In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1820
From History of Boone County, Missouri (1882)
JAMES J. FENTON, DECEASED.
James J. Fenton was born in Kentucky, June 5, 1820. He was raised on a farm and those agriculture as the future occupation of his life. He came to Missouri in his childhood. Married Sarah A., daughter of Anthony Drane. They had nine children, eight of whom are living. Their names are Caleb A., James A., Lawrence E., John P., M. A., Joseph I., Albert and George. The dead son was named Lee. He died at the age of two years. Four of their children are married. Caleb married Jennie Hall. They have five children. James A. named Carrie Trunnell and have one child. Laura E. married James Wilhite and they have one child. John P. married Susan Tucker and they have one child. Mr. Fenton was a member of the Bethlehem Baptist church. He died in 1869, aged forty-eight years and eight months. Mrs. Fenton is still living on the old homestead. Mr. Fenton was widely known and highly esteemed by all who knew him.
As printed in History of Boone County, Missouri (1882). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1882. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.