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James F. HARGROVE, farmer, and a descendant of an old American family of English descent that settled in Alabama among the early colonists, is the son of W. W. HARGROVE, the grandson of William HARGROVE and the great-great grandson of William HARGROVE, who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution. William Hargrove, the grandfather of James F., was a farmer by occupation and a resident of Alabama, but afterward immigrated to Middle Tennessee, and was among the pioneers of that region. He was a prosperous farmer and the father of ten children. He lived to be seventy-six years of
age. His son, W. W. was born in Alabama January 4, 1816, and went to Tennessee when a lad of six years. He was reared to farm life, and married Miss Dicey CORUTHERS, who bore him then children: Susan E., John S., Sarah J., James F., Ruth A., William V., Thomas L, Mary L., Rufus M. and Melinda C. March 30, 1854, Mr. Hargrove moved to Lawrence County, Mo., and settled on a farm in Mount Vernon Township. In 1872 he immigrated to Oregon and settled in Marion County, where he died in 1876. He was a member of the Predestinarian Baptist Church, and in his political opinions was a Republican, and was a strong Union man during the war. In 1862 he
enlisted in the Missouri State Militia, and was appointed captain of Company C, Fourteenth Regiment, and served two years. He was in the battle of Prairie Grove, Ark., and a great many skirmishes. He was a prosperous farmer and a hard-working man. He was large of stature, being six feet two inches high and of stalwart proportions. He was a well-informed man, and free to express his opinions. His son, James F., the subject of this sketch, was born in Mississippi March 30, 1844, and was a lad of ten years when he came with his parents to Missouri. He received a common-school
education, and at the early age of eighteen he enlisted in the Seventh Regiment State Provisional troops, and served seventeen months. He then enlisted in the Second Missouri, Battery I, Light Artillery, and was a non-commissioned officer. His principal battles were in Price's raid, Nashville, and he was in twenty-three engagements altogether. He was discharged August 23, 1865, and on March 8, 1866, he married Miss Susan UNDERWOOD, daughter of Finley L. and Mahala (DOWDEN) UNDERWOOD. The Dowdens were Kentucky people. After marriage Mr. Hargrove settled down to agricultural pursuits on his father's farm, and then bought a farm northwest of Mount Vernon, where he remained twelve years. In 1880 he moved to his present farm of 155 acres of excellent land. To Mr. and Mrs.
Hargrove were born five children: W. F., Ulysses S., Edgar N., Thomas G. and Frank K. Mr. Hargrove is a member of the G. A. R. and is of excellent character, standing high in the community where he is known. He has been mentioned prominently for the office of collector, and is a man of undoubted integrity.
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