My Genealogy Hound

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.

* * * *

BENTON, JOEL, farmer; Sec. 31; P. O. Mendon; was born in New Haven county, Conn., Jan. 24, 1812; was married to Miss Lois R. Dudley, May 6, 1834. She was born in Connecticut, in 1814. She died in Adams county, Nov. 1, 1838. For his second wife he married Miss Celia Weld, July 28, 1844. Mr. B. came to the county in 1834; entered the land where he now resides; there was but little improvements in that part of the county when he came. There was a few settlers along the timber. Mendon was just laid out, being one blacksmith shop, and that was what composed Mendon; and at that time there was only one frame store building in Quincy. Mr. B. came to Keene township with some spare money, and has been instrumental in making more improvements in Keene and ad joining townships than any other citizen. He has been Supervisor several times; was Justice of the Peace eighteen years; had one son by first marriage, born Sept. 28, 1835.

* * * *

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

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.