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 1850, Ray county
From History of Ray County, Mo. (1881)
JOSEPH P. GANT.
Joseph P. Gant was born in Ray county, Missouri, November 7, 1850. Has lived here during his entire life. He engaged in mercantile business with his brothers at Vibbard in 1872, and is now a partner in the store, though at present, (May, 1881), is conducting a stage line between Vibbard and Excelsior Springs. Mr. Gant was married March 25, 1879, to Miss Jennie M. Bissell, by Rev. S. J. HufFaker. Mrs. Gant was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, May 5, 1856. Mr. Gant is an active, enterprising young man, and is much esteemed by his numerous friends.
As printed in History of Ray County, Mo. (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.