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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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GOULD, BENJAMIN, farmer; Sec. 2; P. O. Augusta, Hancock county, Ill. He was born in Windham county, Conn., June 2, 1808; came to this county Jan. 24, 1833; has 153 acres of land, valued at $6,000. He married for his first wife Rebecca J. Jones, who was born in Pittsburg, Pa., May 6, 1812, and died May 3, 1874; ten children: Olive C., Eliza A., John H., Mary E., Elizabeth C., Benjamin (died when he was fifteen months old), Benjamin L., Jane, Hattie E., and one died in infancy. Emigrated from Connecticut to Jacksonville; lived there a short time and then came to this county; used to go to Camp Point to elections. Mr. Gould built the first house in Augusta, Hanover county; also built the first frame building in this township. He also lives on the farm where the first land was broke in the township, by a man by the name of Oliver. His son, John, was in the Union army — 72d Regt. Ill. Inf.; taken prisoner at Franklin, Tenn., and was taken to Andersonville prison, where he was starved for two and one-half months. Mr. Gould came here among the earliest settlers, and can claim his right as a pioneer; has held the office of Supervisor four terms, Justice of the Peace seventeen years, Assessor, Collector, School Treasurer, and is a member of the Christian 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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