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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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COLLINS, BENJAMIN T., merchant, of the firm of D. H. Collins & Son, Payson; was born in that village, Sept. 6, 1844. His father, David H. Collins, was born in Indiana, and removed with his parents to Kentucky at seven years of age, where he remained some years, but came to Adams county, Ill., before his marriage, which took place in 1843, to Miss Eliza Deacon, who was born in Kentucky. They are both living in Payson. Mr. B. T. was educated in the village, and was engaged in the mercantile business until 1870, when he went to Audrain county, Mo., and turned his attention to farming for five years; then he returned to Payson, where he has since conducted a general merchandising business. He married Miss Hannah F. Hartshorn, also a native of Adams county, daughter of Orin and Eliza Hartshorn, of Richfield. They have three children: Hattie M., Eliza M., and Henry Otis. Mr. C. is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he and wife are members of the Baptist church. He owns a half interest in the store, and a residence and lot in the village.

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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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