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George H. HAFFORD was born in New York State in 1833, and although he has led a somewhat roving life, his business ventures have met with good results. During his early life he received but few educational advantages and began to earn his own living by driving a canal boat and working on a farm. This continued until 1859, when he concluded to seek his fortune in the far West, and after a two year's stay in Colorado went to Kansas, where he remained during a greater portion of the late war. After the termination of hostilities he again started West, going first to Dakota
Territory, and 1877 found him in the mining regions of Colorado. His business ventures met with flattering success, and in 1882 he returned to the East and located in Missouri, near Carthage, where he began farming. In 1884 he embarked in the mercantile business, and two years later moved to Marionville, and there continued the same business, his stock being valued at $12,000. Besides this property he owns one of the richest zinc mines in Southwest Missouri. He also has land in Jasper County, as well as 120 acres in McDonald County, and a nice home in Marionville. In 1864 he
was married to Josephine L. WENDER, and by her is the father of four children: William A., Charley E., John R. and Leona. Mr. Hafford is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the I. O. O. F., and he and wife are members of the Lutheran Church.
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