (Mrs. W. H. REAGAN), Sarah A. (Mrs. L. H. ATWATER), Absalom Newton, William Jasper and James Osborne. The parents spent the greater part of their lives in Lawrence County engaged in agricultural pursuits, and died respected by all who knew them. Absalom N. Bridges was reared at the home of his parents, and attended the primitive subscription schools prevalent in those days. When twenty-five years of age he was united in marriage with Sarah E. HUNTER, a daughter of Jesse and Sarah HUNTER, who came to Missouri from Illinois. To Mr. and Mrs. Bridges have been born six children, two of whom, Florence and Luther, are living. Those dead are Lawrence, Sallie, Mary and Hattie. During the late war Mr. Bridges was in the Home Guards, but was not called into active service. He is the owner of 200 acres of the best land in the county, and has 120 acres under cultivation. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bridges are consistent members of the Baptist Church.
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