John M. A. Killian, deceased, was born in 1827 in Perry County, Missouri and was a son of George and Matilda (Winfield) Killian. George Killian was a native of Maryland who came to Perry County at an early day and died during the Civil War.

John M. A. Killian was reared on a farm and in early 1849 was united in marriage with Matilda Brewer by whom he had five children, who grew to mature years. She was born in Perry County, Missouri in 1829.

In 1851, Mr. Killian purchased 385 acres of land two miles southeast of Perryville, on which he located and passed the remainder of his life, passing away on April 18, 1859. He was a prosperous farmer and good citizen whom all knew and respected.

His widow was left with the care of the farm and five small children. She has done her part nobly and well, having both managed the farm and reared and educated her children in such a manner that she can point with pride to her past work.

Her children are George L., Julia (deceased), Henry R., Thomas J., and James W. James W. still lives with his mother, he being the only one not married. The rest live within one-half mile of her home all on portions of the original tract of land settled by their father.

George L. was born in 1850, and was married to Victor (sic) [Mary Victoria] Burns by whom he has two children, Leonard and Isabelle.

Julia was born in 1852 and was married in 1876 to Clement Schindler. She died on April 6, 1887 leaving four children: Irene, Helena, Colete and Alfred.

Henry R. was born in 1855 and in 1881 married Rebecca Burns by whom he has three children: Ethel, Edith, and John.

Thomas J. was born in 1856, and was married in 1884 to Hattie Simpson.

All were reared in the Catholic faith and are honorable members of that church.

The Killian brothers are men of sobriety, industry and stability of character. Each one has taught school for a number of terms: George 5, Henry 7, Thomas 6, and James 6.

The Goodspeed Publishing Company compiled a series of histories of various counties in the U.S. in the late 19th century. The information in the History of Southeast Missouri, published in 1888, was provided by the contemporary residents of Perry County and her neighboring counties. The biographies are a valuable source of genealogical information, despite a few minor inaccuracies. We are glad to present the transcribed biographies here for anyone researching Perry County's history.