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.
From Young's history of Lafayette County, Missouri (1910)
JESSE LEE GROVES.
Nothing is more marked than the change in the farmer's situation which has taken place in the last few years. For a time he seemed to be of the most unfortunate class in America, and by many his was the least respected of professions. How changed now. Today he is in a position of command. Circumstances have altered to such an extent that the farmer is no longer at the mercy of the traders and transporters, but is holding the reins of power himself, is receiving good prices for his produce, and is becoming envied by the city dweller because of his prosperity. The banking business shows the change in the general prosperity of farmers. Fifteen years ago they were loaning city men's money on mortgages to farmers; now they are loaning farmers' money on mortgages to city men.
Jesse Lee Groves was born in Dover township, Lafayette county, Missouri, February 22, 1867, the son of David and Docia Jane (Garner) Groves, mentioned elsewhere in this work. He was born and grew up on a farm, and received his education from the public schools of the township. He has spent his life in the farming and stock raising business, and has extensively engaged in the feeding of stock for market.
On February 4, 1891, Mr. Groves was united in marriage to Elizabeth R. Dinwiddie, who was born in this county, the daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Tevis) Dinwiddie. Mr. Dinwiddie was born in Virginia, his wife in Kentucky, and they came early to Lafayette county, where he died and where his wife still lives. He was a very extensive farmer and was eminently successful and prosperous. Four sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Groves, Robert Dinwiddie, Jesse Lee, James Tevis and John Garner.
Mr. Groves is a Democrat, but has never cared for office. He and his family are Methodists and among the most active workers in their church. For his many virtues of character he is justly respected and admired by those who know him. His success as a farmer and stock feeder has been very encouraging and lucrative, and in every way Mr. Groves is one of the strongest citizens of his county.
As printed in Young's history of Lafayette County, Missouri (1910). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1910. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.