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 1849, Lafayette county
From History of Lafayette County, Mo., carefully written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of its townships, cities, towns and villages, together with a (1881)
JAMES M. SLUSHER.
The parents of the subject of this sketch came to Missouri in 1828, where his mother is still living, at the advanced age of sixty-three, his' father having been dead several years. James M. was born in Lafayette county, November 29, 1849. Was educated in this county, but, in consequence of the war, was denied the privilege of completing his studies. Has always followed farming for an occupation, although he is a good carpenter, having learned the trade from his father. November 18, 1879, he married Miss Birdie B. Payne, of Orange county, Virginia., Their union is blessed with one child, named Lawrence Payne, born November 23, 1880, and died June 6, 1881. In October, 1880,- Mr. Slusher formed a partnership with Mr. Kensler, in the grocery business, at Higginsville. Mr. K. attending to the store, and Mr. S. remaining on his farm. He is a member in good standing of the A. F. & A. M., Dover Lodge, No. 122. Mr. Slusher is a substantial farmer, and an influential citizen. P. O., Dover.
As printed in History of Lafayette County, Mo., carefully written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of its townships, cities, towns and villages, together with a (1881). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1881. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.