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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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HUMPHREY, EDWARD F., farmer; Sec. 20; P. O. Quincy; was born in Simsburg, Conn., Nov. 25, 1823; was educated in the schools of his native town, and moved to this county with his father, Alexander Humphrey, in 1840, and settled on the place he and his brother now own and occupy, which for fertility of soil and improvement, will compare favorably with any in the county. In the winter of his 19th year he taught school, and continued to teach for about ten years. He taught in the schools of Quincy for six years, two years of which time he was principal of the high school. He was married to Miss Mary Ann Keyes, daughter of Willard Keyes, of Quincy, in 1850, who died April 20, 1853. On the 18th of December, 1861, he was married to his present wife, Mrs. M. E. Carey (widow of Thos. DeWitt Carey, of Hancock county). She was born, Sept. 6, 1833, and came to this State in 1858. They have had three children, two of whom are still living: M. Louisa, and Edward D. After quitting teaching Mr. H. turned his attention to the lumber business, taking charge of the mills situated in Hamilton, Hancock county. After the death of his father, which occurred May 1, 1865, he moved to the old homestead and began farming with his brother. While residing at Hamilton he was Mayor of the city for five years. In the Spring of 1878 he was elected Supervisor of Melrose township, which office he now holds. He is a Republican in politics, and he and his wife are both members of the M. E. church. He has been Sabbath-school superintendent for the past twenty-five years.

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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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