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Below is a family biography included in The History of Adams County, Illinois published by Murray, Williamson & Phelps in 1879.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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DOWNING, AMOS R., merchant; residence, Clayton; is the son of E. C. and Elizabeth Downing; father born in Virginia, mother in Indiana; both are living. Mr. Downing was born in Adams county, Ill., March 15, 1850. He began merchandising in Camp Point in 1873, came to Clayton in 1874, and was engaged in milling business for three years, then re-embarked in mercantile pursuits as a member of the firm of Oliver & Downing. He married Mary M. Oliver, Sept. 9, 1873. They have two children: Clarence O., born Dec. 17, 1874, and Oscar Julian, born Jan. 20, 1877. Mr. D. is a member of the Masonic order, and of the Commandry, and of the A. O. U. W., and the I. O. O. F.; and is 1st Lieut. of the Clayton Guards. He is connected with the M. E. church, and his wife with the Presbyterian church.

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This family biography is one of 1444 biographies included in The History of Adams County, Illinois published by Murray, Williamson & Phelps in 1879.  View the complete description here: The History of Adams County, Illinois

View additional Adams County, Illinois family biographies here: Adams County, Illinois Biographies

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